Photog Life August Featured Photographer 2019 ~ Jasmine Cupin

2019 Features, Monthly Featured Photographers -

Photog Life August Featured Photographer 2019 ~ Jasmine Cupin

 Tell us a little about you and your personal life. Married, kids, fur babies? We want to know it all!
My name is Jasmine! I am a freelance photographer based in Richmond, VA. I work full-time as a special needs counselor for children with autism while working on getting my master's degree in mental health counseling. I have two cats - one with extra toe-beans and one with a missing eye, and I also have a Newfoundland dog named Hagrid. 
 What made you decide to get in to photography and when did you first start?
I have been modeling for about four years now, but it wasn't until two years ago when I started asking photographers technical questions about the camera. So, I figured I should just get my own! I love photography just as much as I love modeling and I feel blessed to be around so many talented photographers who are more than willing to help me grow. 
What type of photography do you shoot? What are you most passionate about?
I started shooting landscapes and urban scenes, because I was too afraid to shoot live people. However, recently, I've learned to love shooting portraits of anything from animals, boudoir, to children. I am still trying to build my portfolio, but probably my top favorite shoot so far was a lifestyle family I did of three young boys and their parents at their home. I love candids! 
Not that this really matters, but what do you shoot with? 
I shoot Canon. I started with a Rebel T6 and have only recently upgraded to my first full-frame body (6D). Boy, did that make a lot of difference! My go-to lens is the canon 85 mm 1.8. It's the best for portraits and for the price! 
What makes your passion shine? What are you most passionate about when you are holding your camera?
I fell in love with photography right when I realized that outside of just taking cool photos, photography for me is a way to express ones own creative wonder and tell stories in each and every image.
 During your journey as a photographer, what has been the hardest part?Without proper technical education, learning by experience has probably been the most challenging part of being a photographer for me. 
If you were to go back in time, is there anything you would change?
Nope, I don't believe in changing anything from my past. Well, maybe this one tattoo I got. 
 If you could photography anyone, alive or not, who would it be and why?
Not sure exactly. Bob Marley? He is an icon and a lifestyle shoot of him would be quite interesting.
What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind as a photographer?
50 years from now, I would love for you and your grandchildren to look back on your photos and re-live the moments exactly as how they were. 
 What advice do you have for a photographer that is just starting out?
Learn, learn, learn. Surround yourself with people who's work you admire. Look at other photographers as inspiration, not competition. As much as what you shoot with matters, a huge part of taking a good photo is with "the eye". If you have the eye, you will see and capture many captivating things. 
Thank you Jasmine for letting us in your photography world. If you would like to follow Jasmine you can do so here:
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