Jasmin Pickens, Unraveled | An Interview
Jasmin is an award-winning and internationally published boudoir and portrait photographer based in Washington D.C. She was born and raised in Germany but followed her husband to Hawaii six years ago. This is where she began her photography journey. She is the owner of Embrace Nation presets. Jasmin chose Boudoir as her niche because she believes in making women feel their best and empowered.
We are stoked to have her teaching on her editing process in the Academy. Her ability to document women so honestly and freely is something we greatly admire here at UA. We believe in empowering and lifting one another up as often as possible here and Jasmin does that so graciously and so often. Thank you for being here Jasmin. We adore you.
For more inspiration from Jasmin:
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Here is Jasmine, Unraveledβ¦
What inspired your art?
I get inspired by fashion, music and poetry.
What do you shoot with?
Camera body and favorite lens? I use my old Nikon D800 and Sigma 35 ART most of the time. However I do use my new Nikon D850 and my SonyA7riii but I see myself always going back to my old camera and the same lens.
What other ways do you express your creativity?
I love editing! I love creating presets and finding new tones that bring images to life! Itβs like painting to me.
How do you destress at the end of the day?
I donβt ! I work 24/7 with my kids in the house. I homeschool my older one so, besides running a business from home and doing the household I never really stop working. However, I have made it an effort to go to Yoga twice a week for some me time.
What kind of music do you listen to while editing?
I donβt listen to anything while editing. Call me weird, but I edit in complete silence. Itβs relaxing not to hear a thing in the background.
What is your favorite book?
I have a bunch of books that I love. From novels to self help books, I just read βBecoming by Michelle Obamaβ.
Name one movie that inspires you.
There are so many movies that inspire me. The last movie I have seen was the Green Book - very eye opening.
How do you handle self-doubt or creative slumps?
I just keep shooting and I just keep going. Because there is no other way. Self doubt and creative slumps happen and they teach you a lesson and the only way to know why these rougher times are happening is to go through it. You will eventually find your way out and there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
What has been the most difficult part of your creative journey?
Dealing with backlash and people who use you for their self gain. Which is something I have never experienced before. Iβve always had good friends, and made friends easily. Iβm not out for competition, I love genuine and honest people.
Who is one of your favorite photographers?
I have so many! There are so many amazing photographers in this world. The one who inspires me the most since Iβve found him a couple of years ago is Peter Lindbergh, I just LOVE his editorial work.