We were lucky to catch up with Amy Jasmine recently and have shared our conversation below.

Amy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

As a boudoir photographer, I understand how vulnerable it is to get in front of the lens. Getting photos taken of yourself can sometimes have a reputation of being vain, or even egotistical, but I can tell you that it is anything but. Photography is a tool that allows you to freeze time, and to see yourself painted in a different light. I use photography to empower individuals with an experience that can be both healing and a ton of fun!

Back in 2016, I left a relationship that left me feeling like a shell of a human. My friend asked me if she could take some photos of me to build her photography portfolio. i nervously saiid yes, not knowing that that one day would lead me to where I am today. I remember seeing the photos for the first time, thinking to myself, “wow, that’s me?”

I had fun from start to finish. I was able to get out of my head. I was filled with emotion and felt beautiful and worthy- a feeling I hadn’t felt in a long time. That feeling is something that has stuck with me ever since, and I do everything in my power to share it with others.

Shortly after that experience, I picked up a camera myself and started taking photos of anyone who would let me. This craft has given me the opportunity to connect with and empower so many beautiful people. I am beyond grateful to be able to do this for a living, to create custom archival art for people to cherish for a lifetime.

Amy, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Amy Jasmine, and I am a San Diego based boudoir photographer.

I got into shooting boudoir by experiencing a session of my own, and it truly changed me and my perception of myself. It was a feeling I knew I would be able to recreate for other individuals, to foster their relationship with their bodies and themselves. There’s so many talented photographers out there, but what sets me apart from others is my moody and voyeuristic aesthetic, and the experience I give to my clients with a safe and accepting environment of all individuals, body types and ages. I am proud of the loyal clientele I have built over the last 5 years, and I work mostly off referrals. That is the best complement I could ask for- people sharing their experience and wanting their loved ones to experience it, too. I’m a firm believer in getting your photos printed, so I offer luxurious albums and prints that will last a lifetime. There’s something so special about seeing yourself as a work of actual, tangible art.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

I moved to San Diego in 2017, shortly after dabbling in photography for the first time. I was a hobbyist, with no actual intention of doing it full time. I was purely having fun. I started to bartend as a bridge job as I looked for a job that I could use my degree with, but didn’t have much luck in the corporate world. It was winter time and I worked at a bar on the beach, so the tips weren’t cutting it anymore. I started hustling photoshoots, and within just a months time, I put my 2-week notice in at the bar to officially pursue photography full time. I was struggling with planning anything in advance when I was held hostage to a bar schedule that was released one day prior to the work week, so I had to hope that that risk was worth it. In hindsight, when I look back at that, I realize how bold of a move that was, but it truly felt right. Clearly, the universe knew what it was doing! I won’t lie- that leap into the self-employment world was scary, as I didn’t know where my money was going to come from next and I really had no idea what I was doing. I kept at it, honed in on my craft, networked and met new people being in a new city, stood by the experience I was offering and why it was worth it, and fast forward to 5 years later- here we are. Like anything, it wasn’t a linear experience. I had self doubt, I didn’t have anyone telling me what I was doing was right or wrong, I just had to keep going and learn from my mistakes. Every project I took on I felt like I would learn 5 different lessons, and I feel so lucky to have had such a strong support system from my friends and family, because without that, I’m not sure I would have been able to keep moving forward. Ultimately, believing in myself, my art, and what I was offering has made the journey worth it.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the relationships that I form with my clients, and watching their relationships with themselves blossom. I get to grow with them, and create authentic relationships and become more than just their photographer, but a friend. More times than not, I am shooting their maternity photos, to then their family photos, to their parents, children, and loved ones. Like I said earlier, boudoir photography is a vulnerable thing to do, and the trust my clients builds with me create a lasting relationship that I also get to cherish.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.amyjasmine.co
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/amyjasminephoto
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amyjasminephoto
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyleyenaar/
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/amyjasminephoto

Image Credits
All photos taken by me: www.instagram.com/amyjasminephoto