Once upon a time, there was this shy Canadian girl who road the rails across America for a month in order to see it all and settle in San Diego. That girl? Me. I was so very different then… so early a version of who I now am. I bring this up because today, a delightful surprise awaited me in my inbox that harkened back to that time, nearly four years ago. The charming Arinn of DoveGreyDawn (cutest felt goodies ever) dropped me a line to let me know she’d written up a super-lovely blog about my blog. She totally blogged about my blog so that bloggers could blog it up. Blogfest! This makes me think of this meme, So, now I’m laughing uproariously.
The reason that this relates to my move to San Diego, is that I met Arinn a month into my time here. I wasn’t really sure how to meet people nor how to gain knowledge of this city, and I ended up organizing a creative photo shoot. I found Arinn by accident, and it worked out perfectly. She was a ton of fun, and utterly tolerant of the first time I’d ever shot someone formally, let alone the first time I’d ever shot someone who wasn’t a friend or family member. Nonetheless, she turned out to be lovely, and friend she became. Soon after our shoot, she inquired if I’d be willing to shoot a mother-daughter sesh while her mum was in town. And her mum turned out to be just as cute as Arinn (they got matching tatts!). First paid shoot—it was all very exciting for me. Now, preemptively I feel compelled to admit that I am a little awkward about sharing these four-year-old images, as these were my first foray into the fray and my style, outlook and equipment have shifted so much since then. However, I’m actually really proud to look back to these and be able to trace a path from where I started. It’s interesting to see how I have grown, what’s changed and what has remained the same. Here are several firsts for me. I hope they are encouraging to anyone else who’s setting out on their own photographic journey. All you need to do is trust yourself, and work to grow. The rest will come.
In any case, I am much obliged to the lovely Arinn for saying nice things about this ol’ blog, and sharing those nice things with other people. Now I am feeling the nice in a serious way. Goodbye Jasmine the Christmas grinch! Thanks again, Arinn—this is a truly lovely little early Christmas treat.
Arinn’s write-up about yours truly can be found here. Check it out!
Tags: Beach, La Jolla, Looking Back, san diego, Shoot, Suitcase, Tracing your Path, Vintage Dress
these are fantastic! they’re both so adorable – there’s definitely a family resemblance
this is a lovely post to read, very uplifting and a special reminder for me to appreciate the fact that my photography can only get better
Thanks for sharing, Jas! I especially like the close-up portrait of Arinn… the blue building and edge of her dress really make her eyes pop!
“I hope they are encouraging to anyone else who’s setting out on their own photographic journey. All you need to do is trust yourself, and work to grow. The rest will come.”
Thank you for the encouragement. You’re always an inspiration to me!
But honestly, if you hadn’t said this was your first shoot, I wouldn’t have known. The photos are great! I especially love the second one under the pier and the first mother-daughter picture – so lovely, and I’m sure they treasure it.
Thank you so much, lovelies! I admittedly had many images from that shoot that I definitely don’t feel warranted posting, but there were a few gems that I definitely felt were indicative of where I was heading photographically. So, Just go on and move toward whatever compels you.
SO beautiful. x hivennn
Thanks so much!
That’s why I like it here. NO bullshit and it’s REAL. You post things that aren’t perfect but still beautiful. The two under the pier are my faves too. Those turquoise blues- DIE
Ah, as you know, the pacific is pretty good about offering us some great colors. Thanks, Jennifer!
I remember these photos. And what a treat to be contacted at this time and take a breath to enjoy and be happy and appreciative. Happiness!