Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasmine Davey.
Hi Jasmine, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have never felt comfortable in front of a camera. Even as a kid, I didn’t know how to smile, I just showed as many teeth as I could as though I was sitting in a dentist’s chair. I first picked up photography freshmen year of high school to complete needed art credits. Being useless with a pencil or brush meant that the camera was the best artistic medium for me. This hobby evolved into portraiture early on. Since I knew what it was like to feel awkward in front of the camera, I wanted to capture people in a way they feel confident and seen for who they really are. After high school, I struggled to decide on a career path, as though I had one foot in and one foot out. I switched between countless majors and even transferred between four different universities before I realized that while I respect higher education, anything I wanted to do with my life didn’t require a degree. That’s when I dropped out of college and captured my first wedding. I’ll never forget this couple. During our shoots, they would share with me how they met, what they were feeling as their journey went on, and what they were most excited about for their future. In return, I gave them a space to be themselves, with some silly prompts to have them forget about the camera like “whisper sponge into his ear” or “attack her with kisses on her face”. Each shoot since then has been as unique as each person is unique, but they share the same sentiments. It’s not just about a picture, it’s about capturing people’s stories.
Shortly after, I finally viewed myself as a business owner who had a duty to use my business for the better. I started working closely with a nonprofit based in Nicaragua called Compassion Causes, I’ve spent weeks there helping teach English, visiting well sites Compassion Causes has sponsored, and even capturing some of the community members’ stories. This year I announced that 5% of my profits go directly toward providing fresh water through Compassion Causes so my clients get to be a part of something bigger as well.
Today, I not only capture couples’ stories but brands and small businesses as well to tell their stories.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been easy. Working in the creative industry can bring a lot of self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and honestly loneliness when you’re working for yourself. Sometimes people don’t value the work you do so you need to remember your own value and bring that to the people who see it and need it. Thankfully, I have dove deep into the community with creatives across the globe to overcome these challenges we all face. Instead of viewing each other as competition in our fields, we lift each other up. I firmly believe that if one of us succeed, we all succeed.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a photographer known mostly for capturing weddings and elopements. I specialize in candid photos that look the way the day felt. To not just capture a moment but an emotion to be relived for years and years to come. A lot of photographers tend to niche down, one color palate, same patterns and poses, same vibe, and they do it times per weekend during the wedding season. My work varies depending on who I’m working with, each person is unique and deserves photos that reflect that. I also offer senior photos, brand work, and personal branding to keep my skills fresh and diverse.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters to me most is the impact my business makes. Am I leaving a positive experience for the bride and groom I just spent their whole wedding day with? Is the business bringing in enough income so we can drill another well in 2023? How can I partner with and uplift brands that are making a positive impact themselves?
I am nowhere near perfect, but I believe that every decision I make has an impact big or small so I’m doing everything I can to leave the most positive footprint I can.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jasminedavey.com
- Instagram: @jasmine.davey
Image Credits
Jasmine Davey Photography
