Meet Jasmine Sykes: Maternity, Newborn, and Family Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jasmine Sykes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jasmine, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
I am a mother of 6 children. I feel that it is very important to demonstrate to my children that you can do anything you set your mind to regardless of circumstances or poor outlook. I constantly tell my children, and myself, that we have to look beyond ourselves to see the larger picture. I tell and demonstrate to them that they have to put their goals and dreams in front of them and reach for them. “I can’t…” or “I don’t think…” or “I don’t know how…” are completely unacceptable modes of thinking in our household. I provide them with the support and advice they need to achieve anything they set their mind to. In today’s world, we have resources at our fingertips. Though my children are young, I try to get them to understand that they are able to find the answers they seek in books and online. Independence and perseverance are two traits I encompass that I would what my children to have also. Those two coupled with the knowledge of knowing that they can do anything they set their mind to, sets them up to achieve greatness! They will make their Mommy proud one day, and I am all for it!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve always been the artsy/creative type. My whole life I’ve enjoyed drawing, painting, taking pictures on disposable cameras, and all types of other creative outlets. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined the lifestyle I currently live, where my art helps support my family. I was very sure I was destined for a professional career in counseling after attending Spelman College and securing my degree in psychology. It’s always been easy for people to come and talk to me about their issues and I always seemed to have an answer or advise to give them that would help them, so I decided why not do that professionally? I now use everything I’ve learned in school, life and otherwise to provide some sort of counsel to expectant moms, new moms, and families during my sessions. I love talking to my clients! We have the greatest conversations, and thankfully my calling for counseling has not gone unused. As a mother of 6, I’ve experienced a lot in child-birthing and child-rearing. As a wife of 9 years, I can also say I have quite a bit of experience in marriage and family development. I feel that all of my life experiences aid in my composition as an artist. The way I pose families, children, babies, and expectant mothers all stem from my experiences. The beauty and sexiness I felt as an expectant mom, the love I have for my own children, the sweetness of my own newborns and babies, and the love and connection of my own family is what I’d like to see reflected in my work. I cherish memories, so capturing these special moments in time for families is such a rewarding experience for me.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love my family, being outdoors, and FOOD! I’m also very much so an introvert, so if my friends came to visit I will most likely enjoy their company in my home or take them park touring with the kids. Of course, we would definitely have to go out and enjoy amazing food around Atlanta. I would definitely have to take them to some of my favorite spots. Salmon Egg-Rolls from Big Daves are #1 on my list and there are so many more to follow. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I dedicate this shoutout to my ultra supportive husband, Mic Sykes! He purchased my first camera and has been my rock, adviser, legal council, bank of knowledge, and shoulder to cry on through this journey of small business ownership. I love you!

Website: ivyelmphoto.com

Instagram: @ivyelmphotos

Facebook: @ivyelmphotos

Other: Interested in my family? Instagram: @life.with.the.sykes Facebook: @life.with.the.sykes YouTube: Life With The Sykes

Image Credits
Image Credit: Ivy & Elm Photography