Meet Jasmine Nelson | Portrait Photographer

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

Hi Jasmine, why did you pursue a creative career?
I really have to give all credit to my husband. He has always been into photography and has a wonderful eye for creative scenes. I never thought of myself as very creative. Frankly, when you have to learn to be an adult and support yourself at an early age, being “creative” was something I didn’t have time to even dream about. I worked in a coffee shop just over a decade and not really having a full education, I didn’t see myself being able to do anything else. When I looked at the photos my husband took of his travels, it did spark a very small interest. But I’d have to say, the real interest came when he had an opportunity to help out in the portrait photography field for a short time. That was when I expressed how much I wished I could do something like that and his next words were what lead me to the start of where I am, “so why don’t you try?”. So that’s what I did. 

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I really love working with people. I get really excited by reactions from when they see what we’ve captured, that’s probably my favorite part of doing photography. However, this journey was not at all easy, though I’m sure it looks that way to most, it can be exhausting physically & mentally. It’s hard to even sum up really. First I’d say learning to run your own business the right way, without any experience or educational background, was really difficult. I didn’t even finish highschool, so I felt particularly inadequate when it came to the business end of things. But with a whole lot of research (Seriously-a lot!) advice and help, I was able to get started. When you first start too, it’s difficult, people are nervous (it’s understandable) so it can be hard finding clients and growing. A lot of the times people try and bargain with you and that was really challenging because you need the clientele and experience but you also need to get paid! As time went on though, I learned to be confident in myself/in what I do and to not cheapen my own work and value, that was really important lesson for me to learn.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh man…..that’s really hard. I do love Boston and the touristy things too, it’s fun and I don’t think we take enough advantage of that. Even when you grow up around in an area, it doesn’t mean you really know it, and there’s a lot of stories around us to be told. The duck tours are hilarious (with the right person) you get a quick over view of the town. Having brekafast on the seaport, and walking along the greenway when the market is out is one of my favorite things to do. The different shops are a really good time, you can have great conversations and learn about peoples crafts. And for the ‘real’ experience you must go to for pizza at Regina’s – followed by cannoli’s at Modern pastry (has to be modern), even though it’s cash only, the people aren’t the friendliest, and the customer service is …..well ….it is what it is…. It’s amazing and totally worth any line you have to wait in!
If you want a Fancy fun night out, go through the shady alley to find Mare. Or skip the sketch and hit up a romantic Italian spot with the best tiramisu you will ever have at Mamma Maria.
Just so I’m not talking all food, a stroll through the gardens, cause you kind of have to. Catch a band from one of the music schools playing at the Boston public library courtyard, that’s a really great experience.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Tyler, my husband, best friend & biggest support. If it wasn’t for his encouragement and help I’d still be at a coffee shop instead of finding something I really love doing. And a quick shoutout to Jay Coleman, owner and founder of “Sincerely, An Introvert”, because he first threw my name out to Shoutout Atlanta, thanks for looking out Jay!

Website: https://www.jasminenelson.photography

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jnelson_photography/