Jasmin Chew Creates Her Own Portrait Style

Welcome to Hero of the Week, an ongoing series sharing stories from some of the best photographers in the Pexels community.

Jasmin Chew has a talent for creating some of the most dreamy photos we've ever encountered. Based in Toronto, Canada, Jasmin is a content photographer at Canva as well as a creative brand photographer. Although she's in Canada, Jasmin's work gives us a bit of a California feeling: lots of lush forests and beaches that just make you want to escape to the outdoors.

Her work has a consistent vibe that makes a photo feel uniquely Jasmin: pastel blues and pinks, green leaves, and simple compositions. We spoke to Jasmin about how she first started shooting on an iPhone 4, her inspirations, and her number one photography goal.

How long have you been taking photos, and how did you get started?

I believe I was twelve when I started photography. I was first intrigued by the thought of creating something magical from just an idea. I was inspired by Instagram and found a lot of people taking photos of landscapes, themselves, other people, etc. and wanted to test it out for myself.

The only camera I had was my iPhone 4 at the time. So I would set my phone up and put it on video mode, pose in front of it, and then watch the video back and screenshot the poses I liked. I began learning how to edit by downloading basic apps, and from there my knowledge in photography and editing grew, as did my passion for creating!

What camera gear do you use?

I have two DSLR cameras. I have my main one which is the Canon 5d Mark ii, and I have my secondary camera which is the Canon T3i. And for my lenses, I have a 50mm f/1.8, a 24-70mm f/2.8 and a 75-300mm f/4.0!

What's your favorite type of photo to shoot, and why?

I love shooting full body shots that include movement. Movement can mean hair, limbs, props, etc. I think it adds more depth to the photo especially if you are taking a basic portrait. Nothing wrong with basic portraits, however I personally love adding movement to my photos.

What inspires your photography?

Many things inspire my photos. I think the main thing would be my surroundings. My partner and I love to go on small road trips across town. When we do, we always happen to find secret little forests, fresh fields, and quiet open roads. I would say that is where most of our creations happen.

Tell us about a favorite photo on your Pexels profile. Why is it your favorite?

I would say this one is my favorite photo on my Pexels account. It's actually my favorite picture I have ever taken.

It was one summer evening with my partner, and we decided to go to this school that had a soccer field near his house to take some photos. The sky was vibrant that night when the sun was setting. I thought it would be cool to use the sky as my backdrop, and then it all happened.

It became one of my most popular pictures — I had people from all over the world telling me how much they admired the photo. This photo has a lot of meaning to it and I feel like it was the one photo that changed my photography game forever. And that is something I will always be thankful for.

Who are some other photographers or artists who inspire your work?

My partner, Paul Robinson, is my main artist I look up to. The talent and creativity that hides in his mind astounds me every day.

Kylie Katich is also one of them. She is beautiful and she always comes up with the coolest ideas! I love her editing style too.

What is one goal you have for your photography?

The only goal I have for my photography is to finally be able to tell myself that I no longer need to compare. I have a very difficult time not comparing myself to other photographers and that has definitely affected my work and self confidence.

That is my one and only goal for my work. Everything else comes with time and practice. This goal might just take a little longer than the others, but I'll get there.

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