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***this is the final post series, you can view the previous posts here and here!

When Jasmine Star ended her talk the conference room erupted into an applause. You could tell that everyone in the room was inspired and excited for the ideas turning in their heads, not only from her but from every other photographer who had spoken, I for sure felt that way! Even though it was almost dinner time and I had developed a massive headache by this time, I didn’t want to leave. I wanted to hang out with these inspiring people as long as possible!

I stuck like glue to the sides of Laura and Cathy, thankfully they didn’t mind. We eventually found ourselves in a line up to meet Jasmine to thank her for her wonderful and inspirational talk. Even though I had already met her, I wanted a photo with her! So much for not being starstruck hey?!

I look a little funny, and the image quality is a little crappy (it was taken with my iPhone), but I love it all the same!

Laura, Cathy, and I were going to go for dinner and talk some more, but started chatting with other local photographers like Blue Olive and meeting new ones like Jason Brown. You know how sometimes you have to pinch yourself to make sure that you’re actually there, that it’s not actually a dream?! That was me!

We saw JD, Jasmine’s husband come out, and we started thanking him as well. It was like we were a well of thankfulness! It was rather cute to see! What first started out as a mini conversation turned into conversation about second shooting experiences, dinner recommendations, and what to see around Vancouver. As it came apparent that they wanted to explore our beautiful city of Vancouver we wished them luck and made our way to the exit.

That’s when my evening completely changed. Jasmine and JD were taking the same mode of transportation into downtown as I was so I volunteered to be their personal tour guide for the evening. I called Adam to let him know and meet us, a chance to meet one of our favorite photographers and to hang out with a couple who is so amazing and sweet. I highly recommend that you surround yourself with people who you admire and have the same mind set as you – you’ll feel like you’re floating on clouds!

Jasmine mentioned that she doesn’t believe in luck but when preparation meets opportunity. Although I do agree, I have to say I was extremely lucky. I wasn’t supposed to go to Image Quest, I never purchased a ticket, yet there I was hanging out talking about life, passion, and business with the one woman who inspired me to start on this crazy journey.

Adam and I had an awesome time showing them around our beautiful city, giving them a glimpse of the beauty that surrounds us every day and take for granted, and showing them the mecca of Lululemon!

I’m kicking myself now for not getting a photograph of all four of us together cause now it feels like a dream, but I know it happened. I am inspired by Jasmine and JD because their marriage and friendship, and as their relationship as business partners. It’s a model I hope to follow!

Thanks Jasmine and JD for a wonderful evening, and we hope to see you soon! 

***this is a continuation of this post.

Jasmine Star was the last speaker at the Image Quest conference. She in a
way, sparked my interest in this crazy business called photography. I
had been following her amazing progress since about the beginning of
2006 and has inspired me in so many ways then I can count. When Adam
proposed to me I knew instantly who I wanted as my wedding photographer -
Jasmine Star. We contacted her and were seriously on the verge of
booking her cause we both loved her and her photography so much – but we
decided that we couldn’t swing it and also fly her and her amazing
husband JD up from Orange County.

So knowing that seeing her was
within my grasp I said “okay!”. Now you have to understand that this
group of photographers all paid to be here, and I was a little unsure
about slipping into the conference room without a lanyard around my
neck. But when I arrived at the door no one was checking so I slipped
in, my stomach twisting…worrying I’d get caught. Once I got in everyone
was happy to see me there, so I didn’t feel so bad. I was worried they’d
hate me for not purchasing a ticket. For those of you that are hatters, I’m
sorry – I just really wanted to see her!

And not only did I
see her, I met her. In the bathroom of all places. LOL! I thought I
would be all starstruck on her, but surprisingly, I wasn’t. It was like
talking to one of my best friends who I hadn’t seen in a long time. Hugs
all around with lots of laughing!

Her platform speech was
amazing. Filled with inspiration and truth. I sat there writing pages of
notes on my iPhone trying desperately to soak everything in. I sat in the conference room surrounded by amazing photographers and amazing business people and I was inspired, here I was, apart of this unbelievable group!

Image by the fabulous Andrea Blair

One more post left, it’s fantastic!