Jasmine Lee is a destination wedding and lifestyle photographer residing in San Francisco, California who has been named one of “Best Wedding Photographers in California” by MODWedding and whose work has been featured in numerous publications such as The Knot, The New York Times and more. We sat down with the talented photographer to discuss her photography style and tips for capturing the most beautiful moments on your wedding day.
How did you get started doing wedding photography?
When I was a guest at my cousin’s wedding, I photographed a few photos on the side (not getting in the way of the main photographer). I realized how much I enjoyed photographing weddings that I began assisting other photographers and then I quickly started booking my own weddings to photograph.
Describe your photography style.
My style of photography is timeless, romantic, and artistic.
Photography: Jasmine Lee Photography (@jasmineleephoto) | Hair + Makeup: Aimee Artistry (@aimeeartistry) | Wedding Coordinator: Tickled Events (@tickled_events)
What should a bride look for in a photographer and how should they compare different photographers?
A bride should do their research and see what style of photography matches her and her fiance’s esthetics. Personality also plays an important role in choosing a photographer. Make sure you get along with your photographer and that they make you feel comfortable.
Photography: Jasmine Lee Photography (@jasmineleephoto) | Hair + Makeup: Aimee Artistry (@aimeeartistry) | Florals: Walnut and Main (@walnut.and.main) | Dress: Galia Lahav from Kinsley James Couture (@galialahav, @kinsleyjamescouturebridal)
What questions should they ask the photographer to find the right fit?
Ask the photographer their process in capturing the wedding. Also, viewing a few full-wedding galleries is essential in seeing the photographer’s work in its entirety. When you look at the photographer’s portfolio online, they are only sharing their best work so it’s best to see their work as a whole.
When should they start looking for a wedding photographer?
Ideally, one year to one and a half years is when I begin to book wedding couples. However, I have also booked weddings as soon as 3 months before the wedding.
What is your favorite location for an engagement shoot?
Definitely City Hall and Golden Gate Park in San Francisco!
Photography: Jasmine Lee Photography (@jasmineleephoto) | Hair + Makeup: Lela Nguyen (@beautybylela)
When is your favorite time of day for a shoot?
A few hours before sunset, always.
Photography: Jasmine Lee Photography (@jasmineleephoto) | Hair + Makeup: Aimee Artistry (@aimeeartistry)
Any tips for camera-shy couples?
Trust your photographer to guide you through posing! The photographer should be able to ease you through the process and make it really fun for you both.
What tips do you have for brides to look their best in photos on their wedding day?
Confidence is the best attribute to have on your wedding day! Happiness will definitely translate into your photos.
Another tip that I like to give my brides is to wear false lashes (that looks natural). Wearing false lashes will give a romantic look that really stands out in photographs.
Photography: Jasmine Lee Photography (@jasmineleephoto) | Hair + Makeup: Makeup by Quis (@quissy)
What do you think is the most important part of capturing a wedding in photos?
Capturing the emotions of the wedding and documenting the day is the most important part. I want my couples to look back on their wedding photos 50 years from now and remember the exact emotions they felt on their wedding day.
Photography: Jasmine Lee Photography (@jasmineleephoto) | Hair + Makeup: Makeup by Quis (@quissy) | Planner: Charmed Events Group (@charmedevents) | Florals: Pineapple Petals Studio (@pineapplepetalstudio)
What was the most memorable wedding you shot?
The most memorable wedding I’ve photographed was in France. Not only was it an honorable opportunity to photograph a destination wedding in Europe, but the couple had the most meaningful wedding with their closest friends and family.
Photography: Jasmine Lee Photography (@jasmineleephoto) | Hair + Makeup: Onorina Jomir Beauty (@onorinajomirbeauty) | Dress: Lazaro Bridal (@lazarobridal)
What was your favorite wedding venue to shoot at?
There are so many! In the San Francisco Bay Area, I would say my top three are: San Francisco City Hall, Villa Montalvo, and Trentadue.
1. San Francisco City Hall
Photography: Jasmine Lee Photography (@jasmineleephoto) | Hair + Makeup: Aimee Artistry (@aimeeartistry) | Florals: Walnut and Main (@walnut.and.main) | Dress: Galia Lahav from Kinsley James Couture (@galialahav, @kinsleyjamescouturebridal)
2. Villa Montalvo
Photography: Jasmine Lee Photography (@jasmineleephoto) | Hair + Makeup: Makeup by Quis (@quissy) | Planner: Charmed Events Group (@charmedevents) | Dress: Galia Lahav from Kinsley James Couture (@galialahav, @kinsleyjamescouturebridal)
3. Trentadue
Photography: Jasmine Lee Photography (@jasmineleephoto) | Hair + Makeup: Makeup by Quis (@quissy) | Planner: Charmed Events Group (@charmedevents) | Dress: Galia Lahav from Kinsley James Couture (@galialahav, @kinsleyjamescouturebridal) | Florals: Pineapple Petals Studio (@pineapplepetalstudio)
What is your favorite wedding photo?
Too many to count! But I would say one of my favorite images captured still to this date was in Yosemite when the couple, the make up artist, Christina Chen, my assistant, Stephanie, and I hiked 60 minutes round-trip and captured the most amazing golden light along the Yosemite cliffs.
Photography: Jasmine Lee Photography (@jasmineleephoto) | Hair + Makeup: Makeup by Quis (@quissy)
What is your favorite moment or pose to shoot?
During a wedding, my favorite moment to capture is the recession after the ceremony. The newlyweds are just married and I love capturing them walking back down the aisle full of love and happiness. These moments fill my heart and it’s a pure joy to photograph.
Photography: Jasmine Lee Photography (@jasmineleephoto) | Hair + Makeup: Makeup by Quis (@quissy) | Planner: Charmed Events Group (@charmedevents) | Dress: Vera Wang (@verawanggang)
What challenges have you faced when shooting a wedding?
One of the challenges of photographing a wedding is during the ceremony when the guests are trying to capture photos. I like to educate my clients on doing an “unplugged ceremony” prior to the wedding so it allows me to do my job and capture the wedding.
I will also be able to capture their guests being “in the moment” versus trying to take photos which is my responsibility. It’s very difficult when guests step in my photos to take their own pictures so I usually politely ask them to move to the side so I can capture the moment.
Photography: Jasmine Lee Photography (@jasmineleephoto) | Hair + Makeup: Makeup by Quis (@quissy) | Planner: Charmed Events Group (@charmedevents) | Dress: Galia Lahav from Kinsley James Couture (@galialahav, @kinsleyjamescouturebridal) | Florals: Pineapple Petals Studio (@pineapplepetalstudio)
What are some unexpected issues that have popped up while you were doing a wedding shoot?
I think it’s most difficult for clients when they do not have a wedding planner to oversee the entire wedding. It’s very important to have a designated wedding planner who will take care of everything from helping the couples, vendors, loading in/out of the venue, scheduling, directing guests to the designated areas, decorating, striking, etc.
I also once had a groom who had to step out of the portrait time to help the photo booth vendor with driving directions to the venue. Every minute is extremely valuable on a wedding day so it’s important to have a planner take care of the small and big things. I definitely recommend hiring a wedding planner.
What are some wedding trends you’ve photographed that you love?
I’ve always been a fan of having the color black at a wedding. I think it’s a color that is understated at weddings. When the color is used correctly, it is a timeless, modern, sophisticated, and dare I say, sexy look!
Photography: Jasmine Lee Photography (@jasmineleephoto) | Planner: Charmed Events Group (@charmedevents) | Cake: Pretty Please Bakeshop (@prettypleasesf)
What are some creative ways you’ve seen a couple incorporate their culture into their wedding?
A majority of my clients will have a tea ceremony that honors and respects both families. The families will, in turn, welcome the couple’s marriage.
Photography: Jasmine Lee Photography (@jasmineleephoto) | Hair + Makeup: Makeup by Quis (@quissy) | Planner: Charmed Events Group (@charmedevents)
For brides who wear wedding dresses such as cheongsams/qipaos for their wedding, how do you capture the vibrant colors and details in photos?
My approach to photographing weddings is all the same no matter what color the dress is. As long as I have good lighting and a clean backdrop, the dress will stand out beautifully!
Photography: Jasmine Lee Photography (@jasmineleephoto) | Hair + Makeup: Makeup by Quis (@quissy)
How have you been impacted by COVID19?
Yes, the majority of my weddings from April through June 2020 have been postponed as a result.
What tips do you have for brides in navigating wedding cancellations/postponements during this time?
My best tip to navigate this pandemic is to definitely postpone your wedding. Do not cancel your wedding. These are unprecedented times that we are living in but we all need to stay strong and support one another. By postponing the wedding, we will all work together to create the wedding that you have originally envisioned. While we need to make adjustments, we will all conquer this pandemic together!
About Jasmine Lee Photography:
Jasmine Lee is a destination wedding and lifestyle photographer residing in San Francisco, California. She was named one of “Best Wedding Photographers in California” by MODWedding.
She is devoted to discerning couples and individuals that value the quality of crafting artistic and timeless imagery they will cherish for a lifetime.
Her work has been featured in nationwide prints such as BRIDES, Modern Luxury Brides, Destination Weddings & Honeymoons, the covers of CEREMONY Magazine, and international magazine, Zexy Premier.
Her work has also been published online numerous times on Style Me Pretty, Martha Stewart Weddings, The Knot, Carats & Cake, MODWedding, Refinery 29, Brit + Co, Pottery Barn, The New York Times, New York Daily News, and more.
Website: http://jasmineleephotography.com/
Instagram: @jasmineleephoto