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Conversations with Jasmin Te

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasmin Te.

Hi Jasmin, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Sure! I’m Jasmin Te—most people just call me Jas. I’m 23, born and raised in the beautiful northern part of Utah. Ive always been around the Photography world with my Grandma who is a Photographer, (https://scootemnshootem.photoreflect.com) where I got to travel and help her at her booths! But my personal journey into photography actually started pretty unexpectedly. A friend of mine asked if I could take his senior pictures, so I grabbed my mom’s basic camera and gave it a shot. I didn’t really know what I was doing at the time, but when we saw the final photos and saw how happy he was with them, something just clicked for me. That experience gave me the confidence to believe that maybe this was something I could be good at.
From there, I decided to invest in my first real camera and started taking photography more seriously. I ended up landing an internship with an amazing photographer who took me under her wing and really helped me grow. Through that mentorship, I developed not just the technical side of things, but also a deeper love for storytelling and capturing real, emotional moments.
Since then, photography has become so much more than a creative outlet—it’s how I connect with people. Whether I’m photographing couples, families, or individuals, I love being a part of those moments and turning them into lasting memories.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s definitely been a journey with its fair share of bumps along the way. Life is definitely not always picture-perfect behind the scenes. I’ve always been someone who hustles hard—I’m currently juggling three jobs, and life can get a little chaotic. Balancing everything isn’t always easy, but the hustle has taught me resilience, and it’s pushed me to keep growing, even when things feel overwhelming.
Last year, I went through some personal struggles that really tested me and ended up putting a pause on some exciting plans I had for my photography career. It was frustrating, because I had a lot of momentum and ideas I was excited to bring to life. But I’ve learned that sometimes, taking a step back is necessary—both for your mental health and to come back stronger.
Even in those tough moments, photography remained my anchor. It’s what kept me inspired and reminded me why I started in the first place. Every time I pick up my camera, I feel reconnected to that passion and purpose. So while the road hasn’t been smooth, it’s definitely shaped me into someone who’s even more motivated and appreciative of the journey.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a photographer based in northern Utah, and I specialize in a variety of work—from branding sessions to couples, seniors, families, and weddings. I love being able to do a little bit of everything because each type of session brings a unique energy. Whether it’s capturing the connection between two people, the excitement of a graduating senior, or helping a business owner visually bring their brand to life—I genuinely love the timeless moments in life.
I think I’m best known for creating a relaxed, fun atmosphere where people feel comfortable around. I always want my clients to feel like they’re just hanging out with a friend—not stiff or overly posed. That comfort and connection is what brings out the magic in every session.
What I’m most proud of is that people believe in my creativity, my art—but most importantly, they believe in ME. That kind of trust means everything. I started this journey with no formal training, just a camera and a whole lot of curiosity, and now I get to share my perspective with others in a way that actually impacts them. That’s wild and humbling in the best way.
What sets me apart is how deeply I care about the full experience, not just the end result. I want people to feel confident, comfortable, and seen. It’s not just about pretty photos—it’s about capturing real, meaningful moments that people can feel when they look back on them, without there being stress and hassle attached to a photoshoot.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was definitely the creative, imaginative kid—the one always dreaming up projects or creating something from nothing. I’ve never been the quiet type—I’ve always spoken my mind and wasn’t afraid to say how I felt (even if, in the past, I was a little too blunt for my own good). I used to be immature and a bit reckless with my words, but over the years, I’ve really grown. I’ve learned how to communicate with intention and lead with empathy, and that growth has shaped me into the person I am today—both in life and in my career.
In school, I was a total overachiever. I was a cheerleader, balancing academics, cheer practices, and a job all at once. My OCD made me need straight A’s, so I’d be studying late, cheering at games, and working shifts to help pay for the things I needed. I had to grow up faster than a lot of people around me, and while that came with its own challenges, it also built a strong sense of independence and work ethic that I still carry with me.
Even with all that responsibility at a young age, I’ve always been incredibly driven. That part of me has never changed. Whether it was pushing myself in school, taking on multiple jobs, or building my photography business from scratch, I’ve never been afraid of the hustle. I’ve faced setbacks and personal struggles along the way, but I’ve kept going—and that resilience is something I’m proud of.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Photos Shot By: Mckenzie Lockwood Photography
Edited By: Jasmin Te Photo

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