Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasmine Kerr.
Hi Jasmine, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Growing up in Baltimore, I had such a cinematic experience. Everything from the drug addicts to the dancers to just the architecture of the city looked like art to me. In middle school, circa 2007 I had a pink Kodak digital camera. I enjoyed taking pictures of my friends so much but still didn’t deeply consider photography. My father, who is also an artist gave me his film camera probably around Summer 2009. That’s where I really got into the idea that “Hey! I have an eye!”, Throughout that next year, I shot around with the film camera, another small digital camera, and photo booth on my mom’s Mac. I realized I love directing, I was confident in my angles and that editing allowed me to float to a different space. In 2010, my Pops bought my first DSLR camera, a Nikon D3100. At that point, I was in high school and I took my camera to school every day. I did photoshoots at lunch, football games, school events, after school…whatever the people wanted! Eventually, I created A.C.I.D Photography, A Creative Individual Doing. That summed up my entire being. I even became known as Lady A.C.I.D. In 2014 I moved to North Carolina to attend North Carolina A&T State University. Before I became an official student, I visited for homecoming and that’s where I saw the marching band! I love band culture. I find that too to be such an art form. Through a connection I made, I was allowed on the track to get some photos. Apparently, I did great! But I wanted to be on the media team! At that time, no one was allowed on the team if they weren’t in the band. So, I came to practice constantly just to show my dedication and eye. Eventually, I was let on the team and opened a beautiful can of creative worms and opportunities. My work began to be acknowledged by other students and alumni. From there, I started getting booked for actual portrait sessions. As I made more friends at A&T, I gained more muses to do creative shoots with. Today, I am a successful portrait photographer in thanks to the A&T network, my belief in my eye, and dedication to having it be seen.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My photography journey definitely has its seasons. While in high school and college the road was fairly smooth. What made the journey become difficult was when I was pregnant my senior year of college in 2018 and became a mom shortly after graduation. I became a mama again in August of this year. I’ve had to take time away from photography due the intensity of pregnancy and motherhood. That in itself has interrupted my flow of creativity at times. I always bring my boys to my shoots. Ha! A toddler and a newborn at a photoshoot, how smooth does that sound? Also, just having them has made it hard for me to financially be consistent with reinvesting back into my business. Overall, I’d say that motherhood has just made my journey a slower one but it hasn’t ruined it so for that I still have the will to create.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Portrait Photographer who has a particularly focused eye on women. I am open and have a portfolio that supports an array of things but my love for capturing the beauty of women is what some may say I am known for. I am most proud of my work with the Blue & Gold Marching Machine at A&T because those opportunities were priceless and even allowed me to travel. I am also very proud of any creative shoots that I created concepts for myself. Anytime my ideas come to life is a proud moment. I’m proud of the experience I provide for my clients and muses. That energy is what sets me apart. I bring light and true happiness to any set. Plus, I get the job done. My work has such a healthy balance of its lights, darks, and colors. I really care about my subjects and instantly treat them like family. I am confident in my eye so I have no problem directing the client with poses and angles. My clients have shown much appreciation for that.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I auditioned for Baltimore School for the Arts when I was applying for high schools. I did a dance and theater portion. This is surprising and funny experience in my life because not many know about this instance where I stuck out like a sore thumb. I’ve always loved to dance but was never professionally trained. So, for this audition, I thought I would be a shoe-in with my prepared routine. The way I danced gave very much hip-hop, pop and shake, lean with it rock with it vibes. I had a baby phat scarf; a pair of leggings and cute t-shirt and I was ready to get busy. When I walked into the audition, all of the other girls had on leotards, tights, hair into a bun, and dance shoes. Oh! We’re doing ballet and jazz? They want to see our flexibility? I was not prepared at all. But I stayed. I tried to keep up and gave it my all. The second half of the audition was the theater portion. We were all told memorize a monologue. The only supposed monologue I knew was a group of lines by Jack Black in the movie, School of Rock. So that’s what I did. It started like, “You want me to teach you something? Well, here’s a useful lesson, just quit!”. All of the other students were reciting Shakespeare, August Wilson, and tons of other stage play legends. Once again, I was not prepared but I stayed and tried my best. Obviously, I wasn’t accepted and ended up going to the best high school in Baltimore, Baltimore City College High School. But what a funny moment in life.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theladyacidexperience/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theladyacidexperience
Image Credits
Latisha Marie
DBR Creatives
