Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasmyn Saia
Hi Jasmyn, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey with photography began at around age 12 when I used my Christmas money to buy a used Fujifilm X10 digital camera from eBay. From that point on, I always had several cameras or vintage camcorders in my possession. I have always loved visual arts, and taking/editing photos and videos was a fun way for me to express my ideas and how I see the world. However, when the time came for me to get serious about what career field to pursue, I opted for what seemed like the more “practical” route, studying political science and law.
I managed to convince myself for a long time that law was my passion, but by the time junior year of college came around, and I experienced the death of my older brother who also shared a love of cinematography and photography, I felt an extreme disconnect from everything, including my future career plans. I felt disconnected from myself and God, like my whole inner world had collapsed and everything I thought I knew about myself and the world was completely uprooted. I knew deep down that the life I really wanted for myself was not in alignment with how I was living up until that moment
I decided that I was no longer gonna continue to live and make decisions in fear, so I took my passions more seriously. I applied to the MFA in Photography program at the Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) in Atlanta, knowing that the creative community and vast network that the school had to offer was exactly the environment I needed for this new beginning. I was accepted into SCAD in June of this year, made plans to move within two months, and here I am. I’m very happy with my decision, and am feeling extremely grateful and fulfilled as I wrap up my first quarter in the program.
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?
The road hasn’t always been smooth. I’ve had to do a lot of shadow work to get past my own limiting beliefs about myself, my creative abilities, and what I could accomplish in this field. I did not know where I was going, I was simply following what made my heart happy. But once I really learned how to tap into my intuition and inner knowing, it became easier to understand what decisions and opportunities were in alignment with who I wanted to become, and which were not.
It took me a long time to come to terms with the fact that I am capable of making a career out of doing something I love, even if it’s a more unconventional route. I had decided I wanted to be a lawyer when I was in 6th grade, and followed through with that until near the end of college, so it was scary trying to figure out what my life would look like if I took the leap of faith and did what I truly have always been passionate about. I’ve learned a lot about letting go of trying to control what my path looks like, and understand that I just have to trust myself.
The biggest obstacle was accepting myself, and by that I mean accepting that the way I chose to live my life and the path I go on does not have to be a reflection of what I see others around me doing and accomplishing, or even what society considers “right” and “practical”. I am meant to do things in a way that works for me, listen to my body when it comes to making decisions, and walk my own path.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a visual artist who specializes in photography and videography, currently pursuing my MFA in Photography at the Savannah College of Art & Design in Atlanta. My work features portraiture, landscape, fashion, conceptual photography, and film. Throughout my latest work, I have been focusing on themes of identity, spirituality, and self-awareness, examining how these elements influence the way we see ourselves and the world.
I create cinematic images that capture emotion and introspection by crafting narratives through my use of lighting, shadows, and color. Although I’m early in my career, I’m proud of the commitment it took to pursue this path. Choosing a creative profession is a leap of faith—one that involves investing time, money, and dedication, hoping others will connect with your vision and perspective. The thing I love most about art is its unique power to shift perspectives. My aim is to present a view that invites people to think differently, to pause and see the world through a new lens. Art has the potential to influence how we see ourselves and our surroundings, and if my work can encourage that, even in a small way, it’s fulfilling.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I think the best advice that I could give anyone is stop making decisions out of fear, and let your intuition guide you through everything. The best thing I learned to do in the past couple of years is how to listen to my body and how I truly FEEL about something when it comes to decision making and figuring out how to move forward. We’re taught from a young age that we must think our way through life so much that we’ve forgotten how to listen to our body and our intuition. I’ve really learned a lot about myself and life, just by doing everything I can to stay in the present moment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jasmynsaia.myportfolio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasmynsaia/
Image Credits
Jasmyn Saia, 2024 (all images)
