JESSIE ASKINAZI
founder of Cinematic Portraits
based in South Florida, available worldwide
Together we will make images that spotlight your lived stories and embody your truth.
Raw
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Vulnerable
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Edgy
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Spontaneity
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Disruption
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Intimacy
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Realism
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Connection
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Command
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Interiority
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Liberation
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Bold
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Deprogram
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Raw 〰️ Vulnerable 〰️ Edgy 〰️ Spontaneity 〰️ Disruption 〰️ Intimacy 〰️ Realism 〰️ Connection 〰️ Command 〰️ Interiority 〰️ Liberation 〰️ Bold 〰️ Deprogram 〰️
My portrait practice serves as an invitation for us to return to our most authentic states. Social programming and trauma create a dissonance between what we are and what we think we are. Through my lens, I interrogate persona and challenge the limited, fixed beliefs we hold about ourselves.
Together we will delve into vulnerability, thereby opening up possibilities for expansion and consciousness. What happens when we allow ourselves to step into our fullness? My portraits are souvenirs from these moments.
HELLO, I’M JESSIE.
I am an analogue photographer whose super powers are an open heart, a strong eye for detail, and intuitive empathy. I have an instinctual knack for disarming one’s learned defense mechanisms, thereby unmasking limitless potential.
When you are photographed by me, you will be on a journey of pure self-expression. My portraits support artists, creatives, dreamers, healers, rebels, and anyone who rejects normalcy, stagnancy, and mediocrity. I am here for true originals and free spirits who are committed to awakening.
What are Cinematic Portraits?
A cinematic portrait is not your average representation of one’s likeness. These historical records do not only capture an impression of what you look like, they unveil the heart of you.
I strive to make images that evoke a strong sense of mood, atmosphere, and narrative, reminiscent of scenes from beloved films. Drawing inspiration from both cinematography and photography, I utilize the visual language of cinema to craft compelling photos.
In my work, I explore creative ways to incorporate surroundings into compositions to enhance the overall narrative of the image. I seek out dynamic angles and lighting techniques to highlight subjects while ensuring they stand out from their environment. Through subtle hints of storytelling, such as intriguing expressions or contemplative moments, I create scenes that draw viewers into your own unique reality.
I appreciate bold shifts in contrast and playing with depth (through foreground/mid-ground/background details). I experiment with color grading and tinting, highlights and shadows, saturation, vibrancy, levels, and exposure. I think like a cinematographer and am always following the guidance of your inner-compass. I am committed to discovering the specific nuances that illustrate your individual perspective.
You do not live for the approval of others—but to fulfill your soul’s mission. I am the alchemist who will help turn your embodied history into gold.
About Jessie:
I am an interdisciplinary creative specializing in photography and poetry. My photographs have been exhibited in Miami, New York, and London. I currently reside in Palm Beach, FL.
For nearly a decade, I was a contributor for Purple Fashion Magazine; I documented art + culture events in NYC, Los Angeles, and Miami. I have also been published in/on Vogue Italia, Dazed, BUST, Refinery 29, Bullett, Nylon, Departures, Huffington Post, The London Evening Standard, The Sun-Sentinel, Paper, Whitewall, Dwell, Grazia, Zink, Autre, Oyster, Miami New Times, Grandlife Hotels, V Magazine, ArtInfo, Art21, FEM Magazine, Electric Literature, Artillery, Poetry Foundation, and The Hollywood Reporter.
Together we will create an experience where vulnerability is safe and and empowering.
VALUES:
Safety
Creating a safe space during our session involves clear communication, respect for boundaries, and sensitivity to your comfort level. This is achieved by discussing expectations beforehand, keeping lines of communication open, and being mindful of body language/non-verbal cues. I am here to accommodate what you feel and need.
Bravery
Being brave in front of a camera involves letting go of insecurities, embracing imperfections, and allowing yourself to be seen without fear of judgment. We are releasing what no longer serves us to generate emotionally resonant, genuine, memorable, and impactful photographs.
Respect
I promise to honor your personal preferences and autonomy. I will actively listen and respond sensitively to your needs. I am committed to an individual’s right to agency and self-determination. I look forward to learning about how to make you feel comfortable during our time together.
Honesty
It is crucial that we approach our session from an honest place. We want to ensure that we are on the same page to establish trust and foster a supportive environment. This dynamic results in a more authentic creative process. We’ll reach stronger outcomes when we’re fully honest with one another (and ourselves).
Collaboration
We’ll tap into the synergy that exists between us. Collaboration thrives on a shared vision, allowing for the exploration of innovative ideas, and the pushing of creative boundaries. This relationship is characterized by inspiration, intimacy, creative symbiosis, and mutual admiration.
Play
I seek to bring out authentic expression from my subjects. By encouraging natural interactions, spontaneity, and experimentation, we get a glimpse of your uninhibited self through the lens. It’s time to let go of preconceived notions, opening the door to sides of yourself that have been tucked away.
I am a color-driven photographer
Colors are one of the most beautiful and the most under-appreciated aspects of the physical realm. We are surrounded by colors, but how often do we notice the subtleties in the myriad shades? Colors are powerful as symbols that have great influence over us and serve as communication tools. The psychology of color impacts our emotions.
More About Me:
I was born in Long Island, New York. I’ve also lived in New York City and Los Angeles. Currently, I reside in sunny Palm Beach, Florida. I love the coastal breeze and vivid sunsets here.
My life has centered around storytelling. I never want to limit myself to a singular medium, as I believe different forms of creative expression are all branches from the same tree. Photography has always been a powerful tool for truth-telling and meaning-making. I consider myself a creative documentarian.
I studied performing arts at the Atlantic Theatre Company’s professional conservatory. I also received a B.A. in interdisciplinary studies (English, Communication, Women’s/Gender Studies) from Florida Atlantic University, where I graduated Summa Cum Laude.
Travel is my favorite way to reawaken my senses. It immerses me in new sights and expands my awareness of the world. I Iove to capture everything around me: architecture, landscapes, cuisine, fleamarkets, textiles, objects, etc. These experiences help me rediscover the joy of discovery as I savor each moment with wonder.
I am a huge music geek and making playlists is my favorite hobby. My favorite genres are folk, singer/songwriter, shoegaze, dream pop, post-punk, new-wave, indie rock, psychedelic rock, synth pop, 90’s alternative, jazz, and ambient.
I am inspired by Eastern philosophy, Buddhist psychology, meditation, yoga, consciousness, the healing arts, and spiritual studies. These insights into the nature of existence and the pursuit of harmony guide me toward a deeper understanding of the universe.
Style, design, and craftsmanship interest me because they serve as reflections of culture and individuality. I’m interested in the blend of creativity and functionality. I like to transfer objects into expressions of artistry.
I collect crystals and minerals from around the world. Each specimen holds a unique story of geological formation, showcasing the diversity of nature’s creations. They make me feel a sense of interconnectedness with all living things.
INFLUENCES:
I am inspired by the French new-wave (+ Czech and Australian), Giallo films, 80’s & 90’s teen movies, punk/subcultural film, surrealism, and documentary. Valerie and Her Week of Wonders, Wanda, The Color of Pomegranates, and The Passion of Joan of Arc are important to me, as are films from the following directors:
PT Anderson
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Roy Andersson
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Kenneth Anger
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Chantal Akerman
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Michaelangelo Antonioni
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Dario Argento
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Ingmar Bergman
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Robert Bresson
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Luis Buñuel
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Jane Campion
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Leos Carax
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Sofia Coppola
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David Cronenberg
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Vera Chytilová
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Maya Deren
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Rainer Werner Fassbinder
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Federico Fellini
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Jonathan Glazer
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Jean-Luc Godard
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Michael Haneke
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Todd Haynes
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Werner Herzog
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Derek Jarman
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Jim Jarmusch
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Jean-Pierre Jeunet
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Alejandro Jodorowsky
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Miranda July
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Abbas Kiarostami
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Harmony Korine
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stanley kubrick
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Aki Kurasmaki
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Akira Kurosawa
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yorgos lanthimos
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David Lynch
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guy maddin
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Louis Malle
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Dusan Makavejev
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Kenji Mizoguchi
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Ermanno Olmi
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Ruben Östlund
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Pier Paolo Pasolini
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Nicolas Roeg
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Éric Rohmer
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Jean Rollin
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Susan Seidelman
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Lars von Trier
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Agnes Varda
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John Waters
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Peter Weir
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Wim Wenders
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PT Anderson / Roy Andersson / Kenneth Anger / Chantal Akerman / Michaelangelo Antonioni / Dario Argento / Ingmar Bergman / Robert Bresson / Luis Buñuel / Jane Campion / Leos Carax / Sofia Coppola / David Cronenberg / Vera Chytilová / Maya Deren / Rainer Werner Fassbinder / Federico Fellini / Jonathan Glazer / Jean-Luc Godard / Michael Haneke / Todd Haynes / Werner Herzog / Derek Jarman / Jim Jarmusch / Jean-Pierre Jeunet / Alejandro Jodorowsky / Miranda July / Abbas Kiarostami / Harmony Korine / stanley kubrick / Aki Kurasmaki / Akira Kurosawa / yorgos lanthimos / David Lynch / guy maddin / Louis Malle / Dusan Makavejev / Kenji Mizoguchi / Ermanno Olmi / Ruben Östlund / Pier Paolo Pasolini / Nicolas Roeg / Éric Rohmer / Jean Rollin / Susan Seidelman / Lars von Trier / Agnes Varda / John Waters / Peter Weir / Wim Wenders /
what makes film special?