The Girl Behind
the Camera

Hello, I’m Tess Jasmine — photographer, teacher, mother, and advocate for empowerment.

I grew up in the leafy inner-city suburb of Mt Hawthorn in Perth, Western Australia, before moving in 2010 to the rugged and awe-inspiring Pilbara town of Karratha. What was once a stark and challenging landscape quickly became the heart of my inspiration. The Pilbara, with its striking red earth, turquoise coastline, endless skies, and unforgettable sunsets, has shaped not only my art but also the way I see connection, resilience, and beauty in people and places.

Here in Karratha, my passion for photography transformed into Tess Jasmine Photography. I create timeless portraiture that celebrates connection — between families, mothers and children, couples, and individuals. The Pilbara’s landscapes are my canvas, and I’ve learned to work with its light and scenery to produce photographic art that is not only captured in a moment but cherished for a lifetime. My vision is always to create more than photographs: I want my clients to have art that tells their story, enriches their home, and becomes part of their legacy.

Beyond photography, I am also the founder of Connect and Empower, a business dedicated to educating, supporting, and uplifting women and teens. Through workshops, coaching, and community initiatives, I help women step into their power, rebuild after hardship, and create sustainable futures for themselves and their families. I also lead the Pilbara Teen Wellbeing Project, supporting teens and pre-teens with workshops on mindset, gratitude, empathy, healthy relationships, and navigating life in today’s world.

My love of working with young people is lifelong. I hold a Bachelor of Education and have been a dedicated Primary School teacher, drawing on my passion for helping children thrive not just academically but emotionally and socially. I also work with the Polly Farmer Foundation, supporting Aboriginal students through education and empowerment programs that strengthen pathways for learning and future opportunities.

Across all that I do — whether it’s behind the camera, in the classroom, in community spaces, or in workshops — the common thread is connection. I believe in capturing it, fostering it, and empowering others to embrace it. My journey as a teacher, photographer, mother, and advocate has been shaped by resilience and a deep love for people and their stories. I am grateful to call the Pilbara home, and I am passionate about creating, teaching, and empowering in this remarkable part of Western Australia.