Astra Takes Photos

Specialties

Vibrant portraiture, candid event & wedding documentation, and elegant interior and product shots. My preferred medium is film, but I work with my clients based on their needs and wants. I have a deep love for all things colorful and quirky, and I want to capture the uniqueness in all that I see.

History

Established in 2012.

I took a road trip with a loved one, and I was assigned the task of documenting our experience. I was told that my photos were awful and directionless, which inspired me to overcome that harsh criticism. I purchased a Holga and acquired my dad’s old Canon AE-​1 (the camera that took my baby pictures) in the same week, and I was in love! The magic of film, the patience it requires, and the surprised that could happen… I was hooked! I took three years of photography classes at two different universities, but decided to pursue freelance work when I realized that there was enough interest via word of mouth (and self promotion) to pursue it on my own. I have photographed for the SF Arts Commission, the SF Etsy Leadership Team, Julia Park Tracey, Monroe Lounge and Wimdu.

Meet the Business Owner

J. Astra B.

Business Owner

Born and raised in Falls Church VA, J. Astra Brinkmann had a passion for all things artistic ever since she was a child. She attended the University of Maine for a slew of majors, until she realized that her heart was somewhere in a bustling city. in 2008, she moved to San Francisco to pursue illustration at the Academy of Art. That summer, she took a road trip with a loved one who assigned her to document their experience; she was later told that her photos lacked direction and were sub-​par. Astra took this criticism to heart and was determined to overcome that criticism. She began collecting a variety of manual film cameras in her crash course to understand light captured on film and never looked back. Photography turned out to be the perfect blend of color, socialization, attention to detail and love of living in the moment.