We were lucky to catch up with Crystal Barbee recently and have shared our conversation below.

Crystal, appreciate you joining us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

It’s a funny story really how Crystal Barbee Photography came to be. I’m a natural creative, I feel the eye for photography was something I’ve always “seen”. I noticed lighting, expressions, interactions between couples, friends , children. I knew I wanted to capture that for people… what I saw and felt . So many people overlook the small but beautiful moments that happen constantly around us. When I decided to start a photography company my husband thought I was crazy because I didn’t own a camera, and definitely didn’t know how to use one. That didn’t matter to me though, I new once I figured out the technicalities of the he camera I could capture the memories that people would cherish. I took a course to become certified in digital photography and started seeing clients right away. As my business has grown, it’s easy to lose sight of your creativity after you’ve been doing it for a while. I’ve learned to find “ my moments “ over the years by trusting my gut. Keeping my locations simple and the lighting right. There’s so many other photographers out there doing their art, and that’s great, my advice is to not lose sight of yours along the way .

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Crystal and I started Crystal Barbee Photography ten years ago. I’ve had a studio space in downtown buford for 6 years. My specialties are babies and families. I love photographing a baby’s first year, from the sweet, tiny, cuddly newborn to the baby learning to sit, laugh and play with their feet to the big first birthday and the yummy cake smash session that comes with that milestone! Most of my clients start with me at a maternity session. From there I get to watch their family grow from newborn to yearly family photos. It is my honor to capture these memories for my clients .

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Being memorable, whether good or bad, will stick with people. When you continue to creative positive experiences with clients (and fellow photographers), they will continue to either always use you for your services or admire you as a fellow business owner. Being consistent with this in your business practice , your reputation will develop all on its own.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Social media and word of mouth has always been my go to for obtaining new clients . I always ask that my clients photo credit me when they post their photos on any online platform. I also try to sponsor local sporting and school events and be as active in my community as I can.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.crystalbarbeephotography.com
• Instagram: Www.Instagram.com/crystalbarbeephotography
• Facebook: Www.Facebook.com/crystalbarbeephotography

Image Credits
Crystal Barbee Photography Southern frame photography