We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Crystal Carr. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Crystal below.

Crystal, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I learned everything I know from working for just about every type of portrait studio there is! And then practicing. When I was fresh out of high school, I worked for a photographer who specialized in high school senior portraits. In college, I worked for a wedding photographer. I also studied Fine Art Photography at Long Beach State and logged plenty of practice hours shooting and developing for projects. As a young adult, I assisted a school portrait company and worked for several years at a boudoir studio. I highly recommend interning, assisting, or working for a couple different companies. The way I talk to and direct clients comes from a combination of what I observed. My processes and editing style were also greatly influenced by the studios I worked for. Getting a degree in photography is not necessary, but it sure was enjoyable! We shot mostly film cameras and did our developing and printing in the dark room. The second I graduated and got a job at a photography studio, I had to learn digital processing.

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 Carr and my portrait photography business is called Crystella Photography. I decided I wanted to become a photographer when I was in high school and taking photos for the yearbook. I went on to earn a BFA in Fine Art Photography and worked several industry related jobs. About twelve years after that dream began, I started my own portrait business. I’m very involved in my kids’ activities, so being my own boss has been wonderful. I will shoot every type of portraiture: Families, head shots, proposals, engagement, weddings, maternity, newborn, events, and sports! The two types I shoot most are families and head shots. I would burn out if I tried to specialize in a niche. I delight in being hired for a variety of sessions. And I’m proud that I can adapt and shoot many different things. One service that I offer that sets me apart from others is that I will help style a shoot including, but not limited to, helping with location selection and outfit planning. The majority of my clients are people who meet me, learn I’m a photographer, and eventually hire me. I’m a happy, outgoing person. I like to chat and joke around with others. I think the combination of being experienced and personable help my business to succeed.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

When I was just starting out, I sometimes felt overwhelmed and lonely. I was so thankful when I found a group of like minded individuals. I’m part of a private facebook group of all local female photographers. I can post in the group page if I ever have a question, concern, need feedback, etc. The ladies are so supportive. It’s comforting to know that if I’m ever on location at a session and need something (like if some equipment malfunctions) I can reach out and ask if anyone is in the area to help me out. The group plans gatherings such as vision board making, continuing education, head shot exchanges, and an annual Holiday Party. Without that, I wouldn’t have one because I am the only person who works for my company! I highly recommend being part of a group of colleagues you trust.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

What I find most rewarding about being a photographer, is that I am documenting a part of someone’s story in a beautiful way. Life is unpredictable. We never know when a photo shoot could be a person’s last, making those images even more cherished by their loved ones.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://crystellaphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crystellaphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrystellaPhotography
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-carr-21774957/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/crystella-photography-san-diego
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/crystellaphoto/

Image Credits
Marissa Boucher