We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful CRYSTAL GENES. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with CRYSTAL below.
Hi CRYSTAL, thanks for joining us today. Innovation comes in all shapes, sizes and across all industries, so we’d love to hear about something you’ve done that you feel was particularly innovative.
On the other hand, I knew that participating in styled shoots was a great way to network and meet more vendors, but I always heard that they could be a coin toss in quality and reliability, and often cost a big fee for photographers to participate, which didn’t feel authentic for what I was personally hoping to get from it.
In 2019, I had a lightbulb moment and decided to start an online platform that would merge the two into something that felt more useful and authentic. The website I created, NW Wedding Underground, features a handful of venues each year, by way of styled shoots that bring together and feature lots of vendors in the area. I have now made countless friends, contacts, and meaningful relationships that have not only helped grow my business but given me so much inspiration and drive to keep the wheels turning on this nearly 2-decade career. If only I had thought to start it ten years ago, or even from the very beginning!
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?
I am a wedding and portrait photographer based in Portland, Oregon. I have owned my photography business for almost 19 years, and I focus on vibrant, fun, and natural images. I aim to infuse my images with emotion as well as with the personalities of the people and events I photograph.
Yes, your images are vibrant and colorful. What is your favorite color and do you have any stories about your love of color?
I’ve had a lifetime love affair with all things color and design. Purple has been my favorite color since I was a child. When we moved into a new house when I was 7, my parents let me choose the color of my walls and carpet. I picked purple walls and purple carpet. When I was a senior in high school I was ready for a change. I installed bright red shag carpet all on my own (a neighbor was throwing it out), and I painted the walls bright yellow. I’ve always been a DIY type of gal, embracing change, not afraid to try new things, always looking for ways to break the “rules”, and always looking for my next project or a new hobby. I love that weddings and photography mixes all of that into one!
Have you always been based in Portland, OR?
I started my business in North Carolina but moved to Oregon seven years later because I was seeking a change. One reason I moved to Oregon is because of the gorgeous scenery. I just can’t get enough of it! The variety of landscapes, that buttery West Coast sunshine, and the crisp fresh air. Give me a wedding to shoot in a beautiful outdoor location and I’m in heaven. I really do feel so lucky that my job entails being a part of people’s most important and happy moments. It’s hard to complain when I go to work and I’m surrounded by everyone who is just beaming with joy and laughter all day.
When did you find your passion for photography?
I’ve always been obsessed with taking photos. I bought my first camera with my allowance when I was in 3rd grade, and I carried it with me pretty much everywhere. I know we all carry our cameras with us everywhere now, since we all have camera phones, but I was the only one I knew in the 90’s who always had one in my back pocket. I minored in photography in college, and never planned to make it a career. I recall telling my dad that wedding photography was lame when he would suggest I try it. But after my friend volunteered me to photograph her friend’s wedding, I became addicted to browsing blogs posted by other wedding photographers. I realized wedding photos could be much more fun and creative than I had assumed, and I became excited to give it a try. After that first wedding, I was hooked. I got serious about making it a business, spent weeks writing out an official business plan, and made a savings plan to get the equipment I would need. Almost 2 decades later and I’m still going strong.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
Word-of-mouth has definitely been the best source of new clients for me. Whether the referrals come from a past client, a friend, or someone else in the wedding industry, I get the majority of my bookings from other people being my cheerleaders. I find that it is always so important to create the best experience possible for my clients so they remember me and are excited to refer me to their friends.
Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?
Contact Info:
- Website: http://crystalgenes.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crystalgenesphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrystalGenesPhotography/