Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Rodriguez.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started my photography career 16 years ago when I was given the job as a Studio Manager for a portrait studio, my son was young, I was still in college getting my degree in Criminal Justice. I loved getting to meet new people, to be silly with the kids, to create cool art and the connections that I made with my clients. When the portrait studio closed, I couldn’t leave my clients who have been with me, so I started Crystalized Photography. Three years ago, I was about to hang up my camera when I decided to host a Boudoir special for Valentine’s Day and that day truly changed everything for me. One of the grandmothers of a family that I photographed for many years came in for a boudoir session and after she thanked me for not judging her, that because she is older, she still wants to feel beautiful and connect to her femininity. And it truly touched my heart, after I told my husband, I think this is my calling.
This sent me down a path that would forever impact not only mine but so many others lives! After that marathon I took a deep dive into learning how to be the best Photographer to be able to serve my clients to the best of my ability because Boudoir is so much more than just pretty pictures, the impact that it can have on my clients is huge and the responsibility is just as big.
That is when I found my mentors, Denise Birdsong taught me how to really connect with my clients, how to help them show up in their authentic self, how to coach them for emotive images that truly showcases all the different sides of them in a beautiful way. Last year I actually went to California and learned from her firsthand and it truly was amazing.
At the same time, I found Alaynna Marr with BouDIY who taught me so much more than how to properly use lighting, how to create stunning sets, and create amazing art, she also taught me that it was ok to be myself. Last year Alaynna selected me to become a community specialist in her Boudoir Photographer group with almost 13,000 members across the world. Becoming a community specialist for the past year and half has been so rewarding because I have learned so much, Alaynna is a top educator in the industry with the most education and tutorials from lighting to marketing and it has taught me so much and continues to teach me things in the industry and current market and staying up on trends and such.
Becoming a leader in BouDIY also taught me how to help other businesses and a friend of mine and I started a Women’s Networking business Group last year, it has been so amazing to help empower and uplift other businesses in my local community.
I come from a place to help, I love helping my clients on their self-love journey, I love helping other photographers succeed and I love helping other local businesses.
I have a women’s empowerment group that is called The Crystalized Community where we have monthly meet ups, events where we get together and uplift each other. It’s a community of friendship, empowerment and fun. The connections and friendships that have formed from the group have been amazing!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No of course not, but I have a wonderful support system with my husband and son who have helped me throughout the years.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Photographer but that’s not a very good description of what I do. It’s so much more than just pretty pictures for me, it’s an experience, from a pre session confidence guide, to a post session confidence guide including a downloadable workbook to help my clients as much as possible on their self-love journey. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE taking pretty pictures, but the most rewarding part of what I do is helping women, seeing their growth, hearing about their confidence, it’s truly magical to be a part of!
I specialize in capturing authentic emotive images, especially in women’s empowerment, but I also love maternity, seniors, branding and other general portraits.
I am known for my sparkle! I love sparkle, I help ladies unleash their sparkle, and I A lot of sparkle in my studio. I am known for my bold bright and beautiful sets and art.
I am most proud of my Nudescapes which I am a specialist in, which is a Fine art type of portraiture, with special lighting and is actually pretty hard to master. My mentor Alaynna created a course on it and has taught me firsthand, and now I get to pass that on to others as well! To capture the human form in such a beautiful way truly is amazing.
What sets me apart from others is simply me. I am the secret sauce, and nobody can be me, nobody thinks like me, nobody creates the exact same as me, and nobody can give you the same experience that I can.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
That I have my degree in Criminal Justice and I love Tudor Monarchy
Pricing:
- I have sessions starting at just $399
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.CrystalizedPhotography.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Crystalizedphotos
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17SocvHkyg/
Image Credits
Crystalized Photography
