Today we’d like to introduce you to Chrystal Methner.
Hi Chrystal, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey into photography started about 15 years ago when my kids were little. I picked up a camera simply to capture our everyday moments..nothing posed or perfect, just real life as it was happening. I found myself getting creative, using unique spaces around my home and property or even building my own backdrops to bring my ideas to life.
As I shared those images, people began to notice and encourage me, telling me how much they loved my work. That encouragement gave me the confidence to start telling other people’s stories through my lens.
I’m largely self-taught. I spent countless hours learning through tutorials, studying light, and understanding how to adjust my camera for different environments or lighting situations. Over time, my skills and confidence grew, and in 2020 I officially stepped into calling myself a professional.
What I love most about photography is the ability to freeze time. I’m drawn to the small, meaningful details.. the laugh lines on a grandmother’s face as she interacts with her grandchildren, the excitement and hope in an engaged couple, or the quiet innocence in a child’s expression. When I’m behind the camera, I’m constantly noticing those subtle moments that tell a deeper story.
For me, photography is more than just taking pictures, it’s creating art that people can hold onto, display in their homes, and feel for years to come. Capturing those raw, beautiful, emotion-filled moments is what truly drives me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. In the beginning, I truly thought photography was as simple as pushing a button and getting a beautiful image.. but I quickly learned there’s so much more that goes into it.
One of my biggest challenges was figuring out my editing style. I had a clear vision in my head of how I wanted my images to feel, but it took a lot of time, practice, and patience to actually bring that vision to life. Learning lighting, settings, and editing all at once was overwhelming at times, but also incredibly rewarding.
I also struggled early on with the mindset that I needed to book every client. Over time, I realized that the right clients will find you—the ones who truly value your work and connect with your style. That shift made such a difference, not just in my business, but in how much I enjoy what I do.
Looking back, those challenges really helped shape me into the photographer and business owner I am today, and I’m so grateful for that journey.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize primarily in family photography, and that’s really where my heart is. Over the years, I’ve become known for creating a comfortable, natural environment where families, especially children can just be themselves. I think that’s what allows me to capture those genuine, raw moments that mean the most.
A big part of my work is the relationships I build with my clients. Many of the families I photograph continue to come back year after year, and I’ve had the honor of capturing so many milestones for them from engagements and weddings to maternity, newborn sessions, and beyond. Watching those families grow and being trusted to document their story is something I’m incredibly proud of.
In addition to photography, I also own two soda shop/ ice cream businesses, so I’m very familiar with the entrepreneurial side of things. That experience has helped shape how I connect with clients and run my business with intention and heart.
What sets me apart is that connection. I’m not just showing up to take photos—I’m investing in people. When kids feel comfortable with me and families trust me, that’s when the magic really happens. Those real, emotion-filled moments are what I strive for every time I pick up my camera, and they’re truly the reason I love what I do.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Honestly, I’m not someone who relies heavily on apps, books, or podcasts for inspiration. My creativity really comes from within my mind is constantly busy, always throwing around new ideas and concepts.
I tend to operate by letting those ideas build until they finally come together into something I can create. It’s a bit of a whirlwind process at times, but it’s what works for me.
I like to joke that my brain never shuts off, if anyone could listen in for a day, they’d probably be exhausted! But that constant flow of ideas is also what fuels my creativity and helps me bring something unique to each session.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lincolnlodge.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lincolnlodgephotos/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lincolnlodgephotos/
- Other: TikTok @Lincoln.lodge.photos
