Today we’d like to introduce you to Cristal Malek.
Cristal, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have always loved art in various mediums and have long admired photographers that could convey not only emotion and personality but also passion & art in a single image. As far back as I can remember art in one form or another has been a part of my life, its who I am.
Originally from Tennessee, Texas became my home in 2005 when I moved to be with the love of my life. Our first Christmas together he gifted me my first professional camera. I remember the excitement felt when opening it and the possibility that my dream could actually take flight.
Over the next several years, most of my time would be spent taking seminars, classes, & reading any materials I could get my hands on that pertained to photography and lighting. It was both my hobby and passion. In 2008, just a few weeks before our wedding I was diagnosed with Cancer, it was a scary time, but with the support of those around me, I pushed forward.
After a surgical procedure to remove the cancers cells a year later, I received a clean bill of health and the motivation to turn that hobby into my reality. I worked harder than I ever have at anything to master my craft and provide my clients with a unique experience and images that not only captured their likeness but also embodied who they were, portraits that told a story.
Feeling like I had progressed as far as I could on my own, it was time to go back to college for photography and graphic design. At times it felt impossible, but I have a high self-standards so quitting was never an option. One of my proudest moments was walking across the stage to receive my degree as my four children watched. Humbled and bursting with joy I received my diploma with high honors.
Three months later, I opened my second studio location In El Campo Texas. Here I am today, Blessed beyond belief, a true testament for my family and friends. If you want something and you’re not afraid to chase after your dream or work hard that dream can become your reality.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I come from a very small poverty-stricken town, so everything I have ever had has been gained through sheer determination and hard work. Photography was nothing less than that, hard work. There is just so much about this industry you have to learn in order to be successful from the technical side to the business structure sometimes it felt overwhelming.
Going back to school was quite a challenge. There were days that I wanted to give up and felt I could not complete all of my obligations as well as I should. However, one thing I have never been is a quitter, and that kept pushing me forward. My standards and work ethic have always been very high which keeps me on track.
It felt as if I couldn’t find a balance and there were many nights my family would sit with me around the computer as I was working on a paper or project that was due just so we could catch up on the days events or to offer me a little encouragement. There were definitely tears involved as I struggled to find my footing in English or behavioral science & humanities after such a long break from a classroom environment.
In the end, it was all worth it, every single tear, to show my children that you can achieve anything, but sometimes you have to work a little harder for it.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My company is Cristal Malek Photography, and my passion is for portraiture. There are so many aspects to portraiture I love them all so it was too hard to select just one so I capture maternity, family, newborn, child, event, private school imagery, commercial, and wedding portraiture.
It’s exciting to know one morning I may be capturing the first tender moments of a newborn while my afternoon, in contrast, is filled with the adrenaline rush of a wedding or a commercial shoot. My seniors each have different high school experience, so we sit down and create a custom session to fit their personality, to embody what their personal journey was like.
You never know where life will take you and each client that walks through the door is a new exciting opportunity. My clients return time and time again because they love the final products, how it reflects them, and the emotional bond that is formed in our sessions.
Choosing a photographer to capture those once in a lifetime moments that fly by so quickly isn’t always an easy decision. Sure they could search and find a dozen aspiring photographers on any day, but the reason they choose me is based on my work.
To me, it’s humbling to be entrusted with such a monumental task which is why I make sure to meet and exceed expectations whenever possible. This personal approach, along with the wide variety of beautiful heirloom quality printed products I offer, is why my clients say they keep coming back.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up we didn’t have money for lavish things, so I had to be inventive. I was a quiet child, and very silly, with not a lot of friends. Most of my time was spent reading, writing, painting, or creating my next masterpiece.
My grandmother was my biggest encourager, we would chat on the phone almost daily and sometimes for hours. She had me read her poetry that I had composed and would always make me feel like my world was so much bigger & filled with love.
Sometimes when we went for visits, I would take her some new piece of art for her collection, and each and every time she would go on and on about how talented and special I was. Because of her love, that unconditional, unwavering love, I became the woman and artist I am today.
I stand as proof it doesn’t matter where you come from just the steps you take along the journey.
Pricing:
- Portrait sessions start at $150
- Newborn sessions start at $150
- Weddings average $200 per hour with two photographers and clients choice from my line of luxe albums and image boxes.
- Headshot pricing starts at $75
Contact Info:
- Address: 77084Second location 108 W. Monseratte St. El Campo, Texas 77437
- Website: www.cristalmalekphotography.com
- Phone: (979) 578-2823
- Email: cristalmalek@me.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cristalmalek
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/cristalmalekphotography
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
