Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Smiley
Hi Crystal, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started in photography a couple of years back more likely one decade ago, helping out as a local photographer for a Non-denominational church, taking candid and concert-style photos but eventually shifted my focus more into fashion, editorial and portrait photography.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s never a smooth road! Lol! I think every day that you invest the time and effort into your craft, it’s always a struggle because you’re always learning something new every time. I think for me right now, and also in the past was still comparing myself to other local photographers, in a way, where you are questioning yourself and why you’re not in a certain position currently to everyone else. That could be a damaging mindset. I have to often tell myself, my path is different from everyone else, just because it’s not happening now like I want it to, doesn’t mean it’s not going to happen.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My current skill set as a photographer is focusing on branding myself as a fashion and portrait photographer.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I think the most important lesson I’ve learned along the way on this journey as a photographer is one, never to give up. Sometimes someone else’s season of being in the spotlight doesn’t mean it’s an ending to yours, it’s just getting started.
I’ve also learned that networking and consistency is key to getting to where you would want to be in your craft. But also, make sure you also have the right people who are supportive in your corner along the way. You never know who you’re going to meet.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://crystalsmileyphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crystalsmileyphotography/?hl=en
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystalnsmiley/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@crystalsmileyphotography
Image Credits
My photo taken by: Chris Martin at 126photography
Model credit:
Linda Fuentes
Tiffany Burgess
Trulei Versatile
Ciciana “Cici” Ilbanez
Hailey Hayes
Bria Pearce
Courtney Randolph
Yixiao Zhang
