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Meet Crystal Hollman of Crystal Clear Photography in North Phoenix

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Hollman.

Crystal, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started my business when I left the HR/Recruiting world to be a Mom. I wanted to be more than just a mom with a camera and set out to prove those who doubted me wrong. I wanted to make an impact on others’ lives, I just wasn’t quite sure how. I started out, like most photographers, doing family photography. I felt like I was mediocre and it just didn’t jazz me. I wanted to do something different. There is nothing more boring than being just like everyone else. I knew that what I set out to do would be different, fun and help others like me. I discovered a gap in the market between high end commercial photography and family photography when I started doing my own website and marketing. I wanted photos that resembled me and the average stock image just didn’t fit the bill. The models with the cameras were young, white and blonde. None of those were me. Even the ones that were just of hands holding a camera or styled images of a camera just weren’t my style. At the time I wasn’t able to find a photographer who captured me in a fun and inventive way so I started working with friends and staging the shoot, planning out my shots, outfits, props, etc. I realized when I got so many compliments that there were more people just like me that wanted those same images. I also quickly realized while working with a business coach that my HR and business focused background gave me the fuel to really understand the business pain points and their desire to deliver a certain message with style and brand consistency.

From that was born my specialty: Brand Photography – something that is a newly coined term. I think brand photography is more fitting than commercial photography as it describes the more fun lifestyle, authentic, and unique images that are custom to the personality and style of the owner(s) included. It is something that has recently popped on the market and describes the modern day entrepreneur’s business and way of marketing. In the last year and a half I have branched off my business into a few different areas from Brand Lifestyle images, Product and Flatlay Stock Photography to Headshot Marathons and Workshops/Mentoring. I strive to empower the new age entrepreneur and small business owner looking to reach its audience in a more real and authentic way. I work with the people that come to me to incorporate their style, personality, branding and/ or product into images that are typical of their audiences lifestyle. Now more than ever, we as business owners should be seen by our audience and stand out amongst a crowded entrepreneurial world. Where I stand out as a Brand Photographer is in the process and the result. I work along side the client from a consult call to discovering what they are looking for. From assessing their needs and accepting their ideas and concepts to styling the shoot and choosing locations and props, I’m there. The end result is a fun, custom image that is high resolution and allows the business owner to take it and make it what they want. From websites to banners and social media graphics and blogging, my clients come up with new and fun ways of using their images every day!

Has it been a smooth road?
Struggles with balancing motherhood, two pregnancies/births, taking time off for those. My daughter was diagnosed with cancer last October so that was a huge obstacle for me personally and professionally. I started the MomBoss segment of my blog (on the website) that covers that journey.

I also have gone through the struggles like any business owner. Is what I am offering something that serves my client and provides them with enough value to want to pay for it.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Crystal Clear Photography – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am a Brand Photographer. Some might also call me a portrait photographer, stock photographer or commercial photographer.

My special area of the industry (part that sets me apart) is my flatlays, custom and in the shop ones that I provide. I also do workshops and mentor businesses and other photographers who want to learn how to shoot those images or make their own mockups to use.

I am also known for working with the smaller businesses and solopreneurs that need a photographer within their budget to provide great quality, concept and guidance through the brand photoshoot process.

What also sets me apart is the fact that, I view myself as a business owner and I put myself in front of the camera to better understand what someone needs in their images, angles, quality, props etc that would be fitting for various types of companies. I also help them incorporate their brand colors.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love how phoenix is a big city but still a small town where everyone knows each other and likes to connect and support one another. I like least how the traffic keeps the east valley so separate from the west valley. It makes it tough for clients to want to travel to various spots.

Pricing:

  • Brand Photoshoots start at $295
  • Custom Styled Product or Stock Photos start at $265
  • Workshops for the Small Business Owner or Photographer start at $150
  • Headshot Marathons (hosted all around the valley) start at $60

Contact Info:

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix 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.

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