Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Christenson
Hi Crystal , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey into photography started with the purest kind of inspiration: my children. In 2008, the arrival of my son prompted me to invest my tax return in a camera, a simple tool that would transform my life. At the time, I was a nursing assistant, living in a small apartment, with no inkling of a photography career. But when my daughter was born in 2010, something ignited within me. I discovered a deep passion for capturing the fleeting beauty of newborns. What began as snapshots for friends and co-workers quickly blossomed into something more.
The turning point came in 2012 when I attended a workshop with a renowned photographer from Seattle. That experience validated my passion and fueled my ambition. By 2013, I took a leap of faith, leaving my stable hospital job to pursue photography full-time. For nearly 15 years, I nurtured my craft in a dedicated home studio, capturing countless precious moments for families. Now, in 2025, I’ve reached a long over due milestone: opening my first brick-and-mortar studio right here in downtown Lindstrom. It’s a dream realized, a testament to the power of passion and the joy of capturing life’s most beautiful moments. To have photographed hundreds of newborns and thousands of families, it’s a blessing I cherish every day.
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?
For the most part, I’ve been incredibly fortunate. I’ve been able to build a business doing what I love, which is a dream come true. However, like any small business owner, there have definitely been challenges. Of course, 2020 was a significant hurdle. The pandemic impacted everyone, and as a photographer, especially one specializing in newborns and families, it presented unique difficulties. Navigating lockdowns, adapting to safety protocols, and dealing with client anxieties was tough.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My passion lies in capturing the fleeting beauty of life’s most precious moments. While I specialize in newborn photography, I also love documenting the journey of parenthood, from maternity to baby milestones, family portraits, and even high school seniors.
Without a doubt, I’m most proud of my newborn work. Over the years, I’ve honed my skills in posing and soothing, and I’ve earned the nickname ‘the baby whisperer’ from many of my clients. There’s nothing more rewarding than creating beautiful, timeless images of these tiny miracles.
What truly sets me apart is my commitment to providing heirloom products. In today’s digital age, it breaks my heart to think that families might only have digital files of their precious memories, destined to be lost in the scroll of social media. I believe in the power of printed photographs. Every client, regardless of their chosen package, leaves my studio with at least one tangible, professional product, whether it’s a beautifully framed print or an heirloom album. These are the treasures that will be passed down through generations.
Beyond the photography itself, I strive to provide a complete and personalized experience. I guide families through every step, from helping them coordinate outfits, help them shop—even offering an extensive client wardrobe for moms and little girls—to designing custom artwork for their homes. I love building relationships with my clients and ensuring they have a seamless and enjoyable experience from start to finish. I want to create a luxury experience that will provide my clients with lasting memories.
What’s next?
Now that I’ve settled into my new studio space in downtown Lindstrom, I’m truly excited to expand the experiences I offer to my clients. While I’ll always cherish the intimate sessions with newborns and families, I’m looking forward to creating more opportunities for shorter, themed mini-sessions throughout the year. I envision capturing the excitement of high schoolers with prom portraits and cap-and-gown minis, celebrating the unique personalities of children with dedicated ‘personality minis,’ and even offering professional business headshot minis for local entrepreneurs. I’m eager to explore these new avenues and continue to build connections within the community, all while providing the same level of personalized service and heirloom products that my clients have come to expect.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cclearmemoriesphoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cclearmemoriesphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CClearMemoriesPhoto
