Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystel Becker
Hi Crystel, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey in photography started shortly after having my first child. I wanted a nicer camera to document her growth and quickly fell in love with capturing candid moments. What began as a personal passion soon turned into something more when our family photographer noticed my potential and invited me to second shoot a wedding with her. My very first paid job was assisting at a wedding, and from that moment, I was completely hooked.
To gain more experience, I started taking on family sessions, refining my skills in lighting, composition, and editing while continuing to work full-time as a nurse. At the time, I had just graduated nursing school, and photography was something I pursued on the side. But as my passion for photography grew, I realized I wanted more. Three years in, I made the leap to turn it into a full-time business.
I left what I thought was my dream nursing job for a more flexible position in my hometown, allowing me to dedicate more time to photography. Shortly after, I took another big step—I opened my own photography studio, The Kalon Collective, in Faribault, MN. It’s been incredible to see how opportunities unfold when you trust your intuition and follow your heart.
Fast forward to today, and I now run my photography business full-time while managing The Kalon Collective. I still work just a couple of days a week at the clinic, but my main focus is on capturing timeless, emotional, and documentary-style moments for my clients. It’s been an amazing journey, and I’m so grateful to do what I love 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?
My journey in photography has been one of the most fulfilling and transformative experiences of my life. It feels like something I was always meant to pursue, and with each step, I uncover more of the photographer I aspire to be. My biggest challenge has been fully trusting—both in myself and in the universe—and taking that leap of faith. Letting go of the safety net of my nursing job is the final hurdle, but I know that once I do, the path ahead is limitless.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a Minnesota-based luxury wedding and lifestyle photographer specializing in timeless, documentary-style imagery for weddings, couples, newborns, maternity, and families. As I continue to grow in my craft, I am also manifesting destination weddings, dreaming of capturing love stories in breathtaking locations around the world.
What I’m most proud of is how far I’ve come—building my business from the ground up with dedication, passion, and relentless determination. Every step of this journey, I’ve invested in myself and my craft to create an experience that is both meaningful and exceptional for my clients. Through it all, my husband has been my biggest supporter, standing by my side and encouraging me to chase my dreams.
What sets me apart is my deep passion for capturing genuine, emotive moments and the energy I bring to each session. My bubbly, positive personality helps create a fun and comfortable environment, allowing my couples and families to feel at ease and truly be themselves. I believe that photography is more than just taking pictures—it’s about creating an experience that feels effortless, joyful, and deeply personal.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I have so many cherished memories from my childhood. As the youngest of my siblings by 16 years, I became an aunt at just 8 years old. I had the unique experience of watching my siblings get married, start families, and build their homes, which was incredibly inspiring to witness growing up.
I was raised on a lake in southern Minnesota, so much of my childhood was spent outdoors—boating, swimming, and making the most of lake life. Some of my fondest memories are of playing softball in the front yard with my dad and simply soaking in the joy of family time. I feel truly blessed to have had such a happy and fulfilling childhood.
Pricing:
- Weddings: $4,500
- Lifestyle: starting at $350
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.crystelbeckerphoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crystelbeckerphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crystelbeckerphoto
