Meet Crystal Barbee

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

Thanks for sharing your story with us Crystal. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
When I had my son and became a stay at home mom, I realized really quickly that I needed an outlet that was just for me. I decided that Photography was it. I have always had an eye for “good photographs” but had no idea how to take them. With my dad being a partime photographer when I was a child and my mom being artistic as well I knew I had it in me. I asked my husband to buy me a camera for Christmas and he asked why. And I said, so I can start my photography business. He said, but you don’t know how to take pictures, and I said… BUT I WILL! And just like that, it happened. I took an online course to become certified in digital photography, did one freebie shoot and then it grew from there. Before long my weekends we booked out and my client list was growing. All along the business did and still does what I intended it to do, it gave me my outlet. While my son was young, the business was just busy enough and now he’s in school full time the business has become full time as well. I’ve been in business for over six years now and I opened my commercial studio space two and half years ago.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There are always challenges you encounter along the way. I would say my biggest struggle was finding balance as the business was growing so rapidly. I found it hard to say no and my schedule was full and my family time wasn’t as often as I wanted. I learned that the beauty of this is that it’s mine and I can say no and make my designated work and absolutely no work days. Since then the road has been smooth sailing.

Please tell us about Crystal Barbee Photography.
My business specializes in Newborns, children, maternity and family photography. My most popular session being my studio and lifestyle newborn sessions. I love the variety in my different session I offer, it keeps it fresh for me. The difference between me and anyone else is, I try to follow my own art. I try to produce what my heart feels and sees. A session with me is more personalized than you’d think. We end up leaving as friends laughing and enjoying our time together. The thing I’m most proud of was my vision for myself and my company and my fearless pursuit of it. I trusted my gut and I’m so glad I did.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would have jumped right into the “good” equipment. We all have budgets and have to start somewhere but good gear makes all the difference. I was self-taught for the most part, lots and lots of googling and YouTube videos, looking back I wish I would have invested in a mentorship to build my confidence earlier.

Pricing:

• Newborn sessions starting at $650
• Lifestyle sessions starting at $450
• Family/ milestone / maternity sessions starting at $250

Contact Info:

• Address: 95b East Main Street
  Buford, GA 30518
• Website: www.crystalbarbeephotography.com
• Phone: 6784582864
• Email: crystalbarbeephotography@yahoo.com
• Instagram: @CrystalBarbeePhotography
• Facebook: @Crystalbarbeephotography

Image Credit:
Crystal headshot photo credit: Southern Frame Photography

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