Today we’d like to introduce you to Cristal Sanders.
Hi Cristal, 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?
It all started with the diagnosis, “Cristal, I’m sorry to say this, but you have a degenerative eye disease called keratoconus, and you are progressing quickly”. A doctor in Brentwood, California broke this shocking news to me while in my early twenties. My world changed drastically as the years went by. Each year a blessing but also with the curse of a handicap that made life difficult beyond belief. Nevertheless, I refused to allow my eye condition get the best of me and continued on with my educational goals of completing a 4-year degree at San Francisco State University primarily through the use of an audio recorder and taking notes.
While in my last two years of a bachelor’s degree program, I was advised that if I did not look into surgery options, I would need a cane the next year to get by in life. My dreams felt crushed but still, I kept moving forward. Thankfully, my parents helped to pay for a much-needed surgery in Los Angeles – whoa… my life finally came to light! I recall seeing clearly for the first time, sitting on a bench at the Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, California. I took off my large black sunglasses and saw life in vivid color, a detailed environment where I could see leaves sway in the tree branches, I was finally able to see my world. There I cried for hours appreciating the life I was given and the second chance at life with a clear vision. At that moment I knew I’d be a storyteller through photography.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Overall, yes, my journey has been a fairly smooth road, but like any other road taken, there are potholes and detours that surprise you, but in the end I always get back on track to finish what I started.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
My specialization fell in the realm of entertainment and music artist visuals. Growing up in a household of music and dance, I naturally leaned into creative album visuals and personal branding for music artists in and around the Atlanta region in Georgia. My friends call me the “light queen” because of my understanding of lighting! Coming from a world where I rose from darkness, my perspective of light became my advantage in this world of photography and storytelling through image, a talent that separates me from other visual artists.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
You can find me on Instagram! @Cristalcreationsphotography, my website is re-launching very soon and is found at www.cristalcreations.com
Support me by spreading the word on my available services! I specialize in RGB LED lighting and enjoy taking creative portraits for all walks of life. If you do not need a booking, share my story so that others can be inspired in fulfilling their dreams. Anything is possible regardless of your situation.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cristalcreationsphotography.com
- Instagram: @cristalcreationsphotography
Image Credits
credit: Cristal Sanders, Photographer
