Southern Maryland Boudoir Photographer - Crystal @ShortStudioS Boudoir Photography

I have decided to take the opportunity to share some of my story. My name is Crystal and if we have not spoken in a while, please forget what you think you know. I am a confident woman, small business owner, mother, wife, writer and photographer who is constantly reaching for the stars in every aspect of the phrase.

I am from Southern Maryland. I know this area, the good, the bad and the ugly - but I choose to focus on the beauty where I see it and avoid the ick. I work harder than most and my husband works even harder than that. We have been by each other's side since we were teenagers, walking through more shit than you would believe, but always rising together. When I see him light up at my excitement after each and every photo session, it is literally an indescribable feeling. Having someone who is happy to see you happy - I legitimately want that for you. If that's not the story in your relationship, find better. My husband's relevancy to my backstory is that his involvement in my dreams, decisions and desires from age 15 - on have undoubtedly helped me get here. I am the leader in my story, but openly admit, having one, solid and consistent person in your corner helps put the stars within reach.

As a young high schooler who thought I knew it all, I was mostly right about what I knew about myself. I knew hands down and without question that I did not want to sit at a desk or computer for the rest of my life. Can you guess what type of 9-5 I landed at the ripe ol age of 19? You got it, an office job. I can honestly say, I am grateful for what my efforts poured into my 9-5 career has allowed for my family and for myself. There are plenty of skills, talents, products, promotions, friends and moments I have genuinely acquired or enjoyed because of my 9-5, but still my cup ran dry. This job is what I do.

You wouldn't think a global pandemic would result in gratitude, but here I am - thankful for the opportunity of time. Time, I used for real self-discovery. Do you know what I always wanted to be when I grew up? 1. A dolphin trainer, 2. A racecar driver, 3. An interior designer and 4. A social worker. Would you believe that becoming a boudoir photographer is all four of those combined into one? Stay with me, dolphins for me represent freedom, peace, tranquility, and an absolute elegant flow in the sea. My dream of racing cars is the obvious adrenaline rush. I could have totally risen with Chip and Joanna had I gone into interior design right away; it was the right era to fall in love with creative ways to decorate a home, plus, I have impeccable taste. And then there is social work, a thankless job that my heart felt tugged towards; I wanted to help people, women specifically who were in situations they didn't deserve and just needed an advocate. Starting to see the links? I see it clearer than ever. Boudoir Photography, in the manner I handle it, is fulfilling each and every ounce of what I always dreamed of doing. It is truly, where I am meant to be. This job is who I am.

Now, what does all of this mean to you? Because trust is earned when actions meet words. My very own words stated at 15 are finally meeting my very own actions. I have built the trust in myself and I'm sharing so that you have the trust in me too. It is no secret that deciding to do a boudoir session encourages vulnerability. The more you know, like and trust me, the easier it will be to share your vulnerabilities, thus achieving a raw and powerful result.

You should feel as free flowing as the dolphins. My studio is your free space to be exactly who you are. Messy, together, chaotic, organized, and everything in between; the you that you are will always be welcome.

Both of us will feel the adrenaline rush of fierce and fiery excitement. This is meant to be an experience, handled with delicacy. Soak in every moment during and relive the glory over and over again with your photos.

Your individuality will be complemented because I know what looks good in my dark and moody studio and how to best stage it. The decor is spot on and ever evolving to keep the rich tones alive.

And finally, I want to be there for you, whatever it is that you are working through, on or towards - lady, I am your advocate.

xoxo

Crystal