Crystal, a top boudoir photographer, was born and raised in Minnesota and Wisconsin. She has been a nurse since 2009, however photography is her passion.
Crystal believes that confidence is what makes a person truly beautiful, and she wants every woman to feel like they deserve the best.
She loves photographing intimate moments – glam portrait, boudoir, a couple’s boudoir and even erotic couple boudoir – this is where she believes our inner beauty shines through with the way we move, touch, look and breath.
In this exclusive interview, we’ll explore her creative process, learn more about what inspires her, and get behind-the-scenes insights on what it takes to be a top boudoir photographer.
Prepare to be inspired and amazed as we unveil the journey of Crystal Thompson.
Q1. How did you first discover your passion for photography?
Ans. My main why: When I started photography, I didn’t start to just point and shoot. I wanted to be able to tell someone’s story, their why, their reason for putting themselves in a vulnerable position.
Though I don’t want or need fame, a six-figure business, I need fulfillment in my work. I need to feel like my work makes a difference. It brings me happiness and fulfillment, when I pick up my camera, it’s like I am alive.
I want my client to cry tears of love for themselves. Besides, I struggled for so long hating myself that I want to change that way of thinking.
I want my client to look at a picture of themselves and connect, connect to what others see, connect to their natural God given beautiful skin. My drive is to be able to deliver the change they need to see to be able to love themselves again.
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Why Photography:
I remember the first time I picked up a camera to take pictures of my then 2 & 4-year-old children. I was in nursing school full time and did not have enough money for anything besides the necessities – I am sure we all have been there.
And I remember hoping the pictures would turn out right, my daughter had a beautiful blue summer dress, and my son was dressed to impress like George Strait! I remember finding a guitar and stacking the haystacks exactly right. To this day I still have those pictures on my wall, and I will NEVER take them down.
I have not stopped taking pictures. Since then, I have taken all my family pictures and started to take pictures of my friends, their families. I flipping love it.
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Why Boudoir:
Raise your hand if you have ever taken a sexy selfie. I have. Moreover, I remember when I first did, and I remember when I took my first full nude selfie. I sent that bare ass unedited nude picture… with my nurse of the year award in the background with clear as day my full name and hospital name on it showing… to my then spouse.
I thought it would help our marriage, our intimate relationship was nonexistent, and I thought it would help spice things up.
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What I was not prepared for was betrayal. This was my spouse, someone I thought I could trust. Long story short, I found out that they were sent out on social media to a group chat page (before this was made illegal). I felt exposed, betrayed, like part of me was taken away. And I struggled with this for a long time.
I finally was able to start my healing process by feeling in control of my pictures. I know some of the coping to heal way that I am trying to explain will not make a lot of sense to some people, but it helped me.
Being able to control what my pictures looked like and what I chose to show was MY decision. It made me feel even more empowered than a normal boudoir makes women feel. I loved them. I wanted to do more with them and learn about them.
Q2. What motivated you to open your own studio in Canon City, Colorado?
Ans. I wanted a space to capture the natural light in my images, from the tall ceilings to the natural wood flooring. When I walked into the space, I just felt a connection.
I wanted a studio to be able to freely express my client’s desires with no limitations. Having my own space gave me the ability to create a safe accepting warm feeling when clients walked into my studio.
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Q3. What inspires you the most when capturing boudoir photography?
Ans. I can say that most of my clients are looking to escape their everyday life when they contact me. Some of my clients have demanding executive jobs, busy families, or never spend any time to enjoy what life offers.
Some clients just want to feel something again, either it may be looking for a way to express their innermost desires, or just feel accepted with showing who they feel they should be or be seen. I offer a way for my clients to escape.
These moments don’t happen each week, month, or even year. They are special and the opportunity for them to surface are few and far between. With my work, I encourage an emotive state, emotions behind images always have a dramatic effect and mean more to my clients when they see the images.
I offer an atmosphere for my clients to escape. I encourage an emotive state, emotions behind images always have a dramatic effect and mean more to my clients when they see their images.
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Q4. Could you describe your artistic style and approach to boudoir photography?
Ans. I spend a lot of time getting to know my clients. It’s not the way I can make them look sexy in their images.
It’s getting the moment (whatever moments we talk about prior to starting, how they like their loved one loving on them, how they remember a time they felt beautiful and warm, remember a time where they felt loved) to re-spike in their heads, their why needs to show through my images to get the client to love their session.
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I work a lot with clients who have reinvented themselves. A lot of my business is with referrals, which means typically a lot of my clients are from previous traumas, previous abusive relationships, hard struggles, recently losing over 60 lbs. and so embarrassed about their excess skin etc.
I used to be a critical care/emergency response nurse so emotions mean so much to me. I have seen so much bad; my clients have typically seen so much bad. We all need a win, a positive look on things, to love ourselves to make it through this hell of a world, right?
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Q5. How do you create a comfortable and safe environment for your clients during boudoir shoots?
Ans. Since I spend so much time getting to know my client’s story, I have already built that connection before they walk into my door.
I ensure my clients that the only job they have when walking in my door is enjoying the moment, my job is to capture the beautiful imagery we create together.
Q6. What challenges have you faced as a boudoir photographer, and how have you overcome them?
Ans. Social media. I am not a social media fan; I rely on SEO and client referrals for my business. I am a huge introvert and struggle daily with my own personal mental health.
Also, I am a huge advocate for mental health and believe that even though I may not be making a six-figure career out of my passion, I still get the opportunity to express my creative style while connecting with my clients.
Q7. How do you stay up to date with the latest trends and techniques in boudoir photography?
Ans. I am part of the AIBP (Association of Boudoir Photographers) and numerous photography affiliations locally to not just keep up on Boudoir photography, but photography technique in general.
So many new trends are coming out frequently it can be hard to keep up with the latest trends. I do check social media group pages for boudoir photographers frequently for different ideas or to challenge myself, to bring my art to a new level.
Q8. Can you share some tips for aspiring boudoir photographers who are just starting out?
Ans. Breath. Connect to your clients on a personal level. You are trying to create intimate images with them, you need to be on an intimate level with your client.
Know your boundaries. I offer my clients an escape with a no judgement zone. To be able to do this I need to be upfront with my clients about what I am and what I am not comfortable with.
Also, I always ask for consent to touch my client prior to, constantly. If I need to adjust their clothing, hair, props or etc.… I make sure they know what I am doing and why.
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Q9. Have you ever encountered any misconceptions or stereotypes about boudoir photography, and how do you address them?
Ans. Boudoir is only for sexy images.
It’s not the way I can make them look sexy in their images. It’s getting the moment (whatever moments we talk about prior to starting, how they like their loved one loving them, how they remember a time they felt beautiful and warm, remember a time where they felt loved) to re-spike in their heads while capturing the emotion behind it.
One of my personal favorite images is of one of my clients in a sweater and panties. Nothing is showing but a little skin. Still the look in my client’s eyes draws you in and makes you think “damn….”
Q10. Do you have any favorite locations or settings for boudoir shoots? Why?
Ans. I am a huge fan of natural light. It just makes our skin just glow oh so beautifully. My favorite scene would be my clients by windows, just the peacefulness it brings to an image is so innocent, it naturally draws you in with the lines.
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Q11. How do you handle client requests for specific styles or concepts in their boudoir sessions?
Ans. I connect with my clients, learn their “vibe”. Each person is unique and beautiful in their own way, I love to capture it and bring it out in my images.
Q12. What do you like to do other than photography?
Ans. I love kayaking and remodeling homes. I think I have rebuilt my studio 4 times now! Mostly I spend time with my family and my dogs. My labs, Bergen and Sparta travel everywhere with me!
Q13. What are your plans for the next 6 months?
Ans. To challenge myself, push my comfort limits and broaden my skills. I would love to learn more about pet photography. My pets are my family, I would love to capture the moments between a human and their dog.
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Closing Remarks
In conclusion, it’s easy to see why Crystal Thompson is one of the top boudoir photographers in the industry. Her journey from a nurse to a successful photographer is inspiring, and her unique creative approach to capturing intimate moments is truly breathtaking.
Through her artistry, she has helped countless clients feel confident, beautiful, and empowered. Thank you for joining us on this exclusive interview and gaining an insight into the journey of this fantastic artist.
We hope that this interview has inspired you to pursue your passions, and believe that anyone can achieve their dreams with dedication, hard work, and determination.
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