Hello friends, I'm Crystal West!
US Army VeteranA storyteller with a camera, a heart rooted in the West, and a deep love for capturing life in its most honest, golden moments. Whether I’m chasing wildflowers through the hills or quiet glances between loved ones, I believe beauty lives in the in-between — in movement, in stillness, in the kind of moments that speak without saying a word.
After eight years of military service, I gained more than discipline and structure — I learned to see the world through a different lens.
Photography found me somewhere between military life, motherhood, and the wild adventures I never wanted to forget — and ever since, it’s become my way of preserving the stories that are too beautiful to let slip away.
Now living the western life with my cowboy husband, two wild-hearted boys, and a small herd of animals, I draw inspiration from the land we love and the life we live. The dust, the sunsets, the slow moments that often go unnoticed — these are the things that fuel my work.
As a portrait and wedding photographer, I’m drawn to authenticity — the unscripted smiles, the windblown hair, the moments that happen in between the poses. My goal is to create a space where you feel seen and celebrated, exactly as you are.
With natural light as my guide and nature as my backdrop, I’ll bring your story to life with artistic passion, purpose, and a whole lot of heart.
— Crystal
My approach
My approach to photography is pretty simple. I use a combination of natural light, posed and candid shots paired with my laid-back personality to capture the essence of the client and create timeless images. My photography focuses on capturing the true beauty of people, rather than forcing them into a forced or staged position. I believe that when people feel comfortable and relaxed in front of the camera, they are more likely to have a natural expression and be their true selves. This allows me to capture the essence of the individual and create images that truly capture their personality and story. I believe this approach is more important and meaningful than simply taking a generic photo. My photos are often personal, emotional, and telling of the real story. I am committed to photographing people in a way that truly reflects who they are.
My Style
The creation of vivid, colorful images that evoke emotions is what I'm most passionate about. With every image, I strive to convey a luxurious feeling. To me, an image should capture the essence of the subject and leave a lasting impression. As an artist with a passion for storytelling, you can rely on me to tell your story beautifully. I use a variety of techniques to capture the perfect shot, from lighting and angles to post-processing. I take extra care to ensure that the colors, details, and elements of each image are balanced and evoke the desired emotion. The result is a stunning, vibrant image that will leave a lasting impression. I use the same techniques to create portraits and other artistic works that capture the essence of the person or subject. I am passionate about creating unique, captivating images and I'm confident that I can create the perfect image to capture your story.
As featured in