“I want them to see the beautiful that I see.” That sentence alone describes our Featured Showiteer in a nutshell. Photographer Crystal Stokes finds the place where light pierces through the room and captures her subjects at their best. Every image seems to dance with the energy of her photojournalist style. “I have made it my goal to try my best to stay as hands off on the wedding day so that I am documenting the story as it unfolds rather than altering it!”

Photojournalism wasn't her original approach, though. Crystal Stokes started off just taking photos for fun. It wasn't long after her first child came when she knew photography was the career she not only enjoyed, but would give her the flexible schedule she wanted. Crystal knew she had to immerse herself in her craft if she wanted to stand out. “I knew with the over-saturated market of talented photographers that I needed to step up my game and that's when I dove in head first to learn everything I could about photography! I took workshops, online classes, and practiced until my shutter finger cramped!”

She preaches what she practices, too. What does Crystal say when given the chance to share her advice with other creatives who are starting out? “Learn your craft! Make sure you know the elements that are required to make a beautiful image and that you're prepared under ANY circumstance to shoot whatever it is you're shooting! Additionally, INVEST in furthering your education. Take workshops, find mentors, and most of all do not allow yourself to become complacent!”

No one would accuse Ms. Stokes of being complacent. Just scroll through her Instagram, Facebook, or her blog and you will see the results of her dedication to her art form. Her pursuit of perfecting her craft so others can see their true beauty is something we all can admire about Crystal Stokes. That, and her ability to keep things fun.

Do you know a Showiteer who is killing it, and should be featured? Just drop us a line.

Cassandra Campbell

Casandra is a born and bred East Coaster who finds herself braving the heat of the Valley of the Sun with her husband and three cute kids all for the love of Showit.