Conversations with the Inspiring Krystal Thompson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Krystal Thompson.

Krystal, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Like many others, my story is less a straight line, and more a collection of zig-zags with some pretty substantial hills and valleys. When I was 13 years old, I made a photograph of a friend who was grieving the loss of his father, and the medium has been opening itself to me ever since. I am fortunate enough to have come from a family that could afford to send me to a good college, so in 2008, I left Tennessee to pursue a degree in Photography from Columbia College Chicago. In school, most of my projects were conceptual, and that kind of work was especially rewarded by my professors and my peers. I can remember a budding interest in commercial photography paired with shame that I should even consider such a thing. So, I was taught how to develop an image from film to final, how to write a powerful artist statement, and how to light a scene. But I wasn’t taught how to write a contract or an invoice, how photographers actually make money or what the heck licensing is. So, I left school a fairly well-rounded artist and an absolutely clueless professional photographer.

Fast forward a few years, a lot of wandering, and an entirely new (accidental) career path. I had taken a customer service job with a natural products e-commerce company in Oregon and noticed that the photography on their website was not great. On the same day that I brought this up to my boss, the Creative Director was speaking with his boss about needing the help of a photographer. The kismet overlap of these conversations is probably one of the most defining moments of my life. This led to me working as that company’s in-house photographer for three years, working under a brilliant Creative Director who gave me the space and respect to explore my vision while also challenging me and making himself available for guidance and mentorship. That experience gave me the tools and confidence to truly pursue this path, and I have been working as a full-time photographer ever since.

In the summer of 2017, I left my life in Oregon to explore the sun and the slow bustle of Los Angeles. I took another in-house photography job but started to realize that working exclusively under someone else’s vision was draining my love of the craft. So, for a year, I spent all of my free time researching what it meant to be a freelancer: the big details, the small details, and everything in between. Frankly, I was terrified, so I turned the research on myself. What limiting beliefs was I carrying around about why I couldn’t do this? Did I have any evidence that I would fail or was that just ego-fear whispering in my ear? If other people had done this, why couldn’t I? In July of 2018, I quit my full-time job and leaped into the unknown. I’d be lying if I said it’s been smooth sailing all the way through or that there haven’t been moments and days and probably weeks of crushing doubt. But you just keep going. If you believe whole-heartedly in something, and you treat yourself like you’re going to succeed, I believe that eventually, you will.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Though it doesn’t always feel this way, the truth is that more often than not it is actually us holding ourselves back. We don’t believe we deserve something, so we self-sabotage when we get it. Or we don’t feel worthy of opportunities, so we’re blind to the ones that are right under our nose. My advice to young women and frankly to anyone pursuing a dream that might seem crazy is two-fold. First, do the inner work. Make sure your self-confidence and self-love are on par with the beauty of what you’re building. And secondly, don’t internalize other people’s limitations. If you are relentlessly pursuing your dreams, know that people might project their own fears and limiting beliefs onto you. “Oh, that’s such a tough industry to get into- are you sure you want to do that?” “Nobody makes it in art anymore.” “Shouldn’t you be doing something more stable?” I could write a novel-sized list of all of the things people say to themselves (and will say to you) to stay small. Hear them, thank them for their concern, then let it go and get back to that radical self-confidence you’ve built.

What should we know about Krystal Thompson Photography? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I primarily do food, product, and fashion photography, and I am happiest when bouncing between restaurant shoots and portrait or product sessions in my studio. I think what sets me apart from other photographers is a genuine love for what’s in front of my camera. I try not to take on work just for the sake of work. I want to photograph things that I resonate with: thoughtful menus, sustainable beauty products, inspired boutique hotels, local artisans. If I have a natural connection with what’s in front of my lens, the end result is always elevated.

Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
What has worked well for me in this area is removing any notion of competition or pride (the gross kind) in interactions with people you admire. If there’s someone in your field who inspires you – reach out. Tell them that you love what they do, ask if you can buy them a cup of coffee and chat or if there’s anything they might need help with. The worst they can say is no, but it only takes one yes to open a new door. Be open and generous with your time and your talents, and others will do the same for you.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://krystalthompson.com
• Email: Krystalannthompson1@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krystalthompsonphoto/

Image Credit:
Krystal Thompson

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