Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Koehler.
Hi Crystal, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
To start, I grew up in the part of New York that has more trees than cabs. (Yes, I’m a transplant, but I’ve lived here over half of my lifetime!)
At 18 years old I was faced with the reality that I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life (no pressure, right?). So, like a typical teenager, I got a job at the mall.
The twist of fate?
It was at a portrait studio.
We photographed just about everything under the sun, and each session was a fast-paced challenge. 20 minutes per client, 5 final images, all shot on a roll of film that only held 9 frames. Yes… actual film.
Turns out, I was pretty good at it. And more importantly, I loved it! I moved up the retail ladder fairly quickly and over the course of the next seven years I managed studios in New York, Myrtle Beach, and San Diego. Those years taught me how to work with all kinds of people, how to think on my feet, and how to create meaningful images even in high-pressure environments.
In 2008 I made the decision to leave the west coast and move back to Myrtle Beach.
Another Twist of fate?
I couldn’t transfer my job.
So just like that, my retail manager days had come to an end.
And… Crystal Lee Photography was born.
I have now been in business since 2009, serving Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand. I primarily photograph newborns (over 475+ of them!) and baby’s first year, as well as pets and themed mini sessions. (Our Wizarding School event is pure magic!)
Home studios are not legal in Horry County, so I am proud to say that I have one of the few “legit” studios in the area. I started with two studios in The Market Common in 2012, and in 2021 I moved to my current 1750 sq ft space in Murrells Inlet.
What started as a mall job turned into a career I truly love, and I’m still grateful every day that I accidentally said yes to that first camera!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Smooth? Not exactly.
Worth it? Absolutely!
Like most creative businesses, this journey has had plenty of plot twists, growing pains, and “figure it out as you go” moments. The last 3 years have been especially challenging – between generational change and a poor economy, I almost closed my studio. It can be difficult to stay afloat in this area with the overhead required to run a legal studio.
That said, I get to do something incredibly meaningful. I get to celebrate people, tell their stories, and create artwork that becomes part of their lives. There are days that are hard, sure – but there are also days that remind me exactly why I chose this path.
Through it all, I’ve learned the value of resilience, community, and running a business with intention. I’m proud of the studio I’ve built, the standards I hold myself to, and the experience I create for the families who walk through my doors. Challenges come and go, but staying true to who you are and how you run your business makes all the difference.
I get to celebrate the biggest moments in people’s live and create beautiful artwork for them to cherish always. It doesn’t get much better than that!
I will say, the last 3 years have been incredibly challenging – between generational change and a poor economy, I almost closed my studio last month. Sometimes it’s difficult to keep the doors open when the overhead in a tourist town is as high as it is. (Did you know that home studios are not legal in Horry County?)
That said, I get to do something incredibly meaningful. I get to celebrate people, tell their stories, and create artwork that becomes part of their lives. There are days that are hard, sure… but there are also days that remind me exactly why I chose this path.
Through it all, I’ve learned the value of resilience, community, and running a business with intention. I’m proud of the studio I’ve built, the standards I hold myself to, and the experience I create for the families who walk through my doors. Challenges come and go, but staying true to who you are and how you run your business makes all the difference.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
The heart of my business is newborn photography. To date, I’ve had the honor of photographing over 475 tiny humans! There’s something incredibly grounding about those first days of life, each baby that comes through my door gives me a sense of hope for the generations to come.
While there are many talented newborn photographers out there, I truly believe that the experience I offer is what truly sets my studio apart. From the moment families walk in, everything is designed to make life easier. A fully stocked studio with props, backdrops, and accessories, a comfortable space for parents, a changing table that’s actually useful, thoughtful retail options, baby registry services, and full-service album and wall art design.
And yes, always coffee. Because newborn days run on caffeine and patience!
Beyond newborns, custom cake smash sessions for baby’s first birthday are a huge favorite. Each one is designed to match your child’s personality and theme, and they are equal parts celebration and chaos!
I’m also incredibly proud of my pet portrait events, which started as a personal project and grew into something much more meaningful. These sessions help bring in much-needed food donations for local shelters while also celebrating the pets we know and love.
And then there’s my Wizarding School experience, which is probably the most “me” thing I offer. It’s an hour-long Harry Potter-inspired experience, complete with multiple sets and a fully interactive potions lab. It’s immersive, imaginative, and unapologetically nerdy!
At the end of the day, I’m proud that my studio is about more than photos.
Because the days are long, but the years are short… and I firmly believe that children should be seen, heard and celebrated from the very beginning.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
So many people, honestly. First and foremost, my clients. Every single family who has trusted me over the years has played a role in building this business. Many of them have become friends, and getting to watch their families grow has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career. Some of my very first newborns are in high school now, which somehow feels both magical and mildly impossible. (Because really, I’m not THAT old…)
I also couldn’t do this without my husband. His steady support through the highs, the lows, and the “are we sure this is a good idea?” moments has meant everything. He’s been my calm when things felt overwhelming and my biggest believer when I needed it most.
And I have to give a huge thank you to Hannah Ruth Photography, who has been an incredible studio partner since my Market Common days. Her energy, positivity, and talent came into my life at exactly the right time, and working alongside someone who genuinely lifts you up makes all the difference.
This business may have my name on it, but it’s been shaped by a whole community of people who have shown up, shared my posts, cheered loudly, and believed in me along the way.
Pricing:
- Newborn and Cake Smash sessions begin at $490
- Mini Sessions typically run around $290
- Our discounted pet mini sessions are just $150 and require a pet food donation as well
- Weddings begin at $2700
Contact Info:
- Website: https://crystalleephotography.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/crystalleephoto
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/crystalleephotography
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@crystalleephoto
