Meet Montana Crumlish | Wedding, Event and Portrait Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Montana Crumlish and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Montana, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
To answer this question, I need to go back to where my love for photography began. It started back in high school when I first fell in love with photography. My school offered photography classes, and I was beyond excited to take them. I still remember the first time I stepped into the classroom. I immediately knew this was something special and something I’d cherish for the rest of my life. We were lucky to have our own darkroom, lab, and studio, which allowed us to really dive into the technical side of photography. And to top it off, we had an incredible professor who shared so much valuable knowledge and wisdom.

I remember walking into the lab and just feeling at home. I couldn’t wait until we were assigned our first project (which says a lot because, to be honest, I wasn’t the biggest fan of assignments or homework back then, haha). With our first assignment, we built our own pinhole cameras out of cardboard boxes, and that was just the start. From there, we shot with black-and-white film, and it was such a rewarding experience learning all about film photography. I’ll never forget the days spent on campus, creating art with friends and gaining a real understanding of film and cameras.

After high school, I went to college to study biology because I’ve always had a passion for science, especially zoology. I got my bachelor’s degree in biology, but it wasn’t until my second year of college that I started seriously thinking about mixing photography with business. I wondered, “How do I even get started? What’s the process? Could I really run my own business and be an entrepreneur?” The idea of being my own boss always appealed to me. Setting my own hours, managing everything on my own, and creating art through my own lens. But starting a business seemed like such a huge leap.

Though the thought of being an entrepreneur and photographer intrigued me, it was around this time that I started to doubt myself. I’ve always been a reserved, shy person, so I didn’t think I could ever be vocal or direct enough to run a business. But everything shifted when I booked my very first professional photo session with a photographer I really admired.

I had booked an anniversary session with my husband for our second year together because I wanted to make it a tradition. To have these annual photos to look back on and watch how we’ve grown, both individually and as a couple. Our photographer, Ariana from Brookshier Creative, made us feel so at ease in front of the camera. My husband and I are both camera shy, but she was amazing at bringing out our personalities and capturing those real raw and candid moments. During the session and after I left that session I was so inspired, thinking, I want to do this for others.

At the session, I asked her how she got started, and if she had any advice for a newbie like me. She was incredibly generous with her time and knowledge, and we really hit it off. Over time, she became my mentor and friend and was there every step of the way as I started my business. I’m so grateful for her guidance; I wouldn’t be where I am today without it. She had so much confidence, and her belief in me gave me the push I needed.

With her support, I picked up my first camera! A Canon Rebel T3i and I started offering free sessions to friends and family just to get some experience. I was thrilled with each shoot, excited to be creating lasting memories for the people closest to me. I eventually started a Facebook page to showcase my work. With time and more experience, I felt ready to start charging for sessions, though I kept my prices low, around $80 to $100 per shoot.

My first year was all about getting my name out there. Building a website, attending paid courses, networking, and doing styled shoots to transition into wedding photography. Word of mouth and referrals played a huge part in growing my business, and soon enough, things really started taking off. It’s been such a rewarding journey to see my business grow and thrive, and I’m grateful every day for the encouragement and lessons that got me here.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a creative, I think the journey is all about evolution. In the beginning, I was so caught up in trends. What’s hot right now, should I go light and airy, or should I embrace a more moody, dramatic look? What’s everyone else doing in terms of shooting style and editing? After almost 8 years in the photography world, I’ve come to realize that the best thing you can do is just be yourself. Stay authentic to what you want your business to represent and what feels true to you.

I know it’s easy to compare yourself to others, especially when you’re starting out, but here’s the thing: your clients want you. They want your style, your unique perspective. That’s what sets you apart from the rest. When you shoot and edit in a way that feels real and true to your vision, that’s when your work truly shines.

As for my own style, I’d say it’s a mix of traditional and documentary. I like having a balance between the two, those posed shots are always great to have, especially for prints, but I think adding in that documentary/editorial touch really brings a gallery to life. That’s when the creative side kicks in for me. Over the years, I’ve really fallen in love with keeping my images true to their natural colors. I don’t like heavy editing; I just make light tweaks to enhance what’s already there. In the early days, I was all about the warm, orange tones and heavy edits, just trying to follow trends. But it didn’t feel like me. Now I’ve found my style. True tones with a subtle film-like feel. I want to capture your story as authentically as possible, the little moments, the emotions, the connections.

There are so many things that make me proud of my business, but one of the biggest is being a female entrepreneur. I’ve been lucky enough to continue doing what I love for so many years. Honestly, one of the proudest moments for me was getting my work featured in PEOPLE for the first time. It felt so surreal, thinking about the high school version of me who was just learning about photography, not having the slightest clue that I would have my work in one of the biggest publications in the world? It’s humbling, to say the least.

This journey has definitely been a long one, and not always easy! Running your own business comes with so many beautiful moments, but there are also real struggles that people don’t always talk about or want to be transparent about. In an industry so full of talent, it’s not just about being creative, it’s about business too. Managing the books, handling taxes, contracts, all the admin stuff… it’s a lot to learn! I’ve been lucky to have guidance in those areas, but it’s been a challenge figuring it all out.

When you start out, you think running a business means working normal hours, but it’s anything but that! I’m working around the clock, editing late into the night, answering messages and emails at all hours of the day. Being a content creator and managing all of my social media accounts and making sure I’m on top of posting consistently since we now live in such a technology heavy world. I’m not complaining at all, but I think some just aren’t aware of what it all entails to run a business and what it all actually entails. I’m beyond grateful for my success, but the reality is it takes a lot of time and dedication. That said, I think the key to running a successful business is communication. Our clients are the core of everything we do, and they’re excited about the experience we’re providing them. So making sure we’re transparent and communicative is what helps build trust and create a memorable experience.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I feel incredibly lucky to have been born and raised in what I believe is one of the most beautiful places, San Diego. The diversity of the city and the food scene alone are enough to make it stand out. There’s literally something for everyone here, and you could experience it all in one day if you wanted to! We have access to the beach, the mountains, and even the desert, all within an hour’s drive, depending on where you are in the city. Personally, I’m drawn to the greenery and mountains. Hiking through Cleveland National Forest is one of my favorite things to do. It’s one of the few places in San Diego where you can actually experience all four seasons, and for me, nothing beats fall in Mt. Laguna. The changing colors of the leaves, bundling up in a cozy sweater, and just exploring outside, it’s magical.

There’s something so peaceful about the area too. Whether it’s the views of the cabins or the little mom-and-pop restaurants, it’s such a great place to slow down and enjoy the moment. Julian is another spot I love—there’s nothing like grabbing a slice of pie and browsing through the antique shops. San Diego has so much to offer, but when I’m not in the mountains, you’ll find me strolling along the beach. Windansea Beach is one of my favorites, especially for the sunsets. We get some of the most unreal views. And if you’re ever visiting, I highly recommend checking out Balboa Park. With its stunning museums and gardens, it’s a must-see!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Man, where do I even start? The list of people I need to thank and shoutout could go on forever! I’ve been blessed with the most incredible group of people who’ve been by my side, helping me build my confidence and supporting me every step of the way. Honestly, I wouldn’t be the woman and business owner I am today without them.

First and foremost, all glory goes to God. I’ve been so fortunate to experience growth in my business and incredible opportunities that most photographers don’t get to see, especially early in their careers. I know all of that is through His guidance and blessing.

Then there’s my husband. He’s been my number one fan and constant source of encouragement. He’s stood by me through everything, believing in me and my dream of entrepreneurship. On the hard days when I’ve doubted myself, he’s always there to lift me back up and remind me of my worth.

My clients! Wow, they’re everything. Without them, none of this would be possible. They’re the foundation of my business, and I am endlessly grateful that I get to create meaningful work that they’ll cherish forever. Every day is a blessing to live out my dream and make art for others.

To all my friend-dors (vendors), I love you guys! I’ve been lucky to connect with such amazing people in the industry who’ve become friends over the years. We lean on each other, share ideas, and keep each other updated on all the latest trends and happenings. I’m so grateful for this community of creatives.

There are so many others I want to thank, but I want to give a special shoutout to two incredible women who have been pivotal in my journey:

1. Ariana from Brookshier Creative – If it wasn’t for her unwavering belief in me and the confidence she gave me to start pursuing photography, none of this would be happening. She’s been my mentor, a friend, and an inspiration, and I’m forever grateful for her guidance.

2. Cory from Events by Cory LaNora – She’s been there from the very beginning and I’ve had the pleasure of documenting her through every life milestone. From graduation photos to her engagement session in Hawaii, her wedding day, branding shoots, and everything in between, she’s trusted me with it all, even when I wasn’t as experienced. During times of doubt, she’s been a sister, lifting me up with her encouragement. Cory’s an event planner who’s opened doors for me that I never thought possible, including opportunities with major publications like PEOPLE and MTV. She’s always seen the potential in me, even when I couldn’t see it myself, and I’m so grateful for her.

Website: https://montanacrumlishphotography.mypixieset.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/montanacrumlishphotography

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Montana-Crumlish-Photography/61555324906436/