Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Glaze.
Hi Crystal, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My path into photography really started taking shape in my twenties while modeling and connecting with photographers, but the love for it goes much further back. As a kid, I carried around a little pink film camera, always wanting to capture moments. Later in Life, however, had its own plans. When my mom faced her battle with cancer and my firstborn spent time in the NICU, everything shifted. Those seasons were heavy, and I found myself searching for something to hold onto.
That search led my husband and me to Lockhart a place where I didn’t know a soul but hoped for a fresh start. During the quiet and isolation of the pandemic, photography became that anchor. I took a chance on myself, investing in my first Canon camera and pouring hours into learning and practicing.
Wanting to connect and give back, I began offering free sessions to teachers in Lockhart and nearby communities. That’s where things really started to grow. While I loved capturing families and motherhood, music always called me a little louder. It’s been woven into my life for as long as I can remember my mom has spent decades as a musician, my husband plays drums, and so many of our friends are part of bands.
So even in the midst of uncertainty, I found myself drawn into the local music scene, showing up to shows and documenting the energy, the stories, and the people behind the sound. That’s where my passion truly found its rhythm.
A turning point came in early 2023 when I decided to put myself out there in a bigger way. I reached out to the 78644 Podcast and offered my photography services, not knowing where it might lead. That one step opened so many doors. I had the chance to collaborate with incredible people like Steven Collins and Kate Collins, and from there, everything began to grow.
What followed has been such an exciting chapter in my journey. I’ve been able to document unforgettable moments at events like Old Settler’s Music Festival, Texas Women’s Singersongwriter festival, being part of events with Health Alliance for Austin Musicians – HAAM and I even had my work featured in the Austin–Bergstrom International Airport music project.
Along the way, I’ve had the honor of photographing so many talented musicians both locally and through the podcast which has truly helped me find my place within the music photography community.
Balancing it all with motherhood hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been worth every moment. Photography has become more than just a creative outlet it’s a reminder of how far I’ve come and a constant push to keep chasing what’s possible.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all it’s definitely been a road with a lot of ups and downs.
Some of the biggest challenges have been personal. Walking through my mom’s battle with cancer and having my firstborn spend time in the NICU completely shifted my world. Those moments were heavy and emotional, and there were times I felt lost trying to find my footing again.
Starting over in Lockhart during the pandemic brought a different kind of struggle. I didn’t know anyone, everything felt isolated, and building something from the ground up in that environment wasn’t easy. There were a lot of moments of self-doubt wondering if I was good enough, if this could actually turn into something real.
On the business side, growing as a photographer without a big network at first meant putting myself out there constantly, often for free, just to gain experience and trust. Balancing that with motherhood and everyday life has also been a challenge learning how to manage time, energy, and expectations.
And of course, breaking into music photography came with its own hurdles. Getting access, building relationships, and proving myself in that space took persistence.
But every struggle shaped my path. It pushed me to grow, to connect with my community, and to keep showing up even when it wasn’t easy and through it all, I was honored to be awarded Best Photographer in 2024 and 2025, a reminder that persistence truly does pay off.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a photographer who focuses on capturing real, meaningful moments whether that’s on stage, in a crowd, or during life’s biggest milestones. While I photograph families, maternity sessions, and events, I specialize in music photography. That’s where I feel most at home documenting the energy of live performances and the connection between artists and their audience.
Over time, I’ve become known for my ability to capture emotion in a way that feels authentic and unfiltered. I’m drawn to the in-between moments the ones that aren’t posed but tell the real story. Whether I’m shooting a quiet family session or a high-energy set, I try to preserve the feeling of that moment so people can come back to it later and truly feel it again.
One of the things I’m most proud of is how far I’ve come, especially starting from scratch in Lockhart without a network and building genuine connections within my community. Getting the opportunity to work with local musicians, be part of festivals, and collaborate through platforms like the 78644 Podcast has been incredibly meaningful. It’s not just about the photos it’s about the relationships and trust that come with them.
What sets me apart is the heart I bring into my work. I don’t just show up to take photos I show up to understand the people I’m photographing, their story, and what matters to them. I think my background, my personal experiences, and my deep connection to music allow me to see things a little differently. I’m not chasing perfection I’m chasing honesty, feeling, and connection.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
If you’re just starting out, my biggest advice is to give yourself time to grow and not rush the process. It’s easy to compare your work to others or feel like you need to have everything figured out right away, but learning your style and voice takes time and that’s part of the journey.
Be yourself and be genuine in everything you do. People can feel that, and it’s what will naturally draw the right clients and opportunities to you. Also, be part of a community. There’s really no room for competition in this space there’s so much more value in supporting one another. Inclusion and helping others succeed is where it’s at.
I truly wouldn’t be where I am today without other photographers who were willing to share their knowledge, give advice, and help me grow. Having friends in your craft makes such a difference it gives you people to learn from, bounce ideas off of, and honestly just enjoy the process with. Some of the best collaborations come from those connections, and those relationships can be just as meaningful as the work itself.
And don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, even before you feel “ready.” Say yes to opportunities, keep practicing, and stay open to learning. Every step, even the uncomfortable ones, helps shape who you become as an artist.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://crystalglazephoto.mypixieset.com/about/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crystalglazephotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CrLVosLDB/
