Crystal Liepa Photography: Midwest Wedding & Portrait Photographer

St. Paul, MN Family Photographer in Kansas City

Crystal — Wed, 15 May 2013 20:03:27 +0000

Location Scouting

Crystal — Mon, 13 May 2013 17:17:34 +0000

Straight off the plane from Minneapolis To KC we grabbed brunch and snapped a few photos as we scouted some locations for our OFFICIAL photo session on Tuesday. I think there is something to be said for dressing up for a professional photo session, but I also like that these photos show this family in their “everyday clothes” with baby blanky, stuffed animals, sunglasses and all.

For Tuesday’s session we found, what seems like, a never ending grassy hill that fades into the blue sky, we found twisting staircases, and mammoth oak trees for backdrop. Can’t wait!

Kansas City

Crystal — Sat, 11 May 2013 20:35:30 +0000

I will be in Kansas City from May 12th-May 19th–I have a few open days to schedule a portrait session! Please contact me via my contact form if you or anyone you know is interested in having updated professional photographs. Kansas City has the perfect combination of vibrant urban areas and lush parks for making family, senior, or creative business portraits.

A growing family & gorgeous mother-to-be

Crystal — Fri, 10 May 2013 03:34:27 +0000

Hello Spring!

Crystal — Wed, 08 May 2013 20:26:17 +0000

I took a break from work today to play in the garden, but expect more images from this spring family session soon.

Exploring Location

Crystal — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 17:18:18 +0000

At times I am pleasantly overwhelmed by the amount of locations for taking portraits; the neighborhood bookstore with its worn wood floors, the pale blue brick wall of restaurant, a deep windowsill filled with rainy day light. Every place I go is research. I am scanning the textures, colors and light; is this the place I will take the next person who hires me?

Part of making a portrait of someone is exploring different locations, seeing how the light brings out the blue in their eyes or how a red dress can contrast with the spines of books.

Today I passed a white fence with paint peeling away, the fence enclosed a yard full of overgrown brambly shrubs, this simple fence and weedy yard gave me a rush. I already have a vision for the fence and I know who I am going to take there.

This photography thing doesn’t ever seem to stop.

That Motherly Glow…

Crystal — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 22:15:17 +0000

You can view more from this session on my facebook page.

{Newborn Family Photography} In-home session, St. Paul, MN

Crystal — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 22:08:18 +0000

I want every photography session to be like this one. When this family contacted me they asked to meet for coffee first, which was wonderful because we chatted while casually sipping warm beverages, sharing our ideas and ideals on the what great family photography should be. We agreed that we both enjoyed timeless emotive images with a bit of reality revealed, meaning not too posed and not too perfect, and we were both in agreement that I am not a Sears portrait studio. It was an advantage that I was able to get to know them and tour their home before our session–I took note of great window light, paint color, objects and art of value, and interesting nooks. They knew to expect a few hours with me since we were on a newborn’s schedule and half the time we had to break for feeding, diaper changes, etc. We all felt calm and in no rush. I feel emotional about the results of these images, because when I get to meet people like this it validates everything that I am working so hard for.

I am in this business because I am a romantic. I can’t ever let my work get routine or standardized. I hope this session inspires others to have a little photography in their lives.

{Portraits} Minneapolis Tea Aficionado

Crystal — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 05:04:04 +0000

{Newborn Photography} Home Session, Minneapolis, MN

Crystal — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 04:54:24 +0000