Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Olvera
Hi Crystal , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
It’s hard to believe, but back in high school, I took a photography class, and my teacher actually told me to ‘pick another hobby.’ Little did I know, I’d end up turning photography into my career years later! The spark for my journey really came from my husband, Sam. While serving in the Air Force, he was an avid hobbyist photographer, and his passion for the craft ignited my own interest.
Although my academic background is in Criminal Justice and Forensic Science, everything changed when we found out we were expecting our son. Sam’s passion for photography grew even stronger, and he decided he wanted to be the one to photograph our newborn. Those first photos became some of our most treasured memories—moments that still fill our hearts with joy every time we look back on them.
After I took a year off from work to be with our son, Sam and I took a leap of faith and turned our shared passion into something bigger. That’s when Olvera Photography was born. We initially focused on Senior Graduation Portraits, Family Portraits, Headshots, Corporate Events, and Weddings, and it was incredibly rewarding to capture meaningful moments that families and individuals would cherish forever. As our portfolio grew and we received more requests, particularly for maternity boudoir, we decided to expand our offerings even further.
Then, in 2020 (yes, 1 week before the pandemic hit), we launched Olvera Boudoir, a second brand dedicated to Beauty, Fine Art Boudoir, Bridal, and Maternity Boudoir photography. This was a pivotal moment for us, as it gave us the opportunity to empower clients to see themselves in a new light, embrace their inner beauty, and build lasting confidence—something we’re incredibly proud of.
Looking back, it’s truly incredible to see how far we’ve come. We have since added Couples Boudoir, Male Boudoir and photography for Dating Profiles. What started as a hobby has blossomed into two thriving businesses, and every day I feel grateful to be doing what I love with the person I love most. We’re excited to keep growing, creating meaningful memories for our clients, and building relationships that last. When our clients leave us, they don’t just walk away with beautiful images and memories—they leave with lifelong friends.
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?
I would say, overall, it has been a really rewarding journey. We’re both laid-back people who value having fun, so we’ve learned to embrace the ups and downs that come with running a business together. The question we get asked most often is, ‘Do you get tired of working together every day?’ and our answer is always the same—‘No!’ We’re best friends, and honestly, we’re opposite in some ways, which makes us a great team.
We’ve been married for 16 years, so we’ve definitely learned to read each other’s thoughts by now! There’s a natural rhythm between us, and we know how to play to each other’s strengths. We often joke around and roast each other throughout our sessions, which helps keep things light and fun, especially during busy times.
We really feel lucky because we haven’t encountered any major challenges. We work well together, and we genuinely enjoy what we do. There’s no one else we’d rather be doing this with, and the fact that we get to build our business and life together is a true blessing. At the end of the day, working together has only strengthened our bond.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Olvera Boudoir, we specialize in creating empowering, intimate, and artistic portraits that allow our clients to see themselves in a completely new light. Whether it’s Beauty Boudoir, Fine Art Boudoir, Bridal, or Maternity Boudoir, our goal is to capture moments that make our clients feel confident, beautiful, and strong. What sets us apart is our genuine approach to making every person feel comfortable, celebrated, and truly seen throughout the entire process. We don’t just take photos—we create an experience that allows our clients to embrace their unique beauty and walk away feeling empowered.
What we’re most proud of is the incredible transformations we witness. It’s not just about the photos—it’s about how our clients feel after the session. The confidence boost, the sense of self-love, and the joy they radiate when they see their images is something that never gets old. We’ve been honored to work with clients from all walks of life, and being a part of their journey is incredibly fulfilling.
We’re known for our ability to capture both the delicate, sensual side of boudoir photography while also showcasing the strength and resilience of our clients. Our style is a balance of softness and power, and we’re proud of the trust we’ve built with our clients over the years. We’ve created an environment where they feel safe, respected, and celebrated.
What truly sets us apart is our attention to detail, our ability to make each session feel personalized, and our commitment to helping our clients feel like their best selves. We take the time to understand their vision, make them feel relaxed, and ensure that they leave not only with beautiful images but also with a deeper appreciation for who they are.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My biggest piece of advice for finding a mentor or networking is to make genuine connections and keep an open mind. We believe in the power of collaboration. We love meeting other creatives, both locally and beyond. We often meet up for coffee or casual chats, and it’s always inspiring to hear different perspectives.
What’s worked well for us is sharing knowledge and opportunities. We’re all about supporting one another, whether it’s by referring work to photographer friends or just offering advice. We believe that by helping each other grow, we all succeed. In our experience, those relationships not only strengthen your network but also help you learn and grow as a professional. Keeping an open heart and being willing to give back has led to some amazing connections for us.
Pricing:
- We’ve structured our pricing to offer a variety of options, ensuring that there’s something for every budget. Whether clients are looking for a simple session or a more comprehensive experience, we’re committed to providing high-quality work that meets their needs and exceeds expectations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://olveraboudoir.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olveraboudoir_satx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Olveraboudoir
Image Credits
All Photos created by Olvera Boudoir
