Artist Crystal Garner
A 3rd generation Colorado native, I was first introduced to the power of Nature by my father, where many hours, days, even weeks were spent enjoying the beauty, peace and harmony of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. My father was also the one to give me my first 35mm camera, which opened up a whole new world to me. I learned that I possessed an innate eye for color and composition. Although mostly a self taught nature photographer, I learned the finer skills of image making studying under many of the greats in the industry including John Fielder, Russ Burden and Glenn Randall.
I decided to leave a career as a packaging engineer for an aerospace company to open a highly successful portrait studio in 1991. I jumped in with both feet to build a busy portrait studio from the ground up that focused on babies children and families. These children grew as an extended family from babyhood through senior photos to weddings and then back to their babies. Through these years, I participated in competitions with my peers as a member of the exclusive Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) organization where i received many awards and was published in their photo book, Photographic Artistry in 1998. As my popularity grew as I gained publishing credits in Telluride Style Magazine, Nature Photographer Magazine, Range Finder Magazine and Hydraulic Today Magazine where my image of Maroon Bells was used in a advertisement.
With well over 25 years experience in image making, my expertise in connecting with my subjects, whether it be people, places or things, I am able to convey the true essence of the scene before me. This is what sets my images apart. In my passion for sharing the intricacies and grandeur of Nature I hope to spark an appreciation at the immense power and gifts She offers for our physical, emotional and mental well-being.
Living in a fast paced world of asphalt, concrete, and steel we loose our connection to an incredible Nature energy that enhances our well being and adds meaning to life. It is well documented that just sitting on a beach lowers blood pressure, decrease stress levels, elevates the mood, and gives an overall sense of well being.
Not everyone is able to escape to Nature on a regular basis, so the next best thing is having images that speak to your heart, stirring youthful memories of freshly cut grass, the sense of freedom from the ocean, the magic of the mountains and a babbling brook. This is Mother Earth whispering contentment and an inner peace to the soul. In my works of artistic expression I seek to share, not only the beauty of the physical world, but also to help others reacquaint with an energy that brings one back to oneself.
My extensive portfolio offers something for everyone as fine art images available in framed prints and wrapped canvas for your home or office as well as cool photo merchandise for distinctive gift solutions. Choose the gift of Nature for yourself and your loved ones.