Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Short.
Hi Crystal, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have always wanted to contribute to something bigger than myself. In the era of 2019 where we all found ourselves with time we didn’t know what to do with, I discovered how much I enjoy photography. It took almost no time to realize that the art of boudoir photography and the ability to help women build & own their self-confidence was truly what I was meant for. This is where ShortStudioS Boudoir Photography was born. Fast forward several years of developing my craft, enhancing my knowledge and really taking the time to understand why this passion was so fiercely fueled by my own personal journey – I have become a well-respected self-love educator through the art of boudoir photography in the Southern Maryland Community. I have built relationships with clients and other women small business owners by not being afraid to show up to events and tell people who I am and what I do. I offer a unique experience that is often not one women prioritize. I show them how to take the steps to reframe their self-image and carry themselves through their day to day recognizing that they are deserving of the space they hold. I provide a safe place for women to be creative, playful, sensual and to whole heartedly feel good about it. My studio has both indoor and outdoor private setting where clients feel comfortable being who they are with a supportive guide. Boudoir experiences include professional hair and makeup, access to a curated client closet and guidance to succeed with posing & attitude during and even beyond their session.
While ShortStudioS Boudoir Photography runs itself in the evenings and through a series of meeting other Southern Maryland business professionals, I have spent the weekends of 2026 using our homestead space to create Palatial Pop Ups, a micro wedding and event venue. ShortStudioS now holds the brand for both endeavors. Palatial Pop Ups has become a family run operation, providing something truly unique to the Southern Maryland Community. The idea of a Micro Wedding allows couples to focus on the moments of their wedding day instead of the production of it. With our all-inclusive service, we curate your entire day based on up front communication, preferences and needs. This allows for personalization, a bit of tradition and complete stress free planning to our couples. Our packages include venue, officiant, florals, photography, music, toast + treats, decor, invitations and coordination. We take care of securing it all and making sure it runs like a dream come true – you just have to invite your guests and show up! The best part, we source all our vendors from local small businesses. When you support Palatial Pop Ups, you are supporting a whole network of small businesses from St. Mary’s County, Calvert County and Charles County Maryland. Thanks to the many blessings of nature, Palatial Pop Ups is surrounded by trees, providing the perfect backdrop for you and your guests to share an intimate opportunity to celebrate your marriage. We are thankful to be able to share this space with the Southern Maryland Community and look forward to many more gatherings + events.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I am no stranger to struggle, but thankfully with the support of my husband and children – we manage to overcome each obstacle with as much grace as possible. If we can turn our experiences into a lesson learned and grow from it, we certainly will. We are thankful to still be here, pursuing lives that we love.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I think what sets me apart from others is refusal to give up. It is probably semi-stubbornness, but even in the face of all the things small business owners have to deal with, I choose to push forward because this community means something to me. The women and their healing means something to me. The couples who can’t afford a huge wedding, but want to celebrate somewhere nice, mean something to me. I guess you could say I specialize in believing in myself and knowing that the impact I could make on peoples lives, matters.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I wish I had time to read and listen more than I do, but I’ve built all these businesses in addition to a full-time job. I read romantasy for pure enjoyment and the bookish community, especially in Southern Maryland is the BEST!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theshortstudios.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shortstudios_boudoir/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Palatial-Pop-Ups/61570706905165/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/crystalshort
