Meet Duffi Crowson | Natural Light Family Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Duffi Crowson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Duffi, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
For awhile, when I was working a corporate job in marketing, and trying to start and build my photography business, my balance was horrible. Like non-existent. I was trying to do everything. Corporate job. Creative side job that I loved and fueled by passion. Wife. Mom to two young kids under the age of 4. And none of it was going well. I was failing – and flailing. I had too many plates in the air at once.

When I lost my corporate job in 2018, and ultimately decided to focus on my photography, I had always said I didn’t want to do it full time. I didn’t want the pressure to do projects I wasn’t passionate about or didn’t enjoy.

I had an epiphany that as my own boss, I got to define what “full time” means – and it means however much time I choose to devote to it at any given point in time. Sometimes of the year, like fall, its 60-80 hours a week. But other times of the year, it’s barely anything. I typically now take off 4-5 months a year. After a really busy fall season, I typically take off most of December through February. Then I’m off most of summer to enjoy time with my kids while they are out of school.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve always loved telling stories. I dreamed of becoming a journalist, telling stories to the world. In high school, I took photography because I needed an “easy” elective, especially for 1st period, which followed grueling 6am swim practices. Rumor was the teacher didn’t take attendance, and it was easy to sneak out of the class, via the darkroom. Yes…. dark room. I used my dad’s old Nikon that he bought in the 70’s, shot and developed black and white film, and made my own prints.

My path didn’t lead to a career in journalism, but I still tell stories, but now they are my family’s story and other stories captured in pictures, which are “worth a thousand words”.

I’m a natural light family photographer based in South Orange County and creating Chaotic Perfection Photography came out of my own journey to better capture my own kids and freeze those little moments of them as they grew up. The name for my business was born out of talking to my husband about life with two little boys and how chaotic it was, but it was perfect and we wouldn’t trade it for anything.

My goal with my photography sessions is to keep things light, keep everyone laughing which I’ll act ridiculous to do. Ultimately, I want dads, who typically loathe photography sessions, to walk away thinking it wasn’t that bad and mom to get the images she treasures, hangs on the wall at home, shares on social media or uses for their yearly holiday card.

I know photo sessions can be stressful for mom, especially planning what to wear so I offer a myraid of tools to help her – from a style guide of tips and tricks to a stylist who provides a catalog of wardrobe options. I also work with a local hair and makeup team that will help get mom ready before the session.

I also come armed to every session with bribery in the form of gummy bears and slew of fart jokes…. I’m a boy mom, what can I say?!? Farts are funny and perfectly acceptable to joke about during photos.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I feel like there are very few of us left that can say they are “native” to Southern California or Orange County…. I’m actually 4th generation native to Orange County, which I think is even more rare!

I think we forget to play tourist in our own backyard – so often when I’m shooting a session, my clients will comment on the location and how cool it is or how they didn’t even know a place like this existed.

First off, would be Laguna Beach because I think the beaches are more picturesque than Newport or Hungtington. Plus you’ve got the great shopping and dining options in downtown Laguna. I’m partial to the margaritas at Carmelita’s.

Historic San Juan Capistrano is so rich with California history – the Mission is one of my favorite places to learn about early California and the architecture and Spanish influence is so unique to California. The gardens are pristine and gorgeous any time of the year. Lunch at Heritage Barbeque across the street is an absolute MUST.

Next stop would be Old Towne Orange – restored historic homes, antique shops, unique one of a kind stores, make it perfect for browsing. There is also a slew of restaurants for every taste and craving. If you are starting your day here, hit up the Filling Station for brunch…. at the end of the day, hit up Gabi’s Mexican Kitchen. There are so many options in this location, it’s hard to choose.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Having your own business and being the sole employee can be incredibly isolating and lonely at times. Add to that, the photography community can be so competitive in an overly saturated market. But there is also an amazing community of photographers who I am so blessed to call my friends.

Rebecca Thacher (Rebecca Thacher Photography) was my first mentor who reviewed and critiqued my work. She let me accompany her on shoots, shooting beside her and letting me use the work in my own portfolio. It was extremely valuable experience to have early on and I am forever grateful for her.

Jen Perez (Jen Perez Photography)and I connected over Instagram at the end of 2020 over an issue I had during a session and it felt like we’d known each other our whole lives. We’ve talked everyday since about anything and everything.

I also am so thankful for my relationships with fellow photographers Gina Luna (Gina Luna Photography) and Heather Paris-Ybarra (A Single Shot Photography).

Website: https://www.chaoticperfectionphotography.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaoticperfection/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chaoticperfectionphotography

Other: Booking site – https://book.usesession.com/i/STbA9uIUC

Image Credits
Photo of me taken by Jen Perez Photography