We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cortnee Stampone. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cortnee below.

Cortnee, appreciate you joining us today. Taking care of customers isn’t just good business – it is often one of the main reasons folks went into business in the first place. So, we’d love to get a conversation going around how to best help clients feel appreciated – maybe you can share something you’ve done or seen someone do that’s been really effective at helping a customer feel valued?

One of the best things I’ve ever done for a client to show my appreciation was surprising them with extra digital images or portrait prints at no charge. Seeing their excitement and gratitude made it all worth it. I believe that photography is more than just a service—it’s about making people feel valued and celebrated. Giving a little extra is my way of saying thank you, and knowing it brings them joy fuels my passion to keep creating and giving back in meaningful ways.

Cortnee, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

About Me

I’m a newborn and family photographer with a deep love for capturing life’s most precious moments. Snuggling and photographing newborns is truly my passion, and I adore photographing families outdoors in the summer, where everyone can relax and just be themselves. What sets me apart is my meticulous attention to detail and my commitment to delivering the best images possible.

My journey into photography began when my oldest son was 18 months old, and after having my second son, I took a leap of faith—leaving my banking job to pursue photography full-time. It was the best decision I ever made. I started out in my living room, and once I opened my own studio, my business truly took off.

As a mom to three boys, I understand the chaos, the love, and the fleeting nature of these special moments. My husband is my biggest supporter, and together, we believe in encouraging our boys to follow hands-on careers in the trades rather than traditional corporate jobs.

When you book a session with me, I’m here to guide you every step of the way—from picking the perfect location to choosing outfits that will photograph beautifully. My sessions are all about creating a relaxed, enjoyable experience filled with cuddles, tickles, and genuine moments that you’ll treasure forever.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The best way to build a strong photography clientele is through word of mouth. Happy clients are the most powerful form of advertising, and their genuine recommendations carry more weight than any marketing strategy. That’s why I focus on making every client’s experience seamless and enjoyable from start to finish—guiding them through the process, ensuring they feel comfortable, and delivering images they truly love. When clients feel valued and have a great experience, they naturally want to share it with others, helping my business grow in the most authentic way possible.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

After having my second son, I realized that the cost of daycare for two kids just didn’t make sense, and it was the perfect opportunity to turn my photography side hustle into my full-time career. Leaving my banking job was a big leap, but it was the best decision I ever made—not only did it allow me to be home with my children, but it also gave me the chance to fully invest in my passion. In the beginning, I worked out of my living room, constantly setting up and taking down equipment for each session. But once I opened my own photography studio, everything changed. Having a dedicated space allowed me to expand my clientele, work more efficiently, and create an even better experience for my clients. It gave me the freedom to focus on what I love—capturing beautiful moments—without the constant setup and breakdown. That transition was when I truly blossomed as a photographer.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Cortneestampone.com
• Instagram: Cortneestamponephotography
• Facebook: Cortnee Stampone – Buffalo Newborn, Family, Child Photographer

Image Credits

Cortnee Stampone Photography