We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Courtney Bradley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Courtney, thanks for joining us today. In our experience, overnight success is usually the result of years of hard work laying the foundation for success, but unfortunately, it’s exactly this part of the story that most of the media ignores. So, we’d appreciate if you could open up about your growth story and the nitty, gritty details that went into scaling up.
When I first started my photography business, I was what you’d call a “shoot and share” photographer. I’d set up a date, meet a client at a location, take the photos, and then deliver a gallery of digital images. It was simple—but I began to realize it wasn’t enough. Especially when I started photographing more seniors and living through that season of life myself with my own kids—Two graduated and another on his way—I knew I wanted to offer more than just photos. I wanted to offer an experience.
That realization was the turning point in scaling my business. I stopped thinking of senior photos as just a another session and started treating them like what they truly are: a celebration of a major life milestone. That shift—from being just a photographer to being a guide through the entire senior portrait journey—is what changed everything.
Over the years, I started listening closely to what families really wanted. I heard time and again from parents who had beautiful digital images stuck on a USB in a drawer, unsure how to print them, where to order, or how to display them. They were overwhelmed and wanted guidance. That’s what inspired me to introduce IPS (in-person sales). Now, instead of just sending over files, I walk families through the process of selecting their favorite images, choosing heirloom-quality products, and creating albums or wall art they’ll actually enjoy in their homes. I host their reveal and ordering appointments in my studio, where they see their full gallery on a TV screen just a week or two after the session. It’s special, emotional, and exactly the kind of experience I wish I had when my own daughters were seniors.
Scaling my business also meant getting organized and refining every part of the client journey. I created a Senior Prep Guide and a client questionnaire to make sure each session is tailored to the senior’s style and personality. I added a Senior Client Closet to take the guesswork out of wardrobe planning. I leaned into the importance of storytelling and began sharing behind-the-scenes content, before-and-after transformations, and client testimonials that showed the value of the experience—not just the images.
Of course, there were challenges along the way. Saying no to quick, high-volume bookings in favor of more curated, full-service sessions was scary at first. It meant raising prices and trusting that the right clients would see the value. But it paid off. Word-of-mouth referrals from happy families became my biggest source of business. My schedule fills with families who want the full experience, not just photos.
My ideal client is someone who wants to feel like a VIP from beginning to end. I offer other types of photography of course, and give them top notch service as well, but senior sessions are truly my jam. They’re emotional, exciting, and incredibly meaningful—and I feel honored to guide families through this moment with intention, care, and a whole lot of heart.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Hi, I’m Courtney—the face behind Courtney Bradley Photography in St. Johns, Michigan. Before photography, I spent nearly 25 years as a hairstylist, so creativity and customer service have always been in my blood. I’ve always loved photography, but in 2018, after years of physical strain behind the chair and worsening carpal tunnel, I knew I needed a change. I took a photography course, and what began as a creative outlet quickly turned into a new passion and full-time business.
Today, I specialize in full-service senior portraits that go far beyond digital files. From session prep and wardrobe styling to in-person image reveals and custom heirloom products, I guide my clients every step of the way. I’ve built my brand for families who want to feel cared for, celebrated, and supported through this once-in-a-lifetime milestone. My background in hairstyling even plays a role—I offer professional hair styling for senior sessions to help each client feel confident and camera-ready.
What sets me apart is the intentional, hands-on experience I provide from beginning to end. I’m most proud of the relationships I build with my clients and the way they trust me to tell their stories through images they’ll treasure for years.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
What has really helped build my reputation is the authentic connection I create with my clients, both in person and through social media. I share behind-the-scenes content from sessions and put my face on camera through reels, so potential clients get to know me before they even walk through the door. This transparency helps them feel more comfortable when we meet for their session, and I think it’s key in a world where social media often feels more about gaining likes than creating real connections. Being genuine and showing up as my true self goes a long way, and clients really appreciate that authenticity.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
When I first started my photography business, the initial capital I needed was surprisingly minimal. I invested just $600 into my first camera and $120 into my first lens. My goal was to build my business without owing anyone anything, in case things didn’t work out. That decision proved to be incredibly wise, especially when COVID hit just a few months after I opened my business. Running a photography business has its own set of overhead costs—equipment, subscriptions for marketing, taxes and, of course, studio rent. It’s a misconception that photographers only push a button and deliver photos; that’s just 5% of what I do. The reality is, if you’re doing things right and legally, there’s a significant cost of doing business. For example, I’ve upgraded my equipment over time and at any given moment, I could be holding $5,000 worth of gear in my hands, and if I’m set up with both cameras, that’s closer to $8,000. And cameras need replacing every few years. Since I’ve always been committed to not borrowing, I’ve saved for all of it. I understand that not every business has the luxury of starting with such a low investment, but that doesn’t make me any less motivated or dedicated to my success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cjbradleyphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneybradley_photography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/courtneybradleyphotos
