We recently connected with Courtney Brown and have shared our conversation below.
Courtney, appreciate you joining us today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?
If I could go back, I definitely wish I had started sooner. I’ve been drawn to photography and nature since my early 20s — always out exploring and capturing moments on my phone, but I didn’t take it seriously until my 30s when I finally invested in my Sony camera. Looking back, I wish I had given myself permission to start earlier so I could have gained more experience and grown faster in both skill and confidence.
When I started taking photography seriously, I was still working full-time, and balancing both was tough. I’d squeeze in photo sessions after long workdays or weekends, but those moments became the ones I looked forward to most. Over time, my love for photography deepened as I began exploring the outdoors more — using my 4Runner to reach remote, beautiful places and documenting those adventures along the way.
Overlanding and spending time in the great outdoors have completely shaped the way I see the world. The more I practice, the more I fall in love with the process — noticing small details in nature, chasing light, and finding peace behind the lens. Even though I started later than I wish I had, I’m proud of how far I’ve come. Every trip, every photo, and every adventure reminds me why I started — to slow down, connect with nature, and share that beauty with others.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I didn’t grow up outdoorsy, I became that person later in life. In my 30s, I adopted my active rescue dog, Zuri, and she helped me completely change my lifestyle. Getting outside with her started as casual walks and weekend hikes, but it quickly became something deeper — a love for nature, quiet moments, and adventure. Around that time, I made friends who enjoyed hiking and camping too, and those experiences both solo and shared really shaped who I am today.
When I bought my first Sony camera, everything clicked. I started seeing the world differently — noticing light, texture, and emotion in every scene. I’ve been growing ever since, learning through every photo and every adventure.
Now, I work with outdoor and lifestyle brands to create authentic, adventure driven content that shows how their gear fit naturally into real experiences. My next goal is to expand into photographing couples and families who want their sessions to feel like genuine adventures, not just stiff poses — a natural extension of the storytelling I already love.
What makes my work unique is how I blend truth and beauty. I love capturing both the small details and the bigger picture — the little flowers dancing in the wind, a lizard soaking up the sun, or the glow of evening light on a mountain ridge. Life and nature aren’t perfect, but they’re real and that’s what makes them beautiful.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Absolutely. I wish I had leaned on YouTube and trial and error much earlier in my journey. When I first got my camera, I relied on auto mode for far too long and it honestly held me back. Switching to manual mode and learning how to control settings like exposure, aperture, and f-stop completely changed the way I shoot. The best way to learn your camera is by using it. Take a lot of photos, experiment, and pay attention to what worked and what didn’t. Are your shots clear or blurry? Too dark or overexposed? Every mistake teaches you something.
I also recommend using Lightroom and taking the time to find your style. Mine has evolved so much over the years, and you can see that growth in my portfolio. Understanding things like composition, framing, and the rule of thirds will help, but more than anything, just keep shooting. Capture what inspires you and what feels right to you. Nothing has to be perfect; you just have to keep practicing.
Any fun sales or marketing stories?
When I first started photography, I really wanted to work with the brands I already loved and used. I didn’t have a big following or years of experience, just a lot of passion and determination. I spent weeks building a small portfolio by taking photos of the gear I owned, creating a media kit, and sending out emails to as many companies as I could think of.
I was just getting started, and reaching out to big brands felt like a long shot, but one saw something in me and decided to give me a chance. That one “yes” changed everything. Before I knew it, I was committed to shooting 100 photos for a paid collaboration. I still laugh looking back at those images now — my editing style was so different back then, darker and cool-toned compared to the warm, bright tones I use today, but that project gave me the confidence to keep going.
That experience taught me that the worst that can happen is hearing “no.” And you’ll hear it plenty of times. But if you keep pushing, keep creating, and stay genuine about why you love what you do, eventually the right opportunities will come. I still have that same gear from that first collaboration, and every time I use it, it reminds me how far I’ve come and how taking that first leap was the best decision I could’ve made.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @wildly.courtney
Image Credits
Courtney Brown