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

Alright, Courtney thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

I’ve been able to do wedding photography full-time for six years now, and getting to this point has not been an easy journey but I’m so proud of the work I’ve gotten to do! As I started my business, I was working part time as a hairstylist to still help out financially, eventually I started booking more clients and was slowly able to raise my prices as I went along and finally I was able to quit my part time job so I could have more time to edit! I don’t think there’s a simple thing I could’ve done different to make the process faster, building a business takes time and lot’s of work but it’s been so worth it! I always tell people I have the best job in the world!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

For those that don’t know me yet, I’m Courtney Malott, the owner of White Rose Photography, LLC and we’re a wife and husband ran business! My photography journey started as a very young age with my dad running his own wedding photography business, I loved getting to go to his studio and hangout, learn and create and see all the amazing photos my dad was able to capture. Seeing the pride he took in the business is what really got me invested. I got my first camera as my high school graduation gift and started practicing from there. When quarantine hit and I wasn’t able to work I really dived back into photography but this time wedding photography in particular, I loved getting to meet so many amazing couples and hear their stories, meet their closest friends and family, and capture some of the most important moments! I quickly learned I loved capturing love more than anything!
I love being more than just a photographer for my couples on the day of, I’ve done hair, bustled dresses, coordinated, and just about anything you can think of! I know my couples haven’t done this before, so I try to be as prepared and helpful as possible not just with the photography portion of things! My goal is to create a smooth process getting all the moments you want captured while making sure you still have time to take it all in and enjoy your day!
I’m so proud of how far my little business has come and the work we continue to produce! I want any future clients/followers to know that we don’t take this job lightly and know how important this day is for you, our goal is to make the process nice and simple!

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My goal in the wedding industry is to make as many connections as possible and grow as much as I can! I would love to take my business out of state and even abroad, we love traveling and want to capture as many love stories in as many places as possible all while making the process simple for couples! I truly believe in community over competition and love the small group of photography friends I made in Grand Rapids so I can’t wait to meet and learn from other creatives as well!

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

I honestly believe word of mouth and recommendations is one of the most effective ways to grow your business, as well as reviews and social media posting! I try to stay up to date on posting on my social feeds and updating my portfolio on my website! I want to do more in front of the camera projects so people can get to know the person behind the camera which I think always makes clients feel a little more comfortable! I’ve also used The Knot for about four years now and have made quite a few connections through there as well, it’s the perfect platform for couples to find all their wedding vendors in one place!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://whiterosephotos.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whiterosephotographyllc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whiterosephotos3