We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Courtney Rose a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Courtney, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
Picture this (pun intended)…Summer 2013, Washington DC. My dad and I took a last minute trip, packing with us his Nikon DSLR and my obsession with the movie Forrest Gump. I didn’t even know how to turn the camera on, but one morning while he wasn’t in the mood to travel through town and I was, I took it with me and with a serious determination, figured it all out. You see, photographs have been important to me since I could remember. Faces and places frozen in time and having a print option has helped me not forget the unforgettable moments in life. It was during that trip that I sipped on some fancy coffee and decided I’d like to be a photographer someday. Shortly after this experience, I was asked to photograph a bridal shower. I didn’t really understand why I was asked, but in typical Courtney mode, I figured it all out, including borrowing a camera from a co-worker. Can you believe it?!? I didn’t even own a camera when I began this journey! From there, my heart and mind just told me “This is what you’re supposed to be doing in life.” I believe we all have a calling, and the more I was behind the camera witnessing emotion, capturing life, and learning a love language between an f/stop and myself.
Courtney, 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?
What do I photograph? Pretty much everything! Have a cool slice of vegan chocolate pie that your restraunt would like to showcase? Easy peasy. Celebrating a milestone in your life and craving a boudoir session to envelop epic badassery? YES! Family photos, celebration of life, puppies (my goodness, I love puppies), holiday sessions, surprise engagements that have me hidden in random bushes in the park, and weddings. I love weddings. Recently, I’ve photographed professional models from NYFW (New York Fashion Week) as well as a few famous musicians!
My goal is to freeze memories for future reflection. I love empowering my clients to feel their best during their shoot. I love quacking like a duck to get a baby’s attention. Trust that I will sing and dance (I can’t do either very well, but that doesn’t stop me) in order to get everyone to focus for their photo. I am dedicated to the sessions and treat each of them as if they’re an honor to capture…because truly, they are.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Call me Ms. Manifestation!! My goal by 2024 is to expand my portfolio with more high fashion models, working for designers, and to photograph my most favorite musician ever (Amos Lee) during one of his performances. I travel to NYC often to photograph micro weddings. I’m in love with the city so much that I’ve made my goal that I’ll be called by this person and that person to fly up and photograph fashion shows, celebrity events and the happiness families experience in Central Park.
Stepping out of dream world, my mission truly is to provide clients with forever memories. Prints, digitals, old school flash drives, photo books to leaf through, smile and say to someone they love “Do you remember this?” I want the photo to take them back to that moment.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Oh, this question is super easy. You know that moment a text comes through to your phone and you feel super giddy because it may be someone who loves you telling you so?!? Well, the texts, the google reviews, the handwritten letters, the Hallmark cards, the FB reviews, the tips in the form of Starbucks (my weakness) gift cards…all together, the reward of the clients gratitude is just amazing. Most clients will go out of their way to say “Thank you.” It’s the fuel that keeps my fire going. Knowing I’m appreciated. Knowing I provided what they visioned and more. Knowing that many of them have been by my side (and in front of my camrera) for years…that loyalty is so very rewarding.
Contact Info:
- Website: WWW.GOOD4UEVENTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
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- Facebook: GOOD4UEVENTS