We recently connected with Virginia Cortland and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Virginia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
My passion for photography really took off after a knee injury side-lining and ending my volleyball career. Photography was the next best thing to being on the court because it got me close to the action! On my 18th birthday, my mom surprised me my first DSLR camera. At the time, I was entering my senior year of high school, and I was nominated the Editor and Chief of the yearbook. It was there that I developed my skills in Adobe layout and design.
When I attended college, I took photos at sports games to meet colleagues and to familiarize myself with the campus. I made the photos available to athletes, friends, and their families so that everyone could enjoy them. I was pleased at the positive feedback I received, and parents and friends who were far away said it was like being at the games. It was then, that I decided to launch my photography business and chase after my dream for photography.
When I moved back to the Bay Area after college, a colleague put me in contact with a live music photographer and it changed my life! I started off as an assistant at Treasure Island Music Festival and Clusterfest. Since then, I have become a staff photographer at Outside Lands Music Festival and freelance photographer for Another Planet Entertainment at local venues in San Francisco. I’ve had some pretty amazing other photography experiences—connecting with bands to shoot their local shows, assistant photographer at the America’s Cup and being invited to photograph at Bite of Oregon.
Over the past few years, I have found my niche for live music photography thanks to my mentor, Josh Withers. Learning how to capture bands in motion and stage lighting has been an absolute thrill.
Virginia, 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?
I am a medical assistant by day and photography is my side hustle in the evenings and weekends. When I attended college, I thought I would follow in the steps of my parents and become a doctor. However it was after my freshman year, I decided to chase my passion for photography.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
The answer is always YES! In 2016, my life changed in the best way possible. I was leaving for Africa in three days, and I had been asked to assist Josh Withers at Treasure Island Music Festival. Never shooting live music before and with an international trip on the horizon, I was hesitant, but I said yes. From there Josh and I have assisted on shoots like Clusterfest and Ousidelands, and we have developed an amazing photographic relationship. It is because of my mentor, I have found my niche for live music photography–learning how to capture bands in motion and stage lighting. I have been approached with similar situations, and my answer is usually yes. It has lead me to some amazing experiences, such as freelance photography for bands and working with Another Planet Entertainment.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
1) Join photography groups 2) Rental sources for camera equipment
Contact Info:
- Website: https://virginiacortlandphotography.weebly.com
- Instagram: vcortlandphoto
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/virginia-cortland-14689154/
Image Credits
Portrait of me in the white sweater @angelasuephotography Other photos are of me or my work