Conversations with the Inspiring Courtney Gurlie

Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Gurlie.

Courtney, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Well, I actually I had no interest in photography until my freshman year in college. I lived in New York City and I modeled for a photographer studying at NYU at the time. After the photo shoot, the photographer took two full months to send the pictures back just for me not to like them. I was so critical of the images, I convinced myself that I could do a better job at the concept. So, I used my roommate’s camera, took a friend of mine to the same location as before and redid the entire shoot. I was so pleased with the images that I intentionally created a second Instagram page to post and share them with my college friends. I began playing around with a camera more and even purchased my own during my sophomore year.

However, it wasn’t until I moved back to Atlanta that my work started to gain popularity. Within my first six months of shooting in Atlanta, I had developed a solid clientele and brand. From there, I began to work with more artists and my business began to grow, exponentially.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
In the beginning, it was a bit rocky because it is hard to establish yourself as a professional photographer, especially in an environment where so many people own cameras, phones or are somehow connected to a photographer. But once I made it clear that my photography was a business and not just a hobby, it did become easier to effectively function.

One thing that I struggle with til this day is others trying to diminish or extort your brand. Some advice I would give to women getting into this industry is to always put your brand first. Whenever you accept a job to shoot with another person, remember that the service you offer is unique to you. No other person can take your talent or place in the game, and sometimes you have to remind your clients of that.

Also, a sad fact is that I have lost a few friends in this business. People would use my name for clout or try to take advantage of my time and services. People who are around you just for what you have or how you can use your talent to help them, are not your friends.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Gurlie Photography story. Tell us more about it.
I am a photographer that specializes in portrait/editorial work. Most of my work is female-driven with more personal and casual concepts. My photography business has always been open to different settings; from graduations, baby showers and weddings to boudoir, high fashion editorials, and concert photography. I like to think my images capture the spirit of the subject. So, with each photo shoot, I always have a talk with my client to get some insight on their character and how to incorporate that into the concept.

Do you have a lesson or advice you’d like to share with young women just starting out?
For any young woman starting photography or any type of artistic service, I would highly advise you figure out WHY you are doing this as a career. Is it just fun? Does it affect your self-esteem? Does it drive you? In this world, creative careers are a rollercoaster and nothing is guaranteed. There will be many ups and downs that you will have to find a way to thrive through. Keep in mind that your mental state can have a huge effect on the work you produce. Make sure you’re not starting a business off of a temporary feeling or interest.

Pricing:

• Standard photoshoots are $75/hr
• For image editing, it’s $5 per picture
• For an additional person, location or look; it’s $15

Contact Info:

• Website: https://gurliephotography.wixsite.com/courtneygurlie
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gurliephotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/courtneygurlie/

Image Credit:
Scout Rider, Chilli Dawg Clothing, Izzy Odigie, McKenzie Almire, Jasmine, Isabelle Great, Bryan, Kennis Clark

Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.