Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Martin.
Courtney, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
As a child, I was always attracted to anything artsy, from painting to coloring to creating things with my hands. I was always up to something! My mom always made it a point to buy me one creative gift for Christmas, and I can remember getting things like art supply sets, cameras, bead making sets and coloring books. I look back on the past and I clearly remember always having some camera. Whether it was a Polaroid camera or a digital camera, I always had a way to capture moments. One day in 2015, I created an Instagram to showcase my “cell phone photography” and other art I was dabbling in. As I began creating content for that page, I found myself enjoying taking photos more and more every day. Soon after this discovery, I hopped on Amazon and ordered a little Canon Powershot camera, and from there, a hobby transformed into a lifestyle. I had a few friends who were in the photography business. Hence, I talked with them and learned all I could about it and before I knew it, I was taking my camera to family members weddings, doing photoshoots of my friends and spending all of my time on YouTube trying to learn the photography basics. When people ask how I learned photography, I always tell them I went to “YouTube University” and got lots of practice in between lol. In 2016 I went “professional” with my business, and ever since then, taking photos has been my whole entire life!
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?
Being a self-taught photographer, I can definitely say I’ve had some struggles along the way. I had to really put myself in uncomfortable positions to be able to get the experience I needed. I can look back on my old shoots, and it’s pretty laughable because the work isn’t all that, but I applaud myself for being dedicated and never giving up. I wasn’t always confident in my talent because there were so many people who were so amazing and seasoned in the industry, and I felt like I was going to be just another person with a camera who tried to be a photographer and failed. Comparison is the thief of joy, and I can admit that I fell victim a few times. Over the years, I’ve learned that we all have our own vision and way of doing things, and the best thing I ever did was find the confidence I needed in myself and my work.
Tell us more about the business.
My business is called Art by Court Winter, and I am a photographer. I specialize in lifestyle, fashion and portrait photography as well as wedding and family photography. My business name originated from my original art business. I used to paint with acrylics and sell my canvas art for a living, but when I switched over to photography, I kept the name because my photography work is still a type of art! I correlate my canvas art with my photography because my love for colors and nature really shows through in both. I am definitely known for crisp, vibrant, colorful photos. I am the type of photographer that finds the extraordinary in ordinary things. My clients can vouch for me when I say I will literally shoot anywhere and find the beauty in that location. I like to think outside the box and use the beauty of nature all around me to create moments through my lens.
I am most proud of my growth as a company. I have found myself elevating and getting involved in so many different avenues within the photography industry. I like that I’m not just a “one” thing, but I am many. You can find me shooting fashion one day, shooting a birth the next or taking photos for documentaries and live performances. I feel that my versatility sets me apart from others. Being able to thrive in the many different avenues I am in has been great for business and even better for me because of the more experienced, the better!
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t call it luck. I call in being blessed and highly favored. All of my successes have been orchestrated by my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I have been positioned in situations that truly allowed me to grow in my business, but I know all of those things would not have been possible without the divine power of the Lord. He has taken me places and introduced me to things far bigger than I could have ever imagined. Ephesians 3:20 says it best” Now to him who can do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.artbycourtwinter.com
- Phone: (704)271-4784
- Email: artbycourtwinter@yahoo.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/artbycourtwinter
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/artbycourtwinter
- Twitter: @artbycourtwintr
Image Credit:
Nike Spread: Teen Cruze Magazine
Lavish Beauty Spread: Elegant Magazine
Rise Magazine Cover
Dancing Under the Sun Rays: Feroce Magazine
Wedding Photo: Morgan Crutchfield Photography
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