Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Cope.
Hi Courtney, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I got started with photography when I was in middle school. One of my best friends and I were obsessed with America’s Next Top Model because they were always doing amazing photoshoots. One day she came over with her mom’s fancy DSLR camera and said, “My mom let me borrow her camera for a photoshoot but you’re not allowed to hold it.” In my one moment of middle school rebellion, I convinced her to let me hold the camera (and take some pictures of her) and the moment that she put the camera was in my hands, a lightbulb went off in my head. My brain was like, “This feels right!” Ever since, I’ve been obsessed with photography, music videos, and digital media.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The beginning of my photography journey was full of recreating (read: attempting) to recreate cool photos that I saw in ads, on tv, or in magazines. It’s been almost ten years since then and I look back on those pictures with fondness but of course, they make me cringe too. The road isn’t always easy though – I’m a chronic over-worker and it takes a toll on me physically, mentally, and emotionally. Currently, I’m figuring out what healthy boundaries look like for me so I can deliver the best client experience possible while still challenging myself.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in high school senior portraits and creative/editorial work. I’m known for my colorful, vibrant backdrops and true to life editing style, I’m also known to lay on the ground to get “the shot”. Personally, I’m most proud of getting my clients to relax and forget that the camera is there and for truly listening when they share what their hopes and dreams are for our shoot. I think what sets my photography style apart from others is how I’m always pushing myself to try new creative things- whether that’s a location, a crazy angle, fun props, or a color combination that I would normally shy away from.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Here are some things that make me happy: hugging my mom, reading books, swimming, sourdough bread, library study dates with my friends, old One Direction songs, polaroid pictures, Haikyuu, monochrome outfits, the BTS hype playlist on Spotify, journaling, driving on Southwest Parkway at night, when my little brother holds my hand and won’t let go (he tries to annoy me but I won’t be the first to let go), talking about astrology, traveling, stickers from Redbubble, going to the gym, foggy beaches, the 1975 self-titled album, and of course, taking pictures.
Why? I don’t have an answer to ‘why’ and I think that’s the whole point! Some things just /are/ happy.
Contact Info:
- Email: ccopemedia@gmail.com
- Website: www.courtneycopemedia.com
- Instagram: @covrt.ney
Image Credits
Merissa De Falcis Photography
