Courtney Anderson shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Courtney, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
Maybe this comes across as a little narcissistic but I would totally hire me because my heart is truly in it, and I think it really shows. I love what I do so much, its impossible not to notice when I’m talking about or performing my craft, and I think that puts my clients at ease. They understand that I photograph because I truly love it, I love my clients, I love weddings, and so they don’t have to feel awkward or stressed, they don’t have to worry if the photos will turn out. They’re confident because I’m confident.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hey, I’m Courtney, I’m a wedding photographer based in Colorado, and I specialize in documentary-style film imagery. I have a knack for making my couples feel at-ease in front of the camera, and that allows them to focus more on the present moment than on whatever the heck I’m doing. I care deeply about my clients, my craft, and human connection.
Right now I’m working on establishing my own film processing and scanning at home! I studied film photography in college so I spent a lot of time in a darkroom, and there was truly nothing like the feeling of seeing a project through from start to finish. I want to bring that element to life in my wedding work, so I’m working on getting a strong workflow set up before the busy season, that way when summer rolls around, I can be developing and scanning my own film for my clients!
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
My dad has always been one of my biggest supporters, and he certainly is the person who taught me the most about work. He instilled a strong work ethic in me, for sure, but he also taught me that work doesn’t always have to be so… serious. Before going through college and choosing a program that would lead to traditional “success” he encouraged me to pursue something that would bring me joy, stating simply that “work will always be there” and that has always stuck with me.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Dozens. Hundreds, probably. Moving my business to Colorado (from Oregon) has been one of my biggest struggles to date, and while I know a lot of the road blocks could have been avoided and are likely a result of my own negligence, it still felt exhausting and never ending. It felt like trying to run up a sand dune and slipping back and back and back. I still consider giving up all the time, but when I really zoom out and look at this career I’ve built, I could never give it up. I love my clients, I love the freedom of entrepreneurship, I love creating for a job. In the grand scheme of things, I’m very lucky.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
The wedding industry should be a space for every kind of love; discrimination should not exist in a place that is meant for love.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I believe I’m absolutely doing what I was born to do. Traditional paths never suited me well, and every time I’ve tried to change course I’m pulled back here, as if by a giant magnet, to weddings and couples and photography.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.courtneyhellen.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itscourtneyhellen/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/courtneyhellenphoto
Image Credits
Courtney Hellen Photography
