Meet Brittney McCourtney | Photographer- families, mirco weddings & brands

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brittney McCourtney and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brittney, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Taking a risk is one of the most beneficial things you can ever do for yourself and your business. When I first decided to start a photography business the only way I was going to get bookings is by putting myself out there. I would message people left and right about doing shoots and every time I got a no I would tell myself I just need one person to trust me enough to let me photograph them. While doing that I was photographing anything and anyone I could get my eye until it finally happened. I finally booked a maternity shoot and it kinda of took off from there! I booked a couple weddings and families and now I’m shooting for a few brands and setting up style shoots. If I didn’t take the risk of putting myself out there I wouldn’t have built all the amazing relationships I currently have, and I would still be sitting at my computer wondering what it would be like to be a Photographer.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
What sets me apart from other photographers is the connection and letting my clients be their unapologetic self. I want whoever is in front of my lens to be the goofy, silly, loving individual they are. I’m not going to pose them in certain ways so I’m able to get content for myself. I’m here for them and to tell their story. Im most proud of the confidence that I have gained and the friendships I’ve made. Don’t get me wrong, I still get down on myself and compare my work to others. But I’ve come so far compared to when I started. How I got to where I am today is by investing in myself. I highly suggest investing in yourself first. You are here to serve your clients, and if you are taking the time to sit down and build yourself through masterminds, relationships, and style shoots, then it will inevitably show in your work.

It definitely wasn’t easy. It took me two and half years to finally commit to investing in me. In 2020 I did a CreativRise Mastermind course which was the best decision I could’ve made. It helped me build confidence and relationships. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned was don’t work for your business, let your business work for you. Ive been in a very slow season in my business and when covid hit I had to learn ways to set myself up and think of other ways to still do my creative outlet and not let the slow season stress me out. I want the world to know that I’ll make you comfortable in front of the camera. I want my clients to receive their gallery and remember how that day was. It shouldn’t be stressful or overly complicated. Everyday is a gift and I want you to experience that!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The first stop I would go is to the Taco Stand to get tacos and Churros and go to Sunset cliffs (I know super romantic), then I would start the road trip but before we leave I would show them my favorite bakery for the most amazing Chocolate chip cookies Black Market Bakery. We would pack up the truck with all the beer from Fall that we want, and of course we would pack up and head out to the desert! I like to get far away from the city so some off-roading is just what they would need. We would bring the side by sides and ride through Octillio Wells. After getting away we would come back to the city and headed to sushi for pick up and head to a camping spot on Silver Strand.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I owe my growth and development in my business to every person that has booked me. My family for telling to be patient and have faith. My boyfriend for being my email proof reader and my biggest hype man! To all of the photographers that have answered all my DMs about gear, emailing, and customer experience I wouldn’t have gotten so far with out their help.

Website: www.bmccourtney.com

Instagram: @bmccourtneyphotography

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brittney.mccourtney.18

Image Credits
Bmccourtney Photography