Life & Work with Courtney Malott

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

Hi Courtney, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
Photography has been in my life ever since I was a little girl, my father owned his own studio for a while, and I loved hanging out there and learning new things. When I graduated high school, my dad got me my very first camera, and I loved taking photos and learning how to shoot with manual settings. I never thought my photography could be a career, it was something I had always done as a hobby, or for family. Straight after school, I started working as a hairstylist and did that for about five years. 

A couple of years ago I decided to make a Facebook page for my photography and to share my work, I started booking more sessions to build my portfolio and a year later I was able to start working part-time doing hair and photography. I fell in love with taking photos and capturing love. I wanted to do it every day. 

Fast forward to this year, I found a name for my business, and I am finally a full-time wedding photographer, I’m so excited to get to take photos every day, travel all over Michigan, and work with amazing people. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Definitely not, building a portfolio and clientele is hard. Especially just starting out, you may not make a ton of money, but I felt it was important to build a proper portfolio for people to be able to look through. I found that attending styled shoots and getting to work with other photographers is super helpful. Also, a great way to meet other creators that are in your area. Learning my camera was also something that was challenging, I read tons of books, watched hundreds of YouTube videos, and that was super helpful. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a West Michigan photographer specializing in weddings, maternity, and boudoir. It’s always my goal to make sure my clients are comfortable and never feel like they don’t know what they’re doing. I believe my ability to adjust to any environment and patience with new clients, all while taking meaningful photos is something that sets me apart from other photographers. The last year my business has grown so much and I’m so proud of how much I’ve booked for this upcoming year and all the amazing people and places I’ll see. 

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I definitely couldn’t have done this alone; I’ve had an amazing support system throughout the last two years. First, I’d have to say my husband, he has done nothing but support my career change and encourages me to keep going. He’s even helped me as a second shooter and loves seeing all the photos I take. I believe my dad is also one of the people who have helped me be successful, without him I wouldn’t have had photography in my life. And my mentor, Victoria, is also a Michigan photographer. She was such a huge help, especially when it came to meeting with new clients, I tend to be a little shy but seeing how open and informative she was to her clients, and seeing how happy they were throughout the entire session was something I wanted to bring to my own business. 

Pricing:

• 8-hour wedding – $1500
• 6 hour wedding – $900
• 4-hour wedding – $600
• Boudoir – $150
• Maternity – $150

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.whiterosephotos.net/
• Instagram: @Whiterosephotography1997
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whiterosephotos3