Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Dailey.
Hi Courtney, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I have always had a love for photography. I was told in high school that I should not go into an artistic field because there was no money to be made, so I pursued a degree in communications. While I was in college, I started doing makeup at several counters and for magazines. I found it unfortunate that I couldn’t get the quality of images I was seeking for my Portfolio, so I grabbed my old Canon AE-1 and started building the book of my dreams. Only a few years after shooting full-time, I found that I needed to move to a larger market. I cannot do another year in snow, so CA was an obvious choice.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I moved to Los Angeles the day the last writer’s strike started. The industry came to a halt, so I found myself really hustling to pay for my new life. I secured a studio within the first few days of arriving, in South LA, and often did 8 to 10 headshot shoots in a day, to make ends meet. It was exhausting, but it also taught me a ton about the industry! Many of my friends kept saying to me “Wait until you work in Los Angeles when it’s not a weird time”. It was several years of hustling due to the recession back then, but when things became normal, it was absolutely amazing. It was so worth the journey.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a commercial beauty and product photographer. I work with clients who are launching new cosmetic and skin care lines. Sometimes the client knows exactly what they want, while other times they are completely open to my suggestions based on keywords and how the product should be perceived. It’s often really great because my work is seen widely, often product photography doesn’t come with big accolades. I recently shared my website with friends, and many were in shock that they had seen my work many times before, not knowing it was mine. I really enjoy the process of helping companies find their visual voice. I am grateful for my communications degree, as it allows me to understand my client’s goals and targets.
Product photography can be very challenging. It’s often like a big puzzle where solutions need to be found on the fly. I love the big puzzle. (For my client list, peek at my websites ‘about Courtney’.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Take risks. If people tell you that what you would like to pursue is impossible, prove them wrong.
Contact Info:
- Website: CourtneyDailey.com
- Instagram: @CourtneyDaileyPhotography
