Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Marsell.
Courtney, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
If you ask any of my friends or family they would say, “Courtney ALWAYS had a camera on her at all times” and it’s true in middle school, I had a camera that you would have to get the film developed which I thought was pretty dang cool. The summer before my freshman year of high school, I got my first digital camera, it was a small point and shoot canon but man did I LOVE it, I probably annoyed my friends with how many pictures I took of us… tons of mirror selfies 😉 I joined yearbook staff my freshman year where I really learned more about the art of photography. It was so cool at the end of the year to see my classmates looking at the photos I took throughout the year. But my true start of photography started when I would take pictures of my friend’s bands, that was the start of it all. The reactions they would have to the photos after they saw them made it all worth it to me, it sparked my interest in making it into my future career because they were so humbled by it, to this day some of them still post those photos I took and say it brings back so many good memories looking at the photos.
Slowly I grew more into family, couple, senior/grad and pet photography in 2016 which I love SO much! It comes back to that reaction thing again, seeing people light up or leave me a heartfelt review gives me such joy. It reminds me that I found my calling.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In every business there is a struggle, if there wasn’t everyone would start their own business. I did not go to college for photography or at all, I am self-taught and the help of other fellow photographers. I just moved to the LA area from Oregon with my boyfriend in march – just two days before the stay at home order so you can image how remarketing myself in a new area has gone, it has been so hard but it has made me grow as a person and a business owner.
Courtney Renea’s Photography – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am a couple, pets, family and senior/grad photographer based in Glendale, California but I travel to the best locations in the area.
Why should you book me?
1. I will give you more than just photos, you will get an experience – I pride myself on client service, meaning I will go above and beyond to make sure you feel comfortable during your session, that you don’t feel stiff or awkward by giving you simple direction and encouragement.
2. My process is streamlined and easy – I have a couple of guides to help you through the entire process!
3. I have a turn around time of 5 to 7 business days.
4. My style is natural, I love shooting in natural light, golden hour is my jam! I don’t have a studio but I use that to my advantage here in SoCal we have such BEAUTIFUL areas right in our backyard to choose from.
5. If the above hasn’t convinced you, I bet you this will! This is something new but I offer returning clients 20% off their next session and other fun perks that will be discussed at the time of booking as well as a special surprise!
Bonus: I am social distancing friendly! Will wear a mask during the session, able to be six feet apart – I love to be up close and personal but with the pandemic, I have been able to follow guidelines with my current lens and I accept noncash payments!
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Proudest moment: that’s a tough one because I have very proud of my business and its accomplishments but I have to stay making the move to LA it has and will continue to open up so many opportunities for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.courtneyreneasphotography.mypixieset.com
- Phone: 15039904271
- Email: creneaphotos@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/courtneyreneasphotography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/courtneyreneasphotography
Image Credit:
Courtney Reneas Photography
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