Hello There! In this blog, I interviewed Seattle and Bellingham, WA based photographer extraordinaire, Courtney Bowlden. We work with Courtney quite often, we absolutely love her style and she is always a pleasure to work with. Over the years, she has become a friend rather than just an industry colleague. I love her work so much, that I hired her to shoot my wedding in 2017. Keep reading to get to know Courtney, and why one might consider working with her.

Q: How long have you been in business?

A: I have been in business since January 2009. 

Ashley’s comment: (that is over 11 years of expertise, folks)!

Q: How did you get started in photography?

A: I initially wanted to start taking better photos of my little babies (my son was less than a year and my daughter was 3). I bought my first DSLR camera in 2008 and started learning how to shoot in manual that winter. By 2009 I started following other photographers around as assistants or helping out where needed. I learned a lot and realized what I liked and what I didn’t like. 

Q: Why wedding photography?

A: During the first couple years in business, I realized I didn’t love photographing everything, but what I KNEW was that I absolutely LOVED shooting weddings. I think for me, it’s the story telling aspect of it, while still being able to create art. I have always valued photographs because they tell a visual story. 

Q: What do you love about what you do?

A: I love the people I meet. I have made some great friends throughout the years. I absolutely love helping out at weddings and being of service. 

Q: If you weren’t a wedding photographer, what else could you imagine doing?

A: If I weren’t a wedding photographer I would probably be creative in another way (maybe a travel blogger?), because I am an entrepreneur at heart. I have never loved working for big companies. That or working with animals. I love dogs and they make me so happy! I can see myself really loving that job.

Q: What is your secret sauce that makes you so awesome at what you do?

A: Getting a lot of shots within a short amount of time. 

Ashley’s comment: From personal experience, I can also add that she makes the person or couple she is working with very comfortable, by being caring and funny. Say goodbye, camera shy!

Q: What is one thing you wish all couples would ask before booking you?

A: For me, I want a  couple who really wants a photographer that is going to help them along the way, not just pretty photos. I love being involved in helping pick out clothes for their engagement session or help find shoes for their wedding. A dream couple would be someone who really cares about my advice and capturing good photos. There are so many helpful tips that help make photos better, and I want to help guide them so that their photos are the best photos possible. 

Q: What have you been doing to cope during these strange times?

A: I started shooting film and bought my first film camera, the Contax645. I have always had a dream of shooting film since the day I started shooting weddings. It’s been such a blessing and has really helped me. That and taking a lot of online courses on how to be a better photographer. 

Q: Is there a wedding venue that is on your wishlist that you haven’t shot at yet?

A: Yes! The 101 in Seattle. It’s so gorgeous inside and around the building. I love how elegant and a bit industrial it is. 

Ashley’s comment: Okay, seriously, anyone getting married at The 101, hit her up, you won’t regret it.

Q: Anything else our readers should know about you?

A: I love to travel! It’s crushing not being able to travel this year, but I am hoping in the future once everything settles down I can start going on more adventures.

Ashley’s comment: True that. I need me some Hawaii.

There you have it! Reach out to Courtney if you have any questions of your own :)

Cheers,

Ashley

Principal Wedding Planner and Co-Owner of It’s Your Day Events

It’s Your Day Events is a boutique Wedding Planning agency based in Seattle & Bellingham.