Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Duran Carter.
Hi Courtney, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The short story is that I’ve always been a horse girl that loved photography. After working primarily doing family photography for a while, my first horse was in a tragic accident and passed away. I hadn’t had the chance to take any photos with him outside of a few selfies on my phone, and I regretted not having taken the time to have photos of such an important moment in my life. From that point on my photography approach completely changed, and I shifted to combining my business with my lifelong love of horses. Since then, I’ve capturing pictures of families, horses, and all of that good stuff that people want to make sure they remember forever.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I wish! But honestly, I learned a lot because it wasn’t completely smooth, and I’m a better photographer for it. I really struggled with finding my style and trying desperately to be “different” while comparing my work as a new photographer to other photographers who had been in the industry for much longer. Comparison is the thief of joy, and man, is it true!
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?
In terms of family photography, I am definitely known for being great with smaller kids. As a mom to a three-year-old myself, I can tell you that it can be overwhelming trying to get the perfect photo of a moody toddler. Most of my clients are flabbergasted at what I am able to capture. My approach is to try anything, everything and not be afraid to get them moving. For me, it is all about capturing how the family really is rather than making everyone feel stiff and uncomfortable.
Equestrian photography is a bit different, but what has always set me apart is being trained in multiple riding disciplines. I ride Western now, but I’ve done endurance, dressage, and hunter/jumpers. It may sound like a small detail, but when it comes to a polished equestrian portrait the end result needs to be technically correct. On a personal note, I also know how big of a deal it is to get photos done of your horse.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Well, obviously my husband! Bless him; he really has just been my biggest cheerleader and holds down the fort with a dinosaur-crazed toddler when I have to travel to shoots. But also so many friends who let me practice on their families when I was first starting out. Getting dressed up, wrangling your kids, and showing up to a field an hour before dinner is a lot to ask, especially when you aren’t sure what the end result is going to be!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.darkhorsephotog.com
- Instagram: darkhorsephotog
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/darkhorsephotogDFW
- Other: TikTok @darkhorsephotog
