Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Latham.
Hi Courtney, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My photography journey started in 2020. I used my stimulus check to buy my first camera, a Canon Rebel T7, with the simple goal of taking photos at motocross races where my boyfriend, now fiancé, was racing. What started as something to pass the time quickly turned into a passion. I began offering free photos to other racers, and as my skills improved, I started charging and built my first photography business, CTL MX Media.
Over time, I invested in better equipment and spent many weekends at the track. I loved the community (it truly feels like a family), but balancing a full-time job, long race weekends, and hours of editing became difficult. Eventually, I decided to step back and reevaluate what I wanted long-term.
At the time, I was convinced I would never be a portrait photographer, but that quickly changed. In 2022, I photographed a friend’s family and a few seniors I knew through the motocross community, and I realized I genuinely enjoyed it.
In 2024, I made a somewhat impulsive decision to start a Senior Rep Team. I created an application, shared it on Instagram, and hoped for maybe 3-4 responses, but ended up with nine applicants. That first team was a huge learning experience. I had no idea what I was doing at times and dealt with a lot of imposter syndrome, but it pushed me to grow quickly in both skill and confidence.
Since then, the program has grown far beyond what I expected. My Class of 2026 team included 14 seniors, and I received 29 applications for my upcoming Class of 2027 team. What started as a way to learn has turned into a thriving part of my business and something I truly love.
Building relationships with my seniors and being part of such an important season in their lives has been incredibly meaningful. It’s given my work a deeper purpose beyond just taking photos.
Above all, I give all the glory to the Lord. He has guided me through every step of this journey, and I truly believe none of this would be possible without Him.
Alright, 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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like most small businesses, there have been a lot of learning curves along the way, especially as things started to grow.
My first Senior Rep Team had its challenges simply because everything was new, but the transition from my first to second team was actually one of the hardest points for me. As the team grew, I found it more difficult to maintain the same level of personal connection with each senior, which is something that’s always been very important to me.
I also had to grow as a leader. I’ve always been a bit of a people pleaser, so stepping into a role where I had to set boundaries, enforce expectations, and sometimes be the “bad guy” didn’t come naturally. That was definitely uncomfortable at first.
Over time, though, those challenges pushed me to become more intentional, not just in how I run the program, but in how I communicate, set expectations, and create structure. It’s helped me build a stronger experience for my reps while still maintaining the personal connection that matters so much to me.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a portrait photographer based in Tyler, Texas, specializing in high school seniors. My work focuses on creating personalized, experience-driven senior sessions that reflect who each senior truly is. Whether that’s through their style, interests, sports, or personality. My goal is for every session to feel natural, elevated, and completely unique to them, rather than staged or “cookie-cutter”.
I’m especially known for my Senior Rep Team program, which has grown significantly over the past few years. It’s become more than just a marketing program, but more of a community of amazing young ladies in East Texas. It gives seniors the opportunity to connect with others across different schools while building confidence and creating meaningful memories during such an important season of life.
One of the things I’m most proud of is that growth, along with the team behind it. Madelyne Eaton, who was part of my original Senior Rep Team, now works alongside me managing social media, creating content, and capturing behind-the-scenes moments. She plays a huge role in the experience we create, and her joyful energy, creativity, and dedication have been instrumental in the program’s success.
What sets me apart is my intentional focus on seniors and my commitment to staying in tune with this generation. I don’t approach sessions based on what worked years ago. I actively pay attention to what today’s seniors are drawn to, from posing to locations to overall feel. That allows me to create images that not only look beautiful, but feel current, personal, and authentic to them.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was very shy and introverted. I tended to stay in my comfort zone and was definitely more of an observer than someone who wanted to be the center of attention. While I’m still naturally quieter, building my business has really pushed me to grow in confidence and step into leadership in ways I never expected.
Interestingly, photography wasn’t something I was drawn to at all when I was younger. If you had told me as a teenager that I would one day run a photography business and lead a Senior Rep Team, I wouldn’t have believed you.
What I did love, though, was being creative. I was always drawn to things like drawing, painting, and different types of arts and crafts. Even if I wasn’t the most naturally talented, I genuinely enjoyed the process of creating. Looking back, I can see how that creativity naturally evolved into photography. Now, it’s my primary creative outlet. I love everything from exploring new locations to editing and designing, and bringing ideas to life through my work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://courtneylathamphotography.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneylathamphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/courtney.latham.photography/
