Today we’d like to introduce you to Kourtney Hamilton.
I have honestly always been interested in photography, I had a (very) short modeling stent in college. From there I started to get really interested in the editing side of photography. Taking my own photos, just so I could test out my editing skills. I graduated from UNT with a degree in Development & Family Studies, then Went on to get my master’s in social work from USC in 2017. while living in Los Angeles. I loved Social Work and the different areas I worked in. I interned and worked at Davita Dialysis as a medical Social Worker in Atlanta. Worked as a medical social worker at a hospital in Tucson, AZ, and most recently a Clinical Social Worker at a hospital on the tribal land of the Tohono O’odham nation. This was my favorite and most rewarding position. Working with indigenous folks from the tribe, providing psychosocial support while also providing individual therapy to patients. In 2019 while living in Tucson, I found out I was pregnant with my baby Harper. I asked for a camera as a means to document my pregnancy and to ensure I had plenty of pictures of my growing family. Living in California and Arizona with my husband, our love for the outdoors really expanded. While still pregnant, I would take pictures of the mountains and other sights during our hikes, as well as the AZ sunsets. Early 2020, the pandemic hit. It was that period of time when we thought COVID was not a big deal, they were just advising everyone to “wash your hands and avoid touching your face.” It quickly became more serious. I was still working at the hospital on the Native American Reservation, and the native populations were hit pretty hard with the virus. So, my being pregnant, I was terrified to go to work and risk myself and baby knowing we had numerous positive cases, and my job was very front facing with patients. I ended up leaving and working from home, then eventually leaving the position following the birth of my baby. The more I picked up the camera to photograph him, the more I got into it. I eventually decided I wanted to start a photography business, and started to dive into learning all that I could. Photography classes, mentorship, and YouTube University all helped tremendously. After booking my first client, I remember thinking “People really want to pay me to do this!”
In AZ I started out with Family Photography and love the energy and fun that comes with those sessions. We permanently moved back to Texas earlier this year 2022. I then moved on to engagements and proposals. After having the privilege of capturing some of our best friend’s proposal. Proposals are my jam! I Love the adrenaline, the genuine emotion, and love that is displayed in the moment, and shows through in the images. I still get so nervous and excited when asked to shoot a proposal. I went into photography knowing that I would NEVER shoot a wedding, knowing the stress and strain I had on my wedding day. However, I agreed to work as an assistant for one of my peers who is a wedding photographer. After that wedding, and working one of my own. I feel IN LOVE! I Love the love that is displayed on a wedding day. I realize it’s a lot easier to be on the other side of things on a wedding day, and I work really well under pressure so It’s a good time for me. Making my couples feel at ease and helping to put them at ease is what I enjoy.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has honestly been a very smooth road. Thankfully there have been no real struggles. The only obstacle that I have encountered is being in my own way. Even though I have a background in providing therapy, I struggle with my own anxiety. Imposter syndrome often sets in, and I have to remind myself that I am where I should be. Owning your own business where you are the sole member can be stressful and in a world where other photographers are not always open and welcoming it was difficult to get second shooter positions and get into wedding photography. It’s the same notion of being straight of college and entry-level positions are asking for 5 years’ experience lol. How am I supposed to have experience shooting weddings if other veteran photographers are hesitant to work with you? At the same time, it’s super understandable, as they are responsible for the memories of someone’s happily ever after.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Lifestyle Wedding and Engagement Photographer. I do still book family sessions and events; however, my focus is weddings and couples. My style of photography is bright and moody. I love bold colors with high contrast. I like to think I specialize in engagements and proposals. I just really loveeee proposals lol. I can get all the best angles while also having the freedom to get creative shots that I can’t at a wedding. But I also loveeee weddings. Seeing the months of hard work and planning that a couple has put into the day and seeing their vision come to fruition is so exciting. Here in Texas, weddings are more traditional and usually have a rustic feel. Many photographers in the area are “light and airy”, which is not really my style. I am sought out for my darker more vibrant tones. Give me all the colorful weddings and I’ll be more than happy. I love sitting in a client consultation and hearing the words “bold,” vibrant”, or Colorful.” With weddings and sessions in general, I am most proud of the feedback that I receive. Knowing that most people are self-conscious about one or many things, I am grateful to always receive feedback that clients felt comfortable and more importantly confident. Receiving a Christmas card with my images or a text of my images blown up on someone’s wall is wildddd to me lol. I’m also pretty proud of that. I proud of my journey and how far I have come in my knowledge of my camera. I still have so much more to learn, and I’m also grateful to have that mindset of continued knowledge-seeking.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
Support by booking me lol. Share my work, tell loved ones who are in need of a wedding, engagement, etc. photographer to view my work. Just reach out via email! khamiltonphotog@gmail.
With small business in general. It costs nothing to leave a positive review. Review good businesses, and if you a positive experience let them know. We really appreciate that!
Pricing:
- Proposals starting at: $300
- Engagements starting at $300
- Weddings depending on coverage needed. Average cost: $2000
- Family starting at $300
- Grad sessions starting at $350
Contact Info:
- Website: khamiltonphotos.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/kourtneykham
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KHamiltonphotos
Image Credits
KHamiltonphotography
