Today we’d like to introduce you to Cortney Lang.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My love for photography began as a young girl, my great grandma loved documenting life in her own way which guided me down the same path. She would get me small disposable cameras to play and get creative with.
After I had my oldest son (nine years ago) I got my first DSLR. At that time I was using it mostly to document him, I was working in pediatrics as a nurse and just used my camera for fun! A few years later we had our daughter in 2014 and we decided to create an LLC and take my love for photography to the next level. We upgraded my camera, I quit my nursing job and I enrolled in classes to further my education in photography. I started out with practicing with friends and family and my business began to blossom. I spent the next few years documenting families, newborn lifestyle sessions, and babies.
In 2016 we welcomed our third baby into the world and that inspired me to further educate myself in posed newborn photography. I took safety classes, posing courses and a lighting class! I decided at that time that birth through the first year would be my specialty!
In 2017 we welcomed our fourth little one and worked hard on creating a new business plan and an unforgettable client experience. Since then I have loved on countless babies and documented memories for families that will last a lifetime! It truly is an incredible job and I am thankful for the clients that are now like family and for all the love and support I have received. I am always finding ways to grow and better myself to continue to create lasting memories!
One of my favorite quotes is “A photograph is a return ticket to a moment otherwise gone” – Unknown
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It definitely hasn’t been smooth the whole time. I think some personal struggles for me was learning to value myself as an artist. The effort, care, and detail I pour into each image and the time I spend with each family – I think it took me some time to realize my value in that area.
I would say that starting a business is never easy, growing and investing in myself as an artist has been an adjustment. Growing pains of what it takes to run a successful business was also something I think all business owners struggle with. Spending money to make money, and realizing it wasn’t just snapping pretty photos and delivering them. It is a huge task running the back end of the business with what it needs to stay successful and run the right way. Realizing what all I needed was definitely defeating at times, insurance, gear, software, etc. It gets expensive, but learning how to manage everything with classes and mentoring has been a huge help!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Cortney Lang Photography story. Tell us more about the business.
I specialize in birth through baby’s first year, anywhere from a fresh 48, milestones like sitting up and crawling to their first cake smash! I do a lot of family photography but mostly I snuggle babies all day!
My clients know me for the experience I provide, I think that really sets me apart. Providing my clients with everything they need for a pleasant and unforgettable experience, that results in beautiful imagery is what inspires me!
As for what I am most proud of, growth. I have invested so much in my education as a photographer and it has resulted in so much growth since I picked up my first DSLR. There were times when I wanted to quit and times when I felt defeated but kept going and I am so happy I did.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I wouldn’t say any of it is luck at all. From day one its been hard work and persistence that led to continuous growth. I am a firm believer that any successful business is built with hard work and knowing your craft. I have stayed in the mindset that if I want to be successful, known and respected, I will have to continue to learn, grow and work hard at it. I remember the days I prayed for what I have now and I will always set my sights on how I can work hard to grow in this ever-evolving industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cortneylangphotography.com
- Phone: 469-515-3575
- Email: hello@cortneylangphotography.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/cortneylangphotography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/cortneylangphotography
Image Credit:
Photo Credit of me holding my youngest in the sling: My amazing husband!
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