Meet Courtney Hale of Imagery by Courtney Hale in Mansfield

Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Hale.

Courtney, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
One year ago, I was fired by a guy in cargo shorts, from a job I was great at, at a company I helped build because I stood up for myself. Today, I woke up, drank a cup of coffee (or three), took my little girls to preschool, and planned the next three photoshoots for my own stock photography company.

Let me back up a little. I started working as a producer for a stock photographer in 2009. For those who don’t know what stock photography is, I always describe it as the photo that comes inside the picture frame when you buy it. These days it’s mostly advertising images that are used online, but they show up in print in some cool places too. My job was weird and creative, and I was great at it. I spent my time analyzing stock photos to determine what would sell, scouting locations, networking with and hiring models, buying props and wardrobe, directing shoots, editing and keywording photos, and anything else required to build a huge portfolio of images.

My husband and I got married in 2012 and around that time I started working full time for a DFW based photographer, doing all the same things. Over the years, I started shooting a large percentage of his images in addition to the production work. We created an awesome portfolio of images and worked with hundreds of local models. In early 2018 I began to outgrow my role in his company. I put a lot of my heart and soul into the work I did there and wasn’t seeing a return on my investment. In April of 2018, after seven years of dedication and hard work, zero bad reviews or complaints, and a proven track record of success he decided to let me go. Weird, right? But… God’s plans are bigger than mine.

So, with a very supportive husband, a four-year-old, and a one-year-old at home, I decided it was time to work for me. I could say I began shooting stock images then, but in reality, I just never missed a beat. I cried for about an hour, and then I picked myself up and continued doing what I had always done. I applied to be a contributor at iStock and began uploading images to my own portfolio in September of 2018. Less than a year later, I am still overwhelmed by the support I’ve gotten. So many of the friends and models I’ve worked with over the past ten years have been in my corner, modeled for my shoots, pushed me to not give up, and encouraged me, and for them, I’ll forever be grateful. The talent in DFW is limitless, and I’ve been able to network with so many female entrepreneurs and boss babes. Having creative freedom and control over what I shoot is so awesome. I’m doing my best to bring a strong female perspective to the advertising world, and to focus on inclusion and representation.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Starting a business when you have a toddler and preschooler at home definitely comes with challenges. My husband works long hours also, so we’re constantly trying to coordinate our schedules so one of us is always home with our little girls. They have an amazing preschool, and I have an amazing sister who babysits for us, so we are blessed to have some help when our schedules don’t line up. Childcare is, was, and will probably always be the biggest challenge working parents face.

One of my personal challenges is taking on too much. It’s hard for me to feel like I’m backing down from a challenge, but I’m learning that it’s ok to say no and to take a break sometimes. The work will never be finished, so I’m learning to pace myself. Having too much to do is a great problem to have though.

Imagery by Courtney Hale – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I’m a stock photographer with iStockPhoto/Getty Images. I create advertising images that can be licensed through my portfolio on iStock. I shoot mainly lifestyle images, with a unique focus on women and inclusiveness. I shoot a lot of education, healthcare, and business photos, and specialize in capturing authentic moments. I love collaborating with local entrepreneurs and businesses! I’m always looking for great locations, so small business owners are my best friends. I’m able to create some high-quality marketing images for them, that I’m also able to use in my stock portfolio.

I’ve been told my work is warm, friendly, and inviting. When someone looks at my images I hope they feel like they’re part of a real moment. We laugh a lot at my photoshoots, and everyone feels like family.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
The example I hope to set for my daughters is one of kindness, courage, and hard work. I don’t want them to ever believe it when they’re told they can’t accomplish something. I want every model who walks on to one of my sets to leave happy, feeling beautiful and uplifting. I want every person who has never seen themselves in advertising to be represented in my portfolio. And I want those photos to reach every corner of the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.imagerybycourtneyhale.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/imagerybycourtneyhale
• Other: istockphoto.com/portfolio/chalephoto

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