Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Boswell.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Courtney. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I remember when I was in the 9th grade, I took a photography class that instantly peaked my interest. This was way before we had DSLR cameras. The peace and calmness that consumed me when I was inside a dark room developing film was something I never experienced. I knew from that moment on, photography was something I wanted to pursue. As high school came to an end photography took a backseat. I had a strong desire to be successful and at the time, I didn’t feel that photography was a career; but instead a hobby. Like many students just finishing high school, I craved to experience life in a new way, so I relocated to New York to attend college.
Although I was not pursuing photography the elaborate billboards and visual artistry surrounding the city never let me forget about the possibilities of fulfilling my dream. Fast forward ten years, I moved back to my hometown of Beaumont, Texas still following the path of security and working in the field of my degree. It wasn’t until I did a photoshoot with a local photographer that my desire came back full force. There was something about looking into the dark lens of a camera that brought me back to the peace I felt developing film in high school. With every flash of the light, I drew closer to my calling, to be on the other side of the camera.
It took me three more years to finally pull the trigger. At that point, there was no turning back. I was fully invested and eagerly took every opportunity I had to soak up as much knowledge as possible. From lighting to posing, and composition, but most of all understanding the business side has been a huge learning curve. Being a professional photographer is so much more than a person with an expensive camera. We help capture moments that will become a memory after the push of a button.
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?
Wow. This journey has been everything but smooth. It took me at least two years before I felt the work I was producing was at a professional standard. But to be honest, I was standing in my own way. Once I learned to value myself and my work, my business started to flourish. When I first started my business, I had no idea how transformative it would be to my outlook on life. My initial struggle was rejection. I worried so much, about how I would be perceived and the idea of putting myself out there was terrifying. After stepping out on faith, I did all the work needed to perfect my craft, but I forgot to do the work on myself. It wasn’t until I took responsibility for my own happiness, self-acceptance and self-love that I started to see the change needed in order to see the continued growth in my business. It’s amazing the progress we can make when we decide to get out of our own way.
Now, after putting so much time and money into this dream, all I needed was clients. This was another major challenge for me. For some time, I struggled with getting my message across that real photographs mattered. Everyone should have an updated portrait of themselves, that can be passed down through generations. Not just a cell phone selfie. I remember when my grandmother passed, we used a cell phone picture for her obituary. From that experience alone, I knew how essential it was to show the importance of professional photography through my marketing. I started being very intentional with my social media content and networking. Creating a brand that would resonate with people was very important to me.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with TAKE Images Photography – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Take Image photographs headshots, personal branding, seniors, children, and families. But we mainly specialize in creating an experience for your everyday women. We want every woman to look and feel her most beautiful self. Being a mom of 4, I know how hard it can be to take time out to focus on self-care. So, to make it easier, we provide our clients with everything from hair styling, to makeup, in-home wardrobe consults and access to our customer wardrobe selections.
Personalizing the experience to fit each client’s needs is what sets us apart. I often hear clients say, “I’m not photo genetic” or “I have to lose weight first.” We encourage them to trust the process by guiding them on how to pose, or where to hold their hands, for example, our main objective is to take beautiful portraits that will last for generations in addition to creating an experience that will never be forgotten.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Take Image is geared up to push some inspiring campaigns. Once again, my life has inspired my craft and has had a major impact on the growth and downfalls of my business. Just last year I received the life changing news of being diagnosed with cancer. As you can imagine, it took me a while to get back on track with my photography business. In light of this experience and my daily struggles, I have had the opportunity to meet many amazing survivors. As a result, my upcoming photography campaign will be geared towards celebrating the beauty and strength of those women who live with cancer and are fearlessly fighting for their lives. As I near the end of my last chemo treatment, I am beginning to dream even deeper about the possibilities of my craft. I have so many people I would like to reach in the mist of pushing my passion. Beyond the sky is my limit, and there is work for me to do. Every image has a story behind it and It’s my desire to tell those stories.
Contact Info:
- Address: 15010 FM 2100 Crosby, TX 77532
- Website: www.takeimagesphotography.com
- Phone: 832-666-1900
- Email: courtney@takeimagesphotography.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/takeimages_portraiture
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/takeimagesphotography
Image Credit:
Courtney Boswell. TAKE Images Photography
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