Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Tully
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?
I never really set out to become a sports photographer. I have always loved the camera- dating back to 2011 when I got my first one from my husband for my wedding gift. In the beginning, I was just a parent on the sidelines, camera in hand, capturing my son’s baseball and football games. Like any proud parent, I wanted to freeze those moments in time. But what started as a simple snapshot quickly became an obsession. I found myself studying certain angles of the games, anticipating the action and chasing to get those perfect shots. I loved the challenge of capturing the raw energy of the games. As my passion grew, so did my hunger to improve. That is where I met the world of off camera flash sports photography. I immersed myself in learning not only from videos on YouTube, but I sought out mentors who are experienced sports photographers; Brad Deel and Dani Mack. Their guidance was invaluable and still is. I wouldn’t be where I am today in my learning process without their guidance and patience to share their knowledge. Workshops became a turning point for me. I attended my first one in Ohio in 2024 that were hosted and taught by my mentors, soaking in knowledge about off camera flash photography. I remember the first time I saw dramatic sports portraits, where an athlete was lit with precision, every expression fierce and showing me what they love. The transition of learning off camera flash was not easy- had some misfires, harsh shadows, dull lighting with some frustration. I kept pushing and asking my mentors question after question. I practiced with local athletes, fine-tuned my setups and studied the light action with my camera. Each session has taught me something new. This type of photography for me is evolving every day into something I never imagined. It is a constant learning curve and has its flaws from time to time. But it’s also been about growth, persistence and the willingness to learn and know it won’t always be perfect. I love working one-on-one with the athletes, capturing their dedication and spirit that makes them feel like the stars they are.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My first few attempts were rough and had some frustrating parts to it. The struggles to get the right light set up with my camera, placement of the lights and creating certain angles to change it up. I have learned that no matter how experienced the photographer is, there is always room to learn and fine tune. Just like everything else- it takes a lot of practice and patience.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have been a stay-at-home mom for almost 12 years, so this was a hobby turned business. Sports photography has allowed me to use my creative juices I knew I always have had to create these images and memories for athletes and their parents. I am proud of how far I have come in these short 2 years as a dynamic sports photographer. I take pride in capturing not just the action, but the dedication, strength and emotions that define each athlete’s journey. I love making the sessions fun and having them partake in the session such as choosing poses they love or including certain props/hardware they have to showcase their hard work. Sports photography is a tough world to be in as it becomes more and more popular every day. I like to try and find other creative ways to not only add to my sessions but up my editing skills as well. Sometimes we add in fog or other affects but for me- the simplest shots are my favorite shots because I can focus on the athlete’s true expression, they have for something they love doing every day.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My biggest advice is shoot as much as possible. Even if it’s just for practice. Always be open to learning and dont worry about having the best and most gear right away. You can capture some pretty incredible shots with just one to two lights. Mastering the skill will take you further than expensive gear. Also try and find mentors. They can be local or not. My two mentors, Brad Deel and Dani Mack, are based out of Virginia and Long Island, NY. Lean on them. Ask them a million questions. Their guidance has helped me improve at a faster rate than I would on my own. I also highly recommend attending workshops. This is where you can get real hands-on learning and experience. You can also meet other photographers from all over and learn from one another. As Dani Mack says- grow your tribe. One thing I wish I knew when starting out? The actual power of off camera flash and how drastic it can change a picture. It allows you to create high quality images instead of relying on natural light. I also wish I would have started networking sooner. It’s a competitive market, so relationship building is a must.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.madecreativephotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madecreative2024?igsh=MTNnYWNvNXpxOXU5NA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Made-Creative-Photography/61571513619145/?mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=rCdEETSSoRFk0dzG&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1ExdNznu3j%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr
Image Credits
Myself- Made Creative Photography
