Hi luvs! Time for a personal post! I’m Courtney: the the photographer behind the camera, the painter behind the easel, and the soul behind Courtney Potter Studio. I’ve worked as a professional wedding photographer, filmmaker, and artist for the last decade. Here are some facts (both fun and serious!) about me that you may not know:

1. I’m obsessed with caterpillars and butterflies. Metamorphosis is a theme that I’ve explored quite a bit as an artist, and I love it so much I got a tat on my collarbone to remind myself of the beauty of transformation. 🦋

Here’s a poem I wrote after making this caterpillar’s portrait in 2011:

“I love my ceruleans and goldenrods,

my message of now, and I will

delight your pale forearm with my

gentle bourrees.

Your poets sing of butterflies–

of rebirth and freedom–

but I am no sinner in need of baptism,

and I laugh at your language of longing.

My back is a pillar of golden footprints,

a royal hieroglyph with an edict for simple

busybodies like yourself:  Consider

my perfect body, this holy symmetry.”

2. I took up photography + art when I was struggling with an eating disorder and depression in high school.

Recovery has been an ongoing process, and while I consider my ED in remission, I haven’t stopped creating and expressing myself through art therapy. Art is my medicine- it quite seriously saved my life on several occasions. 🙏

3. I’ve had the same nose-ring since I pierced my nose on a whim when I was 20. And yes, my grandma still hates it. 👵🏼

Here’s a portrait of Grandma Ann (left) and her sisters. My grandparents moved in with my family in 2006 after Grandpa was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. I’m so grateful for all the  years I had with them at home, witnessing precious moments like this. We lost my grandpa in 2011, but Grandma is still goin’ strong at 93!

4. I love mentoring photography + art students! I’ve had more than a dozen interns since 2012, and they’re all enjoying successful careers as artists, photographers, teachers, and makers now.

Here are some of my favorite pictures with past interns and collaborators. I wouldn’t be where I am in my business today had it not been for the mentorship and encouragement of those who’d gone before me. Educating students and young professionals is close to my heart, and I’m committed to the next generation of creators and makers.

Are you a student or recent grad looking for internship or job opportunities? Apply to work with my Studio! Or let’s just grab a cup of coffee- I’d love to hear from you!

5. I grew up with 14 turtles + tortoises. I even took my senior portraits with Ani, my Russian Tortoise. The studio photographer was skeptical when I brought a reptile into his space…oops. 🐢

Meet Spike, my boyrfriend’s rad turtle. He’s the main little reptile in my life right now.

What about you? What are some fun facts you’d like me to know about you? Sound off in the comments!