Please introduce yourself and tell us a little about life in New York City.

Hey, I’m Courtney! I am a transplant from Ohio and have been living in New York City for close to 15 years now. I am not a photographer by trade, but I actually work in the fashion industry as an Executive Assistant. Photography for me is more of a passion and hobby.

What brought you to NY and what are some of the reasons you decided to stay?

Ever since I was younger, I have always been drawn to New York City and always planned to move here one day. As I got older, I became really interested in fashion and wanted to pursue a career in the fashion industry. There is no better place to do that than in NYC. That is one of the main factors that motivated me to move here. I decided to stay here because I love the energy, diversity, art, and culture of this city. There is no place like NYC, and I just can't imagine myself living anywhere else.

New York is known for its bustling streets and famous skyline. How has the city influenced your photography style?

I have always been captivated by the city’s skyline. When I first started shooting, I noticed I gravitate more towards capturing the landscape of the city. I also did not start shooting with film till Covid so there were few subjects to shoot while I was walking around. I was sort of forced in a way to just shoot the landscape of the city. Once the quarantines started to lift and the city slowly came back to life, I started being drawn to photographing people and capturing those unique New York City moments. I’ve been slowly building up my confidence and comfort level with shooting people. It can be very tricky at times to capture someone doing something without appearing to infringe on their privacy. 

Can you share some of your favorite locations in New York for capturing unique and compelling shots?

My favorite go-to spots in the city include Coney Island, Brooklyn Bridge Park, and the running path underneath the FDR. However, simply just walking around in the city day in and out with my camera in hand really has allowed me to capture some great NYC moments. I never go anywhere without my camera!

You shoot mostly film, how did you first get interested in film photography, and what drew you to it?

I’m a very nostalgic person and have always gravitated towards anything that is vintage. I have always been fascinated with looking at old photographs from different eras and imagining everything that was happening in that moment in time. I believe that is why I have always loved photography. For me, it is about capturing a moment in time that is special to me and being able to look back at that photograph and remember all of the details of that exact moment. Shooting on film allows me to capture the current moment, while still giving it that vintage and nostalgic feel, which is essentially what I am trying to convey through my photographs.  

What do you enjoy most about shooting with film as opposed to digital photography?

I prefer shooting on film as opposed to digital for a few reasons. First, being that the look of the image captured has more of a vintage look to it. There is something about a grainy photo that just hits different. I also enjoy the delayed gratification and anticipation of receiving back your scans of a roll of film you just shot. One of the other things I love most about shooting with film is that you never know for sure how your roll of film is going to turn out. Sometimes you are pleasantly surprised with light leaks, incorrectly exposed frames that actually make the photo more unique and completely change the look and feel of the image, unintentional double exposures, etc. I think some of my most cherished photos are ones that did not turn out the way I had anticipated. There is beauty in the imperfections you can only get with film.

What are your favorite film stocks to work with, and why?

Kodak Portra 400 and Cinestill 400/800 are my go-to film stocks. I really love the warm tones with Kodak. I love using Cinestill 800 for night shoots and love that they made a 400 stock. I think the color tones with Cinestill 400 are beautiful and still give off that classic halation effect they are famous for.

Photographers often find shooting new places inspiring. What is your favorite destination for photography, and why?

Honestly, I find all destinations to be inspiring because I am now being granted the opportunity of seeing places I have been before through my lens and am viewing them from a completely different perspective.

Do you have any upcoming projects or trips that you are looking forward to?

I am planning to visit Paris again soon and will also be going to Amsterdam.