As a wedding photographer, I feel such an importance to get to know my couples. We spend so much time together and I love having a bond with each of my couples. However, I was thinking that my couples actually don’t know a ton about me! Relationships are not one sided, so when the opportunity to share some info about myself and my business came up, I thought it was about time to talk. I don’t enjoy talking about myself, so this was a bit of a challenge for me. It actually took me a couple weeks to think about it and get back to Helen. Ha! I am glad I did though! I have loved working with Borrowed and Blue for the last two years and always enjoy getting their weekly newsletter. No more procrastinating guys, here we go!

“One of the most important people you’ll hire to help pull off your wedding is your photographer—and golly, are locals spoiled by the amazing selection of Seattle wedding photographers! Your photographer’s work on your wedding day isn’t just to take the pictures that you and your partner will have for the rest of your lives: wedding photographers are amazing resources because they understand the timing of your day, plus they help to keep you cool, calm, and collected in the face of one of the biggest days of your life! A great wedding photographer, like our friend Courtney Bowlden, is going to feel more like a friend than a vendor. I was so glad that Courtney was excited to touch base with me about her photography business, and I learned a little bit about Seattle in general in the process!”
Helen, Borrowed & Blue’s Seattle Market Specialist

 

1. Courtney! Tell us a bit about how you became a wedding photographer.

I got my first DSLR camera in 2008 when my son was a little baby. I really just wanted to take better pictures of my kids and my point and shoot camera was too slow for me. I had some friends who were professional photographers and they asked if I wanted to learn how to shoot on manual (like a pro). From there I just shot everything and everyone I could. I got my business license in 2010 and have gone full time in 2012. The funny thing is my kids HATE getting their picture taken. It’s a good thing I got into weddings! I think after photographing enough things, I just knew I loved weddings and knew I wanted that to be my focus.

2. If you weren’t a photographer, what would you want to be?

A professional traveller for sure. I love exploring new places and seeing how other people live! I am always inspired by the world around me. I have a hard time sitting still, so I love to constantly be going.

3. Describe your photographic aesthetic in five words.

Film inspired, fine art, candid, honest and fun

 

4. What’s the first thing you like to ask couples when you meet with them?

I love getting to know my clients, but I love learning how they met or how they got engaged first. Engagement stories are so exciting to me!

5. Do you have a favorite moment in a wedding day to photograph?

I love sunset portraits.  Golden hour is my absolute FAVORITE time of day! I also love toasts. This is when I feel like their true colors come out and I get to learn about my couples better from their friends and families perspectives. I also love first looks. They are so sweet and special!

 

6. How about a favorite aspect of your job in general?

I love being able to tell a story and capture moments. I think one of the reasons I love weddings best is because I am just there to tell their story of how the day unfolds. Besides the portraits, I really don’t do much posing or directing, which I love. That and going to new, beautiful places. This year I had a wedding north of London in Durham at a castle. I couldn’t believe I was there for “work.” I love all the different types of people I get to meet, too. I love people and love making new friendships.

7. What are some of your favorite areas to photograph in Seattle?

Downtown Seattle is always fun, but my favorite place to photograph couples is at Discovery Park. It has so many great backdrops and in just one spot. I love that this park has cool old buildings, fields, trees and then a gorgeous beach with Mt Rainier in the background. If you haven’t been, it should be top on your list of places to go!

 

8. Give our readers one suggestion for something they should do after they should get engaged.

Don’t wait to start planning and booking your vendors. I think it’s important to hurry and book everyone you can before it gets too late. I am also not one to procrastinate, so I like things done and booked so I can sit back and relax and think of the smaller details that I would need. It makes me sad when I hear that my brides didn’t get the vendor they wanted because they waited too long and they were already booked.

9. Describe your dream day in Seattle.

Shopping is always fun, even if I am not buying anything. Lots of great places to shop and eat at. As much as I love little boutique shopping, I love Nordstrom. I am a HUGE Nordstrom girl My dad raised me going there, so I think that’s probably where I get it from.

10. What makes a Seattle wedding different from a wedding in another part of the country?

I have travelled and lived many different places, and I truly believe we live in the most beautiful part of the world. Seattle has so many great places for photos, all you have to do is walk a block and you’ll find some cool new backdrop like a wall, water, beach, evergreen forest and so much more. I love the Seattle skyline and the hills and mountains. I just can’t pick a favorite. Seattle is amazing!

Thanks for the questions, Helen!

Much love,
Courtney