Meet Courtney Viergutz: Mom & Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Courtney Viergutz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Courtney, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
This was actually a really spontaneous decision. My husband purchased my first camera for me as a gift, because he always knew I really wanted to learn photography. Once all three of my children were enrolled in school, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to invest some time in learning about the art. Over 7 months, I took classes at a photography school, completed workshops with local photographers and spent endless hours watching videos educating myself. I started to offer playful sessions to close friends, purely to continue familiarizing myself with my camera, settings and different lighting situations. One evening I went to my husband and chatted with him about the idea to offer fall mini sessions and see where this could potentially go. He was so supportive and encouraged I try. Most of my family and friends knew I was learning about photography, but my husband was the only one I spoke to about actually offering sessions to people other than our close friends. I’m the type of person that if I’m going to do something, I have to jump right in. Otherwise, If I have too much time to sit and think about it, I may find reasons to talk myself out of it. So, that night, I created a flyer to promote these sessions, posted to my social media pages and it all evolved from there.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I think I’m most proud that I actually had the courage to put myself and my work out there to start a business. Given there are so many talented photographers in and surrounding Atlanta, it can be very intimidating, but I knew I would never know if I could succeed, if I didn’t try. Knowing we have the ability to freeze a moment that can help bring that memory back to life in some way, is pretty remarkable. I cherish moments spent with my family so very much that I wanted to provide others the ability to let me capture these similar memories for them. I know how special and irreplaceable they are, so I take pride in trying to make sessions a comfortable experience for families. I want my clients to feel they are able come to me with questions or special requests. I have found that offering a phone call to discuss with them further helps with them feeling at ease and gives them the opportunity to get know me a bit outside of email communication. I also love to send them sneak peeks shortly after their session. I hope that helps reassure clients that while sessions may sometimes feel busy and chaotic (especially those with small kids), I see things differently through my lens. Post editing can often take that already beautiful image and make it spectacular, so I want to turn what may have seemed stressful, into excitement.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We recently moved from Brookhaven to Milton and one of my favorite things to do here is to explore . There is so much for me to still see, but what I know of Milton so far I adore. Part of what I love about it is the scenery, serenity and history (along with many of the new developments) this town has. Driving even short distances and seeing all the farmlands and animals brings a sense of calmness for me that’s hard to articulate into words. If my best friends were to come visit, a simple drive around town would definitely be on the checklist of things to do. From the gas lantern lined streets in downtown Alpharetta that has amazing shops and dining, to the neighboring farms that offer options for nights out with live music and flawless sunsets, there are so many options to offer guests to choose from.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband and children are my biggest cheerleaders and I can’t thank them enough. I truly couldn’t have started this journey, or gotten where I currently am if it wasn’t for their support. I owe my little ones endless snuggles for all the hours they allowed for me to practice on them and continue to do so when I have visions I want to bring to life. Given my husbands career can often requires long hours and travel, I schedule most of my sessions while my kids are in school, some evenings and on the weekends. He has been so wonderful in managing our home on his time off to allow for me to help my clients and have this outlet for myself.

My family and friends have also played a huge role in my business being where it is today. I’ve been so blown away by the kind words they have spoken, the referrals they have given and the trust they have had in me to capture special moments in their own family’s lives. This encouragement continues to give me hope that I can grow beyond where I am today and fuels my motivation to always do my best.

Website: www.courtneyviergutzphotography.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/courtneyviergutzphotography

Facebook: www.facebook.com/courtneyviergutzphotography