Meet Courtney Williams | Photographer & Videographer

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

Hi Courtney, how does your business help the community?
I’m a strong believer that the connections we make in life are a huge part of what makes us who we are, from the experiences we have with friends and acquaintances to the daily paths we cross in the grocery store or coffee shop. Through Cocobean Productions, as a wedding, portrait, and travel photographer, I have the privilege of capturing and preserving meaningful moments in people’s lives. With my photography, I celebrate love, unity, and diversity, contributing to positive social impact in various ways. With wedding photography, I document the beginning of lifelong journeys, spreading joy and positivity as couples embark on their new chapter together. Portrait photography allows me to highlight the uniqueness and beauty of each individual, promoting inclusivity and self-expression within the community. My travel photography allows me to explore different cultures and perspectives, promoting cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. By sharing these experiences, I hope I can inspire others to explore the world and cultivate a deeper connection to diverse cultures. Overall, I aim to use storytelling as a powerful tool for social awareness, celebration, and transformation.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
In my world, photography and videography are more than just professions—they’re my way of celebrating life and leaving a lasting impact. Growing up, my world was filled with curiosity and a sense of wonder. I found my passion for travel early on and was drawn to the idea of exploring new places and experiencing different cultures. But what truly captured my heart wasn’t just the destinations—it was the people and the moments that made each journey unique.

The first time I picked up a camera was when I finally felt like I was able to put the images in my head into the world. This experience was life changing and helped me feel like I was truly living in the moment. I then realized how important freezing moments in time and preserving memories that would otherwise fade away could be. Whether it was documenting school projects or family vacations, I found joy in turning life’s adventures into captivating visual narratives. I’ve always been able to easily connect with people and as I dove deeper into the world of photography and videography, the ability to create genuine connections became the main reason I decided to pursue this as an art form. I realized that my art wasn’t just about capturing images; it was about capturing emotions and stories that resonate deeply with others.

My passion soon evolved into a business. The authenticity and creativity in my work is what sets it apart—it’s real, it’s captivating, and it’s genuine. Although running a business is never easy and each day presents its challenges, it’s the meaningful moments that make it all worthwhile—the smile of a child who finds joy amidst grief, or the bliss of a bride who discovers love against all odds. These are the moments that remind me why I do what I do.

One of my proudest achievements has been my work in Africa, where I had the privilege of not only highlighting the untold stories of local Kenyan communities and illustrating the vibrant personalities of those seldom seen or heard, but also being able to incorporate philanthropy work. A moment that has stuck with me is visiting the Shoe4Africa Children’s Hospital, where I was able to document the last images families would receive of their terminally ill children. It brings me joy to broaden the exposure of smaller communities, enabling them to access the essential resources they deserve. Every smile captured, every story told, reinforces my belief in the power of storytelling to create positive change.

My story isn’t unheard of, but it is a little different than the norm. Cocobean Productions is about telling the stories of the unheard, unseen, and under appreciated people and communities of the world. From photography inspired by Gordon Parks to documentaries highlighting the impact of representation for those who feel voiceless and invisible.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were to visit, we’d kick off the week with brunch at Dulce Vegan cafe and then head to SOOFA Ranch for an afternoon of horseback riding. As a soccer enthusiast, we’d definitely catch an Atlanta United game. We’d also picnic at Piedmont Park and wander through Ponce City Market. Later in the week, we’d hike at Kennesaw or Stone Mountain, volunteer with Meals on Wheels, and enjoy dinner at Plant-based Pizzeria or Vegreen. Before they leave, we’d visit Ponce City Market and check out the art at the High Museum.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Throughout my journey, there are many people who deserve a piece of the credit, and that have encouraged me to follow my dreams to build a business focused on helping others. A couple huge support systems for me over the past year have been Eley Photo and SOOFA Ranch, they have both given me opportunities to help and connect with the community and have been a huge help in teaching me ways to build more opportunities for the future.

Website: https://www.cocobeanproductions.net

Instagram: @cocobeanproductions

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-williams-38779a89/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@The1Cocobean

Image Credits
Courtney Williams