We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Cortney Armitage a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Cortney, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
The first time I had a conscious inkling that maybe photography meant more to me than I thought was when I was 14 and I developed my first roll of film. The whole process that led up to getting the film in the tank was so much fun and yet the self-doubt was intense. “There is no way I did this right, there is no way that I could succeed doing something so science-oriented AND have it come out right” the voices in my head were overwhelming. “I’ll just do it to fail, like I fail at everything.” Then, seeing the images emerge in the developer, with such clarity of my own intention, it was such a deeply satisfying moment. All the endorphins went off in my brain – I could do it. The girl who is dyslexic, the outsider, the weirdly dressed awkward arty girl who could barely keep her shoes tied, and tripped on what seemed like painted lines, did it. She made sure the exposure was right, the water temperature was right, the chemical measurements were right, the timing of light on the photo paper was right… all these steps and a few inbetween were spot on. To this day the smell of fixer still releases all the endorphins and makes me so happy.
The second time came when I left California and moved back to NYC. I was fortunate to have some friends who made it financially possible for me to pursue photography. I had a studio with lights that I could leave set up. I was covering 3-4 music shows a week and making connections with people that were leading to real opportunities. It was an insane crash course in every type of photography, which was humbling because going in, you think you have an idea of where to start, and then someone asks you for something you think would be a simple product shot, and whoops, nope, you do not know. In fact, you know nothing. (Shout out to product photographers, you have all my respect.) I was so happy learning all the lighting techniques I could in a studio, doing it over and over again so I would never forget how to do it, just creating art, and I fought for it. There was an 8 month stretch were I was sleeping on a rubber mattress in that studio because I had to get a roommate to afford to keep the situation. The Lil Nas X song, “Tales of Dominico,” hit hard – “Woke up on the floor / Oh, this plastic bed don’t blow up no more” hit HARD, and I woke up on the hardwood floor twice and it feels awful. I had so little money, but I had never worked harder in my life, and even on the two mornings where I woke up on the hard floor, I felt like I was doing it for a purpose.
The third time that I felt it, I had just started working at a hospital taking photos of newborns. It was my first day going solo on the floor, and I was informed that there was a stillborn on the floor and that the parents requested demise photos. Yes, to be clear, I was asked to photograph a stillborn baby on my first real day on the job. I had been warned before taking the job that this was something that was a possibility, I just didn’t see it coming quite so quickly. I steeled myself, and I did it. It was heartbreaking, but I knew that even if it was 10 years from now, the photos might be the only thing that the parent would have of the baby that really proved that it happened. I felt the burden of bearing witness, and even though I cried when I went home all night, I still went into the hospital the next day. I’ve been doing it for 4 years, I’ve photographed over 450 babies now, and I have done 3 demise photos since, and I remember every one of them – they always stay with you. Then a few months ago, a couple came into the hospital and asked me how long I was working at the hospital and if I did the demise photos, when it became clear I did, because sometimes when it happens the parents are not present for the shoot, the father said to me, “Thank you, I didn’t think that the photos were necessary at the time, but my wife wanted them. It took me a while to look at them, but when I did, they were respectful, beautiful, and it truly helped my healing and I know it helped my wife heal.” I hold that dear in my heart.
Photography has helped me overcome my own self-doubt, pushed me through a deficit of income, and face mortality, and I am grateful.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My story is like that of any artist, with many ups and downs. A friend of mine used the words “cocaine-fueled rollercoaster ride,” and that feels right, lol. My journey as a working artist is like breathing; you don’t really question it anymore. You just know that sometimes it’s easy, involuntary, without thinking, just doing, and sometimes it’s just really, really hard.
At this point, I am dedicated to elevating my craft. I find myself engaged in a variety of creative pursuits: capturing precious moments in a maternity ward on weekends to supplement my income, delving into the world of dance photography to expand my portfolio, and collaborating with a growing startup, Here to Save the Day, to provide comprehensive photography and videography services for weddings. We aren’t quite ready to get started yet, but hopefully soon.
My passion for working with musicians endures, and I continue to specialize in portraits and concert photography. This foundation has served as the cornerstone of my photo aesthetic. Recently, I was asked to do an elevator pitch for my work, and it took AGES and was agonizing to come up with (thank you to all who put up with me during it, Lauren and Omi, I’m looking at you), but here’s the pitch: My photography encapsulates the essence of rock ‘n’ roll, blending crystal-clear movement with an unexpected depth of emotion. Each shot is a symphony of visual storytelling, where every frame resonates with the rhythm of life. With my eyes behind the lens, every image is a harmonious fusion of music, art, and raw authenticity (yes, even when photographing newborn babies because I know they are the rock stars of the hospital).
You don’t get a lot of affirmations in life, you really don’t, so winning the American Experience category in the 21st Annual Smithsonian Photo Competition has put some wind at my back. I have a new found confidence in my work that I haven’t felt before. We shouldn’t need that kind of affirmation, but I’m not going to say no to it, lol. The winning photograph, featuring the talented musician Fiona Silver, now stands as a testament to my perspective and has provided a surge of validation and motivation to propel me forward. You can view the image here: https://photocontest.
Honestly, I just want to make art, and my story writes itself around that. Also, if you would like to make art with me, please reach out. All are welcome and you know what, here’s a ringing endorsement, and some shameless self promotion to go with it lol, ”Cortney Armitage is a GREAT collaborator – go make something with her, trust me!!!” said international rocker and all around amazing woman, KT Tunstall.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Preparation is key.
Preparation is essential in any endeavor, and photography is no exception. Before embarking on a shoot, it is crucial to do your research, create a mood board, check your equipment, bring backup equipment, and ensure all necessary forms are signed. Arriving early and organizing your gear can set the tone for a successful shoot. By laying the groundwork beforehand, you can approach the session with confidence and focus, ultimately leading to better outcomes.
2. Making “Yes, and…” the foundation of every shoot (and enjoying the pivot).
Collaboration lies at the heart of successful photography. Embracing the principle of “Yes, and…” can transform a shoot into a dynamic conversation where everyone’s ideas are valued. Being open to feedback, ready to adapt plans on the fly, and allowing every team member to contribute can result in not only better photos but also transformative experiences. By fostering a collaborative environment, you create space for creativity to flourish and for magic to unfold before your lens. The amazing artist Charles Rennie Mackintosh said, “There is hope in honest error; none in the icy perfections of the mere stylist.” I take that as a really cool way of saying, “There are no mistakes, just happy accidents.” Because Bob Ross gets it.
3. Say, “Thank you.”
AKA – The golden rule: Don’t be an asshole. Gratitude is a powerful tool that can enhance your photography practice and enrich your relationships with others. Taking the time to say thank you to everyone involved in the shoot, whether it’s the catering staff, the model, or even the natural surroundings, can create a sense of appreciation and connection. Recognizing the contributions of others in a genuine and heartfelt manner builds trust and rapport, which can be reflected in the authenticity of your work. Authenticity is a cornerstone of impactful photography, and by showing gratitude, you infuse your images with a sense of sincerity and depth that cannot be manufactured.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
“Einstein’s Dreams” by Alan Lightman has been a transformative book in my personal development, offering profound insights into the nature of time and the human experience. Published in 1992, this novel presents a fictionalized account of Albert Einstein’s life as he grapples with his theory of relativity in the early 20th century, blending elements of science, philosophy, and poetry to create a captivating narrative.
One of the key themes that resonated with me from “Einstein’s Dreams” is the exploration of different theories and perspectives on time. Through a series of dreamlike scenarios, Lightman delves into various ways in which time can be perceived and experienced, from moments of time standing still to instances of time flowing at different rates or repeating itself. This multifaceted exploration challenges conventional notions of time, urging readers to consider its subjective nature and the profound implications this has on our understanding of reality.
As a photographer, the concept of time and reality holds a special significance, as they govern the essence of every captured moment. Whether it’s a long exposure lasting 30 seconds or a fleeting fraction of a second like 1/8000 or 1/64,000, each instance frozen in an image encapsulates a unique slice of time that intertwines artistry with the precision of scientific timing. This fusion of art and science underscores the intricate relationship between the two disciplines, reminding me of the inherent philosophy embedded within the act of capturing moments through a camera lens. Also, the idea of a shared reality or a fractured one. Are you creating an image that is created in reality or only has a foundation of reality to convey a message of an actual one? These are the questions that I have a different answer for every week and find ways into my own dreams.
A poignant quote from the book that has deeply impacted me is, “The true beauty of time lies in its impermanence, reminding us to cherish each fleeting moment.” This sentiment, juxtaposed with the tangible proof of capturing even a fraction of a second through photography, has expanded my perspective and challenged me to let go of preconceived notions and illusions of control, while simultaneously giving a responsibility of being a steward of that moment. It serves as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of time and the importance of embracing each passing moment with gratitude and mindfulness.
“Einstein’s Dreams” has been a source of profound wisdom and reflection for me, offering a rich tapestry of insights into the complexities of time, existence, and human consciousness. Through its thought-provoking narrative and philosophical musings, this book has inspired me to view time as a subjective and ever-evolving concept, encouraging me to cherish each moment and embrace the impermanence that defines our shared human experience. This realization has come full circle, as it aligns with the reasons why photography has felt like my purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cortneyarmitage.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cortneyarmitage
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cortney-armitage-19232465/
- Other: https://photocontest.smithsonianmag.com/photocontest/archive/2023/
Image Credits
Images of Fiona Silver, Joy Downer, Stephanie Mayers, Lauren Brown, and KT Tunstall.
