Courtney Lee is a film-focused destination wedding photographer. She strives to create inspired, playful and elevated photos for the couples she works with. Courtney Lee is based in the Midwest of the United States and travels worldwide to capture weddings.
Tell us about Courtney Lee Photography!
I am a film-forward destination wedding photographer based in the Midwest of the United States. After my studies in filmmaking, I found myself falling in love with documentary photography, and I have since been photographing weddings for over a decade, traveling across the US and Europe primarily.
While having entered this path with an inherent passion for documenting the ephemeral, time has gifted me the clarity of exactly what I want to provide for the couples I am lucky to work with: calm and connection, trust, a sense of true presence on their wedding day, and ultimately photographs that capture the atmosphere, energy, and nuance of their celebration. I value a holistic experience- meaning that I want to be a resource during the planning process, a trusted artist once we are immersed in their special day, and a friend with their best interest at heart.
What would you like couples to know about you?
I am a calm and friendly personality with a naturally creative and observant eye. As a photographer, I enjoy the dynamic energy of being a warm and engaged presence, while leaving space whenever I can for things to unfold organically and without imposition. This typically looks like providing a set of images that blend candidness with a sprinkling of thoughtful portraiture.
As well, as a hybrid film and digital photographer with a deep love for viewing the world through a film camera, I am largely photographing each wedding day on film. This process provides the most nostalgic, tactile, indescribably magical, and full-of-life imagery, while on the wedding day feeling at times like a slower and more mediative experience as I am reloading film, focusing the camera manually, and truly being grounded in the moment.
Where are you based?
I am based in St. Louis, Missouri and I travel for 99% of my couples- usually to the East and West coasts of the United States.
Do you travel for weddings?
I am traveling for weddings all year ‘round, and I make this process as straight-forward for couples as possible. Traveling for weddings is my favorite way to work, and I feel deeply fortunate to experience the world this way. I find traveling for weddings is a benefit for me and couples, as I am able to be refreshed as a creative, and provide an unbiased perspective.
How would you describe your style?
The short answer is candid, playful, timeless, thoughtful, cinematic, and warm.
My photography style is grounded in my unique perspective which is always seeking to capture something authentically telling, and evocative. I am also interested in finding what is true to the people I am working with, and I often am complimented on how my galleries feel unique to each couple. I take a lot of pride in this, as I am connected to my own “style”, but the goal is for the end result to reflect something real about the people I am photographing. For the images to encapsulate a feeling of them.
What is your most memorable career moment?
I’m currently in a memorable phase of my career. Nearly two years ago, I became a mom. Something I always dreamed of when I was younger was pursuing visual story telling in some capacity (being an artist), and being the kind of parent that folded my life in with my child’s to the best of my ability. Now I know whole-heartedly how much easier that is said than done, but here I am doing it regardless!
I also never forget standing in front of a grand piano in a tightly packed room as Bridget Everett belted her heart out for her niece’s wedding reception.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by various waves and styles of cinema (Italian neorealism, French New-Wave, cinéma vérité, etc), as well as by life itself. I grew up filming and photographing my own life just for fun, and constantly pouring over prints from a box of childhood photos my mom kept.
How would you describe your working style?
On a wedding day, I am a calm presence with focus and observance. I am friendly and engaged, while fading into the background.
Do you shoot digitally, on film or both?
I use both film and digital cameras, with my focus being on film. I shoot both medium format and 35mm film, and my digital cameras come into play only for moments that call for them.
Do you have custom packages according to individual needs?
Yes, I do! I’ve designed my package offerings to provide the kind of holistic and thorough service that I believe in, while also functioning as baselines from which we can create a bespoke offering that best fits the needs of each celebration.
What is a favourite product or service that you offer and why?
I feel strongly about photographing on film, and I just overall really believe in the heart of what I do. Nothing can replace documenting our genuine expressions of love and community. Being a documentary wedding photographer in the first place is my favorite.
Where would you love to travel to for work?
Italy is a place that has become very close to my heart. My husband is originally from there, and him and my son are both dual citizens. I am currently working on my citizenship, as well. So, I am hoping to be there more frequently as time goes on. If I could pick specific locations in this moment, they would be: Lake Como, Sicily, or somewhere in Sweden or Switzerland. I’m also still waiting for the day I get to photograph a wedding at Blue Hill at Stone Barns.
Who is your dream client?
I find the most flow when I’m photographing for couples who are planning an experience-focused celebration, who love the look and feel of film photographs, and who want to feel present on their wedding day. When finding the right photographer is of great importance, but photography itself is not the focus of the day. My ideal is working with couples who are excited to bring a vision to life, share in an experience with their loved ones, and to see themselves and their wedding day reflected back to them through the perspective of my camera lens.
What is your advice to couples getting married?
Trust your gut, envision the day that you want and then go from there (picture it in your head and notice what you see and feel), don’t lose sight of what is truly important. A good planner or coordinator can help relieve stress, especially on the day-of. You’re photographer is going to be with you all day, so how you get along with them can really impact your own experience of your wedding. Have fun and lean into the goodness of it all as often as you can.
Courtney Lee Photography
Website: courtneyleephoto.com
Instagram: @courtneyleeweddings