Today we’d like to introduce you to Kailey Courtney.
Hi Kailey, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born and raised in Levittown, Pennsylvania. My creative journey began in high school at Bucks County Technical High School, where I was part of the Creative Arts program. There, I explored fine arts, graphic design, and photography. It was during this time that I first discovered my passion for graphic design and photography, and I was set on pursuing graphic design in college, until the lockdown of COVID-19.
During the pandemic, my mom, my sister, and I rewatched every season of America’s Next Top Model. That experience unexpectedly reignited my passion for photography. I had always loved fashion and had enjoyed learning photography in high school, but it wasn’t until revisiting the show that everything clicked: I could merge these two interests into one career!
After graduating in 2021, I enrolled in community college to study photography. There, I learned foundational techniques in both studio and on-location photography, including analog photography using 35mm and 4×5 film. Despite the valuable experience, I felt like I wasn’t being challenged enough and needed to push myself further. That realization led me to make a bold decision: I moved 12 hours away to Savannah, to attend SCAD.
Now, after a full year at SCAD, I’ve grown tremendously as an artist and photographer. I’ve expanded my skills in fashion photography, videography, and commercial photography, and have taken foundational courses that have deepened my artistic understanding. I’ve also had the opportunity to learn directly from industry professionals and guest speakers, whose insights and experiences have been incredibly inspiring.
Through collaboration with students across different majors, I’ve been part of exciting projects that will strengthen my portfolio and prepare me for life after graduation. I plan to graduate this fall, and thanks to the mentorship of my professors and the vibrant creative community at SCAD, I feel confident and ready to step into the industry!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The hardest part of this journey was definitely moving away from home. I was comfortable—close to my family, attending a smaller school, and living in a familiar environment. But I realized that in order to truly grow, I needed to step out of that comfort zone. I had always been shy and content with where I was, but moving meant starting fresh. I didn’t know anyone here, so I had to push myself to open up, show my personality, and actively connect with my peers and professors. It wasn’t easy at first—being so far from my family and trying to find my place—but I knew that if I wanted to make the most of my time here, I had to allow myself to be seen. Looking back now, I feel proud of how far I’ve come and the relationships I’ve built along the way!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in creative portraiture and fashion photography, and I’m deeply inspired by the collaborative process of working with others. I believe in the power of mutual creativity-supporting and uplifting each other to produce strong, impactful imagery. My goal is to elevate my work by developing a unique visual perspective that ties my portfolio together and creates a recognizable style-one that catches the eye and leaves a lasting impression.
Most people recognize me for my fashion portraits, but recently I’ve been diving more into conceptual photography as well. What sets me apart is the intentional shift I’ve made in my recent work. This quarter, I’ve pushed myself harder than ever, doing multiple photo shoots a week, collaborating with a wide range of creatives, and reflecting on how much I’ve grown. For my final projects, I’ve focused less on what I think work is “supposed” to look like, and more on injecting my true self into each image. Letting go of the pressure to meet commercial expectations has allowed me to explore my own vision more freely: and I’ve never felt more creatively fulfilled.
One of the most meaningful moments recently was receiving a message from another student who told me my work was “a breath of fresh air” and that my creativity was “truly inspiring.” It meant so much because I’ve been working hard to bring a more personal and authentic perspective into my photography, and it’s rewarding to see that it’s resonating with others.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I can’t think of one exact moment, but when I look back, what stands out most are the countless hours spent in the car with my mom and sister on the way to cheer practices—laughing, singing, gossiping, even crying. I cheered competitively for 14 years, and for the last five of those, my mom drove my sister and me two hours each way to and from practice several times a week. We’d eat dinner, do homework, and share stories, all while on the road. Those long car rides became more than just travel time—they were where we truly bonded. I believe those years were fundamental to the close relationship I have with my family today. Some of my favorite and funniest memories happened in those moments together.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaileycourtneyphoto/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kailey-courtney-870043270/
