Interview
Cortney Armitage
Cortney’s 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 her eyes behind the lens, every image is a harmonious fusion of music, art, and raw authenticity. This year, she was awarded the winner of the American Experience category of the 21st Annual Smithsonian Photo Competition. Cortney’s portfolio includes working with renowned artists such as KT Tunstall and The Mowgli's. Her expertise in capturing the essence of musicians through photos and music videos, combined with her unique vision and deep connection with artists, has earned her a reputation for excellence in collaboration.
Her skills were further recognized when she shot and edited a segment for the prestigious "Late Late Show with James Corden," featuring Joy Downer with Beck. Not only that, but she has also had the privilege of capturing unforgettable moments at iconic events, including being in the heart of Times Square on New Year's Eve with KT Tunstall, where she documented the electrifying atmosphere and immortalized the energy and excitement in her photographs. These experiences solidify Cortney’s status as a top-tier music photographer who thrives in high-pressure, once-in-a-lifetime situations. She is currently a freelance photographer in the New York and Los Angeles areas, covering shows and music festivals for numerous publications such as Paste Magazine, Xsnoize.com, LA Record, Relix Magazine, High Voltage Magazine, Blurredculture.com, Ladygunn Magazine, and Tom Tom Magazine. Her work has also been featured in Forbes Magazine, Billboard Magazine, NPR, Paste Magazine, The Huffington Post, Nylon, Substream and Galore. In May 2019, she was incredibly honored to be named by Flood Magazine as one of 50 concert photographers from the past and present that you should know.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I embarked on my journey in the art world at the age of 13 when I was accepted to Laguardia H.S., a charter school in NYC renowned for its focus on the arts. It was there that I developed my passion for photography, with the unforgettable experience of developing my first roll of film at the tender age of 14. The familiar scent of fixer still fills me with joy to this day.
My start into the professional art scene began with a position as a colorist on Beavis & Butt-Head, a role that would shape a significant part of my future career trajectory. In 1998, I made the move to San Francisco, where I initially worked as a graphic designer before landing a position at Pixar in 2000 as a camera and staging artist. Throughout these transitions, photography remained a constant passion of mine.
As I immersed myself further in the realm of photography, I developed a fresh admiration for the skill and charisma exhibited by dancers in front of the camera. Following my relocation to Los Angeles, a dear friend from the dance community inspired me to venture into the world of professional photography. This significant turning point transpired approximately 11 years ago when, upon viewing my portfolio, she urged me to share my talent with a wider audience.
With her guidance, I connected with the editor of a prominent LA music blog, who provided me with a valuable opportunity to hone my craft through capturing the essence of live performances and dynamic moments in low-light settings. This experience not only sharpened my technical skills but also fostered my creativity as I strived to deliver a portfolio of 20 compelling images under various challenging conditions.
While my formal education in photography and cinematography laid a solid foundation, it was these real-world experiences that truly tested and expanded my abilities as an artist. Building relationships with musicians and artists further fueled my passion for portraiture, prompting me to establish my own studio in Brooklyn, NY.
Armed with a modest lighting and background kit, I immersed myself in the intricacies of studio photography, seizing every opportunity to collaborate, learn, and evolve as an artist. The time spent in Brooklyn was a period of growth, discovery, and artistic fulfillment, where each project and connection enriched my journey in ways I could have never anticipated.”
What inspires you?
“I was smitten with concert and performance photography because, there's nothing like capturing the unfiltered truth of an artist in their element. The stage doesn't sugarcoat reality - it's either genuine or a total flop. In those electrifying moments, you're not just witnessing a performance; you're peering straight into the artist's soul, where the naked truth unfurls itself like a dramatic reveal. After making the move back to New York and setting up shop in my own studio, I found myself channeling that same keen eye into the world of portrait photography. The addiction of nailing that perfect shot, where everything just clicks into place within the frame, feels like hitting the jackpot every single time. It's addictively satisfying, leaving you itching for your next photography fix like a caffeine junkie in need of their morning coffee.
Before I knew it, the challenge transformed into the challenge of coaxing anyone and everyone to pose for me. The real thrill? Capturing that shot that not only made them look good but also made them feel like the best version of themselves - confident, beautiful, and brilliant. And the best part? The more camera-shy they claimed to be, the more I was up for the challenge. Bring on the awkward poses and nervous giggles; I was determined to crack the code and unveil their true essence on camera. I wanted everyone to leave my studio feeling like they wouldn't look at themselves the same way ever again, they would walk out of my studio with a self confidence that wasn't there before. So, in a nutshell, my inspiration in just one word, it would have to be ‘people.’”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“I believe I am in pursuit of the ever-evolving truth within oneself. During our session, who are you? Who do you aspire to be? And how does the environment shape that aspiration? This year, I had the incredible honor and gratitude of winning the American Experience category in the 21st Smithsonian Photo Competition. The winning photo captures Musician Fiona Silver, with whom I have collaborated for a decade, mostly in the dimly lit bars of New York City. Following the challenges of the lockdown, we reunited in the desert for a photo shoot that showcased her resilience and artistry. Her eyes in the photograph narrate her journey of overcoming adversity as a female rock musician, coping with the loss of her father and brother. Her gaze resonates with the coyote's ability to adapt to harsh environments. She stands amidst a group of cholla cacti, symbolizing her strength and readiness for the next battle. I named the photo ‘Coyote Silver’ to reflect Fiona's resilience in that setting, when laid bare in the light of day, a perspective I aim to convey in every photograph.”
How would you describe your work?
“After an agonizing time battling imposter syndrome and torturing friends for help with this, we finally defined my work with these three sentences. 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.”
Which artists influence you most?
“Ruven Afanador, Mary Ellen Matthews, and Peter Lindbergh. I feel these photographers have an influence over my eye with a perfect three-way split. If I can incorporate a small bit of the artistry and cleverness of Afanador, the intelligent humor and whimsy of Matthews, while maintaining the raw authenticity of Lindbergh in my photos, then it will be a great day for me. I am still hoping that day comes, as they are all such masters of what they do. It feels like that day will never come, but I will always look to their art for inspiration.”
“My photography encapsulates the essence of rock ‘n’ roll, blending crystal-clear movement with an unexpected depth of emotion.”
What is your creative process like?
“I start with the three golden rules.
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.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“This is such a big question. There is the macro and the micro. I wish I could say that I strive to change the world, hold up the mirror to society, and ask, ‘Is it worth it?’ But there are so many artists doing that and doing a much better job of it than I ever could. I can only comment on the micro, which is my role in society. The mirror I hold up is to my subject, and hopefully, make them see that a better version of themselves is a better world. My influence and role are a tiny, tiny whisper, but I hope that it may seep into their subconscious and emerge to reverse or thwart moments of self-doubt. I hope that my subjects find that they can be better by being their true selves.”
