• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Tips
  • History
  • Photographers
  • Gear
  • Locations
  • Presets

The Photo Argus

Photography Blog

Courtland Wilson | Wedding Photography Artist Feature

June 25, 2022 · Emily Smith

After leaving the military, Courtland Wilson took a photojournalism class in college and discovered a passion for wedding photography. Now, as an award-winning photographer based out of Sacramento, Courtland uses his skills behind the camera to document human connection and capture real moments for his clients. We interviewed Courtland to get his take on the wedding photography industry and share his unique insight with our community.

Find more of Courtland’s work on his Website, Wedding Maps Profile, and Instagram profile.

Welcome to the Featured Artist Series at The Photo Argus, a place where we feature the stories and work of incredible photographers from around the world.  Many of these features are from the best wedding photographers over at Wedding Maps.  However, we also feature photographers in other genres as well.  If you’re interested in being featured, please contact us.

What’s in Courtland’s Gear Bag?

  • Sony Alpha a9 II
  • 16-28mm f/2.8
  • 35mm f/1.4
  • 50mm f/1.8
  • 85mm f/1.4
  • Godox AD200 (similar to Flashpoint Version)
  • Godox V1c (similar to Flashpoint Version)

And now on to the interview!

Interview with Courtland Wilson

What is your favorite camera lens and why?

I love the 35mm focal length because of its versatility. I’ve used it for landscapes, macro shots, portraits, and general story telling.

How long have you been a photographer? What got you started?

I’ve been a photography since 2013, and have been shooting weddings since 2014. I always had a point and shoot during my time in the Army, taking snapshots of my experiences in Germany and Iraq. However, it wasn’t until I attended college where I took photography more seriously. I had aspirations to be a war photographer after seeing a documentary called “War Photographer” about James Nachtwey. I majored in Journalism, but discovered wedding photographer shortly after and have been hooked ever since. I rather document people’s best days of their lives instead of their worst.

How did you establish and define your shooting and editing style?

I wanted to be able to produce work you couldn’t re-create using a cell phone. Off camera flash is a key component to my work, and watching MagMod’s YouTube channel helped my get started with flash.

How do you differentiate yourself from the photographer down the street?

I prefer to have a personal relationship with my clients. On their wedding day, I want to be considered a friend with a camera instead of “the photographer”. From the first moment of contact, I provide a fun and personable experience. My editing style is also different than most photographers’ in Northern California.

Who are some of your favorite photographers?

Victor Lax, Two Mann, Chad Winstead, Megan Allan, Christian Cardona, Jesse and Moira LaPlante, Jorge Romero, Jorge Satre, James Nachtwey, Chris Hondros. Tim Hetherington.

What do you think your keys to success are in this industry?

Online and in-person education, reading business and self help books, taking action, and focus.

Other than your wedding work, what type of photography is your favorite and why?

War photography. I served in Iraq in 2006/07 and 2009. It grips me just as strongly as wedding photography.

More Info

Find more of Courtland’s work on his Website, Wedding Maps Profile, and Instagram profile.

Filed Under: Photographers

Sign Up for Weekly Updates!

Freebies From Our Partners

Free Off Camera Flash Tutorial

In this start-to-finish tutorial, Pye Jirsa shows you how to enhance existing light to simulate sunlight with off-camera flashes.

Free Engagement Photography Tutorial

Learn 10 simple things you can do to make each and every single one of your engagement photos extraordinary!

You may also like

  • 2019 Photography Challenge: 52+ Photography…
  • 20 Creative Tumblr Blogs for Photographers to Follow
  • 53 Unique Gifts for Photographers
  • Nikon Z9 Review | Superior Flagship Action Sports &…
  • Bernard Griffin - Enhance Moments Photography |…

Primary Sidebar

Newsletter Signup

Popular Content

  • 100+ Free Photoshop Actions and Presets
  • 53 Unique Gifts for Photographers
  • 22 of the Most Famous Mountains in the World to Photograph
  • 40 Beautiful Examples of Abstract Photography
  • 30 Fantastic Examples of Fine Art Photography
  • 55 Beautiful Examples of Sunset Photography
  • 32 Weird and Wonderful Fungi Pictures
  • 40 Splendid Examples of Candid Photography
  • 60 Inspiring Examples of Black and White Photography
  • 35 Superb Examples of Still Life Photography

Follow Us Online

  • Facebook
  • Flickr
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Workshops/Resources

Creative Photography 101 - $49 $79
creative photography 1010

Learn Creativity, Ditch the Expensive Gear!

Landscape Presets $29 $107
landscape presets

Support TPA

Support The Photo Argus by Shopping at our Affiliate Partners Below.

© Copyright The Photo Argus · Contact · About · Privacy Policy · Support