Meet Courtney Ranes | Wedding Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Courtney Ranes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Courtney, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
From the age of 13, I loved taking photos on my little digital camera and then when I got to my senior year of high school and found out that people successfully make photography a career, I just knew that I had to give it a shot as well or else I’d regret it and always wonder, what if. Thankfully I had, and still do have, an amazing support system in my friends and family who have cheered me on since day one!!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started my photography business straight out of high school 10 years ago but I didn’t get serious about it/make a profit until about 8 years ago. From the start, it was never easy, and even after all this time, I still have those moments of doubt and insecurities but despite all of that, I LOVE what I do and I am so so grateful that so many people I know and strangers who find me on the internet, love my work and my business so much that they trust me to capture such special and important moments for them like their wedding days!

I put my whole heart and soul into my business and each one of my shoots because I want everyone who hires me to feel special and to look back at their photos and remember all of the love and fun from that day no matter how many years have passed! I’ve learned so many things over the years, but one thing I’m really grateful for is the photography community I am apart of in my town. I have made so many amazing connections and life long friendships because of our shared love and passion for photography and building our own businesses from the very bottom. That community truly is an inspiration to me everyday!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Toledo is the closest city to me and even though people from out of town probably wouldn’t think much about it or wouldn’t have anything special to say, I truly love the city I grew up in. Don’t get me wrong, Toledo has its flaws, like any city, but it’s come a long way and still is growing and changing for the better.

My favorite activitues to do in Downtown Toledo are checking out a Mudhens baseball or Walleye hockey game and grabbing dinner beforehand at one of the local bars like Ye Ole Durty Bird! The atmosphere is always exciting and just so fun to be around!

If you happen to be around downtown Toledo around Christmas time, I recommend taking a stroll through Promenade Park to check our the gorgeous light displays and beautiful Christmas tree they have set up. And maybe even hire me to capture some special moments while you are there!!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
To my parents, siblings, grandparents, best friends, and amazing clients, I would not have had the courage to take that giant leap 8 years ago if it wasn’t for your continued love and support!! Thank you so much!! You all truly mean the world to me!!

Website: https://www.courtneyranesphotography.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneyranesphoto?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/courtneyranesphotography

Image Credits
Courtney Ranes Photography