Featured Contributor: Courtney Molyneaux
Multi-talented creative and Shutterstock Custom contributor Courtney Molyneaux catches her audience's attention through her signature self portraiture and minimalistic photography style. The talented photographer, interior designer, and stylist constantly inspires us through her ability to share the simplicity behind her provencal lifestyle. Whether she documents her living space, her fashionable friends, or her hands outstretched over whatever blooming flowers are in season, her work is impeccable. We’ve known Courtney for almost three years, and we’ve enjoyed witnessing Courtney’s work as a photographer and contributor evolve into an editorially unique style. Here are a few shared words with Courtney.
Photographer: Courtney Molyneaux
Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Instagram: @courtmoly
Courtney, tell us about yourself!
I am a 23-year-old creative living in Calgary, AB with my partner, our dog, and two cats. I've formally trained in interior design but I also have a passion for photography, set design and art direction. My favourite color is yellow and I am borderline obsessed with protea flowers and inanimate objects. That's a little slice of me.
We’ve loved witnessing the evolution of your work. Can you describe your top 3 artistic inspirations that you think influence your work?
Thank you! It has been a journey, that's for sure haha. I think I'm most inspired and influenced by people that are close to me, travelling and the art of collaborating with other creative individuals.
As a creative who excels at so many areas of artistic expression, do you still find yourself using Instagram (stories) as a strategic or inspirational outlet? Or is there another platform you enjoy more?
Instagram in general is still a huge source of inspiration for me. Stories I like because people post things there that they wouldn't necessarily post on their feed. I like seeing people's experiments -- what they are pushing themselves to excel at. Stories are a more raw version of creativity (and more personal), so I like that aspect as well. I also reeeeally enjoy Pinterest. Basically just giant mood boards, and I love mood boards.
Tell us about what you plan to conquer in 2018! What are the goals you are working towards?
I have high hopes for 2018. It will be a transitional year but I think that's the most exciting part. I'm hoping to take on more independent freelance projects, focusing my energy in the realm of interior and set styling, continuing to take photos that inspire me on a personal level and keep surrounding myself with people that encourage and push me to be better. Fingers crossed!
Who are some of your favourite Instagram accounts to follow?
There. Is. Too. Many... but to name a few: @christopheramat, @old_chum, @danielchaney, @jimmymarble, @_sightunseen_, @ignant, and @ianlanterman
We love your portrait photography! What’s your go-to lens for portraiture?
Thank you! I love taking them. I usually use my pancake 40mm or the 50mm. We just got our hands on the 85mm so I hope to use that a lot more.
What is it like being a creative living in Calgary, after living in Vancouver after so many years?
It's not as bad as I thought it would be, haha. Calgary is definitely not lush and green or as photogenic a city as Vancouver, but I've found other interests because of that. I got lucky in the sense that my partner is a photographer as well and has a studio. So studio photography is now my biggest interest and is basically what's keeping my creative brain sane, especially with these freaking cold winters.
We love that you're planning on travelling to Lisbon and Barcelona! What are you planning to shoot while you’re there?
I am beyond excited to get there. I've only heard amazing things about both cities, so I can imagine I'll be knee deep in editing for a while. I'm sure I'll come home with a lot of interior and architecture photos, but I really am hoping to capture the locals living their everyday lives.
When did you start shooting for Shutterstock Custom (formerly Flashstock) and what have you enjoyed the most?
I think I've been with Shutterstock Custom for over a year now? I take on projects that I normally wouldn't ever think of pitching myself for, or that are different than what I usually photograph, which pushes me to create images I never have before.
If you had to choose only one photo to keep for the rest of your life, which one would it be?
Well dang, that's probably the hardest question I've ever been asked. I took a photo of my dad and his dad last year at my parent's house, looking at each other, conversing. I think about that image often and never look at it, but if I had to choose, it would probably be that one. OR the iPhone photo I took of my guy during our first date because, well, memories.
We’re already drooling at the small exposure we’ve had into seeing her food styling photography, we can’t wait to see what Courtney tackles this year as one of our favorite photographers to watch in 2018.
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