Eric Courtney is a photographer with whom I have had the pleasure of getting to know personally over the past couple of years. His beautiful work is often displayed at the City Lights Art Gallery in Henderson, Nevada where he also teaches photography classes and is currently the President of the artist co-op. I know you will enjoy getting to know him better through this interview. I certainly did.

Where did you grow up? What things were you actively involved in?

I was born and raised in Chicago and lived in various areas throughout the city and suburbs until my move to the Las Vegas area in 2014. Chicago is a great city with so many photography opportunities, especially the architecture. I was never really an athletic person growing up so I would get involved in things where I could use my talents such as student council, fundraising, helping out others, and of course photography, which started at a young age.

Did you always want to be a photographer?

Yes, I have loved taking photographs for as far back as I can remember. From 35 mm traditional film to the introduction of digital cameras, I have been hooked. It is not uncommon for me to have a camera with me. After I moved to the Las Vegas area and after some inspiration from one of my professors at DePaul University, I decided to share some of my images with others. In October 2016, I entered my first juried show at City Lights Art Gallery in Henderson, NV. Though I did not win an award, it was a great learning experience.

When did you first know you had talent?

When I first started sharing some of my artistic photography with one professor at DePaul University. He is an accomplished photographer who has exhibited all over the world and when he said I had “the eye” for creating art through the medium of photography, it was then I knew I had the talent. Also, when I sold my first photograph to an art collector.

After thinking about this, I guess I have known I have had the “eye” for a long time, but I was afraid to share my art for fear of criticism. Since I have started to share, I have been amazed at how every photographer has their own unique style!

Who influenced you?

Ansel Adams. In my office I have two images that he took and the story behind both is truly amazing. One is of the great redwood trees in northern California and the other is of the Golden Gate in San Francisco before the iconic Golden Gate Bridge was built. Both images capture a moment in time that no one will ever be able to capture again. Building the Golden Gate Bridge forever changed the landscape of the Golden Gate and the skyline of San Francisco.

Who inspires you?

Though artists may use the same medium to create art, each artist has their own style. The same applies to photography. Though photographers may use the same digital means to capture an image, each photographer has their own unique style. Joel Sartore, who works for National Geographic on the Photo Art project, inspires me in that he has a passion for capturing images of animals that may one day become extinct. People in general inspire me in that smiling faces are some of the most amazing things to photograph. Each person is different and so are their smiles; but smiles convey happiness and joy and capturing spontaneous smiles of laughter are the best!

Did you get a formal education in photography?

Prior to moving to the Las Vegas, NV area, I decided to pursue another degree in Social Media Marketing. For my electives, I took classes that focused on photography and art. In taking these classes, I took my photography skill sets to a new level and I realized I could actually create unique pieces of art that I could photograph. One example of that is “Pencil or Ink” (pictured below).

Throughout the years I have attended a plethora of in-person or virtual seminars and conferences in order to keep current on the latest technology and trends. As with any profession or passion, it is important keep learning and not to get stuck in a rut or become stagnant.

Why did you pick the medium of photography?

I jokingly tell people that I can barely draw stick people, which is true. With photography sometimes you have control over the content, such as creating a piece of art to photograph and sometimes you have no control over the content, such as a street musician or airplanes flying overhead at an air show. So I chose photography as it is my passion but also one in which I can capture those special moments that define life, such as a people smiling at a wedding, having fun at a birthday party, or simply just enjoying life.

Of all your works, do you have a favorite?

I have many favorites but if I had to pick one in my current portfolio it would be “Explosion of Color” (pictured at top right). Taking an original image and putting my digital art touch on it created something that I find really expresses my artistic talent.

I have been blessed to travel around the world. Recently, while on a day cruise around Banderas Bay in Puerto Vallarta in Mexico I was able to capture one of nature’s most amazing moments. Humpback whales migrate to Banderas Bay during the winter months. Knowing this, I had my camera ready and I was able to capture what is a called a Whale Breach; when a whale breaks the surface of the water and shows off a tremendous display of strength and agility. One image from that excursion is featured here simply called “Whale Breach” (below).

This article originally appeared in the Spring 2019 issue of CHOICES Magazine