Through the Lens is our interview series highlighting photographers from around the globe putting their own spin on the sport of running.
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For this edition of Through The Lens we caught up with Southern California based photographer, Cortney White. She was behind the lens of our Unsponsored Project from the US Trials in Eugene, Oregon this past summer. Cortney has quickly rose to the top of the running and sportswear photography game and her work has been featured alongside brands like Patagonia, Arc'teryx, Nike, Adidas, Salomon and Bandit. Ladies and Gentlemen.... Cortney White!
Hi! I'm Cortney
I am from a small town in Montana called Hungry Horse but now live in Southern California. I studied IT and business in college and worked in IT Risk right out of college. Through a series of pivoting — I eventually bought a camera and decided to quit my job and pursue photography which was a little over 4 years ago. I have always had a passion for sports — so falling into the work where those two could come together was the perfect landing place. I now work with brands like Nike, Salomon, Adidas, Arc’teryx, Columbia Sportswear, Patagonia, and of course - Bandit. I have always used running as a way to stay in shape rather than a focus — and spend my time rock climbing and surfing when I am not working.
Speed Round
- Favorite camera: In general I am not a big gear nerd, but I love the Sony a1 for my work
- Film or digital: Digital for work, film for personal. I like that it keeps me in the moment.
- Landscape or portrait: Portrait
- Color or black & white: Color, but I do love a sweaty black and white.
- Action or still: Action, but the slow moments before and after
- Favorite photographer right now: Oghalé Alex
- Favorite photographer of all-time: I truly can’t just pick one — what’s beautiful about photography is that so many people are seeing the “same” moments so differently and I love to see how each different person captures life
- Best photography advice: Just take the photo, document the moment.
- Describe your photos in three words: Emotional, human, raw
5 Favorite Photos from The Unsponsored Project.
A moment with Emma Gee at the Springfield High School track before her first US Trials.
The Unsponsored Project continued its "for the people" attitude at a Eugene staple: Tom's Market.
A campaign favorite featuring Olympic gold medalist, 8x NCAA Champion, and Bowerman Award winner: Courtney Okolo. Emma Gee flying by in the foreground is awesome.
Craig Nowak + Courtney Okolo give some motion blur here, as Emma stands in her hero pose.
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Follow Cortney White on IG for more photography and life goodness. Thanks, Cortney!
