Hi friends meet @kernieflakes. Courtney is a photographer, photo booth lover and big fan of meme's. Follow along this week as we talk about failure, happiness and photography.
What have you changed your mind about in the last few years? Why?
It's not so much that I’ve changed my mind as I strongly believe in listening to the silent voice that tells me something is off. Why? Because that voice is never wrong.
What do you believe is true, even though you can’t prove it?
I believe we’ve all had past lives, and when we meet people who instantly feel familiar (good or bad), it’s because we knew a version of them in another life.
What have you learned from photography?
If you approach people like they are humans and not a prop, they are more likely to open up to you. Photography didn’t teach me that, but it’s something I do not only as a person but as a photographer. People are more than faces and experiences you can document. Above all, I’ve learned patience.
What do you want the world to know about you?
I want Kodak to sponsor me.
When do you know if it is the right time to change things up and why?
It’s the right time to change things up when things feel stagnant.
What experiences in life shaped you the most?
Being a black woman in predominately white spaces.
What are things that bring you joy in the world?
My friends, my family, naps, French fries, music, the ocean, drives through the canyon, candles…
How do you keep yourself psychologically healthy?
It may not seem like it, but I try and limit how much time I spend online.
Mantra of the moment?
No one belongs here more than me.
Favorite quote?
“It’s just a spark but it’s enough to keep me going” - Paramore
What life skills are rarely taught but extremely useful?
Internet etiquette. Just because someone posts something online doesn’t mean you can demand access to know more than what’s being presented to you.
What is good?
Are you asking what’s good as in “hey, what’s good?” as in “hey, wanna talk about this?” or…?
What always cheers you up when you think about it?
The memes I have saved on Instagram.
Do you like things to be carefully planned or do you prefer to just go with the flow?
A mixture of both. I can’t go with the flow if there isn’t some sort of loose plan to keep me grounded.
What is the worst advice you see or hear being dispensed in your world?
That school is a waste of time. Listen, I am both a self-taught photographer and one that has a terminal degree in photography. There’s no right way of going about your education. Just make photographs with whatever camera you can afford, even if that camera is your cell phone because the cell phone is a photographer’s sketchbook.
How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success?
Every “no” has led me to the “yes” I didn’t know was possible.
