Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Thornton.
Hi Courtney, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As a young girl, I was raised in the rural city of Notasulga, AL. Surrounded by everyday Black folk, deep southern culture and a church on the corner of every red clay road – I began realizing the importance of community and archiving our experiences.
Around the age of 8, my family moved just up the road to Tallassee, AL which immediately felt like a whole new world. Transitioning from a town filled with people that looked like me to a predominately white school system took some navigating within the first few years. After the first year, I was introduced to the school’s Talented and Gifted program which exposed me to different art mediums and, without noticing at the time, ignited a passion for storytelling and archiving.
Throughout my journey from elementary to high school, I was able to learn and explore in a setting that fostered creativity which was very exciting and also important for me.
High school was where I rediscovered a deep love for music and began a spark for performance. I joined several choirs throughout my high school years such as the women’s show choir Divas, section leaders, FFA Quartet and two years of Alabama All-State Choir. I received scholarships to a few schools for vocal performance and decided that was that path I would take post-graduation. But, upon graduating in May of 2017, I was gifted a camera by my aunt, which felt like the first return to my curiosity in storytelling.
That summer, I decided to defer for a year before deciding on what college I was going to attend, if any. I picked up my camera and began documenting. I planned shoots with my sister and close-friends, even styling them and doing their makeup. I quickly began to realize that photography was the way that I wanted to share my story and those of my loved ones.
After my year of deferral was at its end, the decision to not attend college seemed the most sensible for where I was in life. I worked different jobs, from daycares to retail, until I landed in Montgomery, AL. The city that actualized my dreams and passions.
Through attending social and networking events, I met artists, activists, and entrepreneurs who quickly turned into family. I knew I wanted to contribute to the brewing art scene that Montgomery held.
In 2023, I started offering freelance photography services to aspiring artists and creatives in the city. Often, I was renting studio time from photographers who were fortunate enough to have their own space. After a while, the amount of money spent on rentals and time spent on travel, I felt that it was time to explore having a space of my own.
The following year, a close friend and fellow photographer, Keldrick Johnson, and I landed on a studio in the heart of downtown Montgomery, AL called The Square Creative Hub. We initially intended for the space to just be a photography studio for us and fellow photographers to hone our craft but has since become so much more.
This space has not only allowed me to personally grow as an artist but also, remember the why in my passion. As the co-founder of The Square, I have hosted events that foster true community and creativity such as Sound + Color, a Sunday restorative nervous system reset for creatives through both arts and crafts and immersive music.
As a photographer, I have partnered and work with several organizations, entrepreneurs, artists and individuals. From capturing fashion shows like the 2025 Google ATL Fashion Show and the Magic City Fashion Week Show to documenting events for Central Alabama Alliance & Advocacy Center and Echoing Green, I have been able to expand my skill and portfolio as a photographer and storyteller.
In January, I had the honor of winning the ADmire Award for AAF Montgomery Photographer of the Year. This has opened the door to better opportunities for my creative career such as being nominated to join the Iota Chapter of Gamma Xi Phi Art Fraternity where I will be inducted in July.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey as a creative has been a constant return to myself. I have struggled with imposter syndrome in the art space, especially as a Southern Black woman. I find that we are often overlooked and underappreciated for our creativity, ideas and skill that we offer in this field. Through sharing space with the women that inspire my work, I am constantly reminded why this work is so important. I aspire to share stories through portraiture that are a reminder to me, my audience, and the inspiring subjects captured by my lens, that Black women in the Deep South are vibrant, multifaceted, and worthy of authentic representation, grace, and appreciation.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a photographer, specializing in portraiture and archival of Black life and culture, specifically Black women in the deep south. I believe my perspective and proximity to the people and lives that inspire my work, provides a closer view on the beauty and complexities of Black girlhood.
Through my lens, I aim to capture the resilience, joy, and the everyday nuances that make up our experiences. My work seeks to honor the legacies of those who came before me while celebrating the present generation with authenticity.
I hope to contribute to a broader understanding and appreciation of the boldness and culture that lives within the communities I hold dear.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I have learned as a Black woman photographer just how important perspective is, and how it shapes the stories we tell and those we choose to highlight. My journey has taught me that every photograph is an opportunity to make the invisible visible, to shine light on the beauty and strength that often goes unnoticed.
Photography allows me to bridge gaps, challenge stereotypes, and celebrate the diversity that exists within the Black community, especially among women in the South.
Through my work, I hope to inspire others to see the world through a lens of both compassion and curiosity. I want to encourage young Black girls to pick up a camera, to document their stories, and to know that their voices matter.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.moehausstudios.com
- Instagram: https://www,instagram.com/courtmoya?igsh=MWI4emp0NGtraXpzbg%3D%3D&utm_source=gr
