Check Out Courtney Specht’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Specht

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Stag & Bird Curated Photo Experience’s story starts with a family legacy. My love for photography began in high school, inspired by my grandfather, who was always behind the lens. He had this way of capturing moments that felt real—unedited and honest—and I took to it quickly. For years, photography was just a hobby, something I did for fun on the side while I navigated life. But in 2014, I decided it was time to make it official. That’s when Stag & Bird was born.

At first, it was a slow grind. I plugged along, doing just enough to get by, but something was missing. Then, in 2020, everything shifted. I realized I had a choice: either find a “real” job or fully commit to the photography business that had always been in my heart. I couldn’t afford to just scrape by anymore; I needed to make sure my boys and I thrived. I knew this business could be the thing that put food on the table if I was willing to put everything into it.

That decision was the turning point. With the support of my now-husband, Micah—who I married this spring—and my circle of incredible friends, I started treating Stag & Bird like the powerhouse it was meant to be. Micah has been a huge part of this journey, not just as my partner but as someone who believed in me when I needed it most.

The transformation was real. Stag & Bird went from a small photography gig to something much bigger. Now, in addition to our seasoned photo services, this team and I offer in house hair and makeup, fully produced Curated Elopements and videography. We’ve expanded into something that’s not just about photos but about creating entire experiences. Every elopement, every video, and every shoot is designed with care, creativity, and a deep understanding of each client’s unique story.

What started as a passion passed down from my grandfather has become a thriving business, built on hard work, resilience, and the unshakeable support of the people I love. Stag & Bird is no longer just a job—it’s a way of supporting my life and those I hold dear.

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?
The road to building Stag & Bird definitely hasn’t been smooth. Like most things worth doing, it came with its share of struggles. When I first started the business in 2014, I was just doing enough to keep it going. I wasn’t fully committed, and honestly, I didn’t have a clear direction. Photography was my passion, but turning it into a business was a whole different challenge.

Like I mentioned previously, I had to stand on a cliff and jump: I could figure out how to pack a parachute on the way down. I had to confront a lot of self-doubt, not to mention the stress of juggling single parenthood, finances, and the pressure to succeed.

There were moments when I felt like giving up—like when I was struggling to get enough clients or make ends meet. It was tough to keep pushing through when the path seemed uncertain. But I knew that if I didn’t take control of my own future, no one else would do it for me. There wasn’t a multiple choice offering. It was figure it out and fast.

Thankfully, I wasn’t alone. My husband Micah, who was by my side through it all the last several years, is a huge source of support, as are my friends who believed in what I was building. They pushed me to keep going, and that encouragement kept me focused during the hardest moments. Every struggle became a lesson in resilience, and over time, Stag & Bird grew into something bigger than I had ever imagined. It’s been a challenging journey, but each bump in the road has helped shape the business into what it is today.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At Stag & Bird Photo, my work goes beyond just snapping pictures—I create experiences that allow people to truly be themselves in front of the camera. I specialize in capturing weddings, elopements, senior portraits, and boudoir sessions, but what sets me apart is my focus on individuality. I’m known for celebrating the strange, the different, and the misfits, creating space for those who want something that feels raw, real, and authentic to who they are, but still with a high-end feel.

When it comes to weddings, I’ve expanded into offering Curated Elopements, which means I’m not just your photographer—I’m run the team that helps plan and execute an unforgettable day. We also offer videography, so couples get a full range of visual storytelling to relive their moments. My boudoir work is about empowerment. I make sure every client feels strong, powerful, and sexy, and I pride myself on being an expert at posing and directing people of all body types, ensuring everyone feels their best in front of the camera.

I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients and how they feel after working with me. I aim for every person to walk away not only loving their photos but also feeling like they were seen and celebrated for who they are. I’ve been able to create a community through my Weirdos group for creatives, as well as lasting friendships with my clients. What truly sets me apart is the deep connection I develop with everyone who steps in front of my lens—I’m not just taking photos; I’m telling their story in a way that’s personal and unique to them.

At the heart of everything I do is this: I want people to feel free to be their most authentic selves, whether that’s through a wedding day, an intimate boudoir session, or a senior portrait that doesn’t look like everyone else’s. That’s the Stag & Bird difference—it’s not just about the photos; it’s about the experience and the story behind them.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is authenticity—both in the way I approach my work and in how I connect with others. Whether I’m photographing a couple’s elopement, capturing a senior’s unique spirit, or creating an empowering boudoir experience, my priority is making sure that every person feels seen, celebrated, and free to be themselves. I believe that the most powerful images come from moments that are real and unfiltered, which is why I’m always striving to create an environment where people can let their guard down and trust me to capture who they really are.

This focus on authenticity extends beyond my clients to my personal life as well. I’ve faced moments where I had to make hard decisions about what kind of life I wanted to lead, and through that, I’ve learned that staying true to myself and my values is non-negotiable. I want to model that same resilience and authenticity for my kids, teaching them that you don’t have to fit into anyone else’s mold to succeed.

Ultimately, what drives me is the desire to connect deeply with others, and to create something meaningful for them. That’s why authenticity matters so much to me—it’s the foundation of every relationship I build, every photograph I take, and every moment I choose to document. It’s what makes my work, and my life, truly fulfilling.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.stagandbirdphotography.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/stagandbirdphoto
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/stagandbirdphoto