Meet Cody Montes | Photographer & Mom

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cody Montes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cody, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?

Honestly, giving up is just not an option. I have had a passion for photography ever since I was a little girl. I have had family and friends throughout my life urge me to get into photography, and I never did. Finally, after having my son, I decided it was time to make a real go of things and share my passion with the world.

I have such amazing support from my friends, family and my husband. My husband is my #1 fan and biggest cheerleader. With amazing support and a pretty good built-in model (my son), it has really made making photography into a business an amazing experience. I have also had an amazing mentor from my hometown, and another long time friend I met in Hawaii that has helped with any and all questions along the way. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today!

The feedback that I get back from my clients is truly rewarding and something that drives me even harder to never give up! Being able to capture a moment, freeze it in time and give that gift to be able to share that moment for years to come, is magical.

Don’t get me wrong, things are not always glamorous and go the way I would like them to. There are bad days, just like everything else in life. It is all about perspective and knowing that it WILL get better. Think positive, be positive and positive things will happen!!!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Every photographer has a different vision and style. My vision and number one priority as a photographer is to capture the perfect, special moments. The moment that you think I am not paying attention. I want to make each client feel comfortable enough to show me their real smile. If I can make you genuinely laugh during a session, my heart smiles and bursts with joy, and I am there to capture those perfect moments.

I had a LOT of questions for my mentors.  Their guidance, patience and YouTube have really helped me progress as a photographer. Late nights, early mornings, loss of sleep, and a lot of coffee has helped me survive to see another day. But honestly, there is always more to learn. That is one of the beautiful yet challenging things, there is always something new to learn!

I want the world to know that I am here to capture the moments. Unfortunately, these moments won’t last forever. Take advantage of these beautiful times, capture the memories, freeze them in time to be able to tell stories, remember that moment exactly as it was, and be able to pass them down for generations to come!!! Remember, money can always be replenished, time cannot!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Well, I am actually new to the area, so it would be quite the adventure for the both of us!

We are both into history, architecture and adventure. I would love to go see the site and learn more history of Dallas, where JFK was shot, and check out the buildings!

So far my favorite part about North Fort Worth area and a favorite for a lot of people is the Stockyards! I mean, who doesn’t want to go check out the sights and walk the cobble streets? Shake shack is a great burger place down there that would be a must. Billy Bob’s on a Friday or Saturday night and watch some live music and of course, dancing is a must!

There is a pizza place in Haslet called Big Joe’s Pizza. Hands down the best pizza I have ever had in my entire life! If you haven’t tried it, do yourself a favor, and go!!! You can thank me later!

As far as other food, we would probably just try places as we went if we were out and about. But… I would probably do most of the cooking at home per request. That is another love of mine, cooking.

There is honestly so much to do and explore around here, I can’t wait for my bestie to come exploring with me!!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

Gosh, the list is really long on this one… First, I’d be nowhere without the support and love from my husband. That man truly is outta this world. He supports all my crazy ideas. Then of course, my handsome son! Having a built-in model truly does make the whole “practice makes perfect” part a whole lot easier. Although, he may not appreciate it as much when he is in high school. (sorry son, haha)

My family and friends!!! If I didn’t have solid support from these two categories in my life, I wouldn’t have the confidence that I have. Every share, like, comment or shoutout that they give, always boosts my confidence and lets me know that I am doing what I am supposed to be doing in life. My husband’s grandma was a HUGE supporter and pusher in me starting my own photography business. I will forever be grateful to each person for ALL their support!

A friend from my hometown, Whitney Podboy, is an amazing photographer. Her work is almost as beautiful as she is. She has guided me, given me the final push I needed, advice, laughs, and so much more! She is a mother of three beautiful children, she runs her photography business and she slays in every category all while completely remodeling her home! To say I am lucky to have her in my corner is an understatement.

My long time friend from Hawaii, Meagan Remele, has been another constant support system. Whether it be pregnancy questions, kid questions, or camera questions! She is always there to bounce ideas off of, ask “what do I do” in numerous situations, and has always remained such a good friend!

Last but certainly not least, my CLIENTS!!!!! I would not be anywhere without y’all. Seriously, from the bottom of my heart, I am so grateful that you all trust me to capture the magic and freeze it in time! Without you, I would just be another girl with a camera…

So much thanks! So much gratitude!

Website: https://www.codymontesphotography.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/codymontesphotography/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/codymontesphotography

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/cody-montes-photography-saginaw