Walking into our interview with Cortney Bolek, one feels an immediate sense of calm. Dressed head to toe in bohemian threads, everything about her shouts free spirit. She is a reflection of her own work. Natural and ethereal. CMM: Neverland Photography. We love the name. What inspired this? CB: I was diagnosed with Peter Pan Syndrome quite a few years ago. (Smiles) I am forever a child at heart and when I decided to start taking pictures it was solely children that I was interested in photographing. I absolutely believe in never growing up and to me children are some of our best teachers. They are so uninhibited and real...in touch with the universe. I feel like a child just being surrounded by them. CMM: Many parents have indicated how enjoyable an experience their children had when shooting with you. How is a session with you different from other photographers? CB: Wow, that makes my heart happy to hear. I think with me, it’s all about the experience. I don’t like to rush, I like to be in the moment and let things happen. I don’t particularly care for posed shots, I adore candid moments...and I just love the essence of a child and would never want to disrupt that. I let them be just as they are and try to capture that particular moment in time. CMM: Are there any photographers who you would call influential to your work? CB: Absolutely. Many in fact. My one true hero in photography is without a doubt Dani Brubaker. I love her philosophy on children and her images are full of soul. Also, Sally Mann. Her black and white photography has inspired me beyond words. She has such a bold approach and every image tells a story. CMM: If someone wanted to book with you, how would they go about finding you? CB: I travel internationally so the best way to contact me would be through my website, www.cortneybolek.com   info@cortneybolek.com | www.cortneybolek.com