Life Updates and a Logan Square Newborn in Chicago with Big Fur Sister

Hello, it’s been a while! My busy season is slowly winding down, and it’s been the busiest of my career. Normally my fall rush ends at the beginning of November, but this year I’ll been going right up until a few days before Christmas. Great, and also exhausting amongst the holiday chaos! I am beyond grateful for all of the work and support this year.

And… I decided to foster a dog at the end of October, thinking I’d have a relatively chill November ;) Then an influx of work came in while having the world’s most anxious pooch in terms of separation anxiety and the past 6 weeks have been, let’s just say, a wild ride. At least it’s been a distraction from the constant “breaking news” and the dread from knowing I’m losing my health insurance in a few weeks. Hooray.

Now, onto the sunshine in my world- If you can’t tell from my portfolio, I LOVE a newborn session with a big fur sibling! People always ask me which sessions are my favorite to photograph and I jokingly say that’s like asking someone to pick their favorite child! I primarily photograph newborns and dogs separately but when they join together in a session it’s always my favorite. It’s another reason why I love in-home newborn sessions, so that all members of your family can be there; especially the ones with four legs! There are a lot of cute things in this world, but it’s hard to top anything more adorable than a pup sniffing their newborn brother or sister’s toes.

Some dogs are super protective of their new little brother or sister and never leave their side. Some sniff like crazy and some are aloof. Some can’t handle the crying! Some pout because they’re not the baby anymore. I try to remind them that in several months from those first few days, they’ll have a built-in best friend/food-dispenser sitting in a high chair and it’ll all be worth it! It’s so fun to see each dog react to their new little family member and I’m so lucky that I get to document these moments.

Big Fur sister sniffs her newborn baby brother’s toes during their lifestyle newborn session in Logan Square, Chicago with newborn photographer Courtney Laper

Mom and dad sit on the couch holding their newborn, looking at him lovingly, at their newborn photo session with Chicago newborn photographer Courtney Laper

newborn baby toes next to dad’s hands during a chicago newborn photo session with newborn photographer Courtney Laper

Repeat Families are the Best Compliments!

When I get to photograph second and third babies after photographing the first of the fam, my heart is SO happy! Not only is it easier for me because we already have a connection, you already trust me to have me back. And that means the world. Now I’m not saying photographing a family with a big-sibling/toddler is easy by any means… :) These sessions are actually a bit more challenging than the first because older siblings need a little more time and attention, if you can believe it, than the newborn! Depending on the age gap, big brother or big sister is often majorly adjusting to their new little sibling as well, which can make for some challenging times. Sometimes they don’t want anything to do with this new baby who’s taking their attention away from mom and dad. Sometimes they want to squish their new baby with so much love! Sometimes they’re just wanting to help by getting diapers, or sharing their toys. It’s really fun to see how different each session is.

I find that it’s helpful to prepare big brothers and big sisters as much as possible that I’ll be coming and what to expect. Since newborn sessions can be on the longer side, I always recommend starting with your family photos first so that your other kiddos can be done and have play or quiet time once their photos are finished. But if your toddler is shy and needs some time to warm up, I’m happy to adjust. Each session is tailored to what’s best for your family.

Dogs and Newborns and Love and Hope

Life is a lot lately. Almost 9 months of this dismal year that is 2025 and it’s felt like a thousand awful years. My mental health, like so many of yours, is not well. In order to stay in the game, in the fight, I have to not read the constant “breaking news” emails that are flooding my inbox all day every day. I can’t look at Instagram anymore. I’m exhausted. I hate it here and I’m feeling hopeless, which is what they want.

PS. The only hell/war-zone-ness about Chicago is ICE terrorizing innocent people and peaceful protestors. If you believe what they’re saying about our democratic cities, come visit and see yourself. I’ve never been more proud to be a Chicagoan.

In order to keep going, I have to try to find even the smallest moments of joy in this saturated darkness. My photography and dogs are what I’m gravitating to. I get to photograph moments of joy, love, hope and sometimes sorrow in end-of-life pet sessions. The highs and the lows of this life. It’s made my heart full, even more compassionate and most importantly a way to give back & to see the good that’s still in this world in spite of the hate thrown at us every day.

Here’s a little love, joy and hope to help brighten your day. Mr. O became a big fur brother and is slightly in love with his little sister. I adore this family so so much.

Keep going,

Courtney