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

Lifestyle Newborn Photo Session with Mr. J in the Loop [Chicago]

Coming back at you with Mr. J’s in-home newborn session this time! I love love love seeing just how much a newborn baby changes between their Fresh 48 session and in-home session. Mr. J was here for two days when we did his Fresh 48 session at Prentice Women’s Hospital and was about a month new when I went to their home in the Loop. I also photographed Mom’s maternity session so I’ve really gotten to know this beautiful family and adore them so much! If you’ve been here a while, you know I’m a sucker for animals but especially animals and babies together. These humans are also wild about animals, which is why I think I love them so much! They currently have a dog and a cat but have fostered many others before as well. This session was one of the few where it was a challenge to get everyone together but we still managed to get the animals in some photos. Franklin, big dog brother is realllllly old and wanted his space while Leon the cat, who is normally more like a dog according to his parents, was rather aloof this day! Some of my favorite moments, though, were when they were sneaking in the photos trying to get glimpses of their new baby human brother. Both were always close by, watching to make sure I was good for their little human brother. Introducing Mr. J and his big fur brothers!

Sunny the Dog Becomes the Best Big Sister! [Roscoe Village Newborn Photo Session]

To say I adore this family would be the biggest understatement! I met Sunny and her mom & dad at the Horner Park Farmer’s Market last spring and we got to talking after our dog’s met. My dog Emmie doesn’t love ALL dogs, but she liked Sunny and it made me quite happy! (It’s so hard to meet people as an adult and I’m so thankful for Emmie, who is often the ice-breaker!) These two are the sweetest and most genuine people I’ve met in a long time. I didn’t get their info at the farmer’s market, but I had Sunny’s name and found her on Instagram later that weekend. No shame here, I tracked her down! When Emmie DOES make friends, we need to keep them close by ;) Thus began our IG friendship! Later that summer, Ali announced Sunny was going to be a big sister & I’d been dying to photograph this gorgeous patch of wild Asters around this time. So, I asked them to model for me for a quick little sunset session, and we got the most amazing sunset. I was honored when they asked me to photograph them at home for baby girl’s newborn photos. I had the best time documenting this adorable little family of four and love watching Sunny shine in her new role. I only wish I could’ve stayed all day with them. Welcome, sweet baby girl. You’ve got the best mom, dad and fur-sister in your corner!