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

Including Big Brother or Big Sister in Newborn Photos

Bringing a newborn home is daunting. Bringing a newborn home with a toddler - phew, buckle up! It’s a HUGE adjustment for everyone, but big siblings go from being the star of the show to having to share the spotlight in an instant. There can be big feelings and big meltdowns when life becomes all about the new baby; it can be tough for them. When people show up asking first to see the baby, and only focus on the baby, it makes them feel even more left out. (It’s kind of like that with moms also… Don’t get me started on the lack of support for moms, though.) I go into newborn sessions with older siblings SO excited for them. I go out of my way to talk to them first, get down on their level, play with them, etc. Then I ask them to show me their baby sister or brother. I show them images we’re making and ask for their help with holding feet/hands, making silly faces to get mom or dad to smile, wrapping the baby, etc. They want to feel like they’re part of the process, and this usually gets more participation. A win for all of us! I also can’t forget my silly noises, which works for getting genuine laughs & smiles from parents too as well as some head tilts from fur siblings. Animal noises of all kinds work and raspberries or toots, especially with little boys, are my go-to’s! Playing games with the noises also usually results in some cute moments - asking them what sound does a dog make, but making a “mooooo” noise before they respond, and asking if that was right, is always a hit!

Photographing kids requires a lot of patience and can definitely be challenging. But I get to act like a kid with them, be silly and just have fun. I often wish that my job was 100% photographing and 0% business because these moments make my “job” feel more like fun than work.

This session was so fun and I made a new friend! Big brother was such a joy to photograph and we became best buds. HIs mom still texts me that he asks about me and that makes me incredibly happy!

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!