PAWS Animal Magnetism

/ Courtney Michelle Photography/

Last week I photographed an event for PAWS, an organization that I hold dear to my heart! If you've never heard of them, go here and read about this wonderful no-kill animal shelter here in Chicago. I started volunteering for them about a year ago when I moved here and couldn't bring my dog with me. Don't worry, she's in good hands back in WI with my mom and dad but I was missing her like crazy. I started volunteering for selfish reasons to get my dog fix, but it quickly turned into something more powerful. Every single time I go there, I cry. Every. Single. Time. It's so heart-breaking to hear some of the stories that these innocent dogs have gone through and I want to bring every one of them home when I'm there. Those dogs have done way for me than I ever could for them and I get extremely happy (and cry happy tears, of course) when they get adopted! I haven't been able to volunteer much lately because of my schedule, so being able to photograph for them was an honor. The event I photographed was called Animal Magnetism and it was SO much fun! Head here to see more photos from the event and read about how you can help.

Below are some of my favorite photos from the night, including the flowers and details of the building. PAWS left no detail untouched. If you know me, you know how much I LOOOOOOVE fresh flowers. Oh, and sharp-dressed dogs! What a wonderful evening.  

It took place at Morgan Manufacturing in the Fulton Market District in Chicago and it is a photographer's dream! Exposed brick walls, fun light fixtures, cool blue lighting on the stairs, walls made of glass blocks behind the bar and the view from the second floor is pretty incredible. Even the ladies' room was covered head to toe in detail. If I had to guess, I'd say the men's room did not disappoint but you'll have to check for yourself! If your'e looking for a venue for an event like a wedding, I'd recommend it. And I'd recommend you have me photograph it! 

Eat Chic Chicago

/ Courtney Michelle Photography/

You may remember my collaboration with Chicago Dietitian Amari Thomsen of Eat Chic Chicago this past winter. If not, have a click here and refresh yourself! Anyway, she's back with a super delicious recipe that you must know about! Click the photo below to find out how she made these savory chicken meatballs. It was really hard not to eat this while I was photographing it because it smelled so incredible! Not pictured: my drool!

Personal Creative Struggles (Plus a cute little baby!)

/ Courtney Michelle Photography/

If I'm being completely honest, I will tell you that I got into photography because I liked taking photos of "pretty things." I've always appreciated the small things, and found beauty in unusual places like cemeteries, alleys and everyday objects. It wasn't until I started being asked to photograph people that I really fell in love with documenting moments. And even then, it took me a long time to figure out what was missing in my work and although I truly loved it, something was leaving me feeling empty.

It's hard to explain, really, but the more I started photographing for a living, the harder it actually became for me. I get in a rut when I do the same things over and over, and I feel disconnected when I'm not creatively challenged. I've been a photographer for almost 10 years now, 7 of them professionally and though I'm always striving to be learning and growing, I finally feel like I've figured out what's been missing. It's not just enough for me anymore to take a pretty picture. I want those goosebumps when I'm looking through my camera, watching magic unfold. I'm an emotional person naturally, but when my eyes start to well up behind the lens while seeing your love pour out, I can't explain it. I want to capture those honest moments between you and your loves and I want you to feel what I'm seeing. I want your heart to explode with happiness when I show you your images! I crave shooting from my heart.

I love lifestyle sessions more than anything because I get to document real, raw moments. To me, it's all about connection. Yes, I will guide you into position and take some nice photos of your family, but my heart sings when I know you're not focused on me and just loving one another. Documenting sweet, tender moments in your world is what I live for and it's when I create my best work.

I photographed Miss S when she was a week new. A head full of hair, SO many smiles and the cutest little baby toes I ever did see! Her mama and daddy's love for her brings so much joy to my heart. It's the little moments that I want you to look back on. It goes by so fast, and you're likely sleep-deprived and may not remember a lot of things, but these photos will freeze time and each time you look back at them, I hope you smile. That's what I love about what I do. When you trust me enough to let me do my "thing" and have creative freedom, I will create magic for you. 

I will be cutting back on the number of newborn posing sessions I offer and shifting my focus to lifestyle sessions like the one above. You'll still get adorable photos of your baby, but the focus will be more on your love for your little one.