Consider a Gift Certificate! Plus, tips to help creative small businesses.

I’m still here! Things are changing daily here in Chicago but we are now under “Shelter in Place” guidelines so I will not be able to photograph any sessions or events until April at the earliest. As a small business owner, documenting lives and creating family heirlooms is not only my life’s passion but my livelihood as well. As soon as permitted, I’ll be back and photographing! I’m still here for you, just from afar. I’m designing albums, taking & working on print orders and getting all kinds of website and back-end-of-business things done!

If you’d like to, consider purchasing a gift certificate to use in the future. Either for your own family or for someone you know. Know an expecting mama-to-be? What a great shower or baby gift! My gift certificates are available in any amount, never expire and may be used toward session fees or products. To purchase, click the link below and it will send me an email; just let me know the amount you’d like. You can also call to purchase over the phone - 608-438-9832.

10% of all gift certificate proceeds will be going to Alive Rescue.

Other ways to help small businesses:

Follow them on social media. Like, comment and share their posts.

Visit their website - web traffic helps too! If they have an online store, make a purchase.

Spread the word - referrals mean everything to small businesses.

Leave a google review.

Send a small business an encouraging message. Positivity helps!

Buy online from an artisan or store who can no longer attend fairs or operate under business-as-usual.

Spread Joy & Be Kind.

While nobody knows quite what lies ahead of us, I’m here to help support you. I intend to continue to share about sessions, products and services, in addition to tips, inspiration and joy whenever I can. Let me know how I can help YOU.

In the mean time, stay home! I whole-heartedly believe that while this is going to be tough on all of us, we’ll get through it all together. Much stronger than ever. Hunker down and come see me when this is all over. I’ll be welcoming you with open arms and giant bear hugs! Thank you for being such a vital part of my small business.

xoxo - Courtney

Cape Cod Family Beach Photo Session - Destination Family Photographer

Last summer I flew out to Cape Cod to photograph family photos for a sweet boy’s first birthday. I grew up with Kris in our tiny Wisconsin town and we reconnected via Facebook after college and major life changes & moves. Kris now lives in Switzerland with her husband Mike and their one year old little boy! Her husband is from Boston and his parents live half the year in their Cape Cod home. Kris flew me out to document her little guy turning one while they were visiting in Cape Cod last August. Her parents also came to visit, and we did an extended family session at Quisset Harbor at sunset time. It helped me realize that I need more sunset beach sessions in my life and that I need to go back to explore more of Cape Cod!

Bring the Grandparents for a Group Photo!

I make sure to get photos of them by themselves too! Often, they have not been photographed together in ages.

My Own Photo Session in Paris with Brittany Marie Photography - Tips on How to Have a Great Photo Session

I’m SO late to the game in blogging my own photo session that I had on my trip to Paris (almost a year ago already!) but it’s better late than never, right?!

I try to get on the other side of the camera once in a while because 1. I don’t like it so it pushes me out of my comfort zone and 2. I can relate to my clients when I’m photographing them by knowing tricks to get them comfortable. This time in front of the camera was especially special since I was in Paris visiting my crazy-talented friend Brittany of Brittany Marie Photography. We spent the day together exploring Paris and that morning we took some quick photos of each other. Later, we waited in line for what seemed like hours for the best damn crêpe I’ve ever had in my life! I blogged the photos I took of her, but never got around to sharing (aside from Instagram) the photos she made of me. See below for some tips on how to have a great portrait session and learn from my mishaps.

Things I learned after being photographed in Paris.

1. Don’t wear something that you’re going to be self-conscious about the entire time! Something you feel amazing in will do the trick. I wore a shirt that I loved the look of but didn’t like the look of ON ME! It wasn’t the most flattering on my short body and I ended up feeling self-conscious and in my head about it the entire time. Trust your instincts and go with your first choice.

2. Get a great night’s sleep beforehand! I am never myself when I don’t get enough sleep and my brain is foggy & makes it harder to relax. And my eyes look so sleepy!

3. Speaking of sleepy eyes…. the older I get, the more I dislike my giant light-up-the-room-smile and the dark circles under my eyes (thanks, genes). I know it’s silly and all my own insecurities, but I feel more like myself when I don’t look tired. Next time, I will hire a make-up artist to help me feel even more amazing. AND will work on loving myself, “flaws” and all!

4. Have fun, be playful and relax. It will show if you’re stiff and uncomfortable. The most important tip for great photos is that you have to trust your photographer.

If you go to Paris, and I highly recommend you do, you MUST be photographed by Brittany! Check out her stunning photos here!