Gratitude Sessions for Essential Workers - Purchase One, Receive One to Gift

I am honored to be introducing Gratitude Sessions!

All sessions booked between now and the 30th of April 2020 will include an additional photo session for you to gift to an essential front line worker of your choice and their family. 

Essential workers are sacrificing their time with their own families so that others can spend more time with theirs. I am grateful to be able to stay home, but I am also struggling like so many others. I have two sisters that are on the front line of this and I worry about them and their littles every day. I’m also struggling with having the privilege of staying home knowing others do not. I’m struggling with the fear of the uncertain financial future myself (and my business) are facing. I’m heartbroken that I can’t photograph the maternity sessions I had on the calendar, and even more heartbroken for those mamas who may have to deliver babies alone. For the grandparents who can’t meet their new grand-babies. I weep daily for the ones who have already left us, especially the ones that didn’t have anyone with them when they left this earth. It’s a trying time that every single person is affected by, and I believe all the more reason to give back. All the more reason to document this life.

I’m incredibly hopeful that we’ll get through this and come out stronger, together. We’re all learning to let things go, and also to expand and let love in. To ask for help. To grieve. While this gesture is not enough to repay the debt we owe to ALL of the essential workers and health care workers on the front line, I hope for it to be of some help.

If you’re not in a position to invest at the moment, but would love to be a part of giving back, please feel free to nominate an essential worker anyway that you’d like to see receive a complimentary family photo session. On April 30th, I will choose one of the nominated families to receive their free session. 

I know it's a tough time right now for everyone. This will eventually pass and we will be gathered together again. Until then, in this time of grief and fear, please keep cheering each other on. Your love and resilience are powerful.

*All photo sessions to take place (of course!) when physical social distancing guidelines have been lifted. Donated sessions will receive a free session of their choice & 10 mounted gift prints. They have the option to purchase additional prints, but it is not required.

Thanks to Anastasia Creative for starting this initiative. If you’re a photographer interested in participating, please see her website.

🎉Launch Party, Happy Dance Time - The Print Shop is Now Open!

Hi there - I first want to say that I hope you and your family are well in this unsettling time. If there's anything I can do to help, please let me know. I'm here for you and can't wait to photograph you again when this is all over.

Now more than ever, we are feeling the very human need of connectedness. Since we can't be there in person, send a note to let someone know you're thinking of them. Notecards with beautiful photos and a fun note can make someone's day. 

!*!*!*!*!*Drumroll for the big announcement*!*!*!*!*!

I now have a print shop open on my website! EEEK! It's been a year+ in the making and a REAL labor of love ;)

Notecards, canvas wraps & metal prints are now available for purchase in the print shop. See beautiful Chicago scenes, travel photos, landscapes, nature and more.

Thank you ALL for your love & support!

Launch party 🎉10% off all orders and free shipping through April 30, 2020🎉
Code: 2020LAUNCH

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