Connection - Chicago Lifestyle Newborn in Uptown Chicago

Connection. If there’s one that word that summarizes this session, it’s precisely that. It’s also what photography symbolizes to me, what it documents and what it celebrates. When I first started out in photography, I was all about “pretty” pictures. It started as a hobby for me, of nature, flowers, landscapes. A way to document what I saw as beautiful in this sometimes-bleak world. After I started photographing people, I was still honing my craft and wanting to make the pretty pictures, but it wasn’t until later on in my journey where I realized something more profound. Yes, I can take a photo of a person in a beautiful setting, but without the connection, it’s really just a snapshot. When I started to take a more lifestyle approach to my newborn sessions, and just watch the love unfold that I was surrounded among, it gave my purpose a whole new meaning. I still give direction and take the smiley looking-at-the-camera photos, but it’s the moments like these that really tell your story and make my heart soar.

Newborn Baby Boy & Golden Retriever Brother in the West Loop [Chicago, IL]

If you’re new here and not aware of my slight (!) obsession with dogs, and dogs + babies together, you’re in for a treat here! This sweet family’s session was in the West Loop neighborhood of Chicago and included all the wonderful things that make this photographer’s dream come true. An adorable new baby boy, a sweeeeeeet big fur Golden Retriever brother, loving parents, a Chicago city view and a beautiful nursery. Definitely not saying anyone has to have all of these things in their photos in order for them to be great. Not at all. It’s truly about connection and relationships for me, but add in all of those other things and you’ll make my photographer heart beat real fast!

This little guy is already walking and that just shows how behind I’ve been with blogging! I’m going to try to be better now that I’m entering hibernation mode. For now, enjoy this beautiful session!

Darling Tween and Kiddo Photo Session at The Painted Crate {Columbus, WI}

I was back in Wisconsin visiting family this past spring when my sister & mom took me into the most adorable little shop in Columbus. Cindy Klein, of The Painted Crate, has the most beautiful space inside an old car repair shop that she transformed into a charismatic little retail experience. It’s full of local handmade soaps & balms, small batch candles, fun gifts, jewelry, vintage charm, furniture paint and so much more. AND it’s gorgeous! From the second I walked into this space, I knew I had to come back and take some photos. Cindy has the cutest vignettes all around her store and she takes such care into making this space look so warm and welcoming. If you’re ever passing through Columbus, you must check it out!

I have 5 nieces (aka my own little personal models!) and they’re all as beautiful outside as inside, and I take their photos annually, and I love them… commence run-on sentence because that’s what I do when I’m excited about something! I had to take their photos here, and I’m delighted we did! They’re all growing up so quickly and emerging into these amazing little humans, and they’re at fun ages where they’re willing to pose for photos. The oldest is 11 (going on 21!) and I’ve been in her face, literally, since the day she was born! People tell me that she looks just like I did at that age, and while I do see a resemblance, I also can’t help but feel flattered because this girl is stunning! At her age, I felt awkward, lonely and anything but beautiful so I hope that these photos will show my favorite ladies how bright their inner and outer lights are & that they can make a difference in this often-bleak world. I don’t have my own children (by choice) and these ladies are the closest I have to influencing a generation. I hope I can teach them to see the world with open minds, thoughtful curiosity about others in this world, especially those who are different from them & above all - kindness. It’s what we all need right now.

In truth and full disclosure, I’ve been struggling this year. I thought I had found my purpose with photography and documenting people’s joy, moments and lives. But after 12+ years it’s begun to feel like it’s not enough. Don’t get me wrong, I do love taking beautiful photos of beautiful moments, but it feels like I need to do more. Like I was meant to do more to improve this place we live in. Our world is rapidly deteriorating around us and I’ve personally taken an intense interest in preserving what’s left of it. I consider myself a fierce climate and animal activist (among activism for women’s rights, Black Lives Matter, lgbtq rights & gun laws) and is something I’m most passionate about. I’m trying to figure out how I can incorporate that activism into my business. My business that documents pretty things, but which also contributes to consumerism & a carbon footprint that I don’t love. I’m trying to live without so much “stuff” which often feels like it’s weighing me down. But some of that “stuff” includes photos of all of the memories I want to preserve and remember/display. Because I firmly believe that images should not just be digital form. The balance, and the thought that I’m contributing to this materialistic world with what I do, is something I struggle with daily. I’m not quitting or going anywhere, just feeling a bunch of feelings about it & writing things down is how I process and figure things out. Thank you for giving me the space to lay it all out there.

xoxo,

Courtney