As a small business owner for the last 11 years, I know the importance of maintaining a consistent brand. One of the best places to start when starting a business or even if you’ve been in business for years, is a professional, on brand portrait. First impressions are everything these days. I LOVE collaborating with entrepreneurs to create stunning professional imagery that matches your brand and will attract your ideal client.
Professional portrait/branding sessions start at $500. Let’s chat about how we can bring your brand and image to life.
Custom family portrait sessions are still available. The deadline for a guaranteed holiday delivery is Saturday 11/17. SATURDAY/WEEKDEND appointments available for November only.
Looking forward to seeing you and your family soon.
It’s October! It’s still a little warm here in South Florida, but being a Native Miami-an (is that even a word?) I notice even the slightest change in the seasons and fall is definitely in the air. (or maybe it’s just wishful thinking).
But whatever the weather outside, we are definitely in the thick of the busy season here in the studio. I’ve photographed families and new babies and professional portraits…lots of photography goodness happening here.
There are still appointments available for your custom family portrait session here at the studio. The weekend time slots are quickly dwindling, but there is still Saturday availability on
10/13
10/20
11/10
11/17
Weekdays appointments are also available. Contact me at the studio for more information and to schedule your custom family portrait session.
Here’s just a little sneak peak of what I’ve been up to.
It’s almost October and time to start talking about Holiday deadlines. Now is the time to schedule your custom family portrait session at Courtney Studios. There are only 4 Saturdays between now and holiday deadlines with appointments available.
10/13
10/20
11/10
11/17
Your custom portrait session needs to be scheduled and complete by November 17 in order to guarantee a holiday delivery.
I’ve had a great time in the studio the last few weeks photographing new and returning clients. Being able to watch kids grow up before my eyes is a definite perk of being a family photographer. On most days it’s like one giant studio playdate. Super fun, super loud, and super creative.
Want to see more from the studio? Follow us on instagram @courtneystudios and see session sneak peaks and behind the scenes at the studio.
Call the studio or email to schedule your custom family portrait session at Courtney Studios.
The day I returned home from Camp Starlight my sister had a baby. My brother had a baby one week later. Griffin. He’s beautiful. Griffin’s first newborn portraits were taken while in the hospital. While his mama rested, I was able to capture portraits of my baby brother with his first baby. Hospital room window light is definitely a favorite and I took advantage.
A week later I hung out with them at home for the first official newborn portrait session. Photographing my brother’s baby fills me with gratitude. Grateful to do what I love for the people I love.
My approach to newborn photography is simple and natural. Any props used are yours and unique to you. Reach out if you have any questions. I’d love to chat about it.
I am currently taking appointments for family portraits both in the studio and on location.
In just about 12 hours the first bus load of campers is going to roll through the gates of Camp Starlight. I sit here in the photography office of camp looking at photographs I took during this past week, and I’m full of nervous excitement. The kind of energy you feel the night before a birthday and you know sleep is no where close. I’ve been here for a full 8 days for staff orientation; learning, growing and taking it all in. There are 300 staff here at camp between counselors, support staff, maintenance. It’s amazing. The staff is from all over the world. I’ve met wonderful people who I already care deeply for. People that quickly are becoming my family at this new home away from home.
But tomorrow is when the real fun begins. When I capture that first smiling face getting off the bus, it’s going to take everything I have not to cry happy tears. And when I capture my own kids’ expressions getting off the bus and seeing all that is Camp Starlight for the first time. Forget it…let the waterworks begin. I get emotional just thinking about it. Tomorrow is the culmination of all I’ve been waiting and planning for for the last 7 months. Heck, for the last two years, when I first had the idea of working at a summer camp. With each day I’ve been here, I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt that Camp Starlight is going to blow my kids’ minds. It continues to blow my mind. They have no idea what they’re in for and that just escalates my excitement. Excitement for them and for me. Even for campers who come summer after summer, I know that each summer at Starlight is a new experience. This week I’ve heard stories from staff members who are back year after year. Staff who’s own children grew up running around camp as babies and are now Upper Seniors. Each summer is full of new surprises, friendships and adventure. But more than that, what brings campers and staff back year after year is the sense of family. I’ve been here 8 days and I know it; I feel it. The love and support I’ve received this week is incredible and overwhelming in the most wonderful way.
Camp photographer days will be long and it won’t always be easy, but when I fall asleep with a smile on my face and a full heart, I know it will all be worth it.
On Friday, I head off for a two month adventure of a lifetime. I’m packing my bags and heading off to…
SLEEP AWAY CAMP.
Yep, you heard that right. I’m heading off to Camp Starlight (along with my 3 kiddos) to head up their media team.
I went to camp once when I was 8. Camp Summit in North Carolina. It was the best two weeks of my life. I always wanted to go back. Camp Summit no longer exists and life happens as it may. I never did return as a camper or counselor. Until now…I’m the 41 year old camper. This is my kids’ first sleep away camp experience and feelings range from “a little nervous” to “wishes she was already there”. What’s not lost on me, is the privilege to see and hear my own kids’ camp experience in real time and photograph it. It’s an incredible opportunity. But it’s not just my own children’s experiences, it’s the lives of 560 boys and girls. As a photographer at a summer camp, being a mom is the biggest role I’ll play. I’ll photograph each child as my own. As an artist, and a mom, I want the parents at home, who are hitting “refresh” on their computers to feel and see and hear the same things through my photographs. It’s a huge responsibility and I’m 100% up for the challenge.
The Starlight media team consists of three photographers (including myself) and a videographer. The next 8 weeks will be a creative journey the likes I’ve never known. Between telling Camp Starlight’s daily story and creating visual content for social media and marketing, I’ll be CREATIVE and CREATE EVERYDAY!! All the best parts of being a photographer wrapped into one without the daily grind of running a business. I will grow as an artist and a photographer.
I’ve spent the last week packing my three kids for the best summer of their lives. (BTW, packing three kids for 7 weeks away from home ain’t no joke!) Thank goodness for Excel spreadsheets and advice from experienced friends.
Follow my journey on instagram @courtneystudios and @campstarlight_official.
There are a few spots available for tomorrow’s Headshot Brunch.
First impressions are everything.
Our professional portraits showcase who you are, your brand, in a style that’s fun and professional.
Headshot Brunch, mini version, of our Personal Brand photography package. Choose up to 10 edited images, with unlimited usage rights, from a variety of poses and expressions that showcase your personal brand.
Mother’s Day is Sunday. Anything exciting planned to celebrate yo mama? Since I’ll be moving into our new house on Saturday, all I want to do on Mother’s Day is wake up in my own bed in my new HOME with my family. Keeping it simple this year. But if I had to choose one other gift, it would be to finally design a Signature 16 collage for myself. 16 of my favorite portraits of my 3 kiddos arranged in a clean, modern and stunning display. Perfect addition to my new family room. I love the Signature 16 Collage. It’s the studio’s most popular product. Starting at 20×20 inches, this heirloom collage will take your breath away and make your heart skip a beat every time you walk into a room.
I designed the collage below as a gift for a dear friend. I photographed her family just days after the birth of her fourth child, a girl. I captured details of her beautiful family and carefully curated her favorite 16 portraits into a complete work of art. It was a gift like no other. (For more Signature 16 Collage examples click here)
Give your mama the gift of portrait photography. Or if you’re a mama, gift it to yourself.
Call the studio to give the gift of portrait photography.
See you soon,
courtney
ps-Next Headshot Brunch is May 17
Just had to share some of the gorgeous mamas who I’ve had the pleasure of working with.
I love buying clothes for my kids. I’m lucky enough that Charlotte (6) and Stella (9) still let me have a teeny tiny say in what they wear…somewhat. Knock on wood, I’ve never had a kicking and screaming temper tantrum over “wardrobe”. Sending love to you mama’s who deal with this on the daily. The struggle is real.
That being said, I’m all about unique kids’ fashion brands. Pixie Lane, is one of them. Pixie Lane offers styles that are fun, playful, perfect for school and play. The funky leggings and twirly dresses are perfect for your young fashionista.
The studio is open on Saturday, May 5 from 11-2 for an exclusive Pixie Lane pop up shop. Inventory will be on hand that day for shopping. Bring a kiddo or two and receive a complimentary “Mommy and Me” portrait.
Headshot Brunch is back on May 17. Headshot Brunch is a mini version of our Personal Brand photography package. Choose up to 10 edited images, with unlimited usage rights, from a variety of poses and expressions that showcase your personal brand.
Luxurious, the 12×12 Session Album is the ultimate heirloom keepsake from your custom portrait session at Courtney Studios. 20, thick, custom designed pages, your Session Album is carefully printed, custom bound and hand finished. Not only will you love seeing your family portraits presented in such a unique way, you’ll love reliving these precious moments, relationships, emotions forever. In our ever changing digital environment, there’s something to be said for the printed beauty of a portrait. Taking the time to sit and turn pages of a book, a tangible object you can hold in your hands.
Custom albums are available in multiple sizes and cover options.
The studio is open for the remainder of spring and will be closed 6/20-8/20. I am taking it on the road this summer. My kids and I are headed to sleepaway camp. I’m proud to join Camp Starlight in Pennsylvania as their official photographer for the summer. I’m incredibly excited.
So now is the time to book your custom portrait session for spring OR you can get a head start and reserve your appointment for the fall.
“Her work is distinct and holds a special place in our home.”- Marcy Hirsch -
“Courtney's photographs had a huge impact on NCLR and helped us raise over $1 million in December 2014. Her work is beautiful and engaging and shows the central goal of the fight for marriage equality -love."”- Ace Portis, Major Gifts Officer, NCLR -
“Courtney truly captured the uniqueness of our family and created beautiful, original works of art that we will treasure always.”- Darlene Giol -
