Including Big Brother or Big Sister in Newborn Photos

Bringing a newborn home is daunting. Bringing a newborn home with a toddler - phew, buckle up! It’s a HUGE adjustment for everyone, but big siblings go from being the star of the show to having to share the spotlight in an instant. There can be big feelings and big meltdowns when life becomes all about the new baby; it can be tough for them. When people show up asking first to see the baby, and only focus on the baby, it makes them feel even more left out. (It’s kind of like that with moms also… Don’t get me started on the lack of support for moms, though.) I go into newborn sessions with older siblings SO excited for them. I go out of my way to talk to them first, get down on their level, play with them, etc. Then I ask them to show me their baby sister or brother. I show them images we’re making and ask for their help with holding feet/hands, making silly faces to get mom or dad to smile, wrapping the baby, etc. They want to feel like they’re part of the process, and this usually gets more participation. A win for all of us! I also can’t forget my silly noises, which works for getting genuine laughs & smiles from parents too as well as some head tilts from fur siblings. Animal noises of all kinds work and raspberries or toots, especially with little boys, are my go-to’s! Playing games with the noises also usually results in some cute moments - asking them what sound does a dog make, but making a “mooooo” noise before they respond, and asking if that was right, is always a hit!

Photographing kids requires a lot of patience and can definitely be challenging. But I get to act like a kid with them, be silly and just have fun. I often wish that my job was 100% photographing and 0% business because these moments make my “job” feel more like fun than work.

This session was so fun and I made a new friend! Big brother was such a joy to photograph and we became best buds. HIs mom still texts me that he asks about me and that makes me incredibly happy!

This Beautiful, Messy Life

In this age of Instagram-worthy images that portray perfect and mess-less lives, I’m here today to remind you that life is not perfect. We need to stop falling down the rabbit-hole of lies that it is, and stop comparing our lives to social media posts. Life - it’s messy, yet beautiful. It’s chaotic and loud, in between quiet and lonely. No matter where you’re at on your journey in this life, it’s never going to look like anyone else’s. And that’s ok! In fact, it’s amazing. It’s what makes your life unique, your story different. Embrace the mess and the moments that aren’t picture-perfect. I try to in my own life, and I definitely try to for client sessions as well. Especially if there are small kiddos involved! Oftentimes, my favorite moments when editing are the real-life ones like this. These two big sisters have so much personality, and so much love for their new little brother. But change is hard, all, especially when you’re young and a new little creature that never leaves is brought home! Embrace the chaos, friends, and look for the beauty in the mess that life can be. Happy New Year!

Cheers, Courtney

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