Memorial Pet Sessions

It doesn’t matter how long you’ve had them, saying goodbye is never easy, and there isn’t any amount of time with them that’s ever long enough. This I know to be true.

Oof. These are hard. I know they can’t stay forever, but it’s still never easy to let them go. The number of end-of-life/memorial sessions I’ve done this past year, and had inquiries for, breaks my heart. Especially as a mom to a 16-year old geriatric pooch, knowing that my time left with her is limited purely based on her age. It’s given me a greater appreciation for every second I get with Emmie Lou. So much so that I’ll stop what I’m doing at home, SO many times during the day, to go in and peek under the covers to say hi & give some love. She spends most of her days lately under the covers in my bed, and is extremely annoyed when I do this to her but I need her to know how loved she is. It’s quite morbid, but I’ve been dreading the second she goes from the moment I picked her puppy body up in my arms and instantly fell in love. I have a hard time with goodbyes in general, but when it’s someone I love so deeply, it’s hard for me not to think of them being gone. It’s just how I’m wired. But I think that makes me appreciate deeper, and take things less for granted.

Watching these dog parents love on their dogs, often times on their pet’s last day on Earth, never gets easy. Especially as a highly sensitive person that feels everything deeeeeeply. But I truly appreciate the fact that I’m able to give these moments to fellow dog parents. My hope is that the photos will comfort you after they’re gone, helping to heal the giant hole they leave behind. I’ll love on your fur baby hard, I’ll hug you tight when I leave, and check in on you afterward. Your pets will squeeze their way into my heart, just like yours, and I’ll tell their story of love and joy. They were here. They were loved. They are your family. They will always be remembered. They make our lives better just by existing. Telling their story through photos is the best way to honor them.

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

Sweet Baby D & Her Fur Brother - Chicago Lifestyle Newborn

“Can our dog be in family photos?” This is the question I’m asked the most in consultations and before you can finish asking the question I’m already smiling ear-to-ear and claiming “YESSSSSS” very dramatically. Please!

If you don’t have a dog, I promise I will still take photos of your newborn! But if you have a dog, or cat, my heart will explode with happiness before, during and after your session. Combine my two favorite subjects in one session and this girl is a happy person and an even happier photographer. If you have a dog or cat, you’re likely in the same camp as me that believes they’re your family members and must be in your photos. Especially when they’re as adorable and curious as Mr. Elliot. He is so protective of her, and his pawrents, it’s really heart-warming. The only problem with these sessions is when I get home and my own dog, before even greeting me, will take minutes to sniff over all of my gear and bags to determine that I was with other animals and not her. I then have a semi-pouty pooch for a bit! It’s ok, though, because I get to deliver images like these that will be treasured forever. It’s even more fun when I go back for sessions as your baby grows, and I get to see them playing with their best friend. Nothing sweeter in the world. Dog people, or any animal people for that matter, are my people.

I also love all of those newborn details. The noses, the toes, eyelashes, dimples, skin rolls, lips, fingers, hair, forehead wrinkles, cheeks and more. When grouped together, they make an adorable collage!