Welcome! How can I help you?  

I can’t wait to meet you! I’m a full-service, experience-based photographer serving joyfully in Chicago & Madison, WI. I specialize in beautiful, custom-designed albums and stunning wall art. We spend our lives on our phones these days and that includes documenting our lives. What happens to those photos after? The same goes with a professional photo session - what happens to those files that you keep living on your computer for years and don’t get around to printing them or making that album? Or when the hard drive fails and you no longer have access to them? I won’t just give you digital files and leave you to the wolves.

Photography is both relationship-based and connection-based. You need to be comfortable with the person photographing you - being photographed is genuinely vulnerable! I will fall in love with your family, take care of you and serve you. It’s a heart connection in a world that’s becoming more and more disconnected. I recognize the importance of the moment. Life can change in an instant. I lost my dad to suicide in 20203 and it’s put what I do in perspective in terms of life being short, making time for photos and having something to show for afterward.

I only take on a limited number of new clients each month so I can focus on the relationships I have with my clients. I don’t strive to be “everyone’s photographer” or to have hundreds of sessions each month. That does a disservice to the clients I do take on.

It’s a privilege to serve you with joy.

What Happens First? How Does This Work?

  • Send a message and let’s chat!

    It’s really helpful to talk on the phone so I can get to know you, find out what you’re looking for and if you have a vision in mind for your session. We’ll chat about how I photograph, details about your family & home, who will all be photographed, investment and more.

  • After the consultation, if we’re a good fit, you’ll sign a contract and put a deposit down to secure your appointment. I’ll send a welcome kit with a session prep guide for a smooth session, what to wear, etc.

  • Once baby has arrived, you’ll let me know as soon as possible so we can get you on the calendar. While I will have a general due date from your inquiry, it’s rare that they come on that date! I do keep a general timeframe open around your due date, but never make you choose your date until baby has arrived.

    If you’re having a scheduled C-section or induction date, that can give a bit more of an idea of when to schedule your newborn session.

    I usually recommend you designate your partner to reach out to me either in the hospital (or at home for a home birth) once baby has arrived. This at least gives me notice that baby has arrived. You’re welcome to schedule then or wait until you get home and see how the transition goes. Most people schedule within those first two weeks, and some wait a bit longer to adjust to getting home. It’s all up to you!

  • Time to have fun!! I allow about 2.5 hours for newborn photos but don’t feel overwhelmed by that - we won’t be photographing the entire time! Babies often need feeding breaks or diaper changes & soothing time. I like to start with family photos so that parents, big siblings and fur siblings can relax once they’re no longer in photos.

    I call my style “lifestyle-inspired” and I watch how you move naturally. I also recognize that everyone wants to look their best in photos, and most people have no idea what to do/how to stand or sit/where to put hands/etc. That’s what I’m here for! I will lightly pose you and guide you while still keeping that lifestyle feel.

    Your only job is to relax, have fun and love on your new little love. There will be lots of snuggling!

  • Time to see those beautiful photos! After about two weeks, your proofs will be ready. We’ll either meet in person, or via Zoom, to go through them and finalize your order. If you purchased a session package that includes an album, you’ll choose your images for that as well.

  • Depending which albums or products you choose, your artwork will be delivered to you about two-four weeks after your reveal appointment. Albums are typically on the four-week side because I custom design them and then they’re proofed by you to approve before sending them to print.

I hear ALL of the time from people how they hate having their photo taken, that they’re not photogenic or that they “don’t take good pictures” and I’m here to tell you I SO RELATE! I HATE having my photo taken. It’s super awkward and weird but you know what?! If you find someone you are comfortable with, someone who makes you relaxed, someone who is only focused on making sure you feel (and look, obviously!) good, then it makes a world of difference. I see you. I’ve got your back. I know how NOT to make it. Breathe and just enjoy this moment and we’ll make it fun. I promise.

Just breathe and be in the moment with me. -Courtney

Quick Links

Meet Courtney

Get to know the girl behind the camera.

In-Home Newborns

Newborn baby girl swaddled and laying in dad’s lap, while mom looks over at their in-home lifestyle newborn session in chicago

Those first fleeting precious weeks of life.

Pet Portraits

Fur babies and all their quirks you never want to forget.

New Gift Certificates Available!

Perfect shower or welcome gift for mom-to-be and baby.

Know someone who is expecting? Gift cards make the perfect baby shower or welcome gift!

“I absolutely LOVE these, Courtney!!! Thank you SO much!!! “- Sally

“Omg I am obsessed with these!! Love them so much!! Can’t wait for an album💕. Thank you so much!” - LP

View fullsize Remember that time I couldn't photograph newborns so I did a fun spoof with Emmie Lou?! Can't believe this was almost 5 years ago and I'd give my current life to go back to those days. For many reasons but mostly because my dad was still alive then.
View fullsize "I LOVE THIS SO MUCH!! Oh, Courtney it looks so great. What a special piece. And the size is perfect. Thank you so much for this beautiful display of photos of my little family!" I love nothing more than album delivery days, except for ma
View fullsize We had to say goodbye to our Jersey girl today. Emmie's best bud & roomie for almost half of her life. When you get a dog, you know going into it that you don’t get a ton of time with them. We got 15 years with this spitfire and it still w
View fullsize Best boy. I have few words (shocking, I know!) - all that's able to come out is how much I love him. Murphy would appreciate all of the love, prayers, good vibes, whatever you'd like to send him. He's truly one of a kind.
View fullsize Get out and use your voice. It's mind-boggling to me how controversial it is for small businesses like mine to take a stand in politics. "Politics shouldn't be here, I didn't come here for this." When small businesses are quite affected b
View fullsize I was walking into a pet memorial session when my sister texted that their OG baby had a large cancerous mass and they were about to say goodbye. It's incredibly hard for me to keep it together during those sessions in general, but that one was rough
View fullsize Frank. Loved by all the ladies, but especially his best girls. I know you're running free now, handsome guy. I'm so honored I got to meet you IRL. You'll live on in your family's hearts, memories and your mom's custom socks with your face on them! Re
View fullsize @khepricafe Mount Prospect Trick-or-Treating galleries have been delivered. Many emails bounced or possibly went to spam. Please reach out if you haven't received the link!