North Louisiana Lifestyle Family and Newborn Photographer

Tag: ruston louisiana

Reesby Family | Shreveport Louisiana Family Photogrpaher

Meet the Reesby family. They were such a sweet group of people! We snuck this session in real quick before Christmas came and I hurried to get them back to them. The Christmas season can seems to sneak up on you sometimes. I was so glad that I was able to work this session in!

We met at the Red River Wildlife Refuge in Shreveport on cool evening in December. I had just been there a few short weeks ago and there were still lots of leaves on the trees. When I arrived, to my dismay, all the leaves were gone. WAHH!!! This makes it a little tricky to find diffused light, which is vital to my style, but with the help of some tree branches I was able to block the sun from hitting my lens and we still got great images that I am proud of.

Photographing families with older children can be a little tricky sometimes because there’s a little less than you can do than with little, little kids. I like to have littles play games and such to keep them interested in the photos. But that means I am working HARD!! With the older kids, it is easier in that you get in and get it done with hardly any fuss. Haha!! I love photographing families with all ages of kiddos, though! All stages of families are important and need to documented.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and a happy new year! I know I am looking forward to all that 2024 has in store!

January 9, 2024
Five ways to set your family up for a successful family session | Ruston Louisiana family and newborn photographer

Hey mama! You’ve just booked a family session and you’re wondering how you’re going to get your kiddos to cooperate. This is such a valid concern! As a family and newborn photographer in the Ruston Louisiana area, I’ve got some tips that just might help!

1. Instead of bribing with treats and candy, instead bribe with play. “Let’s do this really quick and then we can play Simon says” A fun trick is to play Simon says by telling them “Simon says look at the camera”, “Simon says give mommy a kiss”, etc.

2. Don’t come hungry. Get some food in everyone’s tummies before your session. No one photographs well hangry.

3. Be a little more lenient than usual. It’s totally ok if kiddos are hyper or grumpy. Sometimes forcing them to do things will make matters worse. When it comes to these sessions, a lot of times, they are in charge. This may sound crazy, but it always works out best.

4. Schedule your session for when they are their happiest. Some kids are happiest in the morning. If so, schedule a sunrise session. Yes, sunrise is EARLY, but you won’t regret it if your littles are their happiest.

5. Remember to have fun and trust your photographer to capture moments that you and your family will adore

Fall family sessions with CDP are officially open for booking!! Be sure to snag your spot here

August 12, 2022
Back to school breakfast ideas | Shreveport Louisiana family and newborn photographer

Back to school is soon approaching and I’m sure you’re wondering what you can do to make the first day fun. As a busy mom in north Louisiana, I know all the super time intensive crafts aren’t going to cut it.

If you’re anything like me, you love breakfast foods so anything revolving around breakfast is sure to make you happy.

Here’s some fun breakfast ideas to make back to school morning fun!!

Donut worry printable

First day of school banner

First day of school baggie

Breakfast pencils

Hope these fave you some fun ideas!! Happy first day of school kiddos!!

Book your family or newborn sessions here

August 3, 2022
Mary and Larry | A Downtown Homer Louisiana Engagement Session

Mary and Larry’s engagement session took place in downton Homer, Louisiana. This small town in North Louisiana has much to offer as far as photography goes because of the beautiful courthouse and the lovely buildings that surround the square. This historic town is marked with character and charm.

Mary and Larry are getting married July 16th in Magnolia Arkansas at the Big Barn at Oak Hill Ranch. We are so thrilled to be able to capture this incredible day for them and know they are going to make the most lovely bride and groom.

We started their engagment session at the courthouse in downtown Homer and worked our way across town stopping at unique places that we felt would help to create a gorgeous images for them. One location in particular was my personal favorite. While scouting out the area I found a crepe myrtle tree, on the side of the road, near an abandonded house. This wasn’t ideal, but I felt the tree had the potential to be epic. And let me tell you, it was! This set of images are my favorite of their entire session and I am just so thrilled we stopped!

The gorgeous architechture, the lovely couple, the amazing light we got at the end made this one of my top favorite couples sessions to date. I love the images we got and I am so proud of us all!

Now let’s get you two married!!!

Contact us to book your wedding or session

July 11, 2022
Bossier City Louisiana Newborn Photographer | Courtney Dexter Photography

Hey there! I’m so glad you’re here!!

If you haven’t already heard, we have created a YouTube channel to share more images from our work in sweet slideshow form. We hope you stick around and enjoy them as much as we do!

This session in particular was an in-home newborn session in Bossier City, Louisiana. We had a beautiful day with gorgeous natural light to work with. I loved it all and I’m so excited for you to see it!

Check it out here!!

Thanks so much for your love and support! To book your in-home newborn session, click here

June 17, 2022
Mark and Michelle | A Florida Wedding | Louisiana Wedding Photographer

Mark and Michelle had their wedding at a beautiful plantation home in Florida. It was a lovely day for a wedding. All of their friends and family gathered from different parts of the US to celebrate this momentous occasion.

The sun was shining and the air was warm. Duh! Florida. But it was such a great day.

We started bright and early getting ready at their church and then moved on to the plantation for the first look. I can’t recommend first looks enough! They are so special and help so much in settling the nerves.

The sweetest moment happened when Michelle had her first look with lkher dad. The tears began to flow and let me tell you, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

We ended the day with a glow light send off! How fun is that!!

It was a special day that I was thnankful to have the opportunity to document.

June 1, 2022
Selah Grace | Louisiana Lifestyle Newborn Photographer

Little baby Selah.. Oh I am so happy finally share these here!!

This session at their home in North Louisiana went so great! In home lifestyle newborn sessions are my absolute favorite! There is nothing at all like having sweet photographs in a location that you are so comfotable in.

Little Selah did so good for me, too!! After being swaddled, and a little bit of persuasion, she went right to sleep. She was a little on the older side because my girls weren’t feeling well when she was younger, but she still did so wonderful!

I always like to let mama feed baby and get them nice and sleepy while I photograph the details of the nursery. Even if there are not alot of details, I still find it very important to capture all the tiny details that make up all the story of your newborn’s life. This time goes by so, so fast! One day you’re staying up all hours of the night with a fussy baby and in the blink of an eye you’re starting them in school. It’s crasy how fast it goes!

Sadie had the sweetest little bassinet for Selah that I just adored. There were so many elements that made this sesion so good. The window seat, the colors in the room, all of it was just so good! She had special outfits made by family members. Smocked dresses, knitted bonnets and sweater, it was just so special! It’s easy to say that newborn sessions are my favorite.

I know things are getting repetitive here but what can I say?? It was just that good!! Are you ready for me to stop talking and show you the images? I know you are!!

These were made by her sweet cousin

Jeremy’s aunt made this dress!!

This one is so beautiful!!

Little sweetie

Thank you so much for being here!! If you enjoyed this please leave some love.
xoxo,
Courtney

December 30, 2021
Esther Mason | Homer Louisiana Senior Portrait Photographer

Meet Highscool Graduate, Esther!!

We met for Esther’s senior session on the Square in Homer, Louisina. It was such a nice afternoon for a Summer in Louisiana. If you’re from around here, then I’m sure you can attest to how mild this Summer has been. It’s been so nice!! The weather for this senior session was no exception. Not too hot and a nice little breeze. The dream for your portrait session!

Esther graduated from Abeka Christian Academy and even took a trip to Pensecola, Florida to walk on stage with all the others graduating with her. How awesome is that!?! Pretty awesome if you ask me!!!

I scoped around the Square a little bit before Esther arrived and found this awesome wall that displays an art school. I knew this would be the perfect location for a few images because Esther is an artist! She’s so talented and such a sweetheart. I loved every second of our time together.

We breezed through our time at the Homer Louisiana Square and then headed out to a nice remote location that had the wildflowers she wanted. I say remote, but it was really on the side of the road. HA!! But, it was actually quite remote. I suppose. It was smack dab in the middle of nowheresville! I’m sure Esther was wondering what on earth we were doing out here, but the flowers were so pretty!! And it totally looks like a flower field! You’ll have to see for yourself below!

I’m so thankful for the wonderful opportunity to capture such special moments like these for Esther! One of the specific things she asked for was a throwing her cap in the air shot, and as you can see, we did just that! I think it is so important to make the shots that are requested a priority in getting!

Best of luck with all you do, Esther!!

See? Prefect for her, right?!

She got her cap throw!!

Can you even tell this was on the side of the road? I think not!!

Thank you so much for being here and viewing our blog!! If you enjoyed this post, please leave a comment below.

Here are a few others you may enjoy:

How to plan your outfits

Now booking Fall 2021 and 2021-2022 newborn portraits

Abshire and Murphee families

July 15, 2021
Abigail and Kimberly – LA TECH Graduates | Ruston, Louisiana Photographer

Abigail and Kimberly and soon to be LA Tech graduates and registered dietitians!! These two ladies have endured some long, hard days in Ruston, LA but the light is being seen at the end of the tunnel. They still have some to go before they are licensed, but they have come so far! I couldn’t be more proud of and impressed by them! It was only fitting to do their graduation portraits together because they best friends and have come through so much together. I think it’s so awesome to have your friend go through college with you and even majoring in the same thing. That’s a strong friendship!
These two are not only beautiful and intelligent, but their love for the Lord shines so bright through their lives. I have so admired watching them grow into the wonderful ladies they are. Although myself, not being too much older then them, I have still watched the change that has happened in their lives over the years and it has been such a blessing. They are some of the sweetest girls you’ll meet!

We knew that their portraits should take place at LA Tech in Ruston, LA, where they have spent the last few years of their life. It was only fitting, right?! I had actually never beem to tech before so it was a treat for me. There are so many neat buildings on campus! The time literally flew by as were shooting these portraits. At, what felt like, half way though we checked the time and it had already been an hour and a half!! WHAT?!!? I thought I was reading my watch wrong, but nope! We just had that much fun. And also walked alot. haha!!

But I couldn’t be happier with these portraits and I am so thankful they entrusted me to capture this special season of their lives. I wish you all the best Abigail and Kimberly!

Thank you so much for being here!! If you enjoyed this session, please leave a comment below!

Here are a few other posts you might enjoy:

Conroy Family

Payton – Lake Bistineau Portraits

Allyssa’s Maternity Portraits

Xoxo,

Courtney

April 27, 2021