North Louisiana Lifestyle Family and Newborn Photographer

Tag: south Arkansas photographer

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
Katie | Lake Bistineau Louisiana Photographer

The beautiful Katie graced my lens I tell you, I can’t wait for you to see these.

Not only is Katie gorgeous but she is the sweetest little thing. She’s always wearing a smile.

We decided to do her session out on Lake Bistineau, because who doesn’t LOVE Lake Bistineau?! I know I love it. It is gorgeous at every seaon.

Katie is amazing with hair, and HAS amazing hair too! She has an instagram account where she shares hair tutorials so we knew we wanted to get some up close images of her hair. We came in with a plan and I would say we got some amazing images that I just love.

Typically I am a family and newborn photographer but I just love the change of scenery every now and then by doing a portrait session. They are so fun and I love the personality I get to capture one-on-one.

I hope you enjoy this gorgeous session

Book your session here

September 20, 2022
Frequently asked questions about family sessions answered | Ruston family and newborn photographer

It’s time to start planning your fall family session!! I know here in North Louisiana it’s hard to think of that when we are still in blistering temps, but trust me, fall is coming!!

Here’s a list of frequently asked questions that just might be a help as you’re planning your fall family session.

DO WE NEED TO BRING PROPS?

My photography style doesn’t incorporate many props. Quilts and a few chairs every now and then is about as far as that goes. If you have any special items to your family, we are more than happy to incorporate them.

For newborn portraits, we like to keep it simple and really focus on those sweet babies. Swaddle blankets, little outfits ( sleepers, gowns, headbands, hats, etc) are welcome. Items that are special to your family can also be incorporated as well!

DO WE NEED TO FIND A LOCATION?

We have locations that we love photographing at but we are always open to locations that are special to our clients.

Newborn sessions are done in-home.

HOW CAN WE PREPARE OUR KIDS FOR OUR SESSION?

In my opinion, there isn’t much preparing you can do other than letting them know they will meet someone new and that they will be taking their pictures. Let them know that we will have a great time together and that we will become friends before the night is over.

I make it a point to introduce myself to the little ones and really get down on their level to make them feel comfortable. I know that little ones can be really unpredictable and that having patience with them is key. No bribery needed.

WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR?

When planning your session, selecting your outfits can be hard! What I like to recommend is to stick with neutral colors or earth tones and simple patterns such as dainty florals. Avoid everyone matching exactly and instead try to coordinate colors. Look on Pinterest for color pallets that pair well together or pull from the colors in your home.
Dresses photograph the best on mamas, they are just so flattering! Accessories and layers photograph really well and, almost always, the dressier the better. Once you book your session you will have access to our style guide where we give more advice and even share places to shop!

WHAT IS YOUR TURNAROUND TIME?

We promise a two week turn around time! Your images will be delivered in a lovely online gallery! From there you can download and print your images. We even have an online store for printing right within your gallery!

We are so thrilled to capture this special time with your beautiful family!! Too book your session, start here

August 15, 2022
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
Best places to shop for her for your upcoming session | Ruston Louisiana family and newborn photographer

Hey mama! If you have a family session coming up soon and are wondering where it shop for your outfits, I’ve got some great ones below!!

As a family and baby photographer in Ruston Louisiana, I know just how tricky outfit planning can be! So I’m here to help you in any way that I can.

Some of our favorite places to shop for mom are:

Amazon

Roole

Bohme

ASOS

Gigi pip (hats)

Shop Stevie Hender

Shop zoco

Rylee + Cru

Ivy city Co

Baltic born

Happy shopping mama!! I hope you find exactly what you’re looking for!

Book your family or newborn session here

July 26, 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
Naomi and Shawn | Minden Louisiana Wedding

The wedding of Naomi and Shawn was such a wonderful day of absolute joy! Naomi was just glowing al day.

The ceremony took place at Naomi’s church in Minden Louisiana on a day that rain clouds threatened.

The days leading up to their wedding were especially rainy and the venue they had booked was a swampy mess because of it. After much consideration they decided to move ther wedding location. Thankfuly there was never any rain on their big day, but the clouds did loom all day. But that didn’t stop us!

This wedding day is a little unique in that Naomi’s mother MADE her dress and veil as well as the bridesmaids dresses and the flower girl’s dres. WHAT?!? They were so stunning! I couldn’t believe my ears when I heard it. What a seemstress!!! You couldn’t find a flaw.

The cakes were divine and so lovely. Everything flowed together like a dream. I know they couldn’t has asked for a better day.

I was so thankful to have been able to capture this lovely wedding for such a sweet couple. Many happy years lay ahead!

May 18, 2022
Michelle and Mark | South Arkansas Maternity Photographer

Michelle and Mark are some of my good friends. Mark and I grew up going to church together in North Louisiana. We were in Sunday school and youth group together. Basically we have known each other our whole lives.

I met Michelle either at a youth camp our church puts together or on a family vacation to Florida where she lived. Michelle, you’ll have to remind me which it was. I feel like it was youth camp. I can’t believe I can’t remember!! Either way, we met as teens and stayed friends. We would see each other either at youth camp each year and then if we got lucky we would see each other again in the Summer while on our family vacation.

Michelle was a bridesmaid in my wedding and I photographed her wedding. That was a fun trip.

I still vivdly remember the day I got a call from Michelle asking me about Mark. She knew that we went to the same church so she wanted all the details. We chatted for a while and the next thing we knew she was visiting us in Louisiana and then he was visiting her in Florida. Yep, it was a done deal.

Now they are soon to welcome their sweet baby boy into the world and I can’t wait to see them as parents. There is nothing lilke it in the world! I know you two wil be the best of parents.

We had their session in Magnolia Arkansas where they live. We grabbed lunch together after church and then went on to SAU- the college in Magnolia where Mark actually went. It’s a lovely college campus with so much character. It was easy to find great spots here and I am sure it won’t be my last time to visit.

It was such a perfect day for a maternity session, too! Warm sunshine graced us with it’s presence. This was such a happy welcome with all the cold we have had.

I can’t wait for you to see these images!! I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

So fun

Trying something new with double exposure here

Love love love this one

Having too much fun with double exposure, ha!!

This is a favorite too

Thank you so much for being here! If you enjoy this please leave some love

xoxo,
Courtney

February 1, 2022