{Gage: Lewis Palmer High School Senior} Colorado Springs High School Photographer

 

Gage...a real cutie! I think I've been saying that about this young man since I first met him 5 or so years ago. His family are our friends & my husband's co-worker. My daughter may have had a crush on him at one time (shhhhh....). I knew working with Gage would be cake-walk. He's a natural & has one of those contagious smiles that light up a room. Now...getting him to smile was going to be a little trickier. I know I've probably mentioned before, but guys don't LOVE having their photos taken. BIG SUPRISE!!! So it's my job to figure out what it's going to take to make them feel comfortable, natural & laugh. What's funny? I am. In all seriousness though...God uses me to make a complete butt out of myself to make others laugh. This is true. Not intentionally. I just happen to be super clumsy while shooting...mainly because I'm looking through the lens of the camera & not paying attention to what's going on around me. LOL!!! But because of these unplanned happenings, I typically can make just about anyone laugh, let alone smile. So...I just have to be quick with the camera during those moments of tripping, getting stung by a bee, falling in a cactus or losing a shoe in a lake. YEP...these are all true stories of events that have actually happened to me while shooting during sessions. No lie!!!

I should probably also note, I don't ALWAYS want a smile...in fact, with Senior guys *unless a smile is true to their personality* I will take a lot of serious/macho/masculine looks...because they ALL like that. Ok, well most of them.!;) More on Gage...here's a peek at his unique downtown CS Senior Session...

 

 

{Lauren: Palmer Ridge High School Senior} Colorado Springs High School Photographer

"Redheads are God's way of giving the world roses.--Author Unknown. 

Meet Lauren. She's a fiery red-head that loves drama, colors & wants to pursue acting/modeling. Lauren chose Manitou Springs as her location which was so fitting to her wardrobe choices & fiery personality. I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED working with Lauren & her mom. So easy to communicate with & once she warmed up, I do believe she was loving every second of her session. I mean, who doesn't love to feel like a super model for a day? Lauren ROCKED her every frame, every outfit, every back-drop. She was super inspiring to my coffee-hyped morning with her. Ha! Take a peek at the magic...

{Abby: Palmer Ridge High School Senior (part 3) Colorado Springs High School Photographer

You starting to recognize this face? It's because Abby is my niece & because I probably took a gazillion & one photos of her over the course of last summer. LOL!!! That's what you do when you're family.;) Plus she's pretty darn cute & likeable. Ha!

This was our part 3 of her Senior Pics. For these we decided to go to a coffee shop (specifically Fifty-Fifty Coffee-House because I know the owners (some of my fav. clients) & I happen to love their coffee & shop. Abby wanted some shots of her sipping coffee & writing, since she'd like to move to Paris someday & become a writer. We ALMOST brought her vintage type-writer along, but oh my gosh...it weighs a small TON!!! Ha! The next stop was Manitou Springs to show off her playful/whimsical side. LOVED her tulle skirt & oversized balloons. We had way too much fun (except the part where it was a Saturday during tourist season & I stood in a parking spot to save it for my sister for what felt like 20 minutes & got lots of dirty looks.) Oops!;) #sorrynotsorry

{The Thompson Family} Colorado Springs Lifestyle Family Photographer

Fox Run Park is an interesting location to me...it can convey so many different feelings. This was a summer session, so it came across warm, dreamy, whimsical. But I have shot here many times in the winter & it can feel big, mysterious, magical. Those pines feel twice as tall in the winter covered in a dusting of snow. I like that it has so many different characteristics that it beckons me & challenges me. 

Anywhooo...lots of rambling today. This family was so cute & easy to photograph. They just allowed me to give a little instruction but were so free-spirited & in just being themselves, I found them a delight to photograph. The pictures & the love speak for themselves. Take a peek...

{Jen & Patrick--Couple's Session} Colorado Spring Lifestyle Couples Photographer

Since our e-mail correspondence was brief, I just knew to expect Jen, Patrick & their adorable dog, Nessie. (Notice her adorable pink bows in her fur.) What I didn't know is how fabulously adorable this couple was. Dressed so cute, their chemistry was magical & their dog was like icing on the cake. I couldn't believe how obedient she was. I was thrilled they chose Ute Valley Park as their location...I love this spot at sunset. I find it is a perfect representation of Colorado Springs & it's beautiful mountain backdrop right in the heart of the city. I should also note that I teased them about looking like Ken & Barbie throughout their session, because...COME ON...look at them. Ha! Enjoy a peek at their adorable, light-hearted session.

{Bianca: Palmer Ridge High School Senior} Colorado Springs High School Photographer

This beauty was an absolute natural in front of the lens. From the moment she walked up, I knew we would have nothing but fun & I was sooo RIGHT!!! We had a blast together & I also had the privilege of meeting both her parents & grandma as they tagged along during her session. I loved it & I think they did too. I even snapped a pic of all of them at the end to commemorate a special day. Bianca chose to do her photos in Old Colorado City which I adored...it's full of eclectic colors, unpredictable back drops around every corner & full of personality just like BIANCA. =) Take a peek at her pics & you'll see just what I mean...

 

{The Jewett Family} Colorado Springs Lifestyle Family Photographer

Sometimes in life you get inspired. That's exactly what happened when I began planning the Jewett Family Photoshoot. Carrie, who happens to be a very close friend of mine, loves VW Vans...I mean LOVES them!!! So about six months prior to this session, I called her up & explained my vision. She was immediately on-board & began researching, plotting & planning how to get or rather borrow a VW Van. Once she pinned one down to rent for her session, I began plotting & planning: location, wardrobe & ideas. Together we collaborated beautifully and it couldn't have gone better in my opinion. The session went off without a hitch. Weather, including sunset was amazing, family looked top-notch, VW Van sparkled & mountain backdrop was to die for. Our theme was kind of beachy vibe in the mountains. I don't do a lot of styled sessions, but when they are friends, I make an exception.;) Take a peek at this gorgeous family...

{Jack: Palmer Ridge High School Senior} Colorado Springs High School Senior Photographer

Jack...Jack...Jack. He made me laugh during his entire session & not in the obvious crack jokes kind of way. He just had this subtle, underlying, funny about him. I don't really know how to explain it. One of the nicest guys I had the pleasure of working with over the summer. Genuine, respectful, smart...all around NICE GUY. When I think back to his session, he started out nervous...to be expected. For most people, this is their first time getting profession pictures taken. They don't know what to expect, how it's going to go, where to put their hands, how to stand, etc. But that is what I am for. It's my job. To tell you how to stand, where to put your hands, what facial expression to convey (I paint a picture...trust me...ha!) & most of all...HAVE FUN!!! By the end of Jack's Senior Experience he was having a blast. I remember his natural smile, his coy attitude & feeling very confident in his every stance. I loved his last set the best because we played around with his ensemble (a plain hoodie). You'd be surprised what I can come up with.;) Take a peek at our adventure on Mnt. Herman Rd. Dog Pond as well as Dirty Woman Creek Park...

{Porter: Palmer Ridge High School} Colorado Springs High School Photographer

Porter is a gentle giant. Yep...he could be intimidating to some based on his stature alone, but once you get to know him, you realize he's sweet like a teddy-bear & wouldn't hurt a fly. Just like most males, I had to work EXTRA hard to get some real smiles, but I did it & I'm proud to say "mom approved." =) Donna, who I now refer to as my Dentist Office Receptionist, had some great location ideas located along the Santa Fe Trail. I was eager to be inspired as I love shooting at new locations and had never shot here before even though I live close by. Unfortunately I did not dress weather-appropriately as it was a cold, drizzly day for August & my feet nearly froze off as they were soaking the entire 2 hours of Porter's session. I literally had to buy a hot Starbucks on my way home to de-frost. Crazy Colorado weather; always unpredictable. Keeps things interesting I guess.;) Here's a peek at Porter's Session...

{The Piano Family} Colorado Springs Lifestyle Family Photographer

I met the darling Piano Family at Larkspur Park in--- you guessed it, Larkspur. This was my first time meeting this family & I instantly crushed on them. So many different personalities from this big family, I loved it!!! Everyone was amazing to work with from the oldest to youngest. We had a fabulous time together & I recall the weather being absolutely perfect. This was on a random day we scheduled after we had received weeks of rain in July. I remember both of us commenting on how we completely lucked out...sun was shining, skies were blue & I'm fairly certain I heard birds singing.;) Take a peek at their dreamy session...

{The Vrooman Family} Colorado Springs Lifestyle Family Photographer

This cute little fam were all sunshine & roses. We enjoyed a free-spirit kind of morning frolicking at the park in the sunshine, avoiding puddles (since little guy was wearing white), playing hide & seek, 1,2,3 swing & other games. I loved capturing them interacting as a family of three...such doting parents with their son's every curiosity & request; seriously the sweetest. i love capturing families of three. I realize it is such a fleeting stage for most (as it was only 19 months for my husband & I). So brief & so tender...definitely a favorite stage to reflect back on. Enjoy a peek at our morning together underneath the willow trees...

{Katie: Liberty High School Senior} Colorado Springs High School Senior Photographer

So, the hubby is out of town again & I'm super behind on blogging...this seemed like as good of a night as any to play "catch up." 

Meet Katie...Liberty High School Senior, Graduating Class of 2018. I remember this summery session so well (which I know some of you are thinking, "really? YOU remember?"Only because I have a bad memory. But the funny thing about my memory is...I have a terrible short term, but awesome long term. Ha! So...since this session was 6 months ago...I remember very well. ;)) Katie showed up in this fuchsia sundress, wavy beach hair, beautiful smile & was ready to go! Nervous, but excited; as are most girls btw. I loved working with Katie & her mom. They were easy-to-please & easy-going...just how I like them. We met at Monument Valley Park & it was August...everything was lush and soooo GREEN. Which worked out to her benefit (& mine) because she has the most amazing GREEN EYES!!! Yep! They were amazing to photograph. I loved her wardrobe choices & felt like they played into the location perfectly. I was able to capture her serious side as well as playful/flirtatious side. I adored working with you Katie & I hope you are having a fabulous Senior Year...just think, you are now only months away from graduation! Ack...that's crazy & exciting & the world awaits you!!! 

It's SNOWING...

While most of you know, I don't LOVE the snow, I will say...it's beautiful in that it brings this blanket of soft silence, peacefulness & a calm that is hard to explain, but you can feel it all around. I love that it feels new, pure, clean & like a fresh start. I also love that a good pop of red is a perfect contrast to it. I had this vision (I even created a Pinterest Board on Winter Photography Inspiration) a while back that if we ever got dumped on or at least a pretty snowfall, I would drag Sadie outside wearing RED to capture some beautiful contrasted images. So, TODAY, that's exactly what I did. 

I of course had MY vision & she of course had HERS. LOL!!! We were clearly NOT on the same page, but with a little begging & pleading...I won!;) I knew with this 14 year old teenager, I wouldn't have very much time. Boy, was I right. I literally nailed the 2 shots plus 2 frames in under 3 minutes. YEP!!! 3 minutes was all I got. She was cold, it was windy & she HATED what I asked her to wear. But darn it...I told her she'll love what I got and yep; she did!!! Mom's are always right! Ha! 

Win-Win all around. I simply wanted 1 close-up with a furry hood, because who doesn't love a furry hood wintery close-up that shows off your eyes. Plus her eyes look especially green with the pines behind her. I also wanted 1 pull-back shot showing off the pop of red against the blowing white snow & pines. The other two were the extra freebies...one she was actually smiling in because she was ditching me; the other cranky from the wind/cold. Ha! I still like them both!

Stay warm. Enjoy the view. Feel the peace.

{Donika & Thomas Maternity Session} Colorado Springs Lifestyle Maternity Photogapher

Like I said, I'm playing catch up on my blogging...so bare with me. Some of you may remember this adorable couple, some of you may not. I took their sweet maternity session back in mid-September. Since then, they had their adorable baby boy, Felix, in late October & I had the honor of taking their lifestyle newborn session too. 

I was obsessed with this session...I can still remember how dreamy the light was on that Indian Summer Evening. We took pictures on their private 5 acre property in the Black Forest. The sunset filtered through the tall pines perfectly...there is even a shot of Donkia by herself where she looks angelic in her cream lace dress, the pregnancy glow on her face...it was pure magic!!! Thomas, her hubby was cracking me up during the entire session. He was giggling from photo nerves & whispering secrets that had Donkia laughing too!!! By their second outfit change everyone was so relaxed & at ease...we finished just as the sun disappeared; it was a perfect evening. Enjoy a peek...

{My 14yr. old...say what???} Colorado Springs Teen Portrait Photographer

Where do I begin??? It's a NEW YEAR & my head always spins with new ideas, inspiration, getting organized, staying motivated, etc. Who's with me???

For starters...I always make it a point to catch up on my blogging that I get about 6 months behind on every year.;) But before I get back to blogging my clients, I wanted to share a personal post.

During my slow season, I have to be more intentional about picking up my camera. Fortunately, with some good bribery, I can usually get my daughter, Sadie, in front of the lens. Still working on my son, Sawyer. He's not a huge fan of pictures like his daddy.;) I took these series of shots of Sadie late December after we received just a dusting of snow in our backyard Open Space. (Yes, it's become one of my favorite places to shoot year round...so thankful for this space). She was thrilled it snowed (despite the measly amount). I, on the other hand, could care less if it ever snows again!;) LOL!!! I took a few blanket scarves from my closet, my favorite go-to portrait lens & within about 10 minutes time, I had her laughing (it was a Christmas Miracle).;) Just kidding!!! But when I say bribery...I really mean it. Ha! She clearly does her own thing & takes little direction from me (because DUH...I'm MOM). But that's ok, cause I'm fairly certain this girl knows a thing or two about how to work the camera! Ugh...Jori & I are in trouble. Yep, she's only 14 but looks/acts like she's going on 20.

I'm currently in the stage of life where I am trying to embrace every single day/moment/memory because time is literally flying by!!! She signs up for High School classes next month & that has me FREAKING OUT!!! I know I have a bad memory, but it literally feels like yesterday when she had ringlet curls, a baby-doll voice & requested McDonald's Ice-Cream for breakfast. Ugh...it's so hard to watch them grow up!!! It is also very rewarding. I am proud of the human being she is. I could go on & on, but I just remembered there are pictures to post...hence the reason most of you are on here!!!! So...here is a peek at our wintery backyard mini-session...

*Announcing "HEART & HOME" Sessions!!! Coming January, 2018...

What are "Heart & Home" Sessions, you ask? Well...the combination of two of the very best things in life: your family & your home. Sure, I've always offered Lifestyle Newborn Sessions, but this is different. This is me capturing your family in the current stage of life you are in (whether that be with a newborn, toddler, elementary kids or a house full of teenagers) inside the cozy convenience of your home doing an everyday activity. I am there to document up to 2 consecutive hours of whatever activities you can strum up: baking a meal together, having a nerf war, taking a bath, playing family games, whatever it may be. I will artistically document a series of unposed candid photos that tell the story of your life in a narrative type way. The beauty of "Heart & Home" Sessions is that I am capturing simple, real everyday life just as it happens, the moments of family connection & love. Due to the nature of this storytelling photographic style, these sessions include: up to 2 full hours of shooting in/around your home, 50 high resolution edited images on a flashdrive, as well as a hardcover storybook with your favorite 25 images from our time together for $425.

*I will only be booking "Heart & Home" Sessions January through May each year.

Please e-mail me at CourtneyKae@msn.com to discuss ideas and options for your family today. These are going to be so much fun, I can hardly wait!!! I was inspired by my most recent lifestyle newborn in-home session when a Ma-Ma asked me to document them making breakfast as a new family of six here: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=2182625668433779&id=119087184787648 (I haven't caught up on my blogging yet, so go see it on FB).;) 

 

{Braden: Palmer Ridge High School Senior} Colordo Springs High School Senior Photographer

I might be just a tad bit behind on blogging these days...so bare with me.=) This is Braden. He is a shy & sweet young man with killer Tennis skills & eyes that'll turn heads. We had a great time during his Senior Session...laughing at me making a moron out of myself (the usual) & making small talk while capturing his true personality in every frame. We started at some tennis courts in Palmer Lake where he sometimes has the occasional game/practice & ended at Palmer Lake by the water front which always makes for beautiful scenery year round. Enjoy a peek at Braden's Senior Session.

{Baby Scarlett} Colorado Springs Lifestyle Newborn Photographer

This family oozes grace, love, peace, patience, kindness...ok, so basically the fruits of the spirit. But seriously though...I adore them!!! They are ALWAYS a pleasure to work with & are so mild mannered and easy going that the stress just melts away.

They just added their last & final baby girl...little Miss Scarlett Grace. She is daughter #4. Ahhh...I just adore baby girls & of course being #4 myself out of all girls...it definitely holds a special place in my heart. I could already tell them that Scarlett will probably be the spitfire, free spirit & a bit hard-headed, but then again I wasn't raised in the Winters Household, soooo maybe NOT!;)

This was such a fun session & the anticipation of Scarlett coming home from the hospital was nearly more than I could handle. She was in the NICU since she was a Preemie.

I knew capturing all 4 girls at once would be a bit of a challenge especially at these ages: 5, 3.5,19 months & 19 days. BUT...we pulled it off & it literally took us three adults (myself plus Kelly & Eric). Ha!

My favorite parts about these lifestyle sessions is capturing the sweet moments in addition to the chaos that ensues. BUT honestly, like I said, because they are the Winters; there isn't much chaos. Of course there are tears----- over who gets to hold Scarlett first. Yes jealousy exits even at age 3.5 folks. Ha! But what I loved was watching dad just swoop right in & wipe the tears away or swap kids so Kelly could gracefully explain to the other child she will get her turn. It was amazing & I'm sure to them it all feels very overwhelming, but as a by-stander I must tell them...they make it look EASY & GRACEFUL.

So excited for your girls to have all sisters...I know what a blessing that is & will continue to be!!! You are all so BLESSED!!! Thank you for allowing me to capture just a snippet of the sweet moments that will be milestones one day. Many blessings to your darling family!!!

 

{Marli's Headshots} Colorado Springs Tween Photographer

Marli is Gracie's sister & another FAVORITE CLIENT, but like her sister, she's moving to TN too!=( I was so grateful to capture some more headshots of this stunner girl with a heart of gold before she goes. I've always told her mom how her eyes sparkle & dance. She is full of love & grace & beauty and I have adored all of our sessions together over the years. I wish her nothing but the best in her future...with dance, school, friends, new community, etc. I know you will do BIG things Miss Marli Here are a few of my faves...