10 on 10 - Jan 2015

Happy beginning of the year, and happy 10th! Once again a new year brings on new goals and revitalized ambition. It's a bit cliche, I know, but it's nice to have a time annually when you can actually focus and review past accomplishments and areas of potential improvement.

Before we get too far into that though, let me make sure to encourage you all to check out the other 10 on 10ers. As always, they will have something good for you on their site as well:

CLB Creative

Shaw Photography

Twinty Photography

Anya Elise Photography

Button Media

Brittany Conner Photography

Back to the new year. One of our big goals for this year is to spend more time with our niece. If you couldn't tell yet, we're a bit obsessed with her. Who wouldn't be?! She's about the most fun ever.

Last week we went down to Mac to spend the day with her and the fam. I love seeing how much she grows and how much she has learned each time we see her. And I really love seeing how much she loves her uncle and wants to crawl all over him. I find that too often we get caught up in all the complexities of life: work, school, house work, etc., and while those things are all important, I try to take a step back and look at what we have right in front of us. Hit the pause button so to speak. Be present. We have so much to be thankful for and I want to be in the moment and soak it in, because this little girl is already a year and half old and I have no idea how that happened.

Myra, we love you so much and can't wait to see all the new things you do. Well, that's not true, we can wait, you already grow too fast. It's amazing to watch you learn and experience the world. You wear us out every time we visit, but we always walk away with the biggest smile and can't wait to see you again.

Until next time,
Courtney Z

Mathenia Family is expecting

I should say the Mathenia Family was expecting. Their sweet little baby girl came joined our fair city a few weeks ago. ...more on that in a future post.

Sarah contacted me for a family shoot (maternity/newborn). She mentioned that she has followed the blog for a while -- to which I turned to look behind me to see who she was actually talking writing to. Who, me?! Please don't mind my beet red face. 

This family holds a special place in my heart. When Sarah contacted me, she mentioned that she wanted to do a "Day in the Life" shoot. You may have gathered from my recent 10 on 10 post, that this is where I draw my inspiration. Really. I LOVE being the person to capture those, real life, in-between moments. The moments where you forget for a split second that the camera is there and I am able to capture the real you. When you think about it, not only is it an honor for someone to trust me, to let their guard down, and let me in to their life, but what an amazing thing to have. Not a posed, "look at me and smile" photo, but a real, honest moment captured on film for your family to share forever.

These photos are far and away those that mean the most to me. I have a photo of my grandpa smoking a cigarette in his military uniform. It's not the best quality photo; the composition isn't anything to brag about and it's a tad overexposed, but it speaks to me and I will treasure the photo forever because it is the real Norman.

Okay, enough of me rambling. Let's get back to the Mathenia family. We used our time to do one of their daughter's favorite things, to read. She was so excited to show me all of her books. And she is ssoooo excited to be a big sister.

 

The idea that Sarah is just as inspired by the real moment and asked me to capture this time in their life is really an honor. I still can't believe that people invite me into their homes and let down their walls enough to give me a little glimpse of their real selves. Best. Job. Ever.

This little lady is so beautiful inside and out. Thanks again Mathenia family! I love your family and your sweet new baby girl. More photos soon.

Until next time...

Holiday Sale - Mini Photo Session

It’s almost that time of year! The holiday season is only a few short months away. Hard to believe, I know.

If you know me very well at all, you would know that I love the holidays, so this year, I am offering mini photo sessions for families in and around Portland! …AND to make things even bigger and bad-asser, not only am I offering the photo shoot, but I’ve also teamed up with graphic designer, Jehn Glynn. Not to sounds too fan-girl or anything, but Jehn has done amazing design work with people all around the country and just moved here to Portland. In other words, she’s kind of a big deal. She will be designing a collection of holiday cards exclusively for this holiday shoot!!!

If you have any questions about the shoot, feel free to e-mail me, but the details of the shoot are below. There are a limited number of appointments available, so sign up fast. Plus, since it is the holidays, I’m also throwing in a little somethin’ somethin’ on the side: The first 15 people to sign up get a free, personalized app of photo gallery included in their package (works on all iPhones, iPads, and the latest Android), which is perfect for sharing images with friends and family.

What am I getting?

Mini-session

$95

20-minute session

thumb drive with 10 images

$15 photo print credit

Mini-session with Choice of  Exclusive Holiday Card Design

$175

30-minute session

thumb drive with 15 images

$25 photo print credit

Your choice from one exclusive holiday card designed by Jehn Glynn

What are the dates?

Saturday November 2, 2013

Sunday November 10, 2013

Where will we go?

Two outdoor locations have been chosen based on location and the variety of options for environment. Both locations are in the greater Portland area.

Anything else?

Session will cover groups of up to 4 people. You may use this time however you like: kids, whole family, couples, etc. $15 per extra person. Pooches are welcome too.

*opportunity to reschedule due to inclement weather conditions

How do I sign up?

To schedule your appointment please click here and follow the instructions. I will be in contact shortly about times available on the date you choose. You may also e-mail me if you have any questions/concerns.

Give me more!!

Alright, alright, but only because you asked so nicely. We are also offering you a referral discount! Please pass the word on, and if you refer someone who also books a mini-shoot, you will get 5% off your booking. So go on, tell a friend!

Until next time...

I'm an Aunt!!!

Before early June, I was only a quasi aunt. My BFF Brooke had her beautiful baby boy, Arlo in March and I bother their family enough that they afforded me the title of Aunt Courtney. But now, not only am I a still a quasi aunt, I'm a real-life, no denying it, aunt! My beautiful sister-in-law and her husband Freddie welcomed the prettiest little girl, Myra Mae Lamb, into the world last month. It has been an incredible experience to see this bundle grow in the past couple weeks, and even more incredible to see her the day that she was born.

Myra was born 7lbs 2oz and 20 inches long. She's a very long, lanky thing (just like her dad). And those feet are just about the cutest old, wrinkly-man, baby feet I have ever seen.

Now get this. Nora spent about 48hrs in labor. She had built such a good home for Myra that she didn't want to come out at first. Less than 24 hours after, Nora was already showered, dressed in her human (not patient) clothes, walking around, and taking visitors. I know I would be sayin' "give me that gift and get the h* out of here. I'll see you in a week", but Nora is a far too nice and put together for that. There isn't many people that have one day old baby/family pics while they are not in hospital attire. Way to kick major ass SIL (sister-in-law)!

What an incredible experience it has been to be an aunt (both quasi and within the fam). I can't wait to keep seeing how this family grows throughout the years and to be there for all Myra's future milestones.

Until next time...

Sister Sydney's Graduation

You may remember a few months ago when I wrote this post about my once little sister all grown up. Well, it finally happened. About a month ago she walked across that rickety old stage and graduated from college. It is the first time in our lives that her and I have had the same education level. ...and soon she will surpass me. Curse myself for wanting to change career paths!

Anyway, we all convened to celebrate my sister and her smarts for the whole weekend of graduation. Since for the last year or so I tend to have my camera with me at a lot of events for other people, I find myself wanting to be in the moment instead of taking pictures at my own family events; however, I tried to bring it with me a few different places that weekend. Good times to remember in the future I suppose.

The night before graduation we all met up for a casual dinner at a great local restaurant. If you are in the Spokane area, I highly recommend the Casper Fry. Good food, good atmosphere, and some good company.

My sister's Godfather, Tom, drove into town to celebrate with us. It was so great to have him there and spend some time with him because I really haven't seen him since I was in high school (almost ten years ago). It always makes me a little nostalgic to see people that I used to see fairly often when I was younger. Is this what it feels like to be a grown up?!

And of course the rents made it to town to celebrate as well.

Nabil (my hubby) and his mom (who was in town to visit while we were waiting for my sister-in-law to have her baby ...more on that later) also made the trip to celebrate. It was a pretty epic weekend of family and fun.

The next day we piddled around downtown. We hit up Madeline's (of course) and soon after Sydney kicked my butt running along the waterfront path. Man am I out of shape. Ugh! After I scraped myself off the pavement it was about that time.

No one tripped or fell off the stage and they had great speakers. If I had the program sitting next to me, I would tell you some names. I know one of them was a state representative.... If I can find that program, I'll update the post with some names.

And when the name calling started to drag on a little long, Syd and I texted one another so I could get a very classic thumbs up pic. Nailed it!

These came out a little blurry (my fault for not bringing the good lens), but I love it because I used some big sister peer pressure to convince her to turn around and hold up her diploma after she shook the President of the University's hand. What else are texting and big sisters for if not to provoke and prode the youngsters.

And just look at that pretty face. It's official!

At Syd's school, each of the students decorated their own cap. They can do whatever they want. We saw music notes, spray paint, nursing symbols, etc. Sky is the limit. Syd chose to write a quote from one of my very faves (Man in the Mirror). I mean who doesn't love a little MJ!? And there is a little heart around Tanzania since she spent a semester studying abroad there and will probably go back as part of her grad school program. She also got a lea from one of her friends from Hawaii. They both really help to complete the ensemble, don't ya think?

I knew it, right when you saw that picture (above) you thought "wait, what?! Courtney is being serious in a picture with Syd?!" Don't worry, that quickly faded away. I just can't help myself, silly pictures are so much more fun.

It's official!!!

Congrats Syd! Nabil and I couldn't be anymore proud and excited for you! You have done some amazing things already, and we can't wait to see where your journey takes you next. Love you!!!

Until next time...