Courtney Ann Photography

Jordyn's High School Senior Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Montague) — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 17:58:00 +0000

I'm finally getting around to getting these posted for you all to see, and I'm so thrilled to share them with you. Almost a month ago I had the privilege to take Jordyn's senion pictures. You see, Jordyn's family have been friends with my family for many years. They're a fun bunch of people.

It pretty much all started when Jordyn's brother dated my sister. That didn't last long, but bonds were built. Or the times when she used to help us cater. Or the times when both she and her mom used to help us cater. Then she became this hot shot FFAer that always did super well at the May Day Fair.

Jordyn is beautiful. And smart. And sassy. And ohmygosh her eyes are sososoSO blue! It was fun goofing off with her and snapping a few pictures along the way.

Jordyn has excellent taste in clothes and accessories...aka jewelry! (Although you don't get a peek at that since she opted to not change outfits). Just about every time I see this gal she has some sort of bold necklace on, and she pulls it off every single time. Me, well, I pull off jewelry awkwardly.

Jordyn, I look forward to many more years of friendship. And I wish you all the best as you move on in life. Good luck at MJC and where ever you choose to go from there.

Teaser: Jordyn's Senior Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Montague) — Fri, 14 May 2010 18:18:00 +0000

More to come soon... Maybe over the weekend...

Portraits: Vincent the Eagle Scout

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Montague) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 22:21:00 +0000

I had the honor of photographing a co-worker's son. He had recently completed the the steps, earned the badges and merits, and finished his project to become an Eagle Scout. Vincent is such a good guy, with a giving personality, and a great sense of humor...just like his mom!

We wanted a location with an outdoorsy feel, and well, in the middle of the valley it's hard to get that. So we stuck to the waterfall area of CSUStan. Too bad it was spring break, so the campus didn't have the waterfalls actually running. Oh well, we made the most of it and took some great pictures.

Vincent, I wish you luck in all of your future endeavors. You're an outstanding young man that will go far in life with the values you've learned during your boy scout/eagle scout days.

Katy's Senior Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Montague) — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 07:46:00 +0000

A couple weeks ago I took a lovely drive to Monterey with a soon to be high school grad. Katy also happens to be the sister of my soon to be sister in law! We all had a great time trekking around Monterey (under the wharf, on the beach, at the park, secret buildings, in a tree) and out at the beach in Carmel.

Thank you, Katy, for being my senior picture guinea pig, "serious" faces and all!

Teaser: Katy's Senior Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Montague) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 21:28:00 +0000

What do you think of the new logo?

Newborns: Carson and Harper

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Montague) — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 05:41:00 +0000

Drum roll please...

After much waiting (I know, 2 teasers later), I'm now able to introduce you to little misses Carson and Harper. And these girls bring me such joy. I've known their mom for about 3/4s of my life. Her parents lived across the street from my grandparents. And after they both passed away and my family moved, I then lived across the street from Rylen and her family. Now we're a happy neighborhood, my parents, Rylen's parents and me. Rylen announced late last summer that she and her husband Jim were expecting. And not just one, but two bundles of joy. It was such a blessing to watch them (and Rylen) grow, and then to finally meet them and hold them. It's been so much fun to see how they've grown and developed in the past 8 weeks. And I look forward to being part of their lives as they continue to grow into beautiful girls.

At the point of taking their pictures, they were already a couple weeks old. Not optimum for newborn pictures, but we made it work. Look how happy they are!

Rylen is such a wonderful mom!

That white background. Ladies and gentlemen that is an IKEA deal! Be resourceful!

You can see the weight difference between the 2. Carson's little legs are starting to fill out while Harper still has bird legs.

You'd think it was nap time or something.

The happy new family...

Jim is one of the biggest clowns you'll ever know.

But look at how absolutely sweet this moment is between Jim and Harper...

Cute little family picture!

Carson and Harper, you're Aunt Courtney loves you very much. I'll always be there for you...

WPPI: The Review

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Montague) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:35:00 +0000

Wow oh WOW! That's how I would summarize my time at WPPI last week. Well, that and overwhelming. I've been trying to summarize everything in my brain before putting it in words, but I don't know how I can easily do that. So, maybe a list will suffice for now. Then later if I need to expand on anything I will. How does that sound?

So...who's ready for next year? See you again in 2011 WPPI!

The speakers were...phenomenal! At least the ones that I saw... Audrey Woulard, Jasmine Star, Justin and Mary Marantz, Judy Herrmann, Jackie Palmer and Andrew Jenkins, Blake Discher, and even Jessica Claire. I walked out of each room totally blown away.
The MGM Grand is a very large hotel. A very large hotel with sucky cell phone service! Everyone walked around inside trying to find service, but once you were away from a window it was gone. And everyone complained about the lack of service. It really stunk when vendors were trying to demo a product that required them to go online...and they couldn't.

I was totally star struck. In my mind, I saw a lot of celebrities (of the photography world) while at WPPI. I so wanted to walk up to them and introduce myself, and they would have been totally cool and down to earth, but I was just too big of a dork to do it. But I did get a picture with Jasmine Star. Her work is gorgeous. So is she, see...

And yes, she is that funny, pretty, and down to earth in real life. I think we'll be great bff's.

I'm still not sure who to use as a website host and a photo proofing gallery for clients.
2 huge tradeshow rooms = lots of brochures/price lists/show specials = one very sore shoulder.

I learned about taking pictures in natural lighting (which I do), I learned about children photography (which I'd like to do more of), I learned lots about marketing, branding, and connecting with the client/target client, tips to break into the business, and SEO (search engine optimization). There were so many options of seminars to go it that it was hard to decide.

You know what you do while you wait? You meet people. That's how I met someone that recently moved to San Luis Obispo. And I also met someone to walk with to the [b] school party (hosted by becker).
Besides meals, and a whole whopping $6 on the slots, I didn't buy anything. And this is for 2 reasons: 1) all of my spending money went here, and 2) my bag would have been way over weight for the return flight.
Sunday after the platform classes before the welcome reception, I walked from the front of MGM to Caesar's Forum Shops and then back again. The back part was the worst, mainly because it was lightly raining. But I saw some fun stuff along the way.

Dining by yourself...not so fun. Unless you have a King's game to watch while eating.
Speaking of eating, when all the food court lines are way too long, you're hungry, and you need to get to your next class, it's ok to have a Haagen Dazs Whey Protein Smoothie for lunch. It doesn't matter that it was a peanut butter banana smoothie either.
Being overwhelmed is a good thing. It means you're being challenged. Let's just say I was very overwhelmed.
Surprisingly, for going to a photography convention, I didn't take that many pictures. But by golly I carried that camera everywhere 'just in case'!
I way over packed. Like way too much stuff. Oops.
I put $6 dollars into the nickel slot. I cashed out when I was at $16. Go me!
I had a king bed. All to myself. Not like that's any different than any other time when I have my bed all to myself. But it was swanky.
And because a couple self photos always make things better...
So...who's ready for next year? See you again in 2011 WPPI!

Another Teaser and an I Heart Faces entry...

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Montague) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 02:40:00 +0000

I know, I know. I gave you hope of seeing some pictures I took of my nieces (now 4 weeks old!). But under strict request of my bff, I can't share them until she sends out their birth announcement. So you must stay on the edge of your seat for now.

But the theme of this week at I Heart Faces is "Hands-On Fun", and I couldn't not post this picture. It completely encompasses Rylen's life now - hands full with 2 beautiful daughters.

Teaser: Newborn Twins

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Montague) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 08:44:00 +0000

I cannot stand their cuteness! Stay tuned for more of Carson and Harper.

Portrait: Craig and his Camaro

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Montague) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 20:21:00 +0000

A couple weeks ago, a new friend of mine, Craig, asked if I could take some pictures of him. Of course I said yes. Then I hesitated and wondered how in the world I would take pictures of both Craig and his car, together, without it being all about one or the other.

Here's the assignment: The school he works for is gathering pictures of all the teachers reading their favorite book.
Here's the catch: Craig owns a brand new Camaro. A Camaro that he had painted to look like Bumblebee from the movie Transformers. And his principal insisted that Craig's picture be taken with the car.

We found a more "industrial" area of Turlock. It works. Bright, shiny new car vs. old, weathered corrugated building.

Fitting that he chose a book on camaros...

Then we took a little drive to Knights Ferry. Unfortunately, this was about as close we could get to the old covered bridge and the old brick buildings. And yes, I got to ride in that beast of a car. Car sounds too wimpy for it though.

The sky wasn't the prettiest that day. But at least it wasn't raining like predicted...

How about some more "fine art" edits...

I like this one, but then I don't. What do you think?

Similar to the one above, but different. Thoughts?

So after a few hours and a nice little drive, Craig ended up with some pictures to choose from to give to the principal for the school project. I wonder which one he chose...

*post note: this was supposed to post last week! and apparently my draft/schedule system is a bit confused.

Exciting Things...

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Montague) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 19:11:00 +0000

Little by little, which is how I like it, things are growing and expanding round these parts.

I'm photographying a wedding in June. A dear friend of mine is getting married, and she asked if I'd be interested in being part of "a team" of photographers. I said sure, (pressure's off right)? Well, apparently I'm the "main" photographer and a couple other people with be taking pictures too. She's such totally relaxed bride, so I'm not too worried. Plus she's beautiful, and she has great eclectic tastes.
A co-worker (that I really don't work with) saw the pictures I took of Elin and her family and asked if I'd be interested in taking some photos of her family. Sure! Of course, now we're waiting for the weather to be nicer outside.
I've been himming and hawing over going to the annual WPPI Convention in Vegas in March. Although I'm not signed up for the convention...yet... I did sign up for an annual membership. WPPI is the Wedding & Portrait Photographers International. Now, to decide if I'm going to Vegas in March to learn, network, and see what all there is out there for photographers. What's holding me back you ask? Hotel cost. So I'm looking around and researching. Plus I'd really like to go with someone I know.
A couple other co-workers have asked if I'd be interested in taking pictures of their family. Alright!
Being as Rylen has had the twins, I'll be adding "baby photographer" to my list. Stay tuned for pictures of my "nieces".
I've got senior pictures for my future sis-in-law's sister. Does that make her my future sis-in-law too...?
Oh, and I've got the paperwork to fill out in order to become "legal" in the government's eyes. Now to fill it out and send it in! Once I'm "legal", I'll feel more comfortable about starting to charge.

That's it for now. I wanted to fill you all in on what's going on in my little photography world. Slow and steady. It's more comfortable that way.

Details

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Montague) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 03:49:00 +0000

I can't wait to take your picture! Here are some details and FAQ's that will help our time together go smooth and ensure that we have a blast!

Where do we shoot?
Well, I don't have a studio. I'm more of an on-location photographer. And I love natural lighting. So I prefer a location that is filled with natural lighting. But I'm willing to go anywhere, especially if it's somewhere special to you. And as long as they're close together, we can go to a few different places.
What's the best time for the session?
Honestly, the best time is first thing in the morning or as the sun is setting. High afternoon sun is not ideal, but we can make it work it that's what time works best for you. My favorite time to take pictures is starting about 2 to 2 1/2 hours before sunset. The lighting is warm and full and magical.
What should I wear?
Wear clothes that reflects your personality. Bright colors are especially fun. Don't limit yourself though, if you have a few outfits in mind, bring them along! As for families, don't think matchy-matchy, but more coordinating and complementary. Dress for your body type, fitted clothes photograph better than baggy, loose clothes. And feel free to bring props!
Terms & Conditions
Courtney Ann Photography reserves the right to use any pictures from our sessions in any form such as, but not limited to the use is advertising, print and online publishing, reproduction, and copyright.

All images and site contents are copyrights of Courtney Ann Photography and it is illegal to copy, scan, or print images without permission.

Merry Christmas to me...

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Montague) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 20:32:00 +0000

I also posted this on my daily, personal blog... But since it has to do with photography I thought I'd link it here too. I dare you to go check it out...

Johnson Family

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Montague) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 22:25:00 +0000

I have fabulous friends! I'm just gonna throw that out there right now. My friends, Jenn and Anthony, asked if I could take a couple pictures of them with their "dogaughters" for their Christmas card. Absolutely!

I only took about 20 pictures, so here's just a couple...

They're pretty people. And the dogs are cute too!

You know what Dakota thought of taking pictures...?

To see the full album click here.

Co-Worker's Kiddos

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Montague) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 21:36:00 +0000

Operation get caught up on blogging beings NOW! Sometime ago, in mid December, a co-worker asked if I'd be interested in taking pictures of her kiddos for their Christmas card. Of course I'm interested! She knows I'm working on breaking into the industry on the side. So one Sunday late afternoon (after the sun went down) I met them at their house and started snapping away.

Being that little E is adopted, I'm keeping things anonymous for googling purposes.

This shoot posed a couple problem: lighting and activity level of the kids. Being that I took the pictures inside, the lighting wasn't the greatest because it isn't natural lighting. And quite honestly, I don't know how to properly expose the camera for low lighting. I really need to learn! And the kids, as adorable as they are, are active. At 2 1/2 and 2 (E is adopted and J is biological), it's hard to get them to sit still long enough for me to take a slow shuttle picture. And it was difficult to get them to both look at me at the same time.

But, despite the challenges, I'm happy with how they came out. So are Mom and Dad to E&J. And they paid me! Score!

So without any further ado... Little E & Little J...

How do you get kids to sit still? Give them things to play with!

Mommy tickle monster helped with this picture. Can you tell that J is scrunching his body up in "don't tickle me" defense?

Uh oh! Watch out E, she's coming after you next!

Such fascination with the light up ginger bread house.

She is such a doll!

E had a quick outfit change. Only because her mom got her 2 Christmas dresses.

Time for candy canes!

Can-ee. That's how they said 'candy'.

Candy = bone, E = doggy. She woofed and all!

Aren't they adorable!?!

To see the full album click here.

Family: Elin + Tony = Elijah

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Montague) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 07:59:00 +0000

Elin and I work together. In fact, when I started in our department, Elin and I shared an office. It was great! She is a wonderful, devoted believer of Christ, and we often talked about our faith and bounce questions off one another. Then I moved offices. And I didn't get to see Elin as often or have our deep conversations. But we still made time.

Elin and her husband Tony had their first child this past August, Elijah. He.is.a.doll! As you'll see coming up. I was ecstatic and honored when Elin asked if I'd be willing to take their family pictures for their Christmas card. Of course I took her up on that! So one beautiful, sunny Sundays, Elin, Tony and Elijah and I, along with my lovely assistant (and sister) Kaitlin and their two dogs, Matt and Ellie, went to CSU Stan to take some pictures...

Look at this little guy. Isn't he just the most adorable?!?

This face reminds me of Popeye.

The beautiful family...

Matt and Ellie. Such well behaved dogs!

Kisses on the bald head make me smile.

After a quick change, we now have Santa. Then he discovered the fuzziness around his hands and kept sticking them in his mouth.

So fun!

And that's it...

Elin and Tony, thank you for giving me the opportunity to hang out for a couple hours and capture your lovely family. And thank you for taking a chance and letting me practice on you guys. I look forward to watching Elijah grow over the years, as well as our friendship.

To see the full album click here.

Wedding: Danae and Adam.

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Montague) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 21:56:00 +0000

Close to a month ago a good friend of mine got married (you may remember their engagement pictures here). She married a wonder Christian man that was raised in a nurturing Christian home, same as she. I was honored when Danae asked if I'd be interested in taking "candid" pictures throughout their day - getting ready all the way to the reception. And I willingly accepted. Because face it, I'm a sucker for all things weddings.

The day was filled with friends, family, God, and of course love. So without any further ado, may I present to you Danae and Adam - the Candids Edition.

Hair - check! Make-up - check! Beaming bride - check!

Nothing like a little help getting, ahem, garments clasped. (Danae, I'm working on removing Janelle from the picture for you, it's proving to be a little more time consuming than I thought.)

The 3 bridesmaids. Thank goodness for those shawls. It was a chilly November day!

The dashing groom, soaking in the sun, anxiously awaiting his bride.

Danae ready for their "first look". Doesn't she look so happy!?!

The flowers were beautiful! The colors were great and so fallish.

The entire wedding party. Notice Danae had a "bridesman", that's her brother Hans.

They've kissed. It's official. They're husband and wife. I love the cross stain glass window above them.

How cute and quaint is the Hickman Community Church?

Speaking of feet, check out the bottom of my dress and my 9" heels! Man they were tall, not quite 9", but a good 4" I'm guessing.

Adam and his band/group of friends had a little jam session. I love/hate that the only picture I got of Adam with his head up is on the video recorder. Makes for a cool shot, but not as cool other shots.

I love, love, love pictures when photographers place the wedding rings in/on unique items. I'm gonna have to work on this more, but not bad for my first time...

First dance...

More dancing...

Since you saw the bottom half of me, how about the top too? I looked good!

And so concludes the candids of Danae and Adam's wedding. Such a beautiful wedding. Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of your special day Danae, and for allowing me to capture that beauty with my camera.

To see the full album go here.

I heart Faces: Pets Only!

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Montague) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 06:29:00 +0000

Hobie. Oh sweet Hobie. If only we could keep you out of the pool and dry 12 months of the year...

Layla Turned 2!

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Montague) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 21:33:00 +0000

Ok, so I'm really late with this one. Layla, daughter to my friends Allie and Jon, turned 2! ... in September. See, I slack! Or procrastinate. Or forget. Whatever it is, I did it. 2 months later, shush!

Well, anywho, without further ado, may I present Layla, the birthday girl...

I love this picture. It's like she's looking out over her sea of minions. All that's missing is a crown and a princess wave.

Layla and Daddy, Jon.

Layla decided to separate herself from all her family and friends for a bit, and hid under the playground. The wood chips were fun to play with...

Remember this little guy? Yep, he's Layla's Mom's cousin's son. So, does that make Layla and Collin 2nd cousins? I can never remember how that system works.

Layla and Nannie. Nannie was a dear and shared her soda with her grand-daughter. Hey, it was the kid's birthday, she can drink whatever she wanted right?

Get ready for the cupcakes...

Finger lickin' good!

After that rush of sugar, what else do you do but run off some pend up energy...

And then you check your pulse...

And spent!

The birthday girl had no interest in opening presents. So she didn't. But she did run around and play on the playground and eat pizza.

And so it goes, Layla is now 2.

Let's hope the 2s isn't terrible though...

Go here to view the entire album.

Danbom Family Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Montague) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 06:21:00 +0000

I was asked about a month ago if I'd be willing to take pictures for a family that I'm friends with. Of course I jumped at the chance! 2 month old Kylie. 1 1/2 year old, blue eyed Collin. Their dad is a former classmate of mine, and my bff's cousin; and mom is a cousin of another friend of mine. All the connections!

So they needed family pictures taken to use for their Christmas card. And being that 1) Taryn liked pictures I've posted on facebook; 2) I currently am not charging (I can expand more on that later); and 3) well I don't know if there's a 3, maybe that I was flexible with scheduling and worked with what worked for them.

So without further ado, let me introduce you to the Danbom's...

We were at this really cool old farm house with a barn, tractor, oak trees, etc. The house used to belong to a couple great (great?) uncle's of Paul's.

Check out the texture of the porch. This family was troopers! The stairs were a bit sketchy, but they climbed right up there.

I really like this shot. One thing I wish I had done though, not cut off Collin's feet and hand. Live and learn...

A lollipop was introduced into the mix to help keep Collin occupied and less restless. It worked for the most part.

Someone had a momentary cry fest. But don't worry, it was short lived.

Trying a unique technique with Photoshop. What do you think?

At the end of the shoot, someone found a pile of dirt. And, well, it was just too intriguing to pass up. I bet he could have played in it for hours.

The beautiful family...

I had so much fun taking Paul, Taryn, Collin and Kylie's pictures. I can't wait for the opportunity to do it again and to watch these beautiful children grow. Thanks Taryn for taking a chance with me.

Danbom Family Teaser...

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Montague) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 08:47:00 +0000

Such an adorable family...

More to come later this week...

Lone Oak

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Montague) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 07:39:00 +0000

MoPhoto Walk: Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Montague) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 04:32:00 +0000

Last week Kaitlin, Mandy, and I participated in something called the MoPhotoWalk. Ever heard of it? No, you probably haven't because this was the first time meeting, socializing, and shooting with other photographers, beginners and advanced.

Basically, those that signed up (no cost) met downtown Modesto at a meeting point and followed the same route for about an hour and a half before meeting back up at the State Theater for some Lightroom and Photoshop tutorials by Jerad Hill, photographer and organizer.

Here's a sample of my favorite shots of the day...

The feet I walked with. I love those shoes. They're starting to really show their wear and tear and I can't find new one anywhere!

Great lighting on the side of McHenry Mansion.

I know, not much here. Just love the depth of field though.

Not totally focused because of an ever so slight breeze. But for some reason I'm just drawn to this one.

And the State Theater at night. Coolest neon lights in Modesto.

To see more of my MoPhotoWalk pictures of click here, or here to see the whole groups pictures.

Portrait: Pam for TID Super

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Montague) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 04:31:00 +0000

Last weekend I had the privilege of photographing Pam Sweeten, who is running for a spot on the TID Board. You see though, Pam didn't just happen upon me or hear about me from a friend of a friend. Pam and I go way back. Like she used to babysit. It was just a few years ago though.

Anyways... So Pam is running for TID's District 5 spot on the Board of Directors. And she's gearing up into full campaign mode. And with campaign mode comes numerous printed items with her beautiful, warm smiling face.

Enters me... Amateur Photographer Extraordinaire!

Pam stands for and represents everything agriculture. And well, here in the Central Valley of California, we're surrounded by it. So we started out in an almond orchard, then walked across the country road to a corn field.
Moving down the road we found a great canal. Perfect! TID=Turlock Irrigation District. Kinda what canals are all about. So we took advantage of the flowing water and had a little fun.
After getting our feet wet, literally. Silly me, I wore flip flops, in the country, where there soil is fine and clings like no other. So yes, I rinsed off a little too. Off to find some different back drops around Turlock.

Like the TID Building...
And the City Building.

All in all it was a good time. I learned that I really need to work on posing. But with this particular shoot it was a bit challenging. How do you pose someone running for an office without it being a boring head shot? Oh well, we went with it.

To see more pictures of Pam click here.

MoPhoto Walk

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Montague) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 00:35:00 +0000

Battery charged - check!
Lenses loaded - check!
Dinner eaten - not check yet.
Ready to go surround myself with local photographers and wannabes (like me) - check!

Tonight I'm participating in the first ever MoPhoto Walk in Modesto. And I'm really excited!

There's gonna be people. And walking. And cameras. And photographing. And teaching. And learning. And PRIZES! And fun!

If you're in the area I suggest you keep an eye on MoPhoto Walk for future events.

And check back here in the next couple days for pictures not only of tonight's event, but also pictures from a shoot I had last Sunday.