portraits Archives - Courtney Potter Studio https://courtney-potter.com/category/portraits/ Soulful Art for Brave Seekers Sat, 23 Mar 2019 00:38:10 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Kristen | Hillsborough Boudoir Session | North Carolina Boudoir Photographer https://courtney-potter.com/kristen-hillsborough-boudoir-session-north-carolina-boudoir-photographer/ https://courtney-potter.com/kristen-hillsborough-boudoir-session-north-carolina-boudoir-photographer/#respond Mon, 19 Mar 2018 23:01:11 +0000 http://courtney-potter.com/?p=13445 Do you love to play outside? Kristen wanted to connect with nature during with a North Carolina boudoir photographer, so we found the amazing Down Yonder Farm in Hillsborough, NC. And on a pretty spring day back in 2014, we headed to the farm to play outside naked in the fresh grass and flowers. We […]

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Do you love to play outside?

Kristen wanted to connect with nature during with a North Carolina boudoir photographer, so we found the amazing Down Yonder Farm in Hillsborough, NC. And on a pretty spring day back in 2014, we headed to the farm to play outside naked in the fresh grass and flowers.

We had an incredible time on this stunning shoot, which brought so much freedom and joy.

As Kristen and I looked through the photos together to prep for this blog post, we had such a great conversation about body image and body positivity. Both of us have struggled with eating disorders in the past, and it’s especially meaningful for me when I get to work with clients who have also experienced conscious healing from self-destructive patterns. 

Boudoir can be an amazing way to celebrate a special occasion—like your wedding, graduation, or career change. And it can also be an act of liberation, healing, and exploration.  I’ve met women who wanted to undress for the camera to celebrate beating cancer and overcoming depression. 

The truth is, you don’t have to feel super confident or love your body every day in order to explore boudoir.

You may tell yourself the story that you’re not sexy enough, beautiful enough, adventurous enough.

But you are enough. Right here, right now, wherever you are at in your journey.

So I invite you to come and explore what boudoir has for you. I am a North Carolina boudoir photographer who is passionate about the healing power of boudoir.

This April, fellow photographer and soul sister Lis Tyroler and I are hosting a Spring into Boudoir Extravaganza!

Whether you’ve always wanted to try boudoir—or feel super nervous about it—this is the perfect opportunity to dip your toe in the waters! Plus, you’ll get to be a part of supporting women’s health, as a portion of proceeds will be donated to Planned Parenthooh.

When & Where

Saturday & Sunday, April 14-15 at the luxurious King’s Daughters Inn in Durham.

Your 3-Hour Boudoir Session Includes

  • Pre-shoot Hair & makeup pampering with our two assistants Crystal + Veronica
  • 1 hour photoshoot in the outfit of your choosing
  • 1 hour of reviewing your photos and picking out your faves, which we’ll order right there so you’ll have them in hands in no time!

How Much?

$350 for the session fee and you must order $150 minimum in products (gorgeous prints, books, etc.). We’ll have beautiful samples for you to look at before your shoot!

Think this could be for you? Have more questions? Message me at studio@courtney-potter.com. I would love to connect with you.

And now, keep on scrolling for a behind the scenes peek into Kristen’s experience, plus some of the gorgeous photos from her boudoir shoot!

1. What led you to do a boudoir session?

I felt more beautiful and confident leading up to our wedding than I had before. I had just dealt with a lot of personal challenges in my life, finished school and landed my dream job. Proud of my body in a way I hadn’t felt before, I started running and weight lifting.  I felt strong and powerful. I wanted a way to remember that period for myself and for my husband with a positive light. The photo shoot was a reward for making it through so much.

2. What makes you feel sexy?

Growing up in Vermont I never felt confident about using makeup or doing my hair until I moved to Vegas in my early 20’s. There I learned so much about how to dress up and make myself over. I had a chance to experiment with what made me feel sexy in a way that you just can’t in the woods of VT. Loud colors, sparkles, and interesting shapes on my body were so fun to play with in Vegas. I love playing dress-up and transforming myself from the low-key girl-next-door to a bombshell.

3. What was your inspiration for this shoot? (i.e. any particular blogs/Tumblr feeds/Pinterest ideas). How did you prepare?

My friend does some modeling so I touched base with her and she helped me look up some poses online and on Pinterest which helped my confidence going into the shoot. I spent time goofing around in the mirror and I indulged in some sophisticated and sexy lingerie while also collecting items that were special like the shirt my husband was wearing when we first met.

4. What was it like shooting with me? Was it different than you expected? How so?

It was SO fun! I really liked that you had taken the time to find such a special location. Not only was it stunning but the owners of the property had had their wedding at the same location that my husband and I were getting married at. I got to meet the couple who owned the farm and chat with them about our weddings which made me feel more at ease.

Initially I expected  to do more indoor photos, but seeing how beautiful the land was I was pumped  to take advantage of the space. It was easy to let go and be silly because I felt so comfortable with you, and the flask of whiskey you encouraged me to bring helped. 🙂 I appreciated the simple guidance and directions for how to pose while encouraging me to just do my thing. I knew I loved your sense of light from seeing your other work so I knew you had a great eye.

5. What do you plan to do with the photos?

I printed some of my favorites and they’re hanging up in our bedroom. I ended up putting together a book and gave it to my husband as a pre-wedding gift. He loves them all (and so do I!).

6. Which photo(s) from this shoot are your favorite? What do you like most about them?

My husband loves the one of me sitting in the flower petals smiling – but I think that’s just because he loves my smile. My favorites are the one of my hair and pearl necklace down my back and one where I’m sitting in front of a barn with my white leather jacket on. I felt the pictures captured both something incredibly sexy and sensual but also something classic. Almost all the photos I would be okay about my friends and family seeing because they were so artistic.

7. Feel free to share anything else about your boudoir session experience – i.e., where your lingerie was from, who did your makeup, where you boots/jacket were from, etc.

Most of my lingerie was from Victoria’s Secret and Agent Provocateur. I did my own hair and makeup.


 

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The Power of Being Seen | My First Boudoir Session https://courtney-potter.com/power-of-being-seen-boudoir/ https://courtney-potter.com/power-of-being-seen-boudoir/#respond Thu, 01 Feb 2018 16:05:38 +0000 http://courtney-potter.com/?p=13498 Boudoir is always an emotional journey. My first boudoir session (as a model instead of a photographer!) was during a relationship that was quickly going south. I needed to take control of my sexuality… and also take my mind off things.  So I played naked in a sunflower field with my lovely photography associate Bri […]

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Boudoir is always an emotional journey.

My first boudoir session (as a model instead of a photographer!) was during a relationship that was quickly going south. I needed to take control of my sexuality… and also take my mind off things. 

So I played naked in a sunflower field with my lovely photography associate Bri Brough, laughed the most I had in months, and did jetés barefoot in the wet dirt.

For me, boudoir photography is about reclaiming my Self and exploring those parts that have been wounded or buried deep, bringing them above ground to tend to and love. It’s an investment in my body, psyche, and soul. It’s an investment in my story, and I’m the author.

For me, boudoir photography is about the transformative power of being seen.

I picked out my favorite portraits and printed them all, framing the two biggest and hanging them over my bed so I could see them every day. I would invite Tinder dates over that fall, and some of the guys would point at my nude portraits, asking why on earth I had pictures of just me up on my wall. But I needed to make a shrine to myself in my bedroom, my sacred space.

I needed to experience the power of being seen. I needed to see myself.

This is what I love about boudoir photography. It’s an emotional journey that starts long before the session and lasts well after the last shutter click. I look at these photos every day, above my bed, and see something different each time. I see me.

Many of my boudoir clients have been nervous before their shoot, but together we worked through those emotions, and they came away from the session feeling more relaxed and excited to see the photographs we created together.

Deciding to hire a boudoir photographer, anticipating the shoot, setting intentions for what you want to explore, experiencing the shoot itself, the first reveal of your photos, then seeing the photos you printed…it’s an emotional journey that isn’t instantaneous.

Being vulnerable takes courage. And I’ve found that you can’t wait for the fear to subside.

You just have to take the plunge and discover something about yourself that you’ll come to treasure.

Will you join me?

Saturday and Sunday, April 14-15, I’m hosting a Spring Boudoir Extravaganza at the luxurious King’s Daughters Inn in Durham.

I invite you to come play, be pampered, and invest in your own story. Whether you’ve always wanted to try boudoir—or feel super nervous about it—this is the perfect opportunity to take the plunge.

Your Boudoir Session Includes

  • 1 hour of hair & makeup pampering with our two assistants Crystal + Veronica (we’ll have bubbly for ya!)
  • 1 hour photoshoot in the outfit of your choosing
  • 45 minutes of reviewing your photos and picking out your faves, which we’ll order right there so you’ll have them in time for V-Day/G-day

Investment?

The session fee is $500 + $125 minimum in prints/other products.

Intrigued? Have questions? Shoot me a message at studio@courtney-potter.com. I would love to connect with you!

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Karah Leibovich | Oakland Watercolor Artist | Brand Photography for Artists and Makers https://courtney-potter.com/karah-leibovich-brand-photography-for-artists/ https://courtney-potter.com/karah-leibovich-brand-photography-for-artists/#respond Wed, 01 Nov 2017 11:47:53 +0000 http://courtney-potter.com/?p=12671 Karah Leibovich is a fabulous watercolor artist based out of Oakland, CA. She’s a pro at creating whimsical watercolors of botanicals and landscapes, and loves catering to city-dwellers who want to connect with nature in their own homes. For this artist’s Accelerator Brand Photography Package, I wanted to showcase Karah’s adorable home painting space in her […]

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Karah Leibovich is a fabulous watercolor artist based out of Oakland, CA. She’s a pro at creating whimsical watercolors of botanicals and landscapes, and loves catering to city-dwellers who want to connect with nature in their own homes.

For this artist’s Accelerator Brand Photography Package, I wanted to showcase Karah’s adorable home painting space in her cozy Oakland apartment. She typically paints with natural light pouring in through the open windows, surrounded by succulents and cacti, the chicory smell of fresh-brewed coffee wafting through the room.

So I simply recreated a typical painting day for her brand photography shoot, minimal re-arranging required.

I’ve been friends with Karah since we were 14, and it’s been such a joy to watch her grow as an artist over the years. Even as a freshmen in high school, Karah would create the most beautifully decorated notes for her friends and fold them into intricate, delicate shapes. Each letter she passed me in Western Civ felt like a unique treasure made just for me.

Karah continues to spread her love through her unique vision, making each recipient of her work feel special and joyful. She played a big role in my decision to pursue my passion for painting, and I continue to be inspired by this beautiful artist and friend.

To learn more about Karah’s inspiration, read my brand photography Q&A with this artist below! And be sure to follow her on Instagram.


1. Tell me about you and your beautiful art! What is the inspiration behind your watercolors? What do you hope your customers feel when they display your work in their homes?

There is something very hopeful to me about painting and drawing. I love the way that it can be used in various ways to express the artist’s story or perspective.

In spite of the challenges I have faced as a woman living in a city far from where I grew up, I feel a sense of being at home when I paint which has allowed me to face things I am afraid of and feel safe. I really revere the home because it is an extension of the self.

Another benefit to me is how art connects me to my family. My mother and sisters are interior designers and visual artists, so it’s fun for us to talk about our work and share our visions and insights.

Ultimately, my goal as an artist is to create a safe space on a page. I hope my art can bring light to the spaces that need it and be a point of connection for those who view it.

2. What was your motivation or vision behind your brand photography session? What did you want to communicate with your pictures?

I wanted to create an online space which could be another extension of my own physical home but then felt pulled back to school and have been busy being a student, so haven’t used them in that way yet.

3. What did you feel when you first saw the photos?

I felt a lot of joy when I first saw the photos because they are like a diary of our creative play. I love spending time with Courtney and she put me at such ease, which I think you can see when you look through them. As an artist you can really see the technical skill and craftsmanship, crafts-womanship that Courtney brings; that is why she is the only one I would hire to shoot my wedding (and did back in 2015!)

4. What was it like to work with me in your brand photography session? Feel free to write anything about the preparation process and the shoot itself!

Haha, what is it like? Well, it’s super laid-back, casual, I think there was tea at some point…? Courtney brings so much energy to her work that I felt like I could follow her lead. I think I also made a couple of requests for set-up and was delighted that she let me be a picky artist and agreed to try new things.

5. How have you used the photos I created for you (or how do you plan to use them?) In what ways has your brand photography helped your business (or in what ways do you hope they’ll help your business?)

I’m excited to launch a blog and a business with these photos. Even though I’m in school now and not using them just yet for marketing, they are a good reminder of my hopes.

6. What is next for you as an artist?

I am inspired by so much of the fantastic art I see in the Bay Area. I plan to visit a few local exhibitions such as the upcoming show at The Long Weekend Store and at the SF MOMA and hope to get connected with other artists in my neighborhood as a way to build friendships with other artists.


Are you an artist, musician, or maker looking for photos to show off your unique vision? I’d love to collaborate with you to help you visually communicate your brand! Check out my professional brand photography services for creatives and give me a a shout! Get ready to flaunt your work and elevate your brand!

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Erin Stesch | Raleigh Jewelry Maker | Visual Branding Session https://courtney-potter.com/erin-stesch-raleigh-jewelry-maker-visual-branding-session/ https://courtney-potter.com/erin-stesch-raleigh-jewelry-maker-visual-branding-session/#respond Thu, 26 Oct 2017 15:37:48 +0000 http://courtney-potter.com/?p=12554 This Accelerator Visual Branding Session with Raleigh artist and maker Erin Stesch was a total blast! Erin’s revamping her website and wanted some seriously gorgeous photos that shows off her unique hand-painted jewelry to prospective clients. After meeting together to clarify her vision and branding goals, we came up with a game-plan and started building our creative […]

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This Accelerator Visual Branding Session with Raleigh artist and maker Erin Stesch was a total blast! Erin’s revamping her website and wanted some seriously gorgeous photos that shows off her unique hand-painted jewelry to prospective clients.

After meeting together to clarify her vision and branding goals, we came up with a game-plan and started building our creative team for her session. Erin found 2 models and brought along a stylist, and I brought my fab creative assistant Veronica to help the session run smoothly.

We settled on the Haw River Ballroom for our location– between the ample natural light upstairs and the dreamy river nearby we would have a variety of backdrops for the photos. The session lasted several hours and included several outfit + styling + backdrop changes. By the end of the night, we were all happily exhausted and energized from a productive session of creating! Erin answered a few questions about her experience in the Q&A below:

1. Tell me about you and your beautiful art! What is the inspiration behind your jewelry? What do you hope your customers feel when they wear your pieces?

My jewelry is made of hand painted glass. Each glass pendant is painted by me using a variety of techniques: freehand painting, stamping or blowing air. Due to the unique nature of each piece, the painting is one of a kind work of art and cannot be duplicated. I then set the glass inside my handmade wooden necklaces that are designed, cut, and finished in my North Raleigh studio. The inspiration behind my jewelry is my love of color, which is a big focus in my fine art painting. I hope customers feel emboldened by wearing my jewelry; that it raises their confidence level and makes them feel as though the jewelry helps to express who they are on the inside to the outside world.

2. What was your motivation or vision behind this photo shoot? What did you want to communicate with your pictures?

My jewelry is composed of primarily statement pieces that are one of a kind. My vision was to show my potential customers what the jewelry looks like on a woman-what she might wear with it, how it might enhance her outfit, and how a woman might feel in my jewelry. I also wanted to show women who embody my target audience and Amber and Michelle, who graciously agreed to model for the shoot, absolutely do that.

3. What did you feel when you first saw the photos?

I was really excited to see the photos. Courtney has a great eye for composition and lighting, and those talents along with the talents of the models just really came together to create several wonderful shots. 

4. What was it like to work with me? Feel free to write anything about the preparation process and the shoot itself!

Courtney was very professional at the shoot. She knows the photo site well and what times are best for lighting and mood to help capture the shots that she knew I wanted. She told me what to expect as far as when I would receive the photos and organized all the photos into folders for use in different places-website, social media and print. She is very organized, anticipating questions I might have and I felt confident that I had hired the right person throughout the process.

5. How have you used the photos I created for you? In what ways have they helped your business?

Yes, I have used the photos a lot. I use them on social media to promote my brand and my individual listings. I also printed a few pictures to have on the table in my booth set up at craft fairs and even had three favorites printed as banners to hang in my booth. They are a great attention getter and really help show who my “girl” is from far away, enticing customers who might have otherwise walked right past my booth.

6) What’s next for you as an artist and small-business owner?

My goals are to keep making products that I love and committing to shows that I enjoy and have done well at in the area. I really want to focus on doing fewer shows of higher quality this year. I enjoy selling online through my Etsy shop as well and plan to continue growing my online presence.

Wanna learn more about Erin and snag your own statement necklace? Connect with her here:

Are you a creative professional who needs help refining and visually communicating your brand? Learn more about ways we can partner together here.

Creative Assistant: Veronica Arenander

Models: Amber Carroll Santibanez +  Michelle Roman

Location: Haw River Ballroom

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Colleen Thorubrn | Richmond Harpist | RVA Musician Headshots https://courtney-potter.com/colleen-thorubrn-richmond-harpist-rva-portrait-photography/ https://courtney-potter.com/colleen-thorubrn-richmond-harpist-rva-portrait-photography/#respond Thu, 26 Oct 2017 15:14:17 +0000 http://courtney-potter.com/?p=12539 When my sister, harpist Colleen Thorburn, asked me to help her update her musician headshots, I said an unequivocal yes! I collaborated with her harp-horn duo Apple Orange Pair in 2013 for promo materials for their professional headshots and album release, so I knew first-hand how great it is to work with her. (Check out […]

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When my sister, harpist Colleen Thorburn, asked me to help her update her musician headshots, I said an unequivocal yes!

I collaborated with her harp-horn duo Apple Orange Pair in 2013 for promo materials for their professional headshots and album release, so I knew first-hand how great it is to work with her. (Check out their marvelous pics here!)

One of my favorite parts of photographing fellow creatives is witnessing their evolution in their chosen field. Colleen has accomplished so much since I last photographed her (like becoming the first harpist to have earned a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Yale), and I wanted her to celebrate her achievements and have fun with this shoot.

Colleen is a super-talented, accomplished musician, so I highlight her unique skills by picking a location that wasn’t expected (i.e. a performance stage in a music hall). We spent the bulk of her session on the cobblestone streets in Old Towne Petersburg– a funky, fun little spot outside of Richmond VA where Colleen works.

I love the final product, which show off my sister’s beauty and mastery of her instrument.

What do you think? Want some fresh headshots of your own? I have two headshots photography packages tailored just for creatives– give them a peek and drop me a line!

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Elle | Raleigh Boudoir Session | Raleigh Boudoir Photographer https://courtney-potter.com/elle-raleigh-boudoir-session/ https://courtney-potter.com/elle-raleigh-boudoir-session/#respond Sat, 21 Oct 2017 15:56:51 +0000 http://courtney-potter.com/?p=12105 “I think every woman and girl should be encouraged to embrace  and take care of their bodies.” -Elle, 27 Taking advantage of the lull in wedding season this winter, I switched gears and focused on photography that feeds my soul…which apparently involves some nudity and strong empowered women. 🙂 I admire the fact that Elle did […]

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“I think every woman and girl should be encouraged to embrace  and take care of their bodies.” -Elle, 27

Taking advantage of the lull in wedding season this winter, I switched gears and focused on photography that feeds my soul…which apparently involves some nudity and strong empowered women. 🙂

I admire the fact that Elle did this shoot for herself and not for another person. Read the Q&A with Elle below to learn more about Elle’s take on body positivity and tips on where to buy the best lingerie!

I’ll always love my documentary photography roots, but its refreshing to engage in more conceptual work. I’m planning on boudoir sessions being a big part of my 2018 adventure and am kicking off the season with a special Galentine’s Day Boudoir Extravaganza hosted by myself and fellow photographer and soul sister Lis Tyroler.

Whether you’ve always wanted to try boudoir—or feel super nervous about it—this is the perfect opportunity to dip your toe in the waters!

When & Where

The weekend of April 14-15, 2018 at the luxurious King’s Daughters Inn in Durham.

Your 2-Hour Boudoir Session Includes

  • 1 hour of hair & makeup pampering with our two assistants Crystal + Veronica (we’ll have bubbly for ya!)
  • 1 hour photoshoot in the outfit of your choosing
  • 45 minutes of reviewing your photos and picking out your faves, which we’ll order right there so you’ll have them in time for V-Day/G-day

How Much?

$500 for the session fee and you must order $125 minimum in products (gorgeous prints, books, etc.). We’ll have beautiful samples for you to look at before your shoot!

Think this could be for you? Have more questions? Message me at studio@courtney-potter.com. I would love to connect with you.

1. What led you to do a boudoir session?

I fully believe in body positivity. I think every woman and girl should be encouraged to embrace and take care of their bodies. That’s what the boudoir session does for me. I am able to see myself from another angle other than the mirror. Seeing photos of myself looking sexy and beautiful is a real confidence-booster.

I hope to do more of these sessions! A big thanks to you, Courtney! This was an incredible experience!

2. What makes you feel sexy?

A lot of things! Sleeping naked. Sheer lingerie. Getting compliments on how I look. Nice perfume. High heels. A shade of lipstick to match my mood. Sensual songs. A good work out. Freshly shaved legs.

3. What was your inspiration for this shoot? (i.e. any particular blogs/Tumblr feeds/Pinterest ideas). How did you prepare?

A lot of my inspiration came from AdoreMe lingerie and some lingerie models on Instagram. Also (kind of funny but it helped), I practiced some poses at home with a selfie stick just to get an idea of some positions that looked nice and what positions to avoid.

4. What was it like shooting with me? Was it different than you expected? How so?

I guess shooting with you was about how I expected. I assumed I would be a little nervous at first but as I got more direction and some idea of how the photos were turning out I would adjust, and I did. I quickly became more comfortable with less clothing and with that, I think I felt a little more creative. You were great to work with! Honest about how to turn and how certain positions were working out.

The one thing I did not expect was how physically demanding modeling can be! Each shot was just a couple muscle contractions different than the shot before. I have a new respect for the girls on ANTM.

5. What do you plan to do with the photos?

Honestly, I mostly just plan to keep them for myself. I know a lot of women do these for someone else but I like seeing this side of myself. Of course I have some friends who will be interested in seeing how they turned out and maybe another lucky person or two who can see a preview…

6. Which photo(s) from this shoot are your favorite? What do you like most about them?

Tough question because I have favorites from each location. I think my most favorite are the ones in the red one-piece in the bedroom. I like the softness of the lighting with the sexiness of the sheer teddy – very sensual overall. I also love how my hip tattoo looks in that setting. I love how my tattoo also looks really hardcore and awesome in the shots with the bike.

7. Feel free to share anything else about your boudoir session experience – i.e. where your lingerie was from, who did your makeup, where your boots/jacket were from, etc.

  • Make-up credit goes to Adrienne Duterte an amazing and very talented friend of mine!
  • The black set of lingerie was from AdoreMe. The rest of the lingerie was stuff I have collected in the last couple years.
  • The faux-leather jacket is a Forever21 piece. Great addition to my neutral palette wardrobe! And the body is by me!
  • The result of 27 years of lessons on how to love my body and care for my body properly, and there’s still a lot to learn.

 

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Shelley + Michael Engaged | Unstuffy Engagement Photos | Chapel Hill Engagement Photographer https://courtney-potter.com/shelley-michael-engaged-chill-portrait-session-home-chapel-hill-engagement-photographer/ https://courtney-potter.com/shelley-michael-engaged-chill-portrait-session-home-chapel-hill-engagement-photographer/#respond Tue, 04 Jul 2017 14:43:46 +0000 http://courtney-potter.com/?p=12574 Stuffy engagement photos be gone! Shelley + Michael are a super chill couple, and they wanted their Chapel hill engagement photographer to honor their love of drinking beer on the couch, listening to vinyl records, and chillin’ at their fave local Carrboro and Chapel Hill spots. This shoot felt like a “day in the life” […]

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Stuffy engagement photos be gone!

Shelley + Michael are a super chill couple, and they wanted their Chapel hill engagement photographer to honor their love of drinking beer on the couch, listening to vinyl records, and chillin’ at their fave local Carrboro and Chapel Hill spots.

This shoot felt like a “day in the life” starring Shelley + Michael in their own skin (or fuzzy leopard-print robes) instead of an arbitrary, tropey photo sesh in a field/on a mountain/clad in fancy matchy Pinterest-looking clothes. The stripped-down feel of this session gave this rad couple a chance to relax in their own space, pop open a cold one, and truly be themselves in front of the camera.

Looking for unstuffy engagement & wedding photos? Head on over to my wedding photography page to learn about my packages and drool over the eye candy I have for you!

A lot of my clients tell me they cringe when looking for engagement photo inspo on Pinterest or IG. “Do I have to do that?” is a question I field all the time.

At-home engagement sessions give you the chance to relax, be yourself, and not have to pretend to be someone you’re not just because the wedding industry tells you you should kiss passionately in a field if you’re engaged.

(Incidentally, Michael + Shelley did take me to a field at Coker Arboretum on their alma mater’s campus, but it was only for impromptu piggy-back rides and a chance to show off their Tarheel pride!)

Looking for cozy snuggle sesh of your own, with engagement pictures to boot? I’m a Chapel Hill engagement photographer passionate about eliminating the stuffiness in your pictures and showcasing your authentic selves. Drop me a line!

 

 

 

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Sakina | Hip-Hop Dancer | Branding Photography for Dancers https://courtney-potter.com/201212sakina-en-rlev-in-saxapahaw/ https://courtney-potter.com/201212sakina-en-rlev-in-saxapahaw/#comments Thu, 20 Apr 2017 23:29:55 +0000 http://courtney-potter.com/201212sakina-en-rlev-in-saxapahaw/ I’ve been dying to do a dance shoot ever since I started dancing at Ninth Street Dance in Durham after I graduated college. When my lyrical/contemporary dance instructor said she needed pictures for her new website, I jumped at the chance (no pun intended) to take some artsy photos of her. So Sakina and I […]

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I’ve been dying to do a dance shoot ever since I started dancing at Ninth Street Dance in Durham after I graduated college. When my lyrical/contemporary dance instructor said she needed pictures for her new website, I jumped at the chance (no pun intended) to take some artsy photos of her.

So Sakina and I spent a dance-filled afternoon at the old river mill in Saxapahaw, N.C.  I’ve taken 14 weeks of contemporary dance under her instruction, but it was great to get to know her better outside of the studio.  She shared a bit of her story with me, and learning about what drives her passion for dance made me appreciate even more the beauty and talent of this amazing dancer.

Sakina has always danced, but she took a long break from it when her then-boyfriend persuaded her to pursue a more lucrative career. After several of years of living without dance, she realized how much it was a part of her and decided to pursue her dreams of being a professional dancer, choreographer, and dance instructor.

Her boyfriend didn’t approve, but she chose to not let go of her passion again. So Sakina broke off their engagement and moved to Durham.  When I asked her if she regretted any of this, she told me, no- she is so happy now and wouldn’t change any of her decisions. Dance is who she is.

Stories like Sakina’s really inspire me to keep dancing, expressing myself, making, creating. It is never too late to pursue your dreams and do what you love. It doesn’t matter that I never trained as a dancer when I was younger; I can find joy in it now and really push myself to grow as a dancer and artist.

Loved these photos? Are you a dancer, musician, artist, or a maker in need of  artful portraits that convey your passion? Choose between my two packages tailored just for creative professionals!

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Lizz + Dave | Urban Engagement Session | Raleigh Engagement Photographer https://courtney-potter.com/lizz-dave-raleigh-engagement-session/ https://courtney-potter.com/lizz-dave-raleigh-engagement-session/#respond Mon, 16 Jan 2017 13:39:04 +0000 http://courtney-potter.com/?p=10758 Lizz + Dave wanted to showcase their fondness for downtown Raleigh (and their adorable, squirrel-obsessed fur-baby Drogo), so we planned a fun urban Raleigh engagement session. I had so much fun with this playful couple and love how their authentic goofiness shines in many of these pictures. Lizz + Dave answered a few questions about […]

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Lizz + Dave wanted to showcase their fondness for downtown Raleigh (and their adorable, squirrel-obsessed fur-baby Drogo), so we planned a fun urban Raleigh engagement session. I had so much fun with this playful couple and love how their authentic goofiness shines in many of these pictures.

Lizz + Dave answered a few questions about their engagement photo inspiration and favorite moments from the session. I absolutely love their creativity. Read below to feel inspired!

1. Tell me about you! (The floor is yours: How did you meet? What activities do you enjoy doing as a couple? Who is your celebrity couple doppelganger?)

We were introduced by our close friends (who are now also getting married in 2017) at Charlie’s Kitchen in Cambridge, Mass. This was the same place where Dave proposed a few years later. Our favorite thing in the whole world is our dog, Drogo. He’s a squirrel-obsessed giant lap dog and by far the best puppy ever.

2.  Why did you decide to book a Raleigh engagement session? Was there anything in particular you wanted me to photograph (or avoid…)? 

We decided to do an engagement session because we wanted photos of us with our pup Drogo for the save-the-dates, and we wanted some casual fun pictures. We felt that since we have enjoyed our engagement so much we wanted photos that represented the fun we have together.

3.   What was your favorite moment from the engagement session? Favorite photo?

Favorite photo is definitely with our championship wrestling belts. Favorite moment during the shoot was trying to get Drogo to look at anything other than the squirrels he was hunting.

4.  What do you plan to do with your Raleigh engagement photos? (i.e. Wallpaper the hallway? Internet fame? Make a collage of your pup?)

Dave made one of the engagement photos into a puzzle through shutterfly as a surprise Christmas gift! It was really a unique way to display one of the amazing photos. He even had “The McRooneys” added to the bottom. It’s so great!

5. Anything else you’d like to add?

We had such a fun time with the engagement session. The photos really show our personalities and we love them! The candid shots make us really excited to see how great our wedding photos will come out!


Lizz + Dave, thanks for being such a rad, goofy couple. Your authenticity is refreshing, and I loved every minute with you (and Drogo!). I’m pumped about photographing your shindig later this year. 🙂

Do you like these unstuffy Raleigh engagement photos? Head on over to my wedding photography page for even more eye candy and delightfully silly moments!

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Nida + Clay | Rustic Engagement Session | Raleigh Engagement Photographer https://courtney-potter.com/nida-clay-umstead-park-engagement-session/ https://courtney-potter.com/nida-clay-umstead-park-engagement-session/#respond Fri, 13 Jan 2017 13:57:11 +0000 http://courtney-potter.com/?p=10774 Winter is hands down my favorite time to photograph engagement sessions in North Carolina. You don’t have to deal with crowds, mosquitos, hurricanes, pine pollen, or sweat ruining your makeup. The sun sits lower in the sky, casting a lovely golden glow over the horizon much earlier in the day. And sometimes you get 70 […]

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Winter is hands down my favorite time to photograph engagement sessions in North Carolina. You don’t have to deal with crowds, mosquitos, hurricanes, pine pollen, or sweat ruining your makeup. The sun sits lower in the sky, casting a lovely golden glow over the horizon much earlier in the day.

And sometimes you get 70 degree days…in January. Nida + Clay share my distaste for bugs + heat, so we picked a beautiful 70-degree “winter” day and played in the woods for their engagement session last month.

More meaningfully, Nida + Clay decided to take pictures in Umstead Park, since that was the location of their first date (a nine-mile run!) after meeting at the Fullsteam Run Club. I didn’t make them run nine miles for this session, but we did get a workout walking the trails in the park. 🙂

Nida + Clay, thanks for being so laid-back and fun during your session! I loved the ideas you brought to the table and really enjoyed collaborating with you. Thanks for so eagerly embracing the concept of #brinsonbanksing, too, haha! I hope you love your photos!!

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