I had heard a lot about David, but it was fun to be able to meet him and shoot with this unique couple.  Even though they have dated for about a year-and-a-half, for the majority of their relationship they have lived in different countries:  Lauren in Korea and David in China (or America).  Lauren recently returned from her time abroad as an English teacher, and she and David now have had to learn how to be a couple in the same city. I loved seeing their deep appreciation for one another’s presence, since it was still a newfound thing and not taken for granted by either of them.

There’s nothing I love more than photographing close friends.  Not only are those images cherished by them, but they become a part of my own personal history, tokens of my meandering journey throughout this life. Lauren and David, thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a part of your story and have a random adventure in St. Louis.  La, it was such a joy to catch up with you after all these years. Your depth, honesty, and humor lifted me out of my February blues.    Love you so much!

Enjoy!

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Lisette was a really fun bride to work with because of her beautiful, unique feature (I am envious of her gorgeous blue eyes!)  When I met Lisette during our time at UNC Chapel Hill she had awesome dreads, which she cut a few months before her wedding.  Her new haircut made for awesome photos because it wasn’t the typical “bridal updo” that I see over and over.  Her flowy JCrew wedding dress was also perfect for the environment and made for some really pretty profile pictures.

Lisette, thank you so much for your hospitality to me during your bridal shoot.  I had fun getting to know your best friend and your parents, and I enjoyed our time watching Netflix and hanging out afterwards. Thanks for being a trooper with the cold weather during our shoot!  Your mom was extremely helpful during the shoot carrying both of our things, and one of my favorite pictures from the day is you laughing with her as she walks across the field while talking on the phone and carrying tons of stuff!  I hope you had fun and I can’t wait to share the wedding photos in my next post.

Enjoy!

The post Lisette | Bridal Session appeared first on Courtney Potter Studio.

The next third of the year was a rebirth of my business.  I quit my previous work with Cana Collective and decided to go solo, focusing solely on weddings and personal projects.  This decision preceded the Santa Fe Workshops with Chris Buck– which truly was a rebirth.  I shed a lot of tears at thisportrait & lighting workshop, and even some clothes. I put aside some of my photojournalistic habits and experimented with conceptual art photography.  Chris pushed me beyond my comfort zone, encouraging me to put more of my own self and psychology into my work–which meant facing some demons. My final project was designed by Chris to help me identify and face my fears related to photography in a studio-lit self portrait. This was the hardest assignment I have ever done–and also the most fulfilling.  These photos have become and Ebenezer of sorts for me.  Something inside me really changed with the final open and close of the shutter.

That workshop really set the stage for the last third of the year and the attitude I would have towards my work. One of the first big changes I made was to consciously surround myself with other creative photographers and artists.  One of the best things about Santa Fe was collaborating with other photographers and playing off of one another’s strengths.  So I started shooting more with UNC photo kids and really investing in developing a mentorship program for young photographers. My first intern ever, Maria Van Aalst, “graduated” from our little Durham home at the close of summer, but I continue to shoot with her.  When the leaves finally fell and I continued to miss Maria’s presence, I decided to start a new high school internship program for the talented Layson Peters.  I also set out on a new top-secret endeavor with a brilliant photographer, but since it’s top-secret right now you won’t hear about it until the start of 2013!  All of this collaboration has really infused me with the energy I need to bring something “fresh” to my work.

The main change that the workshop instilled in me, however, was to really focus on making pictures where my voice comes through, rather than a focus on technical elements.  I am still proud of my photos that have pretty light and beautiful compositions, but I’m trying to use those elements to really say something about how I see the world. Focusing more on portraiture has been a catalyst for achieving this.  I’ve cut out a lot of video and multimedia work from my life this year, and it’s freed me up really push the limits of my camera and vision.

The following photos are some of my favorite portraits from 2012 where my voice comes through a bit stronger than in previous years.

The post Goodbye, 2012! A look back on my best work from the year. appeared first on Courtney Potter Studio.

Sarah and Erik got married at the Rigmor House in Chapel Hill, one of my favorite places to shoot because of all the natural light indoors.  They adorned the tables with festive candles, cranberries, and red roses, which gave the reception a romantic feel. Their friends were extremely fun; I enjoyed watching everyone’s sick dance moves.  I was also pretty amused by the amount of shots consumed in the kitchen in between dances. 

I shot this wedding with my brand new high school intern, Layson Peters.  She did a phenomenal job, and it was so fun to live vicariously through her enthusiasm, since this was her first wedding to shoot ever.  It was nice to realize that my love for wedding photography hasn’t waned over time; every time I create a new picture of a new moment with a new couple, that quiet thrill hits me. It’s the same feeling I had during my first wedding, and I hope that as long as I am in this profession it will continue to shape my work.  And I hope the same for Layson.

Sarah + Erik, thank you so much for sharing your day with us!  Enjoy!

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The post Kelsey + Alex | Davidson, N.C. Wedding appeared first on Courtney Potter Studio.

The post Julia + Eduardo | Chapel Hill Wedding appeared first on Courtney Potter Studio.

The reception was held at the Parizade,
also in Durham.  I don’t think I’ve ever felt so relaxed and welcomed
at a wedding venue before—the manager greeted me and Stephen and showed
us a private table (in a lovely air-conditioned room!) where we were
free to download photos and eat cake.  And the party itself was AWESOME
from the moment we arrived.  Stephen and I were both caught off guard
after the first dance when the hora began, because everyone circled up
and started yelling and clapping and surrounding us while kicking and
screaming with joy.  The hora was really joyful—I was tempted to just
put my camera down and join in the fun!  (Towards the end of the wedding
I actually did this for a dance or two, thanks to Anne’s beckoning).

Big shout-out to Stephen Garret and Cana Collective
for helping me out.  He is an amazing videographer and still shooter,
and I had a great time shooting with him for the first time.  Many of
his photos are included below.

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