About a week and a half after Carly's Fresh 48 I went to the family's home for her newborn session. Newborn sessions include posing and props, in addition to family portraits. Here are a few of my favorites.
Marietta Fresh 48 - an in hospital newborn session
A "Fresh 48" session is an in hospital session done within a day or two (48 hours) of baby's birth. Eric and Eden wanted to capture the moment their son Jack met his new baby sister Carly for the first time, and their first day as a family of 4. When I arrived, baby Carly was in this adorable swaddle and headband, ready for her debut! I'm not sure Jack knew what to think of it all, since he's too young to really understand. It certainly was adorable when he started pointing out baby's nose, eyes, and mouth. I also was able to capture some sweet moments between Carly and her parents.
Halloween Photos
I took photos of trick-or-treaters in my old neighborhood and was just blown away at the great costumes I saw. I had such a great time I'm sure I'll be there again next year!
Sabrina's Stunning Baby Shower at The St Regis Atlanta
Sabrina's amazing friends threw her the most stunning baby shower at the St Regis. The theme was children's books, and they really went all out! Crush Event Design did an amazing job setting up the room, so it was both elegant and comfortable.I was so impressed with the florist, Ginger Rose. There were gorgeous floral arrangements everywhere!The favor table was absolutely incredible. To begin with, each guest had their own bag with their name printed on it. Then each favor had a baby theme and/or a book to go along with it. I had to include individual photos of each item so you can truly appreciate the thought that went into each item.The little girls loved the mirrors, custom painted by Everlong Creative. At the top is Winnie the Pooh and the quote "We will be friends until forever, just you wait and see." At the bottom is Goodnight Moon and the quote "Goodnight stars, goodnight air, goodnight noises everywhere."Of course they loved the sweets table too! Look at that smile! She certainly approved of the delicious (and photogenic) sweets from Gingerspice Bakery.The drink station was just as beautiful as the rest of the room, with fresh fruit, sage, and even popsicles to put in the drinks!Sabrina was clearly thrilled with all the work her friends put into her shower. We should all be so lucky!Contact me to photograph your next event!
Baby Shower Details at The Atlanta St Regis by Courtney Goldman Photography 29
Baby Benjamin's Newborn Session in Atlanta
When you are invited to a baby shower there is always the difficult decision to make regarding what to get the new parents to be. You can get an adorable outfit that the parents will love, but that the baby will only maybe wear once - assuming it fits them during the right season. You can get something very useful and boring from the register, which is sweet and helpful, but not as much fun for you or the parents. Or, you can be totally creative and get them something not on the registry that they will cherish for a lifetime - a newborn session gift certificate from Courtney Goldman Photography! That's what Benjamin's mom's friend did for her - and just look at these beautiful images they'll have of their handsome baby forever. It's the perfect gift for any new parents to be.
Best Photo-Worthy Spots Around Atlanta
If you're like me, when spring finally hits Atlanta you're already planning out all the fun things to do outside before the summer heat creeps in. Hoping that the pollen count behaves, your spring bucket list is most likely filling up with many outdoor activities around Atlanta.Will you visit different parks with your family? Stroll new trails with your pups? Coordinate spring portraits with the ones you love?You name it, your spring bucket list is filling up and deciding where to have each adventure is the next to-do. That's where my awesome location list comes in handy!Whether you're scouting places to have your next family portrait or your upcoming engagement session, or looking for a location to occupy your Saturday with the added bonus of cute Instagram opportunities, here are the top photo-worthy spots you need to visit around Atlanta:
PARKS AND TRAILS
Atlanta Beltline - Atlanta, GA
There are endless opportunities for outdoor activities and photo backdrops on all four segments of the Atlanta Beltline. Their website is super helpful in breaking down the locations of different parks and restaurants, as well as events happening at each segment. Take a peek here.
You’d never expect to find this 120-acre nature preserve sitting in the middle of urban Southwest Atlanta! It’s a great site for engagement sessions or family photos - if you are up for a 2-mile round trip hike, there’s a gorgeous tranquil waterfall, need I say more? Cascade Springs is a worthy prize if you’re hiking it with family, friends and your doggies.
Known for its fun and energetic vibe, Centennial Olympic Park is fun to just walk around and enjoy, or you can visit restaurants, attend events or ride the SkyView Ferris wheel. Kids love the fountains, which make for wonderful “in the moment” photos. As an added bonus, the pretty spring landscape is a great backdrop for some added color.
Arabia Mountain - Lithonia, GA
Just southeast of Atlanta, there’s a lot of history rooted in the trails, granite and rivers that occupy the national heritage area. If you only have an hour, an afternoon or a weekend to plan something fun with the family, their website gives you fantastic ideas to make your time worthwhile. My favorite photography spot is on Mountain Top Trail.
Dunwoody Nature Center - Dunwoody, GA
If greenery is the goal for your photo backdrop, the Dunwoody nature scene is a favorite for portrait sessions. The swings, gardens, creek and a park piano are just a few of the many neat things found here. Additionally, the Dunwoody Nature Center hosts summer camps for kids and has an events calendar filled out each month so you can easily choose your outdoor plans for the next weekend.
Historic Fourth Ward Park
Though it’s a recent addition to the Atlanta community, don’t let this new kid on the block fool you - it’s impressive. If you want an Urban appeal in photos as well as the option of some greenery, this park is perfect. It’s nestled off the beltline and has a lot to offer with its modern designed pond, foliage and structures. For playtime, there’s a splash pad and playground for the kids.
Marietta Square - Marietta, GA
I have a thing for cool doors in photos, and this historic city has many! Its hometown appeal is attractive for family and engagement photos or for spending an afternoon during one of the many awesome events this city holds each season. The square’s signature statement is a middle courtyard/park home to a chic fountain and gazebo.
Piedmont Park
Piedmont Park is a classic Atlanta park at the heart of the city! It’s a favorite for a reason because there’s always something to do. There is a giant dog park, multiple playground areas, a public pool, a running/walking trail and a huge lawn for relaxing or for activities. In addition, wherever you are on the grounds there’s always an awesome view for photos.
GARDENS
Smith-Gilbert Gardens - Kennesaw, GA
For all my OTP family and friends or those who want a quick escape outside the city, this Cobb County hidden gem is quaint and picturesque. With over 3,000 species of plants, multiple outdoor sculptures and the historic Hiram Butler House, there is plenty to see. You can even have a picnic while you’re there.
Instagram Photo by @smithgilbertga
Atlanta Botanical Gardens - Midtown Atlanta, GA
If you can’t venture OTP for a dose of nature, Atlanta Botanical Gardens is your local fix. From visiting as a guest, going to a concert in the gardens to attending a wedding, the 30-acre garden is definitely a must see. For photography guidelines, visit here.
HISTORIC SITES
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park - Kennesaw, GA
Whether you’re a history buff or not, Kennesaw Mountain is worth a visit. See the location of the Civil War battleground of the Atlanta Campaign, or enjoy over 18 miles of trails in this 2,965 acre National Park. Family photos work great here if you’re looking for an open space, nature-filled background.
kennesaw mountain trails and battlefield, kennesaw mountain family portraits
ICONIC PLACES
Jackson Street Bridge - Downtown/Midtown Atlanta, GA
It’s one of the most popular bridges because of its perfect Atlanta skyline view. You might also recognize it from the TV series “The Walking Dead.” When I drive over this bridge, there’s almost always people taking photos on it. I find it’s very popular for couple photo sessions and engagement sessions.
Instagram photo by @super_trampphoto
Instagram photo by @its.marinaheinz
Street Art - Atlanta, GA
Thanks to the Atlanta Street Art Map it’s super easy to find sought-after art murals or graffiti that can solve the missing ingredient to your photos or inspiration! You can find the map here.
Water Tower at Old Decatur Water Works - Decatur, GA
(Aka “The Ruins” in Mason Mill Park)
If you’re interested in cool street art, raised boardwalks and greenery to enhance your photos, these popular ruins have you covered. This waterwork facility was abandoned back in the 1940s and is situated in Mason Mill Park. So in other words, it’s really, really neat! And last but not least...
YOUR OWN HOME
A client’s home is one of my favorite spots to photograph them because of the built-in relaxed atmosphere. Cliche or not, home is where the heart is. It’s also an ideal location to enjoy a gorgeous day outside!
What to Wear for Spring Family Portraits: 4 Color Style Tips
spring/summer 2018 colors to wear for photo shoot, family photo tips and tricks
atlanta family photo session ideas, what colors to wear for photo shoot
what to wear for family photos, trendy colors spring 2018, atlanta photographer
As a professional photographer for more than 10 years, I can affirm that "What should we wear?" is a question everyone has when planning their family portrait session. It’s a fair question because style and color trends are constantly changing (seasonally and yearly) and you want to look your very best. Aside from advising my clients to just be themselves - which is truly the best outfit there is - I also talk to them about how color and style can play a huge role in the final product. Wardrobe choice is such a large part of portrait session planning for families that I'm dedicating two blog posts that will separately focus on the two main prep essentials: color and style.For part 1 of my "What to Wear" post, I'm going to show you how to enhance your Spring family portrait session with colors and what resources you can use when choosing the best hues for you and your family. 1. Wear Your Feel-Good ColorsMy first color tip is to choose your feel-good colors. For both parents and kids, looking most natural in photos requires being comfortable! That's why it's crucial to choose colors you and your family feel great about when planning your portrait session wardrobe. If you don't favor yellow in your everyday life, then by no means choose a bold yellow.On the other hand, if you feel best when wearing a trendy color, then you might want to check out the most popular colors of the year from Pantone.com. Each year, Pantone debuts seasonal color palettes of about 12 trendy colors. It's a great resource for sifting through the latest hues to find some that match your style. The top colors for Spring 2018 include Meadowlark yellow, Arcadia green, Pink Lavender, and more!2. Choose Complementary ColorsPhotos tend to look the best when families "go together" by wearing complementary colors rather than matching outfits that are all the exact same color. For instance, try to stay away from everyone in your family only wearing pastel blue and white. Instead, incorporate various colors that pair well with pastel blue into each family member’s outfit. You can create your own color palette on Coolors.co or find some on my Pinterest board. One way to win at the complementary color game is by incorporating the corresponding colors by adding layers or accessory pieces.3. Add-in Accent ColorsAs mentioned above, accessories and layers are a great way to mix in complementary colors, but they can also enhance a wardrobe. If you're leaning more toward a neutral palette, a great way to include a splash of color is through accents. You can accent your outfits by blending in colorful accessories like jewelry, scarves, bows, ties, or shoes. If families are trying to find a way to add color to their photos, I often suggest that they switch things up with colorful accessories during the last half of their session. This way, families who don’t want to compromise their neutral theme can still try out accent colors. 4. Match Colors with Final ProductPrior to a photo shoot, many families already know exactly where they want their family photos to go in their house. For instance, if a family wants to display a wall portrait in their living room, then they might avoid wearing colors in their photo shoot that would clash in their living room. So if you’re uncertain about which colors to wear for your upcoming family photoshoot try visualizing where you want to place your final products around your home. With 4 color tips under your belt, here are my favorite color resources:Coolors.coThis site is so awesome - and it’s also available as an app. It’s a super fast color schemes generator. It's the quickest way I’ve found to easily visualize complementary colors! You start off with some suggested palettes, and with just a few clicks, you can choose your favorite colors to generate a color palette of your own! Generate your color scheme here and instantly organize your next portrait session wardrobe.PinterestOf course, the obvious resource for tips and inspiration is Pinterest. I suggest creating a board and pinning various color themes and style ideas for your portrait shoot wardrobe. This way, it's easy for you to visualize all of your favorite ideas and to begin narrowing them down to the ones that fit your family the best. You can start your inspiration over on my "What to Wear: Color & Style Pinterest Board" for a variety of color palettes, accent mix inspiration and complementary color ideas. Check it out here!Pantone.comFrom home decorating, painting, photography and even fashion, Pantone is a go-to guide and inspiration for all things color. This resource's popularity has grown with its handy Color of the Year charts and seasonal color palette guides. Want to wear trendy colors in your next family photo shoot? Start researching here! While taking in all the photo and color inspiration out there, just remember to keep your families most natural quality of just "being you" at the forefront of your portrait session wardrobe planning.
Maggie and Hubert's Engagement Session at Marietta Square
It was freezing cold on the afternoon of Maggie and Hubert's engagement session at Marietta Square. It was so cold that Hubert's sister who had came along for the session decided after only 2 or 3 minutes that she'd rather just sit in the car! Luckily, Maggie and Hubert were great sports about the cold - especially after I told them it was a great excuse to get close and cuddly. Their photos turned out beautifully, you'd never know I had them sitting on freezing cold stairs or leaning up against a frozen marble wall. We did take a few opportunities to go inside and warm up, including at Rocket Fizz, which turned out to be super colorful and great for some fun photos!Do you need engagement photos? Contact me now!
A beauty and her cake: Saylor's One Year Old Cake Smash Session
Saylor turned 1 in January and celebrated it with a Beauty and the Beast themed smash cake session. I had the honor to "be her guest" and document this cutie. See what I did there - do you have the song "Be Our Guest" in your head now? I do! Here are some of my favorite photos from the session.Would you like to have a cake smash session for your little one? It's easy - no studio needed. I will come to your house and bring this white cake-proof backdrop. You provide the adorable child, decorations, and the cake. And let the smashing begin! Contact me now to schedule your session.
3 Reasons Why You Need Framed Photos of your Family in Your Home
Let’s be honest: Your treasured memories deserve the best, and high quality framed prints are a great way to go. They’re a favorite with many of my clients, and also one of my own. We all know why we want to hang framed family photos - because, they look gorgeous of course. But why do we need built-to-last high quality framed photos in our homes? I can think of at least 3 great reasons and I’m sharing them below!
In-Home TherapyI believe fine art family photos are like built-in therapists. From wall to wall, your memories have the power to save your life. Okay, that might be a bit dramatic, but you know what I mean. When you see a gorgeous photo of your kids’ smiling faces, you can’t help but feel happy - no matter what mood you’re in. They also serve as a great reminder of how adorable and wonderful your kids can be, even when they are currently running around the house creating chaos. Can your essential oil diffuser do that?
Home Decor BalancePersonal accents such as photos of your children’s milestone moments, love story memories, or fun family adventures complement any decor style. Traditional décor such as candles on the coffee table or mirrors on the wall is nice, but when you add personal portrait artwork into your space, you’re adding much more than just beauty, you’re also adding joy - and some might even say, you’re making your house into even more of a home.
Nostalgia NightcapsNostalgia before bed can boost relaxation - or at least that’s what I believe. There’s nothing worse than getting in bed and not being able to shake off the frustrations of the day. It’s peaceful and relaxing to have warm recollections of family and loved ones, and where better than surrounding you in the oasis of your bedroom? There’s no better way to drift off into your dreams than with sweet memories of your family’s happy times.
In ConclusionQuality framed photos gift you with so much more than just their presence. They become your reliable in-home therapists, handy decor solutions, and nostalgia nightcaps you can count on.
A Fun Atlanta Family Portrait Session - Bowling!
I grew up next door to Crawford, so he's basically my big brother - which also means he's the worst possible client! (Sorry Crawford, but you know it's true!) Crawford's never been shy about complaining about 'boring fall foliage' portrait sessions. This year, we were determined to find a location that would be fun and photogenic. We thought about shooting at a store, but that didn't seem very fun. We thought about using his father's office building, putting the kids in little suits, and doing silly scenes in the board room and on the escalator, but his wife Amy didn't think that was the best idea. When she called to set up their session I just picked a park that was nearby and suggested they bring their dogs to include them in the session, and that was that. Or so I thought - I got a call from Crawford and he said he was not going to do a session at the park, and what did I think about bowling. What a fantastic idea!! I said as long as Amy approved, I was most definitely in! So we met at Midtown Bowl on Saturday morning, and it was perfect. We all bowled, and each time it was my turn, before I'd bowl I'd suggest a photo to take. My bowling game may not have been the best, but the photos turned out to be so fun and cute! Enjoy.
Thinking warm on this snowy day - Atlanta Family Photography
It's cold out there in Atlanta today! I can't believe we've had two snows in 6 weeks. So today on the blog I thought I'd post some warm weather photos, after all we'll be complaining about the heat again in no time at all.I've photographed little Kate 4 times so far. We started at 3 months, then 6, 12, and 18 months. She's a sweet and serious baby, but we've managed to capture some smiles and giggles as well!I offer a great "growing up" package, so contact me if you'd like photos of your little one as he or she grows up too!First - Kate at 3 months old - photos taken at her home. We also took her 6 month photos at her home. For Kate's One Year session we went to downtown Decatur. For her 18 month session we went to Lenox Park.Keep warm today, and click here to contact me now to set up an Atlanta Family Photography session with me for this spring!
Baby Ann Estelle - Atlanta Newborn Photgraphy
Beautiful Ann Estelle was only a week old when I took these photos. She was one of the best behaved babies I've photographed. There was no crying or fussing at all, and she fell right asleep after a little snack! Isn't she so beautiful?
Kristy and Kyle's Maternity Session at McDaniel Farm Park - Atlanta Maternity Photography
Kristy, Kyle, and I thought it would be fun to do their Atlanta maternity photography session at the same location as their engagement session two years prior. So in late September we went to McDaniel Farm Park and had a great time taking 'fall' photos, despite it being in the mid 80s. We took some of the photos in the same place as their favorite engagement photos,, and the parallel turned out to be adorable. I thought I'd share some of them here with you.First, here are a few photos of the gorgeous Mama Kristy.The photo on the right is one of my favorites from the session -- the "O" is her belly!And the rest are some very cute photos from their fall 2015 engagement session next to the maternity session.Congratulations Kristy and Kyle! I can't wait to meet Joshua, he's a very lucky baby.
Zahra & Rahil - Atlanta Engagement Photography at Centennial Park
I met Zahra and Rahil at Centennial Olympic Park for their Atlanta Engagement Photography session. Zahra looked stunning in her red dress. We had a great time walking around the park taking photos. Quite a few of the park visitors told Zahra how great she looked, and congratulated her and Rahil on their engagement!
Atlanta Family Photography - Fall Portraits with the Powers Family
Fall is the perfect time for Atlanta Family Photography because the weather is so gorgeous! I like to take photos around Thanksgiving when the family is all in town, a great way to get your family photos for your holiday cards as well as some sweet photos of the kids with their grandparents. Contact me now to schedule your session!
It's time for Fall Portraits
The Sperrs - Athens Family Photography at Dudley Park
I know I'm behind in blogging when... I just took this wonderful family's fall portraits again last week! While these photos are a year old, they are no less adorable. My favorite Athens boys - William and Thomas. The last photo shows what it's like to take fall photos in Georgia!Do you want Family Photography by Courtney? Contact me!! (click here)
Atlanta Pet Photography Fall Portraits
Do you think you can't get gorgeous fall photos just because you don't have kids? Do you have furbabies? Why not get your photo taken with your favorite furry friend? Check out these beautiful portraits of Chloe and her human.Would you like Courtney to take your portrait? Contact me here!
Katie & Josiah's Maternity Session in Decatur and Atlanta, Georgia
Last fall Katie and Josiah were expecting their first baby and wanted to get some great maternity photos to commemorate this important event in their life. We started with a photo including their first two children - their fur babies Boot and Repo who won't be the center of attention for long!Katie and Josiah got a large framed canvas print of the last photo (just above on the right) as it was a perfect mix of a special photograph about their love and new family beginning and a beautiful natural background, making it a gorgeous piece of art.Contact Courtney for your Atlanta Maternity Session.