Cortni Marie | Photographer

Come on Over

2009-05-03T15:37:00.001-07:00

So, just one of the changes that are up and coming is a new blog! It's still under construction but please come on over to see new posts, including one of a recent session with the sweetest little guy!

www.cortnimariephotography.com/blog

See you there!!! :)

Changes!

2009-04-15T20:48:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! I've been working very hard on some new changes to Cortni Marie Photography. Soon, you'll have to update your bookmarks ;) There's still a little more to be done, but just thought I would give you the heads up!

Spring is in full arrival here...actually, I think summer may be right around the corner, ha! If you are thinking about booking a session, please do so soon!! Everyone likes to take advantage of the beautiful weather. Right now is the perfect time to book a session for mother's day and father's day! There's no better gift than the gift of some wonderful memories. You can contact me for more details at cortni@cortnimariephotography.com.

And because it just doesn't feel right to post without a picture...

Casey and Ben | Charlotte, NC Engagement Photographer

2009-03-28T08:39:00.000-07:00

I spent an entire day with this couple who happens to be very super special to me. It's my beautiful sister and soon to be brother in law. They are tying the knot on August 1st, 2009. We had a blast exploring different locations to get some shots that fit their personalities. What's great about them is they aren't afraid to be themselves in front of me or my camera and lets face it, we all get camera shy. I felt like a paparazzi snapping shots of them, which is what I love because I get to capture true moments instead of just staged ones. So, as promised, here's just a taste of our session (that literally lasted 8 hours! ha!). I had fun and I'm pretty sure they did too :)

They are each others future :)

Beautiful blue eyed couple

Can't wait for August 1st! I get to stand beside her on her big day which is a huge honor to me!

Until next time...

Love is in the air | Charlotte, NC Engagement Photographer

2009-03-27T06:26:00.000-07:00

Just a peek :)

More soon, sorry for being a slacker :P

It's almost here! |Charlotte, NC Childrens Photographer|

2009-03-16T05:53:00.000-07:00

The warm weather! We've had some very very beautiful days, and soon, it'll be here for good. I'm really looking forward to Spring, except for my crazy allergy attacks! But I just love the perfect weather and all the beautiful blooms! We always take full advantage of gorgeous days because they don't last long. I'm not a hot weather person which means I don't really love our Summers. The heat + humidity combo we have down south isn't fun for me so Spring goes way too fast for my liking, but I'm really looking forward to no more freezing temps and cold rain!

This shot just makes me long for Spring/Summer even more! That warm light....{sigh} You would never know it's still winter.

Stay tuned for a fun engagement session!

|Blooms| charlotte, nc photographer

2009-02-18T12:10:00.000-08:00

Please excuse my lack of posts in the last few weeks. I've been extremely sick with just about everything you can think of. I'm currently battling the flu and I think I'm winning today...who knows about tomorrow though, haha. So, since I'm having an ok day, I figured I'd sign in and post a new shot to go with my last post. Same tree, same flowers. Aren't they so pretty?

It may look like spring has arrived, but trust me, doesn't feel like it now. I'm ready for the warmer temps so I can start my outdoor shoots!

If you are interested in booking a session, please email me! I'd love to hear from you!

cortni@cortnimariephotography.com

|One More| charlotte, nc photographer

2009-01-28T13:29:00.000-08:00

A few days before our snow day, I noticed a flower bush in front of our house had buds all over it. I couldn't believe it! It's not cold here compared to other states, but it gets pretty chilly so I was surprised to see these pretty little bright pink buds growing. In North Carolina, our weather is very fickle. One day it'll be 70 degrees, and the next it'll be freezing, or in this case, snowing. I thought this was the perfect picture to describe NC and it's crazy weather. This wasn't a spontaneous spring snow shower. It's winter here, full blown winter since the coldest days usually kick in around January around here. How pretty are these perfectly bright pink buds covered in snow? They are dead now. They couldn't survive in those freezing temps, but I look forward to seeing them again soon.

|A Rare Snow Day| charlotte, nc child photographer

2009-01-26T19:37:00.000-08:00

If you live in NC, you know that it's pretty rare to get a lot of snow. We might see a few flurries, or even get a light dusting, but it seems like the snow always skips us over! I remember when I was a little kid, it used to snow all the time! What happened? Now we just have unusually warm winters and crazy hot and humid summers, lol. Although we didn't get a white Christmas, I was so excited when I seen we were going to get snow. All my fellow NC'ers were saying we probably wouldn't get it but I had hope :) I was like a little kid again that night. I got out of bed a few times to see if it was snowing yet, and when I finally see some at 4am, I woke my husband up just to tell him. He wasn't amused, haha. But I was mostly excited for Jace! I knew he was going to love it and this was the first time he seen it where he could actually have fun with it! He had a blast throwing snowballs at everyone and everything (even passing cars-eek!) and hasn't quit talking about it even though it's been melted and long gone for a while now. I know us southerns drive those northerns that see snow way too much crazy, lol...but since we never get it, I just had to make a post dedicated to snow. We love snow.

|Custom Photography rocks!| charlotte, nc child photographer

2009-01-19T20:54:00.000-08:00

I know a lot of people have asked themselves the same question when they are searching for a photographer that is just right for them and their family. Why does it cost so much? I was visiting a very talented photographers blog one day recently and found that they had posted this article for their clients. I couldn't not post it. I think it explains everything! Times are hard right now for everyone, including us...and I know that a lot of people consider custom photography to be a luxury, and it is. But unlike a cup of Starbucks or a new outfit, special photographs capture something you can never get back. A moment in time. Memories that can fade. A recent client of mine that hired me to photograph her newborn daughter had a very heartwarming testimonial for me and I can't get one certain thing she said out of my mind.

"Seeing them in print in my hands made me tear up, they are beautiful and when I looked at them and then looked at [the baby], it made me so happy that we did this because she has already outgrown that newborn look."

Hearing things like that from my clients make my job that much more meaningful to me. I know how important it is to me to have photos of my son, and I love capturing those moments that are going to put the biggest smile on my face when he's older. I adore the snapshots I take as well, but it's so much fun to put some creativity into it. It's a lot of work, but it's fun and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

So if you have a moment, please take a look at this article. It really puts into perspective why custom photography is so special and answers that same ol' questions "why does it cost so much?".

Why Does Custom Photography Cost More?

And because it's so weird to post without a picture, look at this little guy. This is my little man, who turned 3 on January 11th. Wow. It's been 3 years. I cannot believe it. Time flies and so much changes but my love for him somehow grows more and more everyday. It doesn't seem possible to love him more, but I do. God definitely gives parents the ability to love unconditionally and without limits.

|Please Note..| charlotte, nc child photographer

2009-01-02T16:40:00.000-08:00

My site may be going down for routine maintenance very soon and could be down for a few weeks. If you have a gallery up and haven't ordered, please do so soon as possible! Remember that all galleries are only up for two weeks. If you have any questions, just shoot me an email or give me a call! Thanks and HAPPY NEW YEAR! :)

|You better not pout, I'm tellin' you why...| charlotte, nc child photographer

2008-12-24T14:46:00.000-08:00

Santa Claus is coming to town!

Merry Christmas!

Love,
The Diggs

|Bella Belly| charlotte, nc maternity photographer

2008-12-21T06:19:00.000-08:00

I had a blast working with this couple. They are expecting twin girls! They are so obviously in love and I just love working with people that aren't afraid to show that. Kristine had the most gorgeous belly! These girls are so lucky to be born into this family. Mommy is so sweet and so ready for her girls, and daddy is cop so watch out boys of the future ;) Congratulations Kristine & Nathan, I can't wait to meet V & S!!! :)

A classic favorite

Aren't they sweet!?

Oh how I love this red door...

|Peek| charlotte, nc maternity photographer

2008-12-16T13:05:00.000-08:00

Just a little peek at the wonderful maternity session I had on Sunday. Will be back to share more soon! :)

|All the pretty details...| charlotte, nc bridal photographer

2008-11-23T20:29:00.000-08:00

They really do matter :) I can't give away this bride's name in case her sneaky fiance visits, ya know... Lets just say, I'm VERY VERY VERY excited for this wedding!!!

|BFF| charlotte, nc lifestyle photographer

2008-11-22T20:05:00.000-08:00

I bet this is a shoot that doesn't really cross a lot of peoples mind to have, but I think it's wonderful! A true best friend is one in a million. These girls love each other, and I think it's pretty obvious! Kacie goes to college 4 hours away and hardly ever gets to see Casey (yes they have the SAME names! ha!). They've been best friends since 6th grade and are now 21! They are at completely different stages in life. Casey is getting married in less than a year and Kacie is in college far away, yet their differences nor the distance slows down their friendship.

And I have to add, they are both ridiculously gorgeous, silly and funny! They were meant to be bff's :)

They are even starting to look alike...

fierce.

The real them.

These girls do not speak or listen to ANY gossip...HAHAHA! yeah right...lol

|Get Ready to Smile...| charlotte, nc baby photographer

2008-11-17T20:20:00.000-08:00

He sure does put a smile on my face! Davis is one of the happiest, sweetest and most adorable little boys I've ever met. He has a contagious smile that just makes you want to pick him up and squeeze him! Even though it was incredibly windy and chilly and he had a little tumble right after I arrived that about scared us all to death, he still managed to pull through the entire session with no fussing (despite the tears from the fall, which only lasted about a minute) and just wonderful cooperation. Not to mention, his mom, dad and grandparents are pretty great too :) Thank yall so much for choosing me to be the lucky photographer that gets to work with you! I hope to work with you again very soon...oh lets say around, May-ish ;) hehe! I hope you love these as much as I do. I should have your gallery up very soon! These are just a *few* of my faves!

|One| charlotte, nc baby photographer

2008-11-16T13:38:00.001-08:00

Oh boy, how I love this little one. I had a wonderful time photographing him when he was 3 months old, and had even more fun this time! He just turned one, and when I seen him, I couldn't believe how big he had gotten! He's just a bundle of happiness and energy, just as a one year old should be. I have to add that he is the bravest kid I have ever met. He has no fears, which made for a very busy session! hehe!

Just sharing one for today. Tomorrow I'll be back with a lot more to share from this very fun session.

|Sweetness| charlotte, nc newborn photographer

2008-10-26T20:45:00.000-07:00

I just had to come back and post this one. If this doesn't make you smile, something just ain't right.

Are you smiling yet?

|Brand New| charlotte, nc newborn photographer

2008-10-24T09:17:00.000-07:00

I am quite behind on the blog, and I know there are some of you waiting on sneak peeks. I'm going to be working to get caught up today so bare with me :)

Last weekend, I had my *very first* newborn session! I've always wanted to do a newborn session, but honestly, I think a lot of moms just don't think about it with all the new things going on in their lives when they have a baby. I know when my little boy was born, I didn't think about it either and I really regret it now. I would give anything to be able to have beautiful pictures of Jace when he was brand new. Babies change so fast right before our eyes and you don't really realize it until you look back at pictures. Newborns are especially beautiful to me because they define all that is innocent and pure. Everything from a little grunt to their little toes just melts my heart, and I'm pretty sure it shows, lol. So when I found out my best friend had set up a newborn session for me, I was beyond ecstatic! And I'll admit, a tiny bit nervous because I hadn't handled a baby that small since Jace was born. Soon as I seen Anna though, it all came back to me.

This family was absolutely wonderful. They have a gorgeous 3yr old daughter, Isabella, who very obviously loves her little sister. She's so smart and full of life...and I have to say it, and exact replica of her daddy! :) (I know you hear all the time, Tammy, but wow!) Mom and Dad were so welcoming to us, and it honestly felt like I've known them for a long time. We also got to meet both sets of grandparents which was a real treat. They were all so proud and sweet. All around, this family was just awesome! Thank you so much for welcoming us into your home and putting up with us for a few hours! I had a lot of fun and would do it again in a heartbeat. I can't wait to work with you again!

I almost have your gallery completely finished but in the meantime, here is a little sneak peak of just a few of my faves from the session. I hope you love them as much as I do!

A mothers touch. I loved her little eye peeping open here. She did that a lot, just keeping her eye on us :)

Hehe, I LOVE this one!

When I captured this, I was so happy!!! It's hard to capture them smiling and this was for .2 seconds. Oh man, my heart just melts.

A mother and her girls.

That sweet little smirk

I love how this hat shows just how tiny she is. This is a tiny newborn hat and it was big on her!

This is probably my fave. Mommy and Nana comforting their baby girl. They were both such a huge help to me.

May be back later with a few more :) Stay tuned!

|Just Beachy| charlotte, nc child photographer

2008-10-08T11:17:00.000-07:00

We recently went on a family vacation to Myrtle Beach, SC. This is my favorite season to hit the beach because I'm not a fan of crowded places or very hot weather (go figure I live in the south!). The beaches were calm, not many people or parties, and the weather was just perfect! The sand was so cool and the water was so warm...that's the way it should always be! This was only Jace's second time visiting the beach. As I suspected, he did not like the water at all. He's not very brave right now! haha! At first, he didn't like the sand either but when he realized it was oh so much fun to throw, he got over that. Boys.

Real quick- There are a lot of new things coming soon! Fall is the most wonderful season and I'm so excited to get out and about and find some new places to shoot! The Holidays are also coming up very fast, so if you are interested in booking a Holiday session, please do so soon as possible! You know how they like to sneak up on us.

What's more funny to a 2 yr old than his mommy being scared of sand being thrown at her? After this snap, I was covered in sand...sheesh

I especially love this shot because he was telling me to sit with him while he drew me pictures in the sand. He drew me a dinosaur and a heart...he said, haha!

Sandy toddler toes=ADORABLE! :) At least to mommies, hehe

Oh I just love these! Look at them back and forth, it's an action series ;)

Thanks for stopping by!! And remember...those Holiday sessions go fast!

Guilty as Charged

2008-09-18T11:30:00.000-07:00

I was ever so sweetly reminded by one of my bestest friends that I've become a serious blog slacker. She's so right. I have become very slack...but I have an excuse! Things have been super crazy around here. I have so many upcoming things to post about including my very first newborn shoot!!! I am SO excited! I come into photography because I have such a love for children and what's more precious and perfect than a newborn? I've always wanted to have a session with a newbie, but truth be told, it's not something alot of parents think about right after having a baby and getting used to a new lifestyle. But I think that the newborn age is one of the times it's most crucial to get as many pictures as possible because they are only that little for such a short amount of time. As a mommy, I wish that I had thought about it for my son. So I'm very excited about that opportunity along with some other very special ones!

Until then, I realize I hardly ever post any of my own little man (who by the way is getting so big!). It's very rare that I get eye contact from him, I guess 2.5 years in front of my camera has made him immune to it. Most children are fascinated by it, I think it's the click, but not Jace. Sometimes I think he is actually ignoring me on purpose! Well, the other day was my lucky day. While I love shots that I don't have eye contact equally as much, it's like I win the lottery when I get that rare shot! :)

This shot is something very special to me. This just oozes "Jace". Does that make sense? haha! This is my little boy, it's so....boyish! It makes my heart flutter now, and I just know that in 20 years or so, I will look back and just melt, probably cry, when I see this. Ok, that's my sappy mommy moment for today :)

We have fun scouting locations. This is an old barn that Jace did NOT want to leave. It had a very old truck...what little boy would wanna leave?

Check back soon for some very exciting updates!!!

|Senior session gone country...| charlotte, nc senior photographer

2008-08-12T18:34:00.000-07:00

I love photographing seniors. I *love* it. Each and every single one of them are so different. Some are really outgoing, some are really shy, but every one of them are different. J was a little on the shy side, but all it took was her beautiful horse (who absolutely adores her), her sweet dogs and of course, her boyfriend, to help her come out of her shell. Being an animal lover, I fit right in this session. We seriously had 5 or so dogs following us around and they were camera hams! I loved it! I wanted to take them home with me...hehe. Thanks for having me, yall are a wonderful family! I hope that J & D have a wonderful senior year! Best of luck Class of 2009! :)

These are just a "few" of my faves!

This horse was so sweet.

A girl and her horse

Flare! :)

This is my absolute favorite!

The signature teen stare down ;)

So pretty!

Aren't they sweet?

He did great to be so nervous! :)

Until next time...
xoxo

|Natural Beauty| charlotte, nc beauty photographer

2008-07-28T17:29:00.000-07:00

Somehow, I keep getting all these amazing naturally beautiful clients. I'm not complaining! Despite the extreme humidity and heat, I had a wonderful session with this wonderful girl. Michelle, you are so sweet. Thanks for putting up with me for an hour! I hope you love the pics as much as I do. I can't wait to see which ones you pick. As you can see, I had a hard time just choosing which ones to put on my blog, so I put most of them! I may share even more later... :)

Until next time...
xoxo

|That Sister..| charlotte, nc beauty photographer

2008-07-13T12:16:00.000-07:00

Remember that sister I went on about in the last post...my best friend? Yep, this is her! I had the best session with her a few days ago! These are especially for her new fiance, Ben. I think he'll love them! I have a blast photographing her, she could seriously be a model! Any takers? hehe! As long as I could be signed on to be her photographer... :P

Funny tidbit about this one...when I was getting the shot, an old man drove by and slowed waaaay down to say "Yep, I think that's gonna be good one" and we started laughing! It was too funny and I think he was right, I love this one!

Many more to come :)

Sisterly Love

2008-07-09T19:27:00.000-07:00

I love my sisters with all my heart and have grown very close to them as we get older. I can only imagine the bond between twins, it's truly something very special. When you are young, sisters are just annoying girls that you have to live with that steal your toys, clothes, makeup and so on. I remember my parents always telling me to be nice to my siblings because they'll be all you ever have one day, you'll need them. One of my sisters in particular, is a few years younger than me. When we were younger, my brother and I played some really mean tricks on her, and we fought like cats and dogs as we got older and she started stealing all my stuff! Well, now we're older and she's my best friend. And I'm not just saying that, she's truly my best friend. I know I can count on her for anything and I hope she feels the same way. My others sisters are still very young, and I just want to protect them now. Maybe that's the mommy coming out in me :) My point is, as close as my sister and I are now being 4 years apart in age...I wonder how close we'd be if we were twins. Wow. It's amazing. So this was a special session. I've known these little girls since the day they were born, I got to hold them in the hospital while I was still anticipating the birth of my little guy. Watching them grow up has been amazing! They are so smart and the love they have for each other is amazing! They hug and kiss....and fight, just like sisters do!!! haha!

Oh, and I have to throw in that the wonderful Auntie of these little girls is my best friend of 11 years!!! She's going to make a wooooooonderful mommy someday! :)

Sharing ice cream is love :)

Fishy kissies as my little guy would say!

I love photographing kids because you get a true realness

Flashing me a big smile for "Click the Camera" You'll know who that is if you watch Go, Diego, Go! :P

Red.White.Blue

2008-07-04T12:16:00.001-07:00

Happy 4th of July! I hope that everyone has a wonderful holiday weekend, be safe and have fun!

A little Happy :)

2008-06-18T21:42:00.000-07:00

He makes my heart smile...

|I'm no Horse Whisperer...| charlotte, nc equine photographer

2008-06-17T05:13:00.000-07:00

but I sure do love photographing them. Horses are such beautiful, magestic animals. These horses belong to my parents, they are Paso Finos. I love photographing animals, there is a realness to them that cannot be matched.

This is Soloman (We call him Solo) He's the baby, about a year old. I photographed him when he was born too, maybe that's why he was hamming it up for the camera? :)

Memory and Solo, they are aunt and nephew. Memory's mom is Solo's mom's mom...whew.

They look like they could be mommy and son.

Memory thinks she's his momma, she loves that little guy..

This is Mr.T (Trilladore) He is an multi-time award winning USA champion, he's retired now but isn't he beautiful?!

Like I said....magestical!

Until next time! :)

A few more...

2008-06-11T16:25:00.001-07:00

Just can't have enough of this little one!

Look at those sweet eyelashes and that adorable little smile!

Those curls are so adorable!

Until next time! :)

Growing Up

2008-06-06T09:13:00.001-07:00

I had an amazingly fun session with the sweetest little girl and her really sweet mommy yesterday! This is our second session, I last seen H when she was only about 6 months old, now she's one! She sure has grown up over the past year! She is a beautiful little girl and I just had the best time with her! I actually brought along my little man this time who's about a year older than her, and lets just say he hasn't stopped talking about her :) I couldn't not post a tiny sneak peek right away! I have a million faves from this shoot so it's hard to choose!

Isn't she beautiful? Look at those eyes!

She loved my funky chair! :)

I bet the neighbors thought we were crazy, 3 adults and 2 children yelling "YAY" and clapping, ha! But look at this shot, totally worth it :P

More to come later! :)

She said {Yes} Continued...

2008-05-29T16:28:00.001-07:00

I couldn't just leave the blog with only three pictures from my sister and future brother in law's session. I had such a blast with them! It was my first time ever having a photo shoot on the beach, since I live at least 3 hours from the closest beach. I really wish I lived closer though because it was so much fun! The sun was a little harsh on us (i.e. shadow galore!!) but I still loved the way they came out! Oooh, I am so excited about their real engagement shoot and her bridal session!!! Do I really have to say how gorgeous my sister is? Well...she is GORGEOUS and she is going to be one knock-out bride!

This was NOT staged, completely spontaneous & sweet!!!

She said YES!!!

I wonder if she's happy?!

Right after he proposed!

You can tell they are so in love...

They were practicing their first dance....

How sweet is that?!?!?!

They are such a natural couple...all I did was capture their true moments, which is what I love most about being a photographer!

I couldn't leave out my fave ring shots! I looooooooove her ring, the man has good taste!

Such a beautiful couple!

Laughter of fear...that water was scary! Why you may ask?

Because THESE were everywhere!!!!!!!!! Jellyfish freak me out! For some reason I had it in my head that they were cute and pink...I think I may watch too much Spongebob (disclaimer: I'm the mom of a 2 1/2 yr old!!)

Casey and Ben, yall rock, I love yall so much! Ben, you are already so much like a brother to me, we are so happy to welcome you into our family. I wish nothing but the best for yall! MUAH!

She said {Yes}

2008-05-16T20:08:00.000-07:00

Oh my gosh, I had the most amazing session ever last weekend! What was supposed to be a simple one year shoot for my beautiful sister and her wonderful boyfriend ended up being a surprise engagement shoot! It was SO sweet and SO much fun! I love my sister, she's like my best friend, and I love Ben like a brother already! He's so good to her, and I have to say, he's one lucky man. I have tons more to do with editing this shoot, but here's a little sneak peek! We are already planning and I think she found her dress today! How exciting! I cannot WAIT to do her bridal shoot!!!

The beautiful bling :)

Really beautiful bling...

<3

Will be back later with more pics!

Don't forget...

2008-05-05T14:36:00.000-07:00

The furry kids! If you know me personally, you know I absolutely adore animals...and I've never met one that didn't like me :) So of course, I love to photograph them! You love your puppies and kitties, or any other pet you may have, too! So why not have beautiful pictures of them? If you are interested in a session with your dogs, cats, bunnies, or whatever it is that you love, please contact me for details!

{Another Quick Update}

2008-04-16T10:34:00.001-07:00

If you've been on my site recently, you probably have noticed that my galleries aren't right. I've been working on getting them fixed. I'm trying to get all my categories organized, which can take a little while. So hold on tight :) And in the meantime, here is a piece of a recent session I did with a beautiful bride and her family. Enjoy :)

xoxo

Quick Update!

2008-04-08T13:55:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Please excuse the mess. Cortni Marie is currently undergoing some changes, so the site and blog may look a little crazy with colors and all that stuff! Hope to have it all sorted out soon!! Thanks!

xoxo
Cortni

.Sweetness.

2008-02-01T20:39:00.000-08:00

This little guy is from a recent session of mine with the sweetest family! I truly had a blast with them! I love when I can walk into someones home and they just welcome me with arms wide open and that's exactly what this family did! So thank yall so much, I can't wait to work with you again!

Here's just a teeny sneak peek into your session, I hope you love them as much as I do! :)

(click to view larger!)

xoxo,
Cortni

{Newness}

2008-01-01T11:42:00.000-08:00

Thank you for visiting my blog! My brand spankin' new site, www.cortnimariephotography.com just launched! 2008 is going to be a great year, there are plenty of new things in store for Cortni Marie Photography. Stay tuned for specials, contests, and all kinds of fun stuff!!!

xoxo,
Cortni