Foto.tique

Reporting from Vancouver

2010-02-18T08:33:00.000-08:00

MANY more pictures to come... What a great day yesterday for the US, Eh!

Contest Result!

2010-02-15T10:54:00.000-08:00

Click Here to see what she won!

A big thank you to all who entered!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T11:20:00.000-08:00

Last Day to Enter!

2010-02-13T08:59:00.000-08:00

Last Day!

What's involved?

Entrants must be fearless brides! There are no limits to this session, so start stretching because you may be jumping, hanging, laying on roads and need to get up fast if a car comes... get the picture? The winner will be the model in a bridal session at the location of my choice within the Reno-Tahoe-Sacramento vicinity...most likely somewhere gritty and grungy because that's where I love to stick a gorgeous girl in white!

As an added bonus, I am so SO so happy to announce that there will an outrageously amazing bouquet provided by Holly Fleur, accessories provided by The Vintage Empire, and makeup design by Natalie Cusson!

I want you to feel completely comfortable and like the absolutely fabulous woman that you are! This shoot will scream style so think of the hottest shoes in your closest... or maybe a pair you just saw at the store but have no clue where you'd wear them! If you don't know what you'd wear, don't worry! We'll figure out all the details after you win!

You may be a past bride, a bride-to-be or a future bride (what better way to give your man the hint that to see gorgeous pics of you in white, right?) This contest is open to everyone with a lot of energy who is up for a fun session with me! The winner will receive the images from the session on disc and must be ok with my using the images for promotional purposes.

To Enter, email me at info@courtneywilsonphotography.com with a picture(s) of yourself exuding style and glamour! The more out-there and unique the better! There are no limits to these pictures... it can be you, it can be your head pasted into a magazine layout you love, it can be whatever creative way you can interpret this request! Also, include your name, city, email address and a short message about why you should win. Becoming a fan on Facebook won't hurt your chances either!

The contest will last until February 14th, and a winner will be announced the following week. We'll shoot for the session to happen in April, but that will be determined once a winner is selected.

Good luck!

Jon & Kasie | E-session Sneak Peek!

2010-02-10T11:19:00.000-08:00

A Snowy Bridal Session

2010-02-07T10:10:00.000-08:00

I have been waiting patiently to post these images and the moment has finally come! Betsy wanted to do these as a surprise for her then, husband-to-be. The wedding was last night and absolutely gorgeous! Needless to say, he was blown away as he entered the reception and saw one of these images in a big, beautiful frame. Congrats to the newlyweds and I can't wait to get started on editing their wedding images! Betsy and Scott are some of the most genuine clients I have!

p.s. Kudos to Betsy and her mom, Deb, for hauling this couch up to Lake Tahoe and braving the chilly weather to capture this concept! (yes, she's barefoot!) How did the couch get into the middle of the woods? If only we had a picture to show:)

Featured on Rock 'n Roll Bride!

2010-01-27T18:29:00.000-08:00

I'm so thankful to Kat for choosing to feature my images yet again and to be a part of such an inspirational blog! This feature includes a vintage inspired boudoir session that is one of my favorite shoots to date!

Click here to see the feature!

Rachelle & John | Lincoln, California

2010-01-21T17:19:00.000-08:00

Rachelle and John picked a gorgeous setting tucked in the rolling hills of Lincoln, California. After their engagement session a few months ago, I couldn't wait for this day. When a couple is so in love, they forget I am even there... that is when the best moments are captured. When a bride is wearing leopard print heels, you know she means business! The guest list included many navy men and women and it was so wonderful to experience the honor and respect this event held for them. Congratulations you two!

Location: Catta Verdera Country Club

DJ: Larry Burow with Extreme Productions

These guys were hilarious! It wasn't hard to keep everyone smiling with them around!

One the coolest traditions I've experienced: The entire room was silent, as the swordsmen marched in and created an arch.

Then, as John and Rachelle made there way past each set of swordman, they would say "Kiss and you may pass."

Then, after passing the very last set, Rachelle got a little tap on the bum as they all said "Welcome to the Navy!!!!" It was awesome!

Ok, so if you have a Navy wedding, invite me please. This was such a fun group! As a complete surprise to Rachelle, the DJ started playing "You've Lost that Loving Feeling" (Top Gun- remember?) and all the guys were singing and dancing around her!

Win a Bridal Session!

2010-01-16T21:18:00.000-08:00

What's involved?

The contest will last until February 14th, and a winner will be announced the following week. We'll shoot for the session to happen in April, but that will be determined once a winner is selected.

Good luck!

Featured on Rock 'n Roll Bride!

2010-01-14T18:45:00.000-08:00

Rocknrollbride.com

A big thank you to Kat Williams and her fabulous rock glam blog for choosing to feature my images today! This shoot may look familiar from a few months ago when I posted our creative shoot with Adrienne Mineiro of The Vintage Empire. Make sure to check it out at www.rocknrollbride.com and spend some time there! Kat's eye for style and un-traditional approach to wedding imagery is so utterly fantastic! Just read her definition of a rock 'n roll bride (from her site):

Rock ‘n Roll Bride (Noun) A rock ‘n roll wedding is a wedding where the couple actually acknowledge that to plan a good wedding, they have to incorporate themselves and plan what they love for their day. They laugh in the face of the wedding industry and the wedding magazines that tell them what they need to do to make a ‘good wedding’.

It’s not about being ‘cool’, being a rebel or even thinking of the most unique idea you can, it’s about planning a wedding that reflects you and your partner and declaring your love in your way.

To be featured on this site, you don’t have to be cool. You don’t have to be ‘out-there’ or ‘offbeat’, you just have to be you ♥

Love her and love this blog!

The Colwell's

2010-01-04T15:31:00.000-08:00

Meet the Colwell's! Amy and I have been friends since she sharpened pencils for the new girl (me) in fourth grade. I was her maid of honor. We'll be friends for life! I've had the pleasure of documenting her family as it has grown from just newlyweds to two gorgeous and happy children. While I was in Pennsylvania for Thanksgiving this year, we snuck out for an afternoon around Newtown, PA and had a great session! Of course, sessions are always great when they end with ice cream!

High school sweethearts, I love it!

...because kids love ice cream.... and usually keep smiling when you tell them that where we're walking to...

Boys.

Thanks for a great day you four! I can't wait to get back and see you again!

Happy New Year!

2009-12-27T18:38:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-25T16:26:00.000-08:00

Featured on ShaunWhite.com

2009-12-15T14:26:00.000-08:00

Check out www.shaunwhite.com for the latest and greatest in his world of snowboarding and a featured photo from the Grand Prix in Copper Mountain!

Shaun White: Red Bull Shoot

2009-12-15T13:34:00.000-08:00

US Grand Prix 2009 - Copper Mountain, CO

2009-12-13T08:47:00.000-08:00

This past weekend I spent some time at the Grand Prix event at Copper Mountain, CO. It was the first event in the series to determine the US Olympic Snowboarding team and riders were going for it! It was a total thrill to be right at the edge of the pipe as rider's soared over me and pushed their limits.

Shaun White's victory run...

Red Bull rider, Greg Bretz

A close second, Louie Vito pulled some huge runs and is definitely someone to keep an eye on...

Local love from the sidelines...

Red Bull rider Sarka Pancochova

South Lake Tahoe local, Jamie Anderson

Featured on Inspired by This

2009-12-02T13:54:00.001-08:00

Inspired by This is a phenomenal avenue for wedding inspiration and I'm so excited to announce my work has been featured on this site today! When I shoot a wedding with such gorgeous detail and thoughtful execution as Courtney + Rob's, it's bound to inspire others. Make sure to take a look at all the fabulous weddings featured by many extremely talented photographers- I'm honored to be in their company! A big thank you to Leila and the staff for this feature!

Click Here to View

Thanksgiving Trip 2009

2009-12-01T17:06:00.001-08:00

This Thanksgiving was spent in the beautiful town of New Hope, Pa. It was truly the most incredible holiday to date... I got to see my nephew Magnus, my dad flew in from Florida to surprise us all, my uncle and his family were there... it was just that kind of day where you look around and see so much love in one room and it's overwhelming! I was able to meet up with a few long time friends as well and meet some new additions to their families. Lots of babies this time around and I basked in all the happiness! Here are a few highlights from the trip:

If I could have 10 kids like Magnus, I would have 10 kids. He is incredible and just a complete joy to be around. Here is one happy moment with Grandma Diana:

Laughing in the mirror with Grandpa Lenny!

We would give him the shirt off our backs and did when the wind picked up... I could seriously jump through the screen to kiss those cheeks!

My beautiful sister, Eva, and her beau James. These two are head over heels and completely adorable together!

The four of us were roommates in college and I was completely awestruck having all the kids together and seeing that they really are all mommies now! We reminisced the afternoon away over pizza and champagne...just like old times!

Meet Ava. My new best friend. This was my first time meeting her and it kills me how fast two years can fly by. We definitely won't let another two pass!

Meet Lena. Ava's sister and sidekick already. Look at those eyes! I can't wait to watch her grow!

Meet Carter. His eyes and curious stare could make any girl stop in their tracks! Those cheeks!

Meet Benjamin. He is the coolest 3 week old ever but he was not too into nude portraiture so we yielded to his requests.

One of my best friends, Amy, and her beautiful family. I have photographed her children from when they were first born and it's been amazing to watch these two grow. Shane is old enough now to know my name which is extra awesome! More of these beauties to come!

Life is good!

The Vintage Empire | Jewelry Designed by Adrienne Mineiro

2009-11-12T00:36:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you meet people that just ooze creativity! When Adrienne started pulling out her works of art, my jaw dropped! She's not only a total sweetheart, her pieces are extraordinarily unique and so beautifully crafted. I know exactly where to send Santa this year! Based out of Reno, NV, her full line of jewelry can be seen at The Vintage Empire and found at specialty boutiques throughout the city.

This awesome shoot was organized by the fabulous Christie Mumm of JLM Creative and a big thank you to all the wonderful lady photogs of Reno/Tahoe who came together to make this a hilariously fun session! Christie Mumm, Melissa Vossler, Eden Thome, Kelsey Rosser, Raquel Sullivan & Heidi Huber.

Random Pic of the Day

2009-11-09T18:53:00.000-08:00

Today was a good day, a really good day for many really good reasons! Good days make me think about why I am so lucky to do what I do and fortunate to have this career. I dug up this old image of the NYC skyline that represents another really good day.

P.S. I know I've been quite a blog slacker lately... but that's only because I'm not slacking in other areas of my business and all clients are happy! What a crazy busy fall it's been! So, rest assured, there is plenty of digital eye candy on the horizon (like 15 posts worth!), as well as a bunch of fun announcements and new blog features. Oh yes, big things people!

CJ & Nicole | Sneak Peek!

2009-11-03T19:00:00.000-08:00

Oh baby- did I have fun during this engagement shoot! Nicole & CJ's only instructions were that they wanted lots of color and fun backdrops...um, gladly! Downtown Reno is bursting with lots of colorful nooks and crannies. So, couple that with these two adorable lovebirds and this is just a peek of the result... more to come!

P.s. I, again, had the distinguished honor to work with a military serviceman. CJ serves our country in the National Guard. Many thanks to him for his service and courage!

Rachelle & John | Sneak Peek!

2009-11-03T17:15:00.000-08:00

From the first frame to the very last frame, Rachelle and John did not stop giggling, smiling, and kissing... and that's not because I instructed them to do so. Before I could even finish saying, "Ok, Rachelle, go ahead and..." she was already one step ahead and kissing him. I loved it! I don't think John minded either!

John is a U.S. Navy pilot and when he changed into his uniform, I was in awe. I have so much respect for the men and women who serve and it was an honor to be his presence! Many thanks to him for his service and bravery!

More to come!

Holidays and Happenings...

2009-11-01T10:05:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T11:44:00.000-07:00

My absolute favorite holiday has arrived! Coming from a small east coast town, where Halloween is prepped months in advance, I find much joy in bringing a small taste of it to this somewhat spiritless town. There, I said it, and that's a challenge now for other South Lake Tahoans to prove me wrong! Just wait for tonight, when the strobe lights and spooky music play bright and loud and the scary silhouettes take over the windows. If you build it, they will come, right? Jeez, I hope so, so I'm not left with too much extra candy...

Last week, Sean and Shylo came back from the pet store with Shylo dressed like this...

Oh, we're ready for our 3+ trick-or-treaters!

Just to show how absolutely sweet our pup is... here is a behind the scenes shot of Sean comforting her into the pose....

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Creative Sessions | Boudoir

2009-10-25T00:14:00.000-07:00

Beauty and spice and everything nice, Brittni is one of a kind! I've worked with Brittni once before for our Trash the Dress session and it is amazing to see her grow as a model. This week, she came out to shoot with myself and the lovely lady photographers of the area for a boudoir shoot at the Atlantis Resort in Reno. [Read more about our creative sessions below] The results were out of this world and makes me even more excited to work with Brittni in the future! Although, hanging out with her may send me home with a tattoo if my own...her ink is gorgeous!

Here are just a few from the 'Calvin' portion of our session:

Every month, the girls of reno/tahoe organize a creative shoot... an excuse for us all to get together, have fun and do what we love! These sessions are fantastic exercises for us all to learn and grow as photographers and friends. We're so happy to see the group growing! The picture below is just a taste of the fun!

Pictured (clockwise): Myself, Melissa Vossler, Emily Main, Heidi Huber, Eden Thome, Raquel Sullivan, and Kelsey Rosser. Many thanks to our multitalented model Brittni, possible photographer in the making, for taking this photo!