The story of a photographer
Hello, and thank you for visiting my website to learn about me and my photography.
I've been a storyteller since I was a little girl, so it was no surprise I chose a degree in broadcast journalism. It turned into an exciting and fulfilling career in local news that led me from Montana to Arizona to California. I spent many years in front of a camera, but every good story must come to an end.
When I had my first child, my perspective on life changed. My days were filled with new excitement, laughter, and simple, pure joys. Instead of chasing big news, I was chasing a toddler and loving it! She quickly became the story of my life, and I became obsessed with photographing her.
Instead of going back to work, I took a leap of faith and chose to stay home. I wasn't ready to give up on storytelling, though, and turned to photography to fuel my creativity. With every couple, baby, and family, there was a beautiful story to share through digital images.
Fast forward to now, and I'm chasing three kiddos from home to school to a sports field or friend's house, trying to go on as many adventures as possible and enjoying every minute behind my cameras!
MY PHILOSOPHY
My background in journalism shaped the way I see and photograph the world - honestly, thoughtfully, and with intention. I focus on raw emotion, meaningful moments, and the small details that tell a bigger story. That philosophy carries through to my editing process as well.
I believe every person I photograph is already beautiful and worthy of being seen as they are. My post-processing enhances, but never transforms. I'll gently refine an image - softening the skin, whitening teeth, or removing temporary distractions - while preserving what makes you, uniquely you. The result is imagery that feels natural, timeless, and true.
10 things about me
1. I'm from Montana and proud of it! I grew up in a small town in the middle of nowhere called Glasgow with a population of about 3,500. I earned my journalism degree from the University of Montana in Missoula.
2. I have a horse named Annie, and I board her at a barn near Freeport. It's a sweet escape from the city, and a ride always fuels my soul.
3. I know how to fly an airplane and took my first solo flight on my 15th birthday. My instructor and I also crash-landed the plane into a field during a lesson when the engine failed. Thankfully, he was with me, and we were ok!
4. I worked in local news for seven years and covered it all, from reporting to anchoring to weather and even sports. I also shot and edited videos. Those years in news taught me how to anticipate moments, tell a compelling story visually, and stay calm and creative in fast-moving situations.
5. As a reporter, I interviewed Barack Obama on the phone during his first Presidential campaign. I was also on a first-name basis with sports pros Larry Fitzgerald, Steve Nash, and Shane Doan,
6. I gave up on normal coffee more than a year ago. Now I drink Ryze mushroom coffee with cream every morning.
7. When I was 15 weeks pregnant with my daughter, I got appendicitis and underwent surgery. It was scary, but we got a photograph of my uterus holding our unborn baby, which was pretty cool.
8. My favorite movie is The Notebook, my favorite actress is Julia Roberts, and my celebrity crush is Brad Pitt. (no matter how old he gets!)
9. My favorite foods are Alaskan king crab, sushi, and almost all combinations of chocolate and peanut butter.
10. I'm married to our local weather guy, Rob Carlmark, who's a meteorologist at ABC 10. Occasionally, I work there too, filling in on 'Your California Life' when the host is on vacation.
As featured in
Testimonials
Happy client
“"Love love LOOOOOVE Courtney & her amazing photography skills. What makes her truly special is that she has it all - she possesses the technical expertise behind the lens, the interpersonal skills to make you feel comfortable & the creativity & vision for unique & fun photos that truly capture the spirit of you & your family."”
