The T Family// Lake Las Vegas// Las Vegas Photographer

I had a lively time with this energetic family!  They really kept me on my toes. And I loved it!  

We had our session at Lake Las Vegas.  What a wonderful location, especially during the holidays!  Everything was decorated so beautifully.  I can't wait to use that location again! 

There was even a floating ice skating rink!  And now, I've got visions of an engagement session dancing in my head: the happy couple skating hand in hand, kissing in the middle of the ice, and then snuggling together while drinking some hot cocoa. If you know a couple who's looking for a fun photographer send them my way! 

Miss M //Symphony Park// Las Vegas Photographer

I have to admit that photographing children ages 2-4 is my favorite thing in the whole wide world!  You know, besides getting loves and snuggles from my own 2 year old.  =)  It is such a fun age when you really get to experience their personalities.   And they always have BIG personalities.  

And little Miss M is no exception.  She was so much fun to work with!  The location definitely matched her personality.  So fun and vibrant.  If I haven't mentioned it before, Symphony Park is a favorite location of mine! 

Sometime little ones will throw a fit during our session, especially towards the end.  And sometimes they are just done.  But there are times when if we can be a little patient and work through the tears we can get a few last amazing images.  This portrait is just an example of that- Miss M was ready to be done, but I had that feeling that we should try for just one more...

 

And just look at that smile!

It takes up her whole face.

I am so glad that I pushed for just one more shot.

Miss E// Symphony Park// Las Vegas Photographer

I had a great mini session with Miss E a few weeks ago.  She was a complete doll to photograph! 

 We met at one of my favorite locations,  Symphony Park.  It is a great location for children and for families.  

 

Don't be afraid to be BOLD!   

Las Vegas Location Options// Las Vegas Photographer

I LOVE Las Vegas!

There is so much to do!

There is so much to see!

And there are so many great locations for portraits.

In fact, the sky is the limit!  Because there are so many options I thought it best to compile a list of awesome locations that I have found.

And so in no particular order... 

• The Symphony Park near downtown LV. It is a beautifully manicured park, with amazing colorful artwork. And next door is the art deco inspired Smith Center. This location will give you a very modern yet traditional feel. The colorful artwork would add a bit of whimsy and playfulness to the portraits. Here is a link to the park. http://www.symphonypark.com/inside-symphony-park/the-park/

• Calico Basin, near the Red Rock Canyon, a few miles west of town. Calico Basin has majestic mountains, is green year round, and has no entry fees. There are wonderful walkways that make it easy to move around, no real hiking involved. This location will give a casual, earthy, and classic feel to your portraits. Here is a link to information about Calico Basin. http://www.americantrails.org/resources/wildlife/RedRockBLM.html

• The Springs Preserve has a large variety to offer.  They have spectacular Botanical Gardens, including a cacti garden, an herb garden, and a rose garden.  It is beautifully landscaped and has some amazing architectural features.  It also has a fun museum on site to treat the kids after the session.  The Springs Preserve does have an entry fee.  It is $10 for adults, $5 for children five to seventeen, and children under 5 are free.  There is also the option of buying a membership.  Family memberships are $60, it covers 2 adults and up to six children.  And of course would allow you to visit multiple times throughout the year.  Here is a link to a slideshow of the gardens via their website: http://www.springspreserve.org/apps/photo/index.cfml?gid=83

• Lake Las Vegas in Henderson. It has beautiful water views, wonderful landscaped pathways, several gazebos, and many fountains. Here too there is no entry fee. I am unable to find a good link to show you how great the location is. But Lake Las Vegas is going to give your portraits a modern yet traditional, with a Mediterranean essence.

• UNLV is another great option.  There are many wonderful buildings, and large open areas perfect for large groups, for kids running around, or for the college bound senior.  But UNLV also has a great desert feature- the arboretum!  Which is absolutely stunning.  http://facilities.unlv.edu/plancon/dlg.html  It gives the feel of the desert without being completely barren and devoid of life. 

• The Dry Lake Bed is another great desert option.  Unlike the UNLV's arboretum the dry lake beds have no vegetation.  This means that you, as the subject, are in the ultimate spotlight, the complete center of attention. So you have to bring your "A" game, and be up for some creative poses!  The dry lake beds are about 15 miles outside of town near Boulder City.  

• The Nelson NV Ghost Town is a good drive outside of town but is well worth the trip!  It is a ghost town, with old abandoned cars and buildings.  It even has a crashed airplane!  It is very rustic, which will give the portraits a down to earth, old fashion vibe.  

• The Clark County Government Building and the Regional Transportation Commission/Regional Flood Control District building. These two buildings are very similar and are next door to each other downtown LV.  They both have an interesting architecture to them and would make wonderful backgrounds. The portraits would have a very architectural appeal- showcasing a sense of strength and stability.  Here's a link, notice the red brick buildings. http://www.library.unlv.edu/arch/graphics/index3.html 

• The Art District downtown is another great location with bold bright colors.  Located downtown, it is the epitome of urban landscaping.  Unique and elaborate graffiti artworks cover the walls.  And with the ever changing nature of graffiti art, you will will have a different experience every time you go. 

• And for the quintessential Las Vegas glitz and glam, why not use the very famous and oh so popular Strip or Fremont Street.  New Vegas or Old Vegas, the choice is yours. 

It is important to find a location that matches your personality, your lifestyle.  These portraits are going to be hung on the walls of your home, they are going to be shared with friends and family.  I want to make sure that you are getting the absolute best experience possible.  Because of that I will work with you to find the perfect location.   I love finding new locations, so if there is somewhere that you want your portraits done and it's not on my list please, oh please, let me know!

Benjamin// Symphony Park// Las Vegas Photographer

I am very excited about the Black Friday Mini Sessions at Symphony Park.  I really wanted to show everyone how great this location is, especially since it is very new. So here are a few examples Ben and I were able to photograph today.  Isn't he just the most handsome model?  =)

So if you are still thinking about taking advantage of the Black Friday Sale, stop thinking!  And contact me today!!!  There are only a few spots left!!

"B" Family// Clark County Heritage Museum// Las Vegas Photographer

I had a great time with the "B" family.  We were at an amazing location, that I can't wait to use again, the Clark County Heritage Museum.  I hadn't been, so I got there early to walk around and formulate a plan.  And I fell in love with the place!  So many amazing spots for portraits.  And the light was absolutely divine!  

All week it had been warm and sunny and of course the day of our session it had to drop 20 degrees!   But they were such great sports about it.  I heard almost no complaining!  I'm pretty sure that was because of a promise for hot chocolate afterwards.  How could you not be tempted by that offer?!?!

Picture Day// Las Vegas NV Photographer

School Picture Day can be traumatic for kids and parents alike.  All the stress about what to wear and getting the hair done perfectly, and then hoping it survives till picture time.  Having to pick out the best package and keep a few pennies in the bank afterwards.  And after all that you finally get your portraits back and the photographer captured the worst, cheesiest, fake smile, or the "I don't want to be here so I'm not going to smile" face, or the "I just came from recess" wild hair. 

NO MORE!

Courtney Lockhart Photography is here to save the day, Picture Day!  I had the privilege to photograph some school portraits at Flying Colors Preschool.  We had a blast!  The morning was filled with giggles, big belly laughs, and amazing smiles!  And every parent is going away with fantastic portraits that they won't be able to wait to share with friends and family.

 Mrs. B the Teacher

Miss P

We even had a couple older helpers(out on fall break) who joined in on all the fun!

Devon & Megan Maternity // Gardner Village SLC // Las Vegas Photographer

Devon and Megan are expecting a new addition to their family!  So they asked me to do some maternity portraits for them.  Which was the perfect excuse to go and visit family in Salt Lake City!

I love any excuse to travel to Utah. 

 

We decided to go to Gardner Village.  It's this fun little shopping village that's set around a historical grain mill that was built by Archibald Gardner, back when Salt Lake was being settled.  But the best part is that Devon is actually a descendant of Archibald!  So we HAD to do portraits there, especially since another generation is being added to the Gardner legacy.  Plus, I can not forget to mention it's the only place to get the most amazing Salt Water Taffy!

 

 

 

Thanks Devon & Megan for inviting to be a part of this exciting and special time!  And I can't wait to meet and photograph baby Orion!!