Summer Recap

Happy September! I’m not sure how we got here so fast…but here we are once again bidding summer goodbye and welcoming fall. Here in North Carolina we technically have about 3 summers and 4 falls depending on what the weather feels like doing that day. Regardless, we are entering one of my favorite seasons. Not only do I love fall for photography, but who doesn’t love the beautiful fall colors, crisp air and pumpkins everywhere?! I love it!

Before we get too far into fall I wanted to re-cap all of the amazing things that took place over the summer. It was one of the busiest summers in a long time, but oh so sweet!

At the very beginning of June my family and I were able to take some much needed vacation time to the beach. We haven’t been able to take a week long getaway for several years, so it was that much more appreciated. We stayed at the Fort Caswell end of Oak Island, NC and it was beautiful.

Soon after we got back home I hit the ground running with the launch of the Tween To Teen Portrait Team! A select group of tweens and teens are participating as “portrait ambassadors”, and we are having a blast! This special team was created to help capture those middle school years that most of us tend to skip over, especially where pictures are concerned. I think it’s so important to emphasize this age group and help build confidence in these kiddos as they face so many new changes and challenges as they approach their teens. Here are some images from a few of the sessions that we had over the summer.

Another new launch this summer included my Simply Timeless black & white sessions. The images captured during these special sessions were all a part of an International Art Gallery show which I have been invited to participate in in Illinois in just a few short weeks! I’m going to wait to reveal which image was chosen for display at the show, but I will tell you it was SO hard to pick just one! I really enjoyed creating artwork from these sessions and had such a great response from my clients, I have decided to offer these exclusive black & white sessions throughout the year!

In July I was able to attend a “Summer Camp” photography workshop in Charlottesville, VA with fellow photographer’s from around the country. It was an awesome time of learning and networking as I continue to work hard to bring my clients fresh and new ideas and techniques to my portrait photography business. We used to live in Virginia many years ago, so it was fun to reminisce as I got to drive through the beautiful countryside.

Right after Summer Camp I headed to Washington, D.C. to meet my family for a quick weekend getaway enjoying the monuments and museums. We always enjoy our time in D.C. and look forward to going back soon!

I was so blessed to have so many wonderful opportunities this summer! I’m really looking forward to all of the new things coming this fall….including an exclusive Veterans Day Portrait event that I am so excited about! Stay tuned to your inboxes and my social pages to find out more details!

Photo by Rebecca Mabey Photography

Photographic History: Raising of Two Flags at Iwo Jima

I love history, especially U.S. history. It has always fascinated me to read and learn about the men and women that came before us that helped to shape our great nation. World War II history is my favorite to read about. There are so many amazing stories from this generation, and this particular historical account happens to involve one of the most famous photographs ever taken.

On this day 79 years ago, after months of naval and air bombardment, U.S. Marines invaded Iwo Jima. In thirty-six days of fighting on the island, nearly 7,000 U.S. Marines were killed. Another 20,000 were wounded. The island was finally declared secured on March 26, 1945. It had been one of the bloodiest battles in Marine Corps history.

After the battle, Iwo Jima served as an emergency landing site for more than 2,200 B-29 bombers, saving the lives of 24,000 U.S. airmen. Securing Iwo Jima prepared the way for the last and largest battle in the Pacific: the invasion of Okinawa.

The flag-raising atop Mt. Suribachi took place on February 23, 1945; five days after the battle began. There were actually two flags raised that day. Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal took the famous photograph of five Marines and one Navy corpsman raising the second flag. The U.S. flag was first raised atop Mt. Suribachi soon after the mountaintop was captured at around 10:30 a.m. Lieutenant Colonel Chandler W. Johnson ordered a platoon to seize and occupy the crest of Mt. Suribachi. First Lieutenant Harold G. Schrier volunteered to lead a 40-man combat patrol up the mountain. Lieutenant Colonel Johnson had taken the 54x28 inch flag from the battalion's transport ship, USS Missoula and handed the flag to Schrier. Johnson said to Schrier, "If you get to the top, put it up." Schrier assembled the patrol at 8 a.m. to begin the climb up the mountain.

The first flag was attached by Schrier and two Marines to a Japanese iron water pipe found on top, and the flagstaff was raised and planted by Schrier, Platoon Sergeant Ernest Thomas and Sergeant Oliver Hansen. The raising of the national colors immediately caused a loud cheering reaction from the Marines, sailors and coast guardsmen on the beach below and from the men on the ships near the beach. The loud noise made by the servicemen and blasts of the ship horns alerted the Japanese, who up to this point had stayed in their cave bunkers. Schrier and his men near the flagstaff then came under fire from Japanese troops, but the Marines quickly eliminated the threat.

Photographs of the first flag flown on Mt. Suribachi were taken by Staff Sergeant Louis R. Lowery of Leatherneck magazine, who accompanied the patrol up the mountain. This flag was too small, however, to be easily seen from the northern side of Mt Suribachi, where heavy fighting would go on for several more days.

First flag raised on Mt. Suribachi. Photograph by Staff Sergeant Louis R. Lowery of Leatherneck magazine at 10:30 a.m. on February 25, 1945.

On orders from Colonel Chandler W. Johnson, Sergeant Michael Strank was to take three members of his rifle squad (Corporal Harlan H. Block and Privates First Class Franklin R. Sousley and Ira H. Hayes) and climb up Mount Suribachi to raise a replacement flag on top. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Albert Theodore Tuttle had found a large 96x56 inch flag in nearby Tank Landing Ship USS LST-779 and gave it to Johnson. Johnson, in turn passed it on to Private First Class Rene A. Gagnon with orders to take it up to Schrier on Mount Suribachi and raise it.

Gagnon, Strank, and Strank’s three Marines reached the top of the mountain around noon without being fired upon. Rosenthal, along with several other Marine photographers were climbing Suribachi at this time. On the way up, the photographers met Lowery who had photographed the first flag-raising, coming down. They considered turning around, but Lowery told them the summit was an excellent vantage point from which to take photographs. The three photographers reached the summit as the Marines were attaching the second, larger flag to an old Japanese water pipe.

Rosenthal put his Speed Graphic camera on the ground (set to 1/400 sec shutter speed, with the f-stop between 8 and 11 and Agfa film) so he could pile rocks to stand on for a better vantage point. In doing so, he nearly missed the shot. The Marines began raising the flag. Realizing he was about to miss the action, Rosenthal quickly swung his camera up and snapped the photograph without using the viewfinder. Ten years after the flag-raising, Rosenthal wrote:

“Out of the corner of my eye, I had seen the men start the flag up. I swung my camera and shot the scene. That is how the picture was taken, and when you take a picture like that, you don’t come away saying you got a great shot. You don’t know.”

The most well-known photograph of the second flag raising at Iwo Jima, taken by Joe Rosenthal on February 23, 1945 around noon.

The flag raisers were Cpl. Harlon Block, Navy Pharmacist's Mate John Bradley, Cpl. Rene Gagnon, PFC Franklin Sousley, Sgt. Michael Strank, and Cpl. Ira Hayes. Three of these men - Strank, Sousley, and Block - were killed before the battle for Iwo Jima was over.

Rosenthal’s photograph was quickly wired around the world and reproduced in newspapers across the United States. It won the 1945 Pulitzer Prize for Photography, the only photograph to win the prize in the same year it was taken.

Photographer Joe Rosenthal poses July 1, 200O in San Francisco, California with his Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph of U.S. Marines raising the flag on Mount Suribachi, Iwo Jima. (Photo by David Hume Kennerly/Getty Images)

News pros were not the only ones greatly impressed by the photo. Navy Captain T.B. Clark was on duty at Patuxent Air Station in Maryland that Saturday when it came humming off the wire in 1945. He studied it for a minute, and then thrust it under the gaze of Navy Petty Officer Felix de Weldon. De Weldon was an Austrian immigrant schooled in European painting and sculpture. De Weldon could not take his eyes off the photo. In its classic triangular lines he recognized similarities with the ancient statues he had studied. He reflexively reached for some sculptor's clay and tools. With the photograph before him he labored through the night. Within 72 hours of the photo's release, he had replicated the six boys pushing a pole, raising a flag.

Upon seeing the finished model, the Marine Corps commandant had de Weldon assigned to the Marine Corps until de Weldon was discharged from the Navy after the war was over.

Starting in 1951, de Weldon was commissioned to design a memorial to the Marine Corps. It took de Weldon and hundreds of his assistants three years to finish it. Hayes, Gagnon, and Bradley posed for de Weldon, who used their faces as a model. The three Marine flag raisers who did not survive the battle were sculpted from photographs.

The U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia was unveiled November 10, 1954.

It never ceases to amaze me how much of an impact one photograph can have, which is one of the many reasons I love photography and capturing the world around me. Rosenthal’s famous photograph of the five Marines and one Navy corpsman raising the flag on the summit of Mt. Suribachi is one that captured so much more than just a pivotal moment in time, it captured the heart of the greatest generation, one that we can learn so much from:

“Among the men who fought on Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was a common virtue.”

-Admiral Chester W. Nimitz

Semper Fi.

Capturing Stunning Portraits with Your Horse

If you're a horse lover, you know that these majestic animals hold a special place in our hearts. They're not just pets or companions; they're members of the family. There's something truly magical about the bond between a horse and its owner, and capturing that bond in a portrait can create a breathtaking and timeless memento. I truly enjoy creating beautiful artwork of people, especially people and their horses.  I believe horses are some of God’s most amazing creatures.  There’s just something majestic about horses that moves the soul. 

Choosing the Right Location

When it comes to capturing a stunning portrait with your horse, choosing the right location is crucial. When I help my clients plan their equine portrait sessions location is the first detail we cover. Most of the time the location is at the client’s farm or barn, but other times the client will choose to transport their horse to a specific location. A picturesque backdrop can elevate your portrait from beautiful to breathtaking. Consider a wide-open field with rolling hills, a serene beach at sunset, or a tranquil forest setting. The key is to find a location that complements the natural beauty of your horse and provides a sense of serenity and tranquility.

Planning the Details of the Shoot

Before we start the photoshoot, it's important to plan ahead. I schedule a consultation call or meeting with my clients to go over every detail of the photo session. One important thing to remember when taking equine portraits is to make sure your horse is well-groomed and looking their best. Also, if at all possible, exercise your horse a few hours before the shoot begins.

When it comes to wardrobe details, consider coordinating your outfit with your horse's coat color to create a visually harmonious portrait. I also provide vision boards with outfit ideas and suggestions to help you decide.

Most importantly, when I schedule my equine sessions, and any portrait session for that matter, I ensure that the lighting is optimal for the shoot. Soft, natural light enhances the details and textures of your horse's coat while creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Golden hour at sunset is my favorite time of day to schedule outdoor sessions, but early morning can be beautiful as well! Lighting is everything when it comes to photography!

Capturing the Connection

Capturing a stunning portrait with your horse is not just about the visual aesthetics; it's also about capturing the emotional connection between you and your equine companion. I’m passionate about providing equine portrait experiences that capture images of people and their horses in a way that artfully illustrates the beautiful bond that is shared.  The interactions between you and your horse are simply priceless, and to capture that through images is something horse lovers cherish forever.

The Art of Posed and Candid Shots

When it comes to posing with your horse, there are endless possibilities. Whether you choose to capture a tender moment resting your head against your horse's neck, an exhilarating action shot of you riding bareback, or a playful image of you and your horse frolicking together, the key is to let your personalities and connection shine through. It is always my goal to mix posed shots with candid, spontaneous moments that capture the genuine bond between you and your horse.

Showcasing the Beauty of Equine Portraiture

Equine portraiture is a timeless art form that has the power to evoke a myriad of emotions - from awe and admiration to tenderness and joy. The art of equine photography is a celebration of the deep and unspoken connection between humans and these magnificent creatures.

Capturing stunning portraits with your horse is an art form that requires careful planning, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of the unique bond between horse and owner. When done right, equine portraits have the ability to freeze precious moments in time, conveying the beauty, grace, and spirit of these remarkable animals for generations to come.

I would be honored to help you create a beautiful equine portrait for you and your horse! I’ve included a link to my 2024 Equine Session Guide here.  This guide has information about how my equine sessions work, as well as pricing details.  Feel free to reach out to me with any questions you may have.

Choosing a Family Photographer

When it comes to capturing precious moments with your loved ones, choosing the right photographer is essential. Family photos freeze time, allowing us to revisit cherished memories for years to come. With so many photographers out there, selecting the perfect one can feel overwhelming. Here are a few key considerations to help guide you in making this important decision.

Courtney Turlington Photography

1. Style and Aesthetic: Start by considering the style and aesthetic you're looking for in your family photos. Do you prefer classic and formal portraits or a more candid and natural approach? Look through different photographers’ portfolios to see if their style aligns with your vision. Seeing examples of their work will give you an idea of their creativity, skill, and ability to capture authentic moments.

Courtney Turlington Photography

2. Experience and Expertise: Experience matters when it comes to capturing family photos. Look for photographers who have a solid track record in family portraiture. Seasoned professionals understand how to work with large groups, guide posing, and bring out the best in every family member. Additionally, check if they have experience with young children or specific family dynamics to ensure they can handle any challenges that may arise during the session.

3. Recommendations and Reviews: Seek input from friends, family, or colleagues who have recently had family photos taken. Personal recommendations can provide valuable insights into the overall experience and quality of the photographer's work. Online reviews and testimonials are also helpful in evaluating photographers and gauging their professionalism and customer satisfaction.

Courtney Turlington Photography

4. Budget: Photography services can vary significantly in terms of pricing. While it's important to invest in quality images, it's equally important to find a photographer who fits within your budget. Request quotes from potential photographers and inquire about packages or any additional costs involved. It’s important to understand the quality of work and products you will be paying for. Product pricing can vary greatly among photographers, but pay close attention when comparing products made of cheaper materials vs. archival quality artwork. The difference in the two are a game changer when considering how long you want your investment to last and whether or not it can be enjoyed for a short time or a lifetime. It sounds cliche, but it’s true…most of the time you absolutely get what you pay for.

5. Personal Connection: It's crucial to feel comfortable and at ease with the photographer you choose. A great photographer will create a relaxed and enjoyable environment, allowing your family's personalities to shine through. Schedule a consultation or phone call with your potential candidates to get a sense of their personality and ensure they understand your vision.

Courtney Turlington Photography

6. Flexibility and Availability: Check the photographer's availability and ensure it aligns with your desired session date. Moreover, discuss their policies on rescheduling or cancellations in case unforeseen circumstances arise. Flexibility is necessary, especially when dealing with the schedules and moods of little ones.

7. Print and Product Options: Find out what print and product options the photographer offers, such as prints, albums, or digital files. Understand their pricing structure and ensure it fits with your desired outcome and budget. Some photographers offer only digital files leaving you to figure out the best way to use your images, while other photographers offer archival-quality canvases, albums and prints that will long outlast a digital file stuck on a computer hard drive.

Overall, choosing the right photographer for your family photos requires thoughtful consideration. Take the time to research, review portfolios, and communicate your expectations. Remember, the goal is to capture cherished memories that will be treasured for generations. By following these guidelines, you'll be well on your way to finding the perfect photographer to document your family's special moments.

Courtney Turlington Photography

Golden Hour Session

Golden hour photo sessions are a photographer's dream come true. As the sun starts to lower on the horizon, casting a warm and radiant glow, it creates a magical atmosphere that transforms any setting into a picture-perfect backdrop. The soft, golden light during this magical hour enhances the natural beauty of the subjects, adding a touch of romance and ethereal charm to every frame.

I’ve been photographing this beautiful family for over a decade now. We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect evening full of golden light! It’s so fun to work with families through the years, watching them grow with each new session. I’m so blessed to be able to help families capture these sweet moments. Here is a sneak peek from this special golden hour session this past weekend…

Whether capturing a captivating landscape, an intimate portrait, or a joyful family gathering, golden hour provides photographers with a window of opportunity to create stunning, captivating images that will be cherished for a lifetime. So make the most of this fleeting period and let the golden hour work its enchanting magic on your photographs.

Birthday Portrait Session

I had the privilege of capturing portraits for this precious little girl over the weekend. She is celebrating her 6th birthday in a few days, so creating these memories was extra special. I had so fun much getting to know her and her sweet family. She was a natural in front of the camera! Here are a few sneak peeks from her session…

Courtney Turlington Photography

Courtney Turlington Photography

Courtney Turlington Photography

Courtney Turlington Photography

Courtney Turlington Photography

Children's portrait sessions are a magical experience, capturing the essence and innocence of childhood. As a photographer, I have the privilege of witnessing the unguarded joy, curiosity, and wonder in each child. These sessions are a celebration of their unique personalities, capturing their radiant smiles, twinkling eyes, and infectious giggles. From playful candid moments to poised poses, every image tells a story that their parents will cherish for a lifetime. The creative possibilities are endless as we explore vibrant outdoor locations or create enchanting setups in the studio. Through gentle guidance and patience, I strive to create a relaxed atmosphere where children feel comfortable to express themselves authentically. The joy of documenting these precious moments is unparalleled, and the resulting portraits are timeless treasures that freeze the magic of childhood in a frame.

Photography Roots

There’s so much meaning and history in this picture. I recently rearranged my office and decluttered the shelves over my desk. Unintentionally, I grouped these items together on the center shelf. Soon after I realized that my photography career up to this point was gathered on this one shelf.

My love for photography began as a young girl flipping through the pages of National Geographic. (If you look closely you can see my very first copy circa 1992 - I was twelve years old). I was fascinated with the beautiful imagery brought to life in the pages of this magazine. I was also already a huge animal lover. At a young age I had already decided I was going to be a veterinarian, but I wanted to somehow combine my love of animals and photography. How cool would it be to photograph baby mountain lions?! As I’m sure many photographer’s would tell you, it was eventually my dream to one day become a National Geographic photographer. Even though that reality never happened, I still have the same level of excitement every time I see a new issue full of amazing photography.

Sitting atop of my stack of Nat Geo’s is my Mamiya 645 Pro TL medium format camera. This little gem was my learning tool all through photography school in the early 2000’s. Shooting film with this camera that I developed in the darkrooms at Randolph Community College in Asheboro, NC, I learned a range of techniques that would later launch my career into the commercial photography world.

The Photographer’s Handbook by John Hedgecoe, recommended by a mentor at one of my very first photography internships, is the standard reference manual of photographic techniques, procedures, equipment and style. Even though this version is not up to date with digital camera references, it still offers the best understanding of basic photographic processes. If you’re an amateur or even an aspiring professional, I still highly recommend this book. You will get a taste of nostalgia, but at the same time learn loads of valuable information whether you shoot film or digital.

Ansel Adams. Need I say more? Who doesn’t love the gorgeous, simplistic, black & white photography of this great photographer? When I discovered the work of Ansel Adams at a young age, I dreamed of traveling out west to photograph God’s beautiful creation across breathtaking landscapes. Even though I know his work covers more than landscapes, that’s obviously what he’s most recognized for. One of his famous quotes is, “Sometimes I do get to places just when God’s ready to have somebody click the shutter.” This man trekked up numerous mountains and trails with a bulky large format camera to patiently wait for the perfect shot. It’s always fascinated me. I’ve had the opportunity to travel a little bit, but it’s still on my bucket list to one day tour the National Parks out west to get a glimpse of some of the places he photographed…with my medium format camera in tow of course.

Did someone say food? Food photography is one of those areas I dabbled in through college but never thought I would concentrate on it as much as I did. Across the span of 12 years I had the unique opportunity to photograph food ads for grocery store chains across the US. Random, I know! But someone has to take those grocery store ad pictures, right? Having transitioned well into digital photography by this time, I was able to perfect my digital photography and Photoshop skills through the years and continue to be creative with set design, styling and studio lighting. I learned so much during that time and am so grateful for the network of art directors, food stylists and co-workers I worked with during that time.

Photo by Courtney Turlington

Photos by Courtney Turlington

Working as a professional photographer over the past 20+ years has afforded me the opportunity to capture so many different genres and work with so many different amazing people and clients. I’m so very grateful the Lord led me down this path of creativity. Even tough the things I wrote about today only highlight a few of the chapters of my photography career, I hope to write many more to share with anyone who might be interested in pursuing their own photographic journey.

As I am shifting more towards portraiture and fine art work lately, I’m always pulling ideas and knowledge from my experiences and interests in other photography fields. I’ve never been one to put a box around what type of photography I capture. I photograph what ideas come to mind, what I happen to pass by and see on the roadside, what moves me, and most importantly, what tells the story. I am certainly not a writer, so launching this blog is way out of my comfort zone, but to me photography is a story teller. The camera is my pen and the “film” is my paper.

Equine Portrait by Courtney Turlington