Courtney – Page 2 – Courtney Noel Studio

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July 26, 2023

Downtown Warrenton Wedding

Tiffany and Mike were celebrated their wedding in their hometown of Warrenton, Virginia. The ceremony was hosted by Cia Bella Celebration, in a unique venue of a stone hallway. They said their vows in an intimate gathering with just their closest around them. While a thunderstorm stayed away during the ceremony, it showed up in full force during the bride and groom's photo session, so we took cover in the nearby courthouse entryway. Despite the small space to work in, we managed to get some[...]

Wedding

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July 26, 2023

A Charming Church Wedding in Warrenton, VA

Although it's been a while since this wedding, I still think back at how lovely it was! The bride and groom were such wonderful people, and naturally their families were warm and welcoming as well! Courtney and Richard married in an intimate ceremony with their family at St. John's Church in Warrenton, VA. The love of the families was evident in their excitement in the union. While a thunderstorm rolled in during the ceremony, it cleared out quickly enough for us to get photos in the lovely[...]

dark and moody close up of woman leaning on a fence

Self Portraits

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July 19, 2023

Why I’m Taking Up Self Portraiture

I recently saw a post on Reddit that made my heart break. It made by a mother of young children, and she was asking, "How can I get more photos of myself with my kids?" Of course the main suggestions revolved around berating her husband for not taking photos of her, but I don't really think it was his fault. Most people aren't thinking of taking good photos of their partners, they are just thinking of their day to day life. Speaking from my own experience, the main times my husband takes pho[...]

Photography Opinions

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July 14, 2023

Controversal Opinion: Horses Don’t need their Ears Forward in Photos

A while back, almost a year ago, I had one of those moments that's really just a small interaction, but you end up dwelling on it forever. You might have responded in the moment, but later on you think back on all the things you could have said, and as time goes on, you have your perfectly worded, eloquent response ready, if only you could go back in time to before the interaction happened, because you'd be ready. Well, I had one of those moments almost a full year ago, and I still think abo[...]

Photography Tutorials, Understanding Your Camera

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July 13, 2023

Why You Need to Leave Auto Mode in the Dust and Switch to Manual

Chances are, when you first picked up your camera, you had it set to Auto. Auto does the heavy lifting, it decides the exposure, focus and white balance, and you just get your shot, right? It's simple, and easy. You actually could keep shooting like that, if you prefer. There's no rule saying you have to do anything other than what you want to do (despite the title of my post). BUT if you want to take it to the next level, you need to start shooting manual. Let me explain why. Une[...]

Get Your Best Photo, Iceland, Travel Photography

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July 12, 2023

How to Get the Best Photos at the Black Sand Beach in Iceland

The Black Sand Beach at Reynishverfisvegur in Iceland is breathtaking. The stark black sand creates a moody backdrop, and the basalt columns are a fascinating example of nature's strange architecture. It is an incredible place to take photos - in fact it would be a great place for an entire photoshoot! I was just in Iceland and had the opportunity to photograph here, and if you get the opportunity, here are a few tips to help you get the best photos. After all, photos are the best souvenirs[...]

Photography Tutorials

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July 11, 2023

Why Would a Photographer Do a Styled Shoot?

Last fall, I participated in my first styled shoot. It took place in Charlottesville, Virginia, and I got a lot of great images out of it. A styled shoot is a a photoshoot that you are paying to participate in. The organizer finds a scenic location, dresses, models, makeup artists, florist, and anything else needed to make a perfect scene for a photographer to shoot. Fun fact: Many of the photos in bridal magazines are styled shoots. After the shoot, the organizer or photographer submit[...]

Wedding

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September 18, 2022

Wedding at Clyde’s Ashburn, VA

The wedding of Jim and Sueli was full of love and happiness! It took place at Clyde's restaurant in Ashburn, VA. Although right in the heart of Ashburn, it felt private and intimate, in the large event space, surrounded by trees and gorgeous landscaping. The wedding was the blending of two large families, and everyone was thrilled to see these two together. The joy in the room was overwhelming! The bride had a stylish arrival in an old fashioned Rolls Royce Limo.[...]

Photoshoot, Portrait

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August 10, 2022

Bridal Portraits in the Field

My good friend Amanda modeled for me in this styled shoot on her horse farm. Hair and makeup was done by Aslan Harris. The dress is a SheIn dress, with a tulle skirt over it. The tulle skirt was made by me in about 30 minutes. Tulle is inexpensive and photographs so beautifully. This combination didn't make the most perfect dress ever, but we did throw it together pretty fast, and it still looked amazing. Fresh faced natural makeup and a whimsical hair braid with fresh flowers.[...]

newly engaged couple posing with their horse and dog

Engagement Photoshoot, Photoshoot

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August 9, 2022

Engagement Shoot on a Horse Farm in Middleburg Va

It's always an honor to be chosen to document special moments in people's lives. I was thrilled to be asked to photograph my good friend and her fiancé, along with their horse, lovely OTTB, King, and fluffy white poof dog, Leo. Animals are our family too, so it's important to include them! After "the formals" we went right into the horse pasture to take advantage of the huge field. The beautiful grass created lovely texture and dimension. The sunset made for perfect light[...]