Ok, I have an amazing giveaway for my local readers today who may be looking for photographers in the Albany, NY area!
So you probably already saw a few photos last week in this post, and I know I had showed you the Cheerios photo, but I just had to show you guys some more shots that we got from Lucas’s first year photo shoot!
We had his pictures done by the super talented Cara Olsen from Cara Olsen Photography, who we also used for Lucas’s newborn session.
Whereas I was a bit unprepared for his newbie session (hello, new mom brain!), I started planning for his one year shoot months beforehand, to make sure we’d have everything in place.
While I was looking through stalking Cara’s blog, I came across an older session that she did and I absolutely fell in LOVE with the background/scenery. Assuming it was probably done at someone’s home, I shot her a quick email anyway and she let me know that the shoot was actually done on location at the Pruyn House in Latham. Perfect!
It gave us the best variety of scenery, and minus the fact that it was about 100 degrees that night, it was just what I was hoping for.
I was seriously sweating by the time we took this photo!
I got Lucas’s bow ties from the sweetest Kourtney (sweet name, right?!) at Cup Runneth Over Baby Boutique. She was recommended to me by Cara, and I was so grateful that she hooked us up.
Kourtney was so easy to work with and went out of her way to make sure she had some fabrics that she thought I’d love (which I totally did) and make them so they could either be worn with a shirt (clip) or without (Velcro).
And she even offered to make him an extra bow tie, in case he needs any more down the road.
Thanks again, Kourtney!
Cara did Lucas’s photo session just a couple of days before her and her hubby were set to travel someplace warm and tropical, but she still managed to get our teaser post and gallery up and ready for us to view. She must have known this mama was a bit eager to see them… ;)
Some more of my favorites…
And of course…
My crazy boy who doesn’t like cake.
Oh, Lucas.
So while I was working with Cara, I told her that more people just HAD to get to know her and use her services because she’s just great. And in turn, we decided to work together to give all of you guys a chance to win your very own photo shoot with COP!
Photo Shoot Giveaway!
One VERY lucky winner will receive a free mini-session (value of $150!) w/ 1 digital image included (with the option to purchase more).
*One important note – the session must be booked in October, due to her busy schedule!
To Enter:
1. (mandatory) Leave a comment on this post telling us why you’d want to win your own photo shoot!
2. (optional) Share the giveaway with a friend, and leave a separate comment letting me know you did, and how (via email, Facebook, etc.). You can leave up to three extra comments for three extra shares.
I’ll choose a random winner on Friday, August 29th.
Good Luck!
Rachel says
Hi! I loved all of your pictures and especially the one of Lucas running to you! I had a baby boy back in March and would love to use the photoshoot for some family pictures since we never had any done! Thank you so much!
Rachel says
Hi! I shared with 3 friends via text/email!
Jess Morine says
I love all of your and Jay’s pics! Beautiful family!
If actually like to give this photoshops away to my sister as a bday present…she and her fiancé could use it for an engagement session! And they have a beautiful German Shepard I know they’d like to incorporate into some pictures.
Andrea says
A friend told me about you and I decided to check out your site-what amazing and beautiful photos! Winning a photo shoot for my family would be awesome. I have a 2 1/2 year old and recent just had a little girl who is 4 1/2. My daughter had complications when she was born, so the last 4 months have been filled with specialist appointments and worry. Though our running and worry has still not ended yet and will not until she grows, my days bonding with her all day has come to an end as my maternity leave is over. Having a family photo shoot to capture our family’s love and journey to this point would be special to all 4 of us, as I sadly have not had any time to have her “newborn” pictures take (and here we are 4 months later!). Thank you and I have enjoyed looking through all of your pictures-such pieces of art!
Laurel says
Beautiful pictures! October is our one year wedding anniversary, I’d love to have an anniversary shoot done with all the fall colors!
Jennifer says
Good Morning, I love all your pictures!! I actually looked at Cara’s website after I saw the pictures in your first post, she does such amazing work. I would love to win a free session and use it for my sons first birthday pictures and a chance to get a family photo. Being a stay at home mom the cost of a session is just too much for our family right now. I’m crossing my fingers!!
Elizabeth says
I’m pregnant and would love a maternity photo shoot!
Samantha says
Hey Courtney! I had to enter this for a chance to win but not for me…for Heather! She needs some of these beautiful pictures taken of her amazing little boys!
Keri says
Hi! I’m from NJ but we travel through Albany to Lake George, NY frequently and would definitely be willing to make the trip for a fun photo shoot! My little Lucas turns one in October so the timing could not be more perfect : )
Lynn says
Hi Courtney! I love all of the photos. My son is turning one in November and I would love to have some photos to capture how much he has changed from a baby to a little boy.
Jennifer says
Just sent a text to my mom Pat, about this wonderful photo session giveaway and she loves good food recipes. :) which u have a ton of!!
Jennifer says
Also sent a text to my friend Stefanie….
Jennifer says
Hi again!!! And last but not least a text to my friend Lucero…good luck everyone!!
Melissa says
What beautiful photos! It probably doesn’t hurt to have such a cute subject!☺ I would love to win the photo session for my little guy. I am a little disappointed in myself for not doing family shots when he was a newborn and would love to get the opportunity to have a professional picture of the three of us. Plus the photos would be perfect for Christmas presents for the grandparents!
Ash @ Ash's Right Direction says
We have not had professional photos done since Mason’s First Birthday. This would be a great way to get Christmas card photos and what a great time of year!
Nicole Gurney says
Turns out I’ll have a new little person who I’d love some photos of this October!
Teresa says
My daughter is about to turn 1, and I love the idea of a photo shoot celebrating her birthday :)
Caitlyn says
Hi Courtney! It would be an awesome experience to win this shoot. We live in Saratoga but are from Clifton Park. (I grew up going to the church you were married in!!) My boyfriend and I have been looking for a photographer and this would be the perfect was to test one out.
James says
Would love to get family photos…my wife would be ecstatic if we won!
Maggie says
I would love a photo shoot for my son (soon to be three) and my daughter (one). They are both camera shy, so it would be great to work with an expert like Cara. Your photos came out beautiful. I especially love the one of the three of you in front of the barn.
Pat says
Hi Courtney, I just checked out your fantastic site I can’t wait to get in there every day and see what else is going on. Love those fantastic pictures and I hope my daughter Jennifer has a chance to win a session. Her son just turned one and it would be a great opportunity for a first-time mom who really beat the odds to have a child and was truly blessed after so many years of trying. Thanks so much for having such a great site and giving her this opportunity.
Chelsea says
I’m so glad you shared these! I’m from Guilderland- recently engaged and starting to plan the wedding. Cara is very talented and I appreciate how the photos are beautiful but not too cheesy! I would love to do a session and chat about her being our wedding photographer. Thanks!
Nicole says
Perfect timing! I’ll have a little one who I’d LOVE to have pictures taken of this October! :-)
Tiff @ Love, Sweat, & Beers says
What a beautiful family you have! You look gorgeous, and I especially love those pictures of you, Lucas, and the balloons.
Tracey says
I would love a photo shoot to document how much our little guy had grown already. October would be fitting as it will be our 2 year wedding anniversary and a year ago we found out we were expecting.
Kelly says
I would a love a photo shoot for engagement photos. All of your photos are beautiful, but my absolute fave is the one with Lucas running into your arms with the balloons. So precious!
Kelli says
My son Gavin turns 1 on 9/3 and we do not have any family pictures of me, my husband, and my son. I am from the Albany area and would definitely be able to do the photoshoot in October. Thanks!
Monica says
I absolutely LOVE the one of you handing the balloons to Lucas and the following one. So sweet. He looks so adorable in those bow ties! :) You have such a lovely family!
Morgan says
Well depending on how things shake out for October, id love a maternity session! If not (or it’s too early) we haven’t done a family photo with my husband and stepsons in years. That would be equally awesome! Photos are beautiful :)
Emily says
Gorgeous photos! I’d love to win so we could get some pictures of me with my little girl. I was so sick the day of her newborn pics that there are only 2 or 3 of us!
Lucero says
Good Morning! I just perused your website and I love your entire website. I love your pictures and hope that my friend Jennifer has a chance to win your contest. She is a first time mom and would love to have such wonderful family pictures taken and cherish them for years to come. Jennifer would ecstatic if she won. Thank you!
Karen says
The photos are amazing. I cecked out her sit and she is very tanted. I would love this photo prize for my nephews. They are 3 and 8, and I think they would be perfect in this sam location!
Thanks for sharing and for hosting the giveaway.
Christy says
Oh my! Who wouldn’t want to win a photo shoot with COP?! Your 1-year photos have come out awesome and I just loved your newborn shots (unprepared or not). Our son is past his one year mark, but I would love to take advantage of this photo shoot in October for Christmas Cards!! (Gotta think ahead you know…)
Alyssa says
I would absolutely love this opportunity to get family photos done. Our little Lucas just turned 1 in August and while we got a few of him for his birthday we didnt get any family photos taken. We are overdue for a nice family photo.
Alyssa says
I emailed two of my girlfriends with little ones and shared your website and this giveaway!
Christy says
Shared on facebook from your facebook link to this post!
Cassie says
My sister was married at the Pruyn House!
I’d love to have “family” photos taken with my boyfriend and my dog- the 2 loves of my life. :)
Leslie says
I am dying to know where your top and jeans are from in the photo shoot!! So cute! Also, the photos turned out really well! Our 16 month old wasn’t the biggest fan of her cake either but if it was made of peas and chicken nuggets, I think she would have gone nuts :)
Kim says
Wow, my friend Pat, sent me your link and I was very inspired by your story and the wonderful photographs. Her daughter, Jennifer is hoping to win the photo session and I know it would mean alot to her if she did. She and her husband wanted a child very much and finally were blessed. He is a beautiful, fun and sweet little guy. What a wonderful family! I would love to see her win this and I will continue to check out your blog. Thanks for sharing :)
Michaela says
Those photos are fantastic and Lucas is so adorable! I would love to have a photo shoot done of my son who will be 6 in December. His gramma’s are always complaining that i don’t have pictures of him taken enough! Plus, October would be perfect then i could give them out as surprise holiday gifts!!
Bob says
What a handsome child Lucas is I bet he gets it all from his Grandpa.
Courtney says
Hahaha…oh Grandpa! You’re such a character ;)
Christina says
Beautiful pics. Courtney, I have to say, Lucas makes THE BEST faces! I crack up at almost every picture you put up here…he must keep you guys very entertained! :)
julie says
These are gorgeous! We did a family photo shoot with our 2 daughters last year, however, even the promise of candy didn’t help in the cooperation department, ha! ha! Would love to get another shot at it :)
Katie H. says
These photos are so adorable- what a cutie! I’m looking for a new photographer and love Cara’s work! We have Audrey’s third birthday coming up and would love to have Cara capture her at this age!
mom#to#crazy#three says
Would love a photo shoot – the last time the kids had their photos professionally done was WAY too long ago . . . time for an updated family photo. Thanks for the giveaway!
Nicole @ Squash on Squash says
Beautiful pictures! Those are gonna be great for memories :)
Denisse Porras says
I would love to win the photoshoot because I’ve never had one and I would love to treasure pictures for my future!
Donna Montoya says
Precious pics…my husband and I are expecting a little boy in a few weeks
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment says
I love the photo shoot! Such awesome pictures. My boyfriend and i just moved in together and it would be great to have photos to capture this step in our lives together. A little pre-engagement photo session if you will? :-) Thanks for considering me! Great giveaway.
Candice says
The pictures of your family are great and I love the one of Lucas walking away with the balloon! I would like to win this because my phone takes a full second to snap a picture and that is usually half a second longer than the perfect moment lasts! A professional will be able to capture moments between my 2 and 4 year old that I just can’t.
Erin Duffy says
I would love to win this photo shoot for an engagement photo to use on our Save the Date! (and then use her for the wedding if we like the engagements!)
Sarah @ Sweet Miles says
PRECIOUS photos Courtney!!! Oh my goodness, too cute, and you look beautiful and so, so happy!
Jenn says
I’d love to win this session! I’m half way through my pregnancy and just started looking for a photographer for some maternity pictures as well as newborn pics when the baby is born.
Mary says
I would love to have this opportunity with Cara Olsen because I am ALWAYS the one with the camera in hand and joke that I have to hire someone to take photos to prove that I do, indeed, exist. Our daughter is almost five and time is passing so quickly that I think the only way to “freeze” this time, this awesome time, is through photographs.
Erica says
We LOVE Cara! Love these pics of you guys, too! Would love to win this shoot to use as a pregnancy announcement… if it happens by then… ;-) if not yearly family pictures for Christmas cards by her would be awesome!!!
Christine says
What perfect timing – my fiance (!! first time typing that) just proposed last week, and this would be perfect for an engagement shot for our save-the-dates. Thanks!
Keri says
I’d love to win this! It’d be great to take photos with my boyfriend.
Audra says
I love my nephew Duilio’s baby pics and would love to have the opportunity to have Cara take pics of my 4yr old daughter. She loves having her pics taken ;)
jaclyn says
I have been wanting to do photos of my two girls for a very long time. Love this giveaway!
Lisa says
The pictures are great! I would love would love to have this opportunity with Cara Olsen because I am always the one with the camera taking pictures of everyone. My kids are older now but I would love a nice family picture of all of us!!
Ellie says
This would be great since I’m graduating from college this year and want some good pics of my friends and me on graduation day!!!
Debbie (accidently delish) says
her photography is AMAZING. i love your photos! she really captured all the emotions!! i just got engaged so this would be amazing for an engagement mini photo session! and october would be perfect!!
Andrea h says
I would love to win the photo session! My son just turned 1 in July and my daughter is almost 4!
Erin m. says
I’d love to win this for my sister who has two little boys!
Danielle says
I’d love to win a photo shoot for my sister who is pregnant with twins due in October!
Ashley says
I would love to win this to get some great photos of our family and puppy!!
Nicole @ Foodie Loves Fitness says
Oh my goodness, what beautiful photos! The bow ties are just too cute. Such an awesome idea to do 1st year photos. I need to remember to do that when I have kiddos!
Brittney says
These are beautiful photos. I love how you captured their emotions in the pictures. Great job!