lifestyle and fine art portrait specialist

Courtney Malone

Inquire 

arrow
Hi, I'm Courtney.
I'm so glad you have found your way to my little home on the web. I'm a photographer, graphic designer, and most importantly a mom to two sweet kiddos. I'm obsessed with newborns. family stories, helping mamas to better learn how to use their cameras to document their own motherhood journeys, and am constantly seeking to understand the wild and crazy ride that is motherhood.
Learn more
arrow
Search
for photographers
The Photographer's Blueprint for Conquering Light on location
Are you a lifestyle photographer struggling with light on location?

Studio

Lily | Greenville, SC Heirloom Portrait Photographer

April 17, 2026

There’s something extra special about sessions that blend both heirloom portraits and lifestyle moments—and this one was a perfect reminder of why it’s my favorite combination.

From the moment she walked into the studio, Lily drew me in. She has that kind of personality you can’t script—funny in an effortless way, endlessly curious, and full of those tiny expressions that change from one second to the next. The kind of child who makes you slow down and pay attention because you don’t want to miss a thing.

She reminded me so much of my own daughter at that age. That same spark. That same mix of sweetness and independence. The way she observed everything before jumping in, and then once she felt comfortable, let her personality shine in the most delightful ways. It’s sessions like this that make what I do feel deeply personal.

We began with her heirloom portraits—simple, classic, and focused entirely on her. These are the images that will stand the test of time. The ones that feel just as meaningful decades from now as they do today. Clean lines, soft light, and all the attention on those little features that change far too quickly.

But what made this session truly come to life was adding in the lifestyle session.

Once we transitioned, everything relaxed even more. There was movement, laughter, little in-between moments that can’t be posed. She explored, played, and just was—and that’s where the magic happens. These are the images that tell the story of who she is right now. The ones her parents will look back on and remember not just how she looked, but what she felt like in this season.

That balance—timeless portraiture paired with real, emotive storytelling—is exactly why I love offering both.

Because years from now, her family won’t have to choose between remembering how she looked and remembering who she was.

They’ll have both.

If you’re ready to plan your little one’s portrait session, let’s connect! You can send me a note here to begin planning your portrait session.

Reply...

reader faves

want to learn photography?

I can help with that!

I've been teaching moms to take beautiful pictures of their children since 2018! If you are a mom with a fancy camera you're dying to learn to use, I've got you covered. Check out my beginner photographer's website below!

learn with me

Browse
Categories

browse by category

Portraits

newborns

Studio

Personal

Education

Hello

welome to my blog

I'm Courtney and I'm so happy you're here. This blog a journal about my family, CMP, and photography education. Stay a while and say hello!

Learn more

arrow

Search

free guide

Conquer Light on Location

Are you a photographer struggling with less than ideal light on location? My Photographer's Blueprint for Conquering Light on Location is for you!

DOWNLOAD

For photographers

Conquer light on location

Are you a natural light photographer serving clients with sessions in their home? Download my FREE blueprint for conquering light on location here!

© courtney malone company 2015-2024

design by tonic

Privacy policy