I’m A Pet Photographer
Hi! I’m Courtney and I am a pet photographer based between Atlanta and Athens, GA.
I am mom to 7 dogs, a cat, 4 pigs (including Hermione, the House Pig!), 2 donkeys, and a horse (Ginger turned 30 this year)! I live on a small farm in a tiny town called Rutledge, GA which is also home to the Rescue Ranch, a non profit Boston Terrier Rescue I founded with my wife in 2014.
Atlanta to Athens Dog Photographer
I grew up just outside of Atlanta, GA and moved to Rutledge in 2012. I love my little town full of artists. We don’t even have a red light in town! Because Rutledge is situated right between Atlanta and Athens and just off I-20, I live a in a rural small town (population 800), but am close to two cities. I photograph dogs, cats, horses, & more from Atlanta to Athens and all the places nearby and between.
Creating Artwork from Pet Photography
My Nanny inspired my need to see photographs printed where they can be enjoyed. She catalogued the family memories in albums and boxes of prints and photos on the walls and tables and on her desk at work.
Beyond photographing the pets you love, my speciality is creating gorgeous artwork from your images to fill your home. Filling your home with the furry (or scaly) faces you love is how we work together to make memories tangible. With the help of local artists as well as professional labs, I create timeless artwork for your home.
About the Dogs That Started It All
The photo of Willa with her tongue out was created shortly after we moved to the farm. It was first time I saw the personality of a dog represented in single portrait. I had no idea we would lose Willa suddenly just a year later at only 8 years old.
Every time I see her photo above my couch, I smile because I remember not just what she looked like, but who she was. She was the beginning of so much in my life, the first Boston Terrier which in turn led to the Rescue Ranch, the start of so many friendships, and falling in love with my wife, all started with that spitfire 13 pound Boston Terrier.
The other photo is of Lira who was born in my home after her mother was surrendered pregnant to the rescue. Lira is my very own miracle after being given a less than 10% chance of survival at birth due to a major diaphragmatic hernia. She survived 2 impossible surgeries during her first year of life.
We have a bond unlike any other I’ve ever experienced with a dog. I understand what people say when they say “heart dog”. She is my child and I cherish every experience and every memory I get to make with her. I know the images I have created will be what I keep forever.
Why Photography?
I learned about photography by assisting in a teen fashion magazine and marketing company while I was still in high school. Creating images that created a narrative and established a connection led me to photographing my foster dogs to get them adopted!
Why Pet Photography?
Animals have shaped my entire life. I got my horse Ginger when I was 4 years old. I moved from the suburbs to a farm to have more room to rescue dogs. I have fostered more than a 100 dogs! I founded a Boston Terrier rescue, and I was the Director of the Humane Society of Morgan County. I have photographed more than 1,500 adoptable dogs and cats to help them find forever homes over the last 10 years.
When I’m not photographing your loved dogs, cats, and horses, I’m helping homeless animals find forever homes, finding an interesting class to take with my dogs, reading a book, or traveling the world.
6 Random Facts About Me
- True Confession: My dog is my best friend.
- My life is covered in fur.
- My favorite trip was my honeymoon in Turkey.
- I love stationary, pens, and beautiful notebooks.
- I read all the intruction manuals.
- My house is more than 170 years old!
In the Press
Top 10 Atlanta Pet Photographer
Courtney of CM Bryson is a pet portrait and lifestyle photographer who takes interesting narrative photographs of all sorts of pets –– cats, dogs, donkeys, you name it. She has an amazing ability to capture the fun-loving side of your pets, as well as their deep attachment to you, all while also being able to stage hilarious photoshoots that bring out the inner comedian in your little guys. Whether you’re looking for a serious, high-concept portrait or a hilarious photo of your pet sure to make you giggle for years to come, Courtney might just be the pet photographer for you.
Certifications
Why do certifications and awards matter?
I have always been a passionate learner, a reader of all things, and someone driven to improve. Seeking out the critique of other professional pet photographers by entering images into competitions pushes me to be a more creative artist and truly master my craft. Learning more about the technical side of photography through classes and courses inspires me to create more technically sound images.
What all this means for you as the pet parent, is that during your pet photography session I will be creating professional quality images. Images of your furry loved ones that you’ll be proud to hang on the wall. It means that I’ll be able to focus on you and your pet because I have already mastered my camera and settings and the rules of composition and framing.
Ready to Book Your Pet's Session?
Let me design a custom photo shoot just for you. I’ll capture your pet and create beautiful art work for you to have for years to come.