A Familiar Face Behind the Camera Local Photographer Offers Schools a Hometown Alternative

A Familiar Face Behind the Camera

Local Photographer Offers Schools a Hometown Alternative

Sasha Bush

The Ashland Beacon

Picture day has always been one of those little traditions’ students look forward to—new outfits, freshly combed hair, and that moment when the camera flashes and captures a memory that parents will tuck into frames and scrapbooks for years. Now, one local photographer is hoping to bring that moment a little closer to home.

Courtney Christian, a photographer many families in the Tri-State already know and trust, is stepping forward to offer area schools a hometown option for their yearly school pictures. With conversations happening in communities across the country about large corporate school photography companies, Christian saw an opportunity to do what she’s always done best: serve the families right here in her own backyard.

And if you’ve been around the local photography scene for a while, chances are you’ve already seen her work.

A Camera, A Dream, and a Little Encouragement

Christian’s journey with photography began long before she opened her first studio. Back in middle school, she was already fascinated by the images she’d see online.

“I remember finding cool pictures to make Xanga and MySpace layouts,” she laughs. “I thought, ‘I wish I could take pictures like these!’”

Soon she started experimenting on her own—snapping photos of flowers, textures, and anything interesting she could find. Before long, her subjects became siblings, friends, and anyone willing to stand in front of her lens.

Photography also runs in the family. Her father studied photography when he was younger and quickly became her biggest supporter.

“He encouraged me every step of the way,” Christian says. “He helped me upgrade equipment, showed me places online where I could learn, and even helped me open my first studio.” That studio opened when she was just 18 years old. “I don't think I'd be where I am today without my dad. He still helps out if he can when needed!”

Now, at 34, Christian has spent more than a decade and a half behind the camera, building a business centered around family, creativity, and community.

A Family Business

These days, photography is truly a family affair for the Christians. Courtney’s husband, Kody, left his full-time job a few years ago to help run the business full-time. He now assists with administrative work, editing, post-processing, and serves as a second photographer when needed.

Courtney’s sister, Taylor Greene, also plays a major role, helping handle customer service and keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

Even the youngest members of the team pitch in.

Their two sons, ages six and nine, have already started helping build photography sets and occasionally assist during sessions. “They love being involved,” Christian says. “I’m sure they’ll help even more as they get older.”

A Community Conversation Turns into an Opportunity

When recent discussions began circulating online about large national school photography companies, Christian noticed something important: parents were talking about trust.

“As a local photographer and a parent myself, I really understood where people were coming from,” she explains. “Parents want to know who is working with their children and handling their images.” Soon her inbox began filling with messages.

Parents asked if she would consider offering school photography services locally. Then schools themselves began reaching out to see if it might be possible. “At that point, it just felt like the next step,” she says.

Why Local Matters

For Christian, bringing school photography closer to home isn’t just about taking pictures. It’s about relationships. “Local photographers care,” she says. “Not only about providing the best pictures possible, but about the kids and families themselves.”

She knows that switching from a large corporate provider to a local photographer is a big change for school districts. That’s why her goal is to make the process as simple and smooth as possible. “I want the transition to be easy for schools,” she says. “And for families to feel excited about picture day again.”

Photo Packages Parents Actually Want

One thing Christian quickly noticed while researching school photography packages was something that made her scratch her head. “Some of the photo sizes offered before weren’t even sizes you could easily find frames for,” she says with a laugh. “That is crazy to me!”

So she designed packages that better match what parents actually want today.

Her school photo packages will include: print packages, photo products, digital image options, retouching services, and backdrop choices.

Packages will start at just $15, making them accessible while still offering modern options that many families prefer.

The Team Behind the Lens

Although Courtney has built a well-known photography brand locally, she’s quick to emphasize that school photography will truly be a team effort.

“My husband, my sister, and I have all gained a lot of experience with volume photography over the years,” she says. “This part of the business is definitely more ‘we’ than ‘me.’” They also have additional team members ready to step in as bookings grow.

Capturing Moments That Last

After more than 16 years behind the camera, Christian says the most rewarding part of photography hasn’t changed. “It’s giving clients something they’ll love and want to look at over and over,” she says.

Whether it’s a senior portrait, a family session, or a student’s yearly school photo, she sees every image as a memory in the making. “I feel so blessed to be able to do what I do.”

Interested Schools or Families

Schools interested in learning more about local school photography options can reach Courtney directly at: Court@Courthead.com.

Families who want to book other sessions can visit her website at courthead.com and use the Booking tab.

And if things go the way Christian hopes, the next generation of school picture day memories might be captured by a photographer families already know.

Right here at home.