Miles & Smiles Photography

It was a class I took with Amy Newton Harkreader 13 years ago that sparked my passion for photography!! I already loved taking pictures, but learning how to utilize all the camera’s functions is what made helped me see the art in the images. Now, 13 years later, I’m still on a quest to learn more and I still love the sound of my camera clicking!!

You can see some beautiful animals just by driving down some Texas highways.

This last year I had to quickly change my focus to my health to fight colon cancer. The treatments worked well and I now find myself having the desire to get behind my camera lens again and focus on the beautiful world around us. I hope I am able to begin create memories for families in our new location as well as exploring the surrounding landscapes and wildlife.

When you love photography and going through a major life event, you feel the need to document. Today I used my phone camera to capture my first round of chemo. I’m hoping to find ways to capture this journey over the next 6 months. I appreciate all the love and support!

My beloved cameras have been sitting on the shelf for over a month now as I recover from surgery. Taking pictures brings me such joy and I can’t wait to get them off the shelf and out into the world to capture more beauty. I’m hoping to be able to offer sessions again in the future, but it will depend on how my body responds to the chemo. My camera has taught me to focus on the good and a simple adjustment of framing can change the outcome.

I got to walk the halls with “DOGtor” Topsy. She is part of the caring canines who come to visit the hospital. She was a great motivator for walking my laps!

Welcome to NYC! We were greeted with rainy weather, but it still made for some pretty views. NYC is going to be the starting point for getting rid of this cancer!

This beautiful sunrise on our last day in Rhode Island called to me.

Sometimes you just need to hit the road without a plan. Today my family and I traveled from NY to RI and we stopped frequently to enjoy the scenery and surroundings.

We’re in NYC!!! Headed to my appointment at for a second opinion on my treatment options.

Miles & Smiles Photography is on the move!!! The Air Force is moving us to Newport, Rhode Island and I’m so excited to keep up my photography in our new location!!

Courtney on Instagram: "Miles & Smiles Photography is on the move!! I am excited to say my photography services will be available in Rhode Island starting in September!! #milesandsmilesphotography #clickingismylife #familyphotography...

I can't go to the Outer Banks without capturing the sunrise. It never fails to amaze me as I watch those first rays pop up over the Atlantic Ocean. Before the sky got too bright, I also tried to capture the 5 visible planets, but I could only get 4---Saturn was beyond the reach of my lens.

It was so fun watching the phases of the lunar eclipse! I think there needs to be more astrophotography in my future!

A few glimpses into our messy, everyday life! I try to remember to embrace the mess, live in the moment, and find beauty in the little things!

I love nature and wildlife photography--there is so much beauty all around us.

I'm a little biased when I say these are two of the most adorable models ever!!

Sunday night I did paddle boarding yoga! It was something new, but so much fun! I loved being able to feel the breeze and hear the water as we tried to find our balance. Have you tried anything new lately??

Beautiful sky after the rains last night! ❤️

Happy 4th of July!!! Our country has always been ever-growing and ever-changing. I pray we can continue to come together and move forward knowing we may not always agree on everything, but we are all blessed to live in a country which gives us the freedoms to each have our own beliefs. Have a wonderful day, be safe, and God bless! 🇺🇸♥️💙🤍💙♥️🇺🇸

Look who thinks he still fits on the lap!!

Thankful to all those brave men and women who never had their homecoming after answering the call to serve. Our freedom is never free. Prayers for all those who are missing a loved one on this Memorial Day. ❤️🇺🇸❤️

Today I wear gray for ! Not only did she beat breast cancer, she also had to have brain surgery when her body scan revealed a tumor. Chemo, brain surgery, then chemo again-to call her a warrior is an understatement. I’m so thankful she’s not just a warrior, but most importantly a SURVIVOR!

Kisses and cuddles from Trooper!

Sunsets are magical!! This sweet girl had so much fun splashing in the waves while wearing her princess dress!

My “office” this morning! So excited to do a family session at the beach!! ❤️📷❤️.

Looks cute in color too!!! 😍.