Sherman TX Blog and Tips | Courtney Mitchell Photography

A brick wall with a gallery of framed family portraits, including children and adults.

More Than Just Pictures: What It Means to Create Finished Portrait Artwork

June 16, 2026

Most people think photography ends when the camera is put away. You schedule a session, smile for the camera, receive a gallery, and then try to figure out what comes next.But your portraits deserve more than sitting forgotten on a phone or hard drive.At Courtney Mitchell Photography, every step is intentionally designed with the finished piece in mind. Starting With the End in Mind Creating meaningful portraits starts long before the camera comes out. Before we talk about locations, ...

Courtney Mitchell posing inside her Sherman, TX portrait studio in front of fine art wall portraits, reflecting the artistic and editorial style of Courtney Mitchell Photography.

The Evolution of a Portrait Artist

May 27, 2026

Stepping in Front of the CameraThere’s something a little strange about being the person who is always behind the camera and then suddenly stepping in front of it yourself.After a season of growth, creativity, and refining the direction of Courtney Mitchell Photography, I knew it was finally time to update my own branding portraits. I wanted images that felt like the studio, the art I create, and the season of business I’m stepping into.So I called someone I deeply trust, my friend ...

Woman in a white top and jeans leans against a wall with colorful light reflections.

The Work You Don’t See (But Always Feel in the Final Image)

April 21, 2026

A Day Set Aside to CreateEvery once in a while, you need space to create without expectation.No timeline. No pressure. Just the freedom to explore.I recently spent the day in Plano, Texas with fellow photographer Melissa Vaughan doing exactly that. While my studio is based in Sherman, Texas, I always love the opportunity to collaborate. No shot list, just light, color, and the willingness to see where it would take us.Playing with Light, Color, and TextureThis session became a study in ...

High School Senior ballet dancer in a black tutu, posing gracefully against a dark background.

Once-in-a-Lifetime Senior Portrait Experiences at Courtney Mitchell Photography

February 19, 2026

Refreshed Senior Portrait Experiences at Courtney Mitchell PhotographySenior year is such a meaningful season, for both students and parents. It marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, and senior portraits should feel just as intentional as the milestone itself.Over the past few weeks, I’ve spent time refining and simplifying the senior portrait experiences offered here at Courtney Mitchell Photography so families can more easily choose the session that fits their ...

Exposed brick wall with construction materials covered in plastic sheeting on a wooden floor.

A Fresh Look at the Studio in Downtown Sherman

February 10, 2026

A Fresh Look at the StudioIf you’ve driven through downtown Sherman recently or visited the studio, you may have noticed a few changes around here. Over the past several weeks, I’ve been giving the studio a little refresh, both inside and online. A Little Behind the ScenesSometimes a creative space just needs a reset, especially when it lives inside a historic building that has been standing for well over a century. With age comes character, charm, and occasionally a little ...

Portrait of a family of four on a brown background, displayed above a modern console with plants and a lamp.

Why Printed Portraits Still Matter in a Digital World

January 3, 2026

We live in a world where photos are everywhere. They live on our phones, in cloud storage, and buried somewhere in camera rolls that keep growing by the day. And yet, the images that matter most are often the easiest to forget. As a professional photographer serving Sherman, Texas and the Texoma area for over 15 years, I’ve seen this firsthand. The portraits that become family treasures are not the ones saved to a device. They are the ones printed, displayed, held, and passed down. ...

A modern living room with a white sofa, pillows, floor lamp, and a family portrait on the wall.

Top 5 Printed Photo Gifts for Christmas

November 14, 2025

As the holiday season rolls in, there’s nothing more meaningful than giving a gift that tells a story. In a world filled with gadgets and gift cards, printed portraits stand out because they’re personal, heartfelt, and made to last for generations.If you’re looking for the perfect Christmas gifts for parents, grandparents, adult kids, or anyone who appreciates something sentimental, here are the Top 5 Printed Photo Gifts available at Courtney Mitchell Photography, each one ...

Family group posing in casual attire against a brown backdrop, featuring adults and children.

Gather Together: Why November Is the Perfect Time for Extended Family Portraits

October 13, 2025

As the holidays approach and families start planning their gatherings, November offers something extra special, the rare gift of everyone being home. It’s the perfect time to bring multiple generations together for a portrait session that celebrates the people who mean the most.At Courtney Mitchell Photography, we believe in creating timeless portraits that last for generations, and there’s no better time than the holidays to make it happen.Why Extended Family Portraits MatterIn ...

Why a Professional Headshot Still Matters and Why It's Not Just a Photo, It's Your First Impression

July 22, 2025

Let’s be honest. We all know what it’s like to scroll past a profile picture that just doesn’t land. Maybe it’s a selfie with strange lighting, an outdated photo from a decade ago, or a blurry crop from your cousin’s wedding. It happens, but it doesn’t have to.In a world that’s more connected (and competitive) than ever, your headshot isn’t just nice to have, it’s your digital handshake. It’s what people see before they meet you, read ...

Smiling little girl standing with hands on her hips next to a large hot pink balloon dog with a silver balloon collar on a white backdrop.

Dog Days of Summer Limited Edition Sessions – Now Booking in Sherman, TX

July 7, 2025

Fun, Colorful Portraits with a Playful TwistLooking for a unique way to capture your kids this summer? Our Dog Days of Summer Limited Edition Sessions are now open for booking! These fun-filled, 30-minute studio sessions are perfect for children, siblings, or anyone young at heart—and they’re only available for a short time at Courtney Mitchell Photography in Sherman, TX.Featuring a bold backdrop and our oversized colorful balloon animal dog prop, these summer portrait sessions ...