Hi, I’m Courtney, the founder of Drifters Travel + Photo. I’ve often said that I feel most like myself when I am in a new place with my camera strapped around my neck. I find myself sucked into nothing but the moment at hand, enchanted by how a locale’s mundane moments become extraordinary through a sense of curiosity, wonder, and play. For years, I’ve captured moments for families and couples in my own locale, approaching a planned shoot with the same sense of wonder I take on my travels. How wonderful, though, would it be to capture those same small but magical moments while on the trip of a lifetime in a beautiful destination? After all, an investment in capturing the memories of one trip creates a life time of happy moments reminiscing. More and more studies are showing that an investment in an experience creates happiness for years to come, and with professional photos capturing the colors, lights, excursions, tastes, hugs, and laughter of a trip, you’ll have access to vivid memories for years to come. It is an investment in future happiness.

I am passionate about travel because it has changed my own life. As an avid solo female traveler, it has given me more confidence in my own abilities than any thing else I have ever done. It has continued to indulge my curiosities about new cultures, tastes, sounds, and landscapes. And it always leaves me amazed by the kindness, goodness, and enthusiasm those around the globe have so generously shared with me. I’ve often said we are all so much more similar than different, and if we were all so lucky to travel, the world would be a kinder, gentler place.

I am photographing your story in my own locale, the great city of Chicago; whether it be an intimate, small wedding, a family photoshoot, a personal portrait session, or your love story. I am also ready to capture your story beyond these city limits, too - whether it be an adventurous elopement, or that family trip-of-a-lifetime. I bring the same curiosity, and play into it all.

I started Drifters Travel + Photo so you, too, can experience some of the magic that I have been so fortunate to experience on my own travels. You can put your phones away and relax, knowing that your memories are authentically being captured in a beautiful documentary style way. No need to herd the little ones together to stand still in front of a famous landmark, or to stand in a long line to take the same cookie-cutter photo that every other traveler is also taking. You can experience the world and have it captured in a beautiful, authentic way.

As an avid traveler and one who has done all of my own travel planning, I am also offering travel planning consultancy. I am here to make sure that your desires and needs for a trip are being met. I willl help you research that trip of a lifetime, and guide you through your ideal itinerary. I will be with you on your travel journey from start to finish.

Thank you for joining me on this journey!