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Courtney Bowlden Photography Blog

Photographing classy, timeless, and fun couples around the world. Sharing the details, inspiration, and education with you here. 

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Hi there! Welcome to the blog, a place to share wedding beauty, engagement inspiration, and plenty of photography tips. I'm glad you're here and I hope you'll stick around and check out some of my posts!

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Hello

macarthur place wedding with two women wearing white wedding dresses walking away from the camera

MacArthur Place Wedding | Sonoma Wedding Photographer

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Wedding

Macarthur Place Sonoma Wedding for Thida and Liz

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10 Common Mistakes New Photographers Make and How to Avoid Them

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For Photographers

Mistakes New Photographers Make and How to Avoid Them Starting a photography career is exciting, but it comes with a learning curve, even if you have been in the industry for a while like myself. Many new photographers make mistakes that can slow their growth and impact their success. The good news? These mistakes are […]

seattle backyard engagement session with a man and woman kissing on a dock near water in

5 Reasons Why Engagement Sessions Matter & How to Prepare for Yours

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Proposal

Why Engagement Sessions Are Worth It & How to Prepare for Yours An engagement session is more than just a photo shoot—it’s an opportunity to capture the excitement of this special chapter in your love story. While some couples may wonder if an engagement session is necessary, it comes with incredible benefits that go beyond […]

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How to Market Yourself as a Photographer: A Guide to Growing Your Business

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For Photographers

How to Market Yourself as a Photographer: A Guide to Growing Your Business Marketing yourself as a photographer is essential to attracting clients, growing your brand, and standing out in a competitive industry. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand, having a strong marketing strategy can help you reach the right audience and […]

a bride and groom kissing in lavender fields and vineyards at siren song in lake chelan at their lake chelan wedding

Dreamy Lake Chelan Wedding: Inspired by Lake Como

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Wedding

A beautiful Lake Como inspired wedding in Lake Chelan, Washington.

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Chateau Lill: A Charming Italian Escape in Woodinville

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Wedding

Discover Château Lill, a little slice of Italy in Woodinville, Washington, where romantic vineyards and charming architecture create the perfect getaway.

why you should exist in photos

4 Reasons Why You Should Exist in Photos (Even If You Hate Being in Front of the Camera)

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Headshots

Why You Should Exist in Photos: Embracing Your Presence Recently, I lost my grandfather. In the weeks that followed, our family found ourselves gathered around old photographs and videos, passing phones and albums between us, laughing at memories we had almost forgotten and crying at the sight of his face. I cannot overstate how grateful […]

a man and woman holding hands and walking under trees at chateau lill in woodinville washington

6 Unrealistic Expectations For Your Wedding Photographer

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Wedding

6 Unrealistic Expectations For Your Wedding Photographer (and How to Have Realistic Ones) My sweet friends over at Elegant Affairs inspired me when they wrote about the 10 mistakes couple’s make when planning their wedding. It got me thinking that I should write a similar blog about the things photographers wished their couple’s knew when hiring […]

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