Around here, we believe in slowing down.
In a world that rushes by, The Long Way Home is about choosing the scenic route—the one where the windows are rolled down, the music’s playing low, and you can actually feel the moments as they pass.
This name isn’t just a title. It’s a way of life.
It’s about soaking in the everyday beauty, the chaos and the calm, the perfectly imperfect pieces of your story that make it yours. It’s about remembering that the best parts of life aren’t always the big, flashy ones—they’re the quiet glances, the muddy boots, the kitchen dance parties, the way your little one fits just right in your arms.
As a lifestyle and documentary photographer, I’m not here to pose you into someone you’re not. I’m here to tell your story exactly as it is, because that’s where the magic is.
So if you're the kind of person who finds the sacred in the simple, who believes that love is in the details and that life is worth documenting just as it is—welcome. You’re right where you’re meant to be.
SERVICES
Family & Couples
These sessions are slow, connected, and unrushed. We’ll chase light, follow your kids’ lead, and let the real moments find us.
Starts at $150. Travel fees apply.
Approximately 1 Hour. Adjusted as needed.
Styling Assistance
Location Coordination & Experience Planning
Digital Gallery
Short Digital Film
Portfolio
See My Work
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Barbara & Babies
We spent the afternoon letting the little moments lead the way—bare feet in the grass, shared smiles, quiet snuggles, and the kind of tenderness only a mama can offer.
It was soft and slow and full of light—the kind that shines brightest in the in-between.
These are the stories found along the way.
CONOVERS
Five girls. One mama and daddy full of love. And a connection that runs deep.
This session felt like a front-row seat to something sacred—joy wrapped in chaos, giggles echoing through the trees, and hands held in every direction. The Conovers are the kind of family that reminds you what really matters: faith, togetherness, and soaking in the beauty of the present moment.
Makayla, Cody & Cash
You’d never know it was freezing the day we shot this session. The wind was sharp, the chill was real—but the warmth between these three made it feel like the middle of spring.
Makayla and Cody have this quiet, steady kind of love that wraps around Cash like a second blanket. They laughed, they snuggled in close, and they made every moment feel effortless. Cash ran around with pink cheeks and the biggest grin, totally unbothered by the cold—just happy to be sandwiched between some of his favorite people.
Blog
Behind the scenes, stories and more.
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Behind the Scenes
In the "Behind the Scenes" section of my blog, I invite you to peek into the world of photography like never before. Explore the meticulous planning and spontaneous creativity that fuel my sessions. Every photo has a story and a process, and this blog is dedicated to unveiling the secrets that turn ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. Come along and discover what happens before I hit the shutter!
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Stories
My journey as a photographer has been filled with unforgettable experiences, love, and laughter. I've been fortunate to document the craziest and sweetest stories from my clients, each one more unique than the last. Every click of the camera is like capturing a fragment of time, a story waiting to be told.
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More
I specialize in making your photography experience as seamless as possible. Whether you’re nervous about posing or unsure about what to wear, I’m here to guide you with helpful tips designed to make your session fun and stress-free. With advice on handling those tricky moments with kids, plus creative ways to keep your hands busy, I ensure that the focus remains on capturing the special moments of your life. Let's embark on this journey to create beautiful memories together!
REVIEWS
Clients turned friends
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Makayla, Cody, and Cash- Oh My!
Contact Us
Hi, I'm Courtney Lusk - Your Photographer
I’m not here to capture
perfection. I’m here to tell the truth—the soft, gritty, love-drenched truth of your life.
I’m a mama to three wild kids, a lover of wide‑open skies and late‑summer light, and someone who knows how fast time slips by if you’re not paying attention.
I discovered photography in the midst of motherhood. Between the noise, the chaos, and those quiet, tender moments—I found something sacred in the peace a single photograph can offer.
So my business was born from the belief that photography should always be real, raw, and organic.
Most of my sessions happen at Dogwood Hollow—the name we gave our beloved family property right after moving in, when we confidently (but mistakenly) thought redbuds were dogwoods. Even though true dogwoods are few, the name stuck. Maybe one day we’ll plant a few more.
I love bringing people out here—to stroll winding trails, to sit by the water, and to step away from the everyday for an hour. It’s not just a stunning backdrop—it’s a gentle pause from reality.