my story
I was born and raised in the suburbs of Buffalo, New York, always cheering for the Buffalo Bills (and occasionally Pittsburgh Steelers) on Sundays. I was heavily involved in school activities and school sports, such as student council, track and field, and cheerleading. So, I know a thing or two about having joy and spirit.
I have always had an increased love and passion for creating art, whether that was with my big bin of miscellaneous markers or even a camera at a young age- I always loved to create. Photography is an art within itself which is why I heavily adore what I do as a career and the lives I touch.
As a photographer, I view my work and how I serve others through an outside point of view. I feel the emotions alongside you and I long for capturing the in-between moments with the prompted ones. I'm not a huge poser, although I will assist, but I would rather have my clients feel as comfortable and as natural to their true selves as possible in their photos. Each session and wedding day is unique in their own ways, which is why they should be captured to feel in that exact moment for eternity.
Let’s just say Courtney Broska Photography started like Apple. But instead of a garage, it was a bedroom, a big dream, and a camera in the hands of a teenager determined to make something meaningful.
I’ve known I wanted to be a photographer for as long as I can remember. In fact, I gave a full eighth-grade presentation about it while everyone else was talking about becoming neurosurgeons or chasing six-figure careers that came with six-figure debt. Not exactly my thing.
That summer, in August 2019, I created an Instagram account “just for fun” to share my love for photography. What started as a creative outlet quickly became a daily passion. I was posting, experimenting, and learning non-stop... and then the pandemic hit.
During lockdown, my mom and I would drive around Buffalo (me in the passenger seat with camera in hand), photographing city skylines, sunsets, and hidden gems around Western New York. Back then I swore I’d never be a portrait photographer. I told myself I just wanted to capture landscapes. Spoiler alert: I was very wrong. What began as a hobby turned into recognition, then opportunities, and before I knew it, my first paid session came in July 2020 (masked up, of course). From there, things took off fast. By early 2021, I photographed my first wedding and realized how much I loved documenting real stories, emotions, and people.
What started as a side passion became my full-time business before I even graduated high school and fast forward to today — I’m a full-time lifestyle and wedding photographer traveling across the country multiple times a year, capturing stories in new places and living the dream I once talked about in that eighth-grade classroom.
Did I think I’d be here this soon? Not at all. But I also never doubted it could happen. When you lead with passion, heart, and a camera, the possibilities are truly endless.
Do we sound like a perfect match? Learn more about the experience
Here to capture your life's little moments.
Photography, duh!
favorite movie:
dream job:
Anywhere
Dream destination:
Every color
favorite color(s):
The Office
Cars
Favorite tv show:
buffalo bills
buffalo bills
Winter
Summer
Pizza
Sushi
travel
stay home
starbucks
tim hortons
Did you know that Courtney Broska Photography has a built in second photographer?
Meet Eric! If booking a wedding package with two photographers, you will see Eric of Courtney Broska Photography. Since 2022, Eric has been working in the wedding industry alongside Courtney, grabbing the essential detail shots and capturing extra magic.
Eric's favorite things are vinyl records (specifically from the '70s and '80s), golden retrievers, and exploring new places. His favorite part about wedding days are the end of the night when we can get loose a little and dance with everyone on the dance floor. Eric is also Courtney Broska Photography's film expert!
Travel expenses are additional to all session, wedding, and elopement packages for locations more than 40 miles roundtrip from my base. A mileage fee will be applied for any distance traveled beyond this 40-mile threshold.
For locations over 150 miles roundtrip, lodging and potential airfare will also be necessary, and these costs will be charged separately from the chosen package.
Yes! I offer mini sessions year-round, starting at $185. Each session includes one location, one outfit, up to 20 minutes of shooting time, a full high-resolution gallery, personal printing rights, and access to a professional print shop.
In addition to the year-round mini sessions, I also host themed mini sessions throughout the year (like Fall Minis in autumn and Valentine's Minis in winter). To stay updated on these styled mini sessions, be sure to follow Courtney Broska Photography on Instagram and Facebook!
To ensure you have the best experience, I recommend booking your session 6-8 weeks in advance, and as soon as you have your wedding or elopement date. If you’re planning during peak season (May-October), it’s especially important to inquire early to secure your preferred date!
To officially reserve your spot, I need a signed contract and a retainer payment, usually 50% of the session package cost. For weddings and elopements, this will depend on the chosen package. If the proposed payment plan doesn’t work for you, I’m more than happy to provide customized options.
My turnaround time for sessions is up to 4 weeks, especially during busy periods. For weddings and elopements, the maximum turnaround is 3 months.
Well duh, of course you can! I am a lover of all things fluffy and cute. Although I love all animals, I am not fond of anything that is slimy and slithery. You can bring your goldfish, that's cool with me. But if you want to bring your pet 🐍, I will sadly have to refer you to someone else!
I ask that if you're interested in bringing your pet to please contact me before doing so.
Absolutely! I’d be thrilled to capture your most genuine, candid moments—it's my goal with every client. If you think you, your child(ren), or your partner would feel more at ease in your own space, let’s make it happen! Just a well-lit room or window area and plenty of love is all I need.
If you prefer to take photos outdoors instead of inside your home, that’s perfectly fine too!
Baby, let the games begin-
Inquire now using the link below.
I can't wait to work with you!