I have been shooting covers for the Hollywood Gazette for the past 4 years. My first cover was May 2010 and I was lucky enough to use my sister as my cover model. I love being a part of a monthly magazine that showcases my hometown community. And I love it even more when I can meld together personal work with professional. When it came time to shoot the August cover, I was given one direction by the Gazette’s editor in chief, Jennifer Sandomir, “Back to school”. Perfect! I had been wanting to do a “back to school” inspired shoot using my girls. Anything with a “theme” is completely out of my comfort zone. I couldn’t wait to flex my creative muscle a bit. So I called up my girl Alissa and we were able to check off a week of our “One Shoot a Week” personal project. Alissa set it up at her house, dressed our girls in both vintage and original pieces created by her (under her children’s line 5 Stitches), and we just let the girls play school.
The Hollywood Gazette is a free monthly magazine. Make sure you pick up a copy to check which adorable image made the cover.
See you soon,
court
The embellished overalls are an original 5 Stitches design. Isn’t it to die for???!!!!
Barre Motion is a barre fitness studio located on South Beach, that just opened it’s doors this June. I worked collaboratively with the team at Fred Marketing, starting when Barre Motion was nothing but a logo. Custom photography was a priority during the entire branding process. Super creative experience. Candace at Fred Marketing has a talented team behind her. Together we produced two commercial shoots. The first was in Barre Motion’s infancy, just a logo on paper, and an empty shell of a studio. The images we shot that day are really what fueled the future direction and tone for Barre Motion’s branding and marketing efforts. They carry through the website to the design of the studio itself.
So…welcome to Barre Motion. Julie, the founder and creator of Barre Motion, “holds a Master of Science and Ph.D. in Human Factors Engineering.” She’s a genius AND can get your booty into shape. Take a look around the studio and make sure you get in for a class.
Looking to provide your business with stellar images? Let’s collaborate.
Prepping for your upcoming professional portrait shoot can be overwhelming especially when it comes to wardrobe. Today’s words of wisdom come from Tonya Seavers Evans. Tonya is a Miami based image consultant with a passion for teaching individuals how to develop a Professional style to marry with a powerful message. She has lots of fabulous information and insight on her website Style Strategist. (stylestrategist.com)
Here are Tonya’s six tips for being and feeling “camera ready” for your professional portrait session.
1. Stay away from large patterns or prints.
2. Bring shirts with a least two different type of collars. Collars will translate differently based on how the photo is cropped.
3. In general keep jewelry to a minimum. Oversized jewelry will distract from the focus- your beautiful face!!
4. Choose a color that compliments your skin, hair, and eyes. Choosing a color that accentuates your skin tone is always a good idea. Hold the item near your face to ensure it gives you a vibrant and healthy glow.
5. Choose simple, classic tops. They will look more sophisticated and give the photo a longer shelf life.
6. Wear shoes you love! Even though you shoes won’t be seen, wear shoes that make you feel comfortable and confident which will translate on camera .
I’m super excited to introduce to you fellow Femfessionals and Junior League of Greater Ft Lauderdale member Jordana Faine- Siadman MSPT for this week’s featured small business owner. Jordana, is a Florida Licensed Physical Therapist, who loves caring for her patients, clients and guiding families. She has always enjoyed sports and fitness (she is a bit of tomboy) and founded Fitness Made Fun Inc. to help others find the “fun” in Fitness.
Jordana’s unique approach to treatment has gained her many fans. She is not only a licensed physical therapist with a master’s degree from Boston University, a licensed swim instructor with certification in special needs, has training in hippo-therapy (horse therapy), training as a C.H.E.K holistic lifestyle coach and a wellness educator. In her work with patients and families she combines all of these skill-sets to offer a unique, holistic approach to treatment that goes beyond traditional therapy.
After High school, Jordana was accepted into the accelerated five year masters program at the Boston University. She graduated with a degree in health sciences and a masters of science of physical therapy. She also expanded her studies with an internship at northern London Hospital.
In addition to her dedication to her profession, Jordana is a proud wife and mom of two girls. She can also be found giving her time to community awareness and charitable causes, such as 100 mile charity bike ride for cancer or wine fundraising happy hour.
This has been a really amazing summer here at the studio. We’ve been steadily busy for what is traditionally a slower time of the year. I feel like I’ve just blinked and now we’re already talking about the beginning of the school year. Well if you’re looking for stylish new back to school fashions for your little boy or girl, you have to make a stop at L&L Tiny Treasures in downtown Hollywood. Rita has an amazing selection of boutique clothing, accessories, and jewelry. She also has a small inventory of extremely high end kids’ consignment. (I did score a brand new with tags Lily Pulitzer outfit for my little baby Charlotte! FTW!) Visit L&L Tiny Treasures at 200o Harrison St. in downtown Hollywood, 33020. (“Like” them on facebook)
This gorgeous yellow school bus was built and designed by me. I wanted something big, bold, graphic, and absolutely hand made. It’s available now in the studio if you’d like to come and play!
The Gilded Revolution, a hip and up and coming travel accessories company, is revolutionizing travel in an emerging market by adapting to restrictions with panache. The high end travel accessories that they offer will make you feel like your riding in first class when you’re really sitting in coach. You might first remember seeing this threesome on the blog here.
The Gilded Revolution or G-Rev is introducing their new convertible dress. It’s a small, lightweight, wrinkle free, amazing dress that can be worn a million and one different ways. It has lots of versatility and style and can fit into a carryon. Because who really wants to pay the per bag fee anymore? The convertible dress is also perfect for bridesmaids traveling to a destination wedding.
Studio News:
Don’t forget to schedule your Holiday Studio Session. 2010 holiday cards were just unveiled. Click here to see what we have to offer this year.
This Wednesday, the 13th, from 10-12 we’re hosting a Matilda Jane Clothing trunk show. Matilda Jane has just launched their 2010 holiday line. This exclusive clothing line for girls is only available through trunk shows. Don’t miss out on this opportunity. Stop by for coffee, bagels, and fabulous shopping.
Lots going on at courtney ortiz photography this summer. Super excited about my new relationship with waytutucute.com. We just completed our first ever model search and photo session.
Also, courtney ortiz photography and the Haircut Hangout (become a fan on facebook) are sponsoring a “Back to School” school supply drive for the month of August. If you’re coming in for a back to school haircut or for a “studio session” please remember those less fortunate and bring in assorted school supplies to benefit the kids at Kids in Distress.
Mark your calendars for the Matilda Jane Clothing trunk show/Open House, on Thursday, August 19 from 12-6pm. Stop by for refreshments and to check out the latest fall fashions from Matilda Jane. If you aren’t familiar with Matilda Jane Clothing, please take a minute to check out their website. MJC is by far, one of the most unique and beautiful clothing lines out there for little girls. And are ONLY available through trunk shows! Perfect for back to school!!!! It’s also an opportunity to check out the latest courtney ortiz photography studio products. New holiday card designs will be featured! School supplies will be collected that day as well. Bring in a donation of school supplies and you’ll be entered in a raffle, featuring prizes from courtney ortiz photography and The Haircut Hangout.
This little girl came by to visit me at the studio the other day!!! I took the opportunity to photograph her in some other gorgeous waytutucute.com products.
Found these amazing camera-eye viewer thingies at Genius Jones. They had four different models. I bought them all. Expect to see more of them in the future.
I am so excited to post these images, and unfortunately I can only post a few. Waytutucute.com and courtney ortiz photography have worked together over the past couple of weeks to plan and put together our first ever model search and shoot. Ten finalists were chosen and photographed in some of the hottest looks available at waytutucute.com. Out of the 10 finalists photographed, one will be the waytutucute.com Cover Girl, although all the images will be used on the online boutique’s website and promotional materials.
I want to give a special thanks to the Atlantic Sands Beach Suites on Hollywood Beach for hosting the event!
Courtney Ortiz Photography along with the Hollywood Gazette is holding another cover contest for it’s July cover. Tuesday, June 22 (sorry for the short notice!) from 6:30-8:00 pm on Hollywood Beach at Fillmore Street. We’re looking for families that are ready to build sand castles together and swim in the sea. In other words…come beach ready! The winning family will have their picture on the July cover of the Hollywood Gazette and receive a 16×20 enlargement of the winning image.
The Hollywood Gazette is a locally owned and operated monthly magazine. Have it sent directly to your house. The subscription is FREE!!!! Click here to subscribe now!
Of course I can’t announce the second cover contest without posting images from the first! We had a wonderful morning at the Hollywood Arts Park. I sincere “thank you” to all who came out to play with us that day! It’s because the first one was such a success that we’re having it again! If you have any questions regarding tomorrow’s cover contest email courtney@courtneyortiz.com.
The winning image……
A few of my favorite images of the day! Hope to see you all out tomorrow!
If you haven’t seen the newest issue of the Hollywood Gazette, I highly recommend you check it out. The Hollywood Gazette is a FREE monthly magazine that is meant to empower, inspire, and connect our community. You can pick it up at various locations around town, or you can subscribe and have it sent to your house for FREE. Click here for your free subscription. I’m super excited to now be a part of such a well respected publication. I am the new cover photographer!!! We are also highlighting a family of the month. The “Family of the Month” for May is The Kapits. If you’re interested in becoming “Family of the Month” stop on by my studio which is located inside the Haircut Hangout (118 S. 20th Avenue) and enter to win. One family will be drawn monthly. The winning family receives a complimentary studio session, a 16×20 mounted print, and their photo in Hollywood Gazette.
Congratulations Kapit Family!! Your enlargement, which looks fabulous in the window of my studio, will look even better once its hanging on your wall!
“Her work is distinct and holds a special place in our home.”- Marcy Hirsch -
“Courtney's photographs had a huge impact on NCLR and helped us raise over $1 million in December 2014. Her work is beautiful and engaging and shows the central goal of the fight for marriage equality -love."”- Ace Portis, Major Gifts Officer, NCLR -
“Courtney truly captured the uniqueness of our family and created beautiful, original works of art that we will treasure always.”- Darlene Giol -
