Photography has organically woven itself into the culture of camp. Twice a day, in the morning and evening, around the flagpole, just a few minutes is set aside for “sibling pics”. They are my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE times of the day to photograph and I took ownership. Fresh faces, the smiles, the light… perfect combination, and 9 times out of ten my own three kids we’re in the line waiting their turn. Now usually it takes large bribes and maybe even some tears to get them to cooperate with me for photographs, but during the summer at camp, in the spirit of tradition, they joyfully and eagerly oblige for a photograph. Sometimes even twice a day.
This is a different summer for sure. Camp didn’t go on as planned, but I’m grateful for the 10 days I spent at camp with my kids. During the summer, each of our experiences are very different. Coming together and sharing a camp experience is incredible. No words really.
And in the spirit of camp they happily obliged me a sunset sibling pic almost every night.
Have you ever seen two more handsome brothers? Truman & Beckett brought their “A” game to their custom portrait session. Big brother Truman is making the move to Upper School at Pinecrest and I’m so happy to be included in the celebration.
Custom portrait sessions are available. Let’s chat about it.
Owen spent the first two weeks of quarantine in an arm cast due to a skateboarding accident and somewhere in between now and then Charlotte broke her ankle and wore a hot pink cast for two weeks. Cast is already off. Way too much time spent in doctor’s offices during this pandemic, grateful none of it Covid related. Fingers crossed the next time I walk into the pediatrician’s office is to pick up our health forms on the way up to Camp Starlight. Sleepaway camp or bust!!
I took these portraits of Charlotte right after her cast was put on, while it was still clean. I only had to bribe her with a seven dollar Disney Doorables toy from Amazon. Truth be told I would’ve paid more. And of course, any excuse to show off my quarantine DIY project:hand stenciled carport/patio. Stencil by Royal Design Stencils.
I’m excited to share this favorite “senior portrait” session at my Downtown Hollywood natural light portrait studio and on the rooftop of one of my favorite parking garages. Sunset portrait sessions on the roof of the parking garage are a FAVORITE! The modern simplicity of the portraits are timeless, which is always a goal. (notice her “2018” tassel)
We are in the thick of graduation season. The virtual graduation pictures are a nice addition to social media. From pre-k to Graduation school: the event looks different, but the pride, joy and celebration lives on.
Family or “graduation” Portraits are perfect to commemorate this occasion. (And Moms if you have all your kids under one roof, you can definitely get a jump start on a holiday card).
Starting Monday, May 18, I will begin scheduling custom family portrait sessions within the tri-county area (Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach). All portrait sessions will be coordinated with your health, safety and comfort in mind.
I look forward to collaborating and creating once again.
I’m two days late with my official Star Wars “May the Fourth be with you” post. The studio website is just recovering from it’s own bout of “coronavirus” – Malware! The Courtney Studios website was infected with malware and after a week of back and forths between Bluehost (my hosting company) and SiteLock (my new security company) we are back in business. I did send out a Studio Newsletter last week, you can read that here.
We are in week WHATEVER of quarantine, and I’m trying to take the time to create and be creative on the daily. Some days are easier than others, and some days it doesn’t happen at all. Let’s face it, my kids aren’t as cute and cooperative as they were when they were toddlers. The days of cute candid images of my kids playing are OVER. Sometimes is takes serious bribery, and I’m not ashamed to pay their price.
However, on May the Fourth (be with you) Charlotte, 8, was a willing participant and gave me a few minutes to photograph her in this custom Princess Leia inspired costume. She wore it proudly ALL DAY .
To see more of my personal antics at home, I’d love it if you took a minute to follow me personally on instagram @courtneyortiz and while you’re at it, make sure you’re staying current with studio @courtneystudios.
As soon as non-essential business is given the green light to open, I will create art with you again.
The Exceptional Theater Company’s (ETC) Annual Spaghetti Dinner and Show was AMAZING. This year’s production of Wizard of Oz did not disappoint. ETC is a theater program for teens and adults with special needs, with locations throughout Broward County. The theater experience for the actors allows them to be the best, confident versions of themselves, and its beautiful.
Owen let me know that he needed an updated headshot for his YouTube Channel. (Show him some love!) Of course I was more than happy to oblige. My camera and creative muscle have been collecting dust since quarantine.
Give me all the sunset photoshoots. We spent 5 minutes outside. It was perfect. Grateful for these moments and grateful that he still trusts me to take his picture.
I look forward to stunning sunset family portrait sessions in the near future.
February 24, 2020 was the last time I attended a Bloom meeting at Fort Lauderdale High School. Bloom is an after school, student-led program that meets on Mondays, that is until Coronavirus came to town. These after school Bloom meetings hosted and sponsored by Taylor’s Closet create a safe space for girls to feel loved, share their stories, and realize how special they are.
During these crazy times Taylor’s Closet has taken Bloom online with Bloom at Home. Bloom at Home is an online iteration of the after-school club. Updated every few days, their online portal is an opportunity for the community of teenage girls in South Florida to stay connected and be encouraged during this uncertain time.
What’s totally amazing is that Bloom at Home is available to EVERYONE! Does your teenager need a pick-me-up? To sign up for Bloom at Home text JOIN to (844) 207-1036. Every week your teenager will receive a few texts with a link to inspirational messages and fun activities for them to do at home.
Do you know of a non-profit that could benefit from custom photography to tell their story? Send me a message. I’d love to know more about them.
I met Violette de Ayala, founder of FemCity when I first ventured into the world of networking in 2012. The connections and relationships I built through FemCity are strong today. Much of the growth of Courtney Studios is a direct result of the support of the other FemCity members. FemCity is more than your traditional “shake hands and here’s my card” business networking group. FemCity is a Members-Only Organization infused with gratitude, positivity, purpose and soul. Members connect through local gatherings, and an online community.
Sorry guys, it’s girls only.
FemCity is a great online resource to connect with other women entrepreneurs during this time of Covid19. Check it out.
Violette, her support and friendship, is one of my biggest FemCity takeaways. She’s always up for a collaboration and getting together to update her professional headshots is always a good time.
PODCAST REC!!!!! If you’re looking for a smart and fun Podcast to add to your library definitely give “Gurl, You Are Not Alone” a listen. Gurl, You Are Not Alone is hosted by my dear friend Tonya Seavers Evans. I’ve known Tonya for 8 years. We met at FemCity networking events as bushy bright eyed entrepreneurs. Tonya is smart and classic and collaborating with her on new custom brand photography was a dream. We completed 7 different looks in our full day together, and truly created a comprehensive image library that showcases Tonya’s brand.
“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 -
