Gridiron Grill-Off. As I mentioned in a previous post, I've been working with Dolphin Alumni John Offerdahl to get ready for this amazing charity event that takes place on Friday, November 18, to benefit 4Kids of South Florida. On this particular rainy afternoon, I had the privilege to meet #67 Bob Kuechenberg who holds two Super Bowl rings and was a member of the 1972 undefeated Dolphins under coach Don Shula. Now granted, I was born in 1976, but having grown up in Miami being a Florida native (few and far between these days I know!), I truly have an appreciation for who he is and what the Dolphins have accomplished. In fact, over the past few weeks I've had the chance to meet a number of Dolphin greats that I will be posting over the next couple of weeks on the blog. So for the Gridiron Grill-Off, "Kuech" (as he is lovingly and respectfully referred to) is paired with Chef John Schupbach, the executive chef at the Casablanca Cafe on Ft. Lauderdale Beach. Which by the way if you're looking for a unique and delicious dining experience. Do yourself and favor and go. I've eaten there a number of times and have never been disappointed. The ambiance alone is worth the trip. The restaurant is actually located in what was the first house on Ft. Lauderdale Beach. For more information on the Gridiron Grill-Off or 4Kids of South Florida please check out their websites.
In other studio news, courtney ortiz photography now has a facebook fanpage. I've held out long enough, trying to use a personal account for both, but the time has come. Please "like" us on facebook. Also, check out the wonderful interview of me on the waytutucute.com blog. I'm featured as a "way tutu busy mommy". And ain't that the truth.
till next time,
court
I’m back from a nice, long, well deserved three-day weekend. We’ve been so busy here the last couple of weeks as we prepare for the second annual Gridiron Grill-Off. As I mentioned in a previous post, I’ve been working with Dolphin Alumni John Offerdahl to get ready for this amazing charity event that takes place on Friday, November 18, to benefit 4Kids of South Florida. On this particular rainy afternoon, I had the privilege to meet #67 Bob Kuechenberg who holds two Super Bowl rings and was a member of the 1972 undefeated Dolphins under coach Don Shula. Now granted, I was born in 1976, but having grown up in Miami being a Florida native (few and far between these days I know!), I truly have an appreciation for who he is and what the Dolphins have accomplished. In fact, over the past few weeks I’ve had the chance to meet a number of Dolphin greats that I will be posting over the next couple of weeks on the blog. So for the Gridiron Grill-Off, “Kuech” (as he is lovingly and respectfully referred to) is paired with Chef John Schupbach, the executive chef at the Casablanca Cafe on Ft. Lauderdale Beach. Which by the way if you’re looking for a unique and delicious dining experience. Do yourself and favor and go. I’ve eaten there a number of times and have never been disappointed. The ambiance alone is worth the trip. The restaurant is actually located in what was the first house on Ft. Lauderdale Beach. For more information on the Gridiron Grill-Off or 4Kids of South Florida please check out their websites.
In other studio news, courtney ortiz photography now has a facebook fanpage. I’ve held out long enough, trying to use a personal account for both, but the time has come. Please “like” us on facebook. Also, check out the wonderful interview of me on the waytutucute.com blog. I’m featured as a “way tutu busy mommy“. And ain’t that the truth.
Meet Bryanna. She just turned 16. She loves school and baton twirling. We had an amazing afternoon playing on Hollywood Beach as I photographed her in preparation for her Sweet Sixteen party. I want to give a special thanks to Dori Lynn and the gang over at the Atlantic Sands Beach Suites for giving us a room for a few hours to use as a home base. Looking for a perfect staycation or a great beach get away for guests coming in from out of town? I can’t speak more highly of the Atlantic Sands. Check them out!
Happy Birthday Bryanna!
Till next time,
courtney
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These two sisters came by the studio last weekend. There are no words to describe how gorgeous they both are. So natural and comfortable in front of my camera. Both are getting ready for the South Florida modeling season which takes place between October through April. No doubt these two will be very busy. Can you say “GAP Kids”? I’ve really enjoyed photographing children and families in the home studio this summer. First, it’s been a little bit more of a challenge which is always fun and there’s no summer heat to contend with. But I think what I love most about it, is that the focus of my photography is 100% the kids. The kids’ looks, expressions, personalities really shine through when you’re not dependent on location to add to the photograph’s interest. It’s all about the kids. And to me, that is what being a family and child photographer is all about.
We have one more in studio mini session date for Sunday, September 18 (switched from the original date on 9/17). Email the studio courtney@courtneyortiz.com for more information.
As I had mentioned before in a past blog post, I’ve been fortunate enough to get involved in an amazing charity event hosted by former Miami Dolphin All-Pro linebacker and restauranteur John Offerdahl. For those of you who don’t know, John Offerdahl is now “THE Gridiron Griller” and this year will mark the second annual “Gridiron Grilloff” where celebrity, competition, and charity collide. The Gridiron Grill-Off takes place on Friday, November 18 and proceeds to benefit 4Kids of South Florida. Twenty celebrity teams will face off against each other to see who will take home the honor of becoming the new Gridiron Grill Champion. Over the last couple of weeks and to continue through the month of August, I’ve been working with John to photograph each team prior to the event. The first is team #11 Crash Jim Jensen and Chef Toby Joseph, executive chef at the Riverside Hotel in Ft. Lauderdale. They have an amazing dish in store for the competition. I won’t give anything away, but lucky for me I’ve had the privilege to sample. For more information on the Gridiron Grill-Off or 4Kids of South Florida check out their websites.
Keep checking back as more celebrity teams will be posted!
Feel free to click “like” at the end of this post!
Till next time,
court
As a Florida/Miami native, had to step in for a picture!
The beginning of the school year does mark a milestone in the year. I have a very similar sense of renewal that I do on January 1. This summer was extremely busy both personally and professionally. It was our first summer in our new home. The kids were home with me except for two weeks where they went to camp at their new school. And preparing for a new baby made the juggling of being a small business owner and a mom all the more challenging. On the business side, we shot 5 weddings this summer, had lots of adorable kids in the studio, worked on a huge commercial project (AvMed coming to a bilboard near you!), and have gotten involved in an amazing celebrity charity event (details to come). Now that the kids are back in school I’m able to give the business side of my business much more attention. Which is exciting for me. As the summer season comes to an end, the busy season begins, and I’m ready for it.
So as I mentioned before my kids started school this week. Definitely bitter sweet. I’m looking forward to getting back into a real routine. There’s something about getting up and out early that adds to a feeling of productiveness. I’m also looking forward to focusing more on courtney ortiz photography. But at the same time, the summer flew by so fast. I had in my mind all these great things I wanted to do with my kids all summer, and I just don’t feel like I got to it all. But I guess that’s really just the name of the game. Life gets busy and you have to just go with the flow. So on our way out the door on Wednesday, the first day of school, we made a quick pit stop at the home studio. Not everyone was as thrilled at having their picture taken.
It’s that time of the year again for a Matilda Jane trunk show!!!! Matilda Jane Clothing is my absolute, hands down, favorite clothing line for girls. The clothes are beautiful, unique, and well made. I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I get stopped on the street when my daughter is dressed in her MJC. There’s only one catch. Matilda Jane can only be bought through trunk shows. I am super excited because I am hosting the first South Florida trunk show following the release of their fall line. The trunk show is this Tuesday, August 2 from 10:30-12:30 @ my house in Cooper City. (If you’re interested in attending please message me courtney@courtneyortiz.com and I’ll give you the rest of the details.) Feel free to stop by any time and children are welcome. This is a great opportunity to do some back to school shopping. I’m also offering special photography incentives to those who make a minimum purchase.
So in the spirit of the upcoming fall line, I wanted to share some of my favorite sessions where the kiddos have been dressed in Matilda Jane.
Saying I love these kids would definitely be an understatement. I’ve been lucky enough to shoot their last two birthday parties (see 2011’s here!) and an amazing session back in November (here), and again just a couple of weeks ago. I’ve also been able to get to know their mom this year as all our kiddos went to the same preschool. She’s one of my biggest fans/cheerleaders and for that I’m truly grateful!
Show ’em some love! 15+ blog comments and they receive an 8×10 print! And if you’re really feeling it, click “like” or the facebook icon at the bottom of the post and share these images with all your “friends”.
This is a very special family. Their youngest son was in the same class as Owen this year. The entire family has an amazing spirit and each kid is chock full of their own unique personality. So what better place to have their family photography lifestyle session but on Hollywood Beach. Nothing has more flavor than Hollywood Beach. I had forgotten how much I enjoy shooting there. Hollywood Beach has so much variety in terms of a photography location, far beyond just a typical “beach” shoot. And there is nothing about this family that is “typical.” So it was a perfect fit!
15+ blog comments and the “F” family receive an 8×10 print.
Little Marlow will be 1 next week. As any parent will tell you, the first birthday is always such a huge milestone. So Mom brought the birthday girl to the studio, along with a smash cake that was bigger (and I’m sure weighed more) than she is. I’m looking forward to being the family photographer at her first birthday party this weekend.
You’ll be seeing a lot more “studio” shoots on the blog in the coming days/weeks. We’re expanding our offerings here at courtney ortiz photography by offering a very limited number of studio sessions for the remainder of the year. Feel free to contact us at the studio at courtney@courtneyortiz.com or by phone 954-558-6893 for more information.
15+ blog comments and this little cutie will receive an 8×10 print!
“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 -
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