Heart Gallery of Broward | Ft. Lauderdale Family Photographer

Yesterday was a momentous day for the Heart Gallery of Broward.  They celebrated their 100 and 101st adoptions.  The Heart Gallery is photography exhibit of children that are available for adoption.  All portraits are taken by volunteer professional photographers.  I’ve had the honor and privilege of being a photographer for the Heart Gallery of Broward for the past 4 years, and this year I sit on the board of directors for the Florida Association of Heart Galleries.  Every child that is available for adoption in the state of Florida has a picture in a database online for prospective adoptive parents.  For most children, this picture is taken by a social worker with a cell phone.  Children that are photographed for the Heart Gallery have their professional portrait in the database rather than a government issued cell phone picture.  I don’t have to tell you the difference between the quality of an image taken by a cell phone and an image taken by a professional photographer.  The difference is profound.  As much as are taught not to judge a book by it’s cover, we also know that first impressions are everything.  And for many prospective adoptive parents, its the initial photograph of the child that is the main attraction.  The entire existence of the Heart Gallery is based on the power of photography.  A picture says a thousand words, and for parents who first see their future child  in the Heart Gallery I can’t even begin to imagine what that portrait says to them.  There are Heart Galleries all across the United States.  Each Heart Gallery is independent yet all with the same goal – To find forever families for children.  Out of all the organizations and charitable groups to get involved in, what is more important that finding homes for children??!!  I urge every photographer to explore their local Heart Gallery and get involved.  It takes so little of your time, and yet can make such a profound difference in the life of a child.  I’ve been fortunate to have four children that  I’ve photographed for the Heart Gallery be adopted.  One of which I attended and photographed the adoption proceedings.  Besides giving birth to my own children, it was one of the most emotional and happiest days of my life.  You can see images from that amazing day here.

This next family really speaks to my heart.  These parents have been champions in the fight for same sex couples to have the right to adopt.  Love is love, and this family is bursting with it.

See you soon,

court

courtney ortiz photography

modern family photography