Nothing is as fulfilling as being able to photograph my best friend and her family. We’ve been friends since we were 9, in fourth grade. We’ve grown up together and now our children are growing up together. I’m a lucky lucky girl!
I know this has been done before, but I still love it!
This was a session that I had been looking forward to for a long time. Mom and I had been in talks, over the last few months of her pregnancy, about the possibility capturing the birth of her second child, a boy. I really really really wanted to do it. Having had two children myself, I really wanted to be able observe and see what it was like on the other side. But I was going to be away around the time of her due date, so we just weren’t sure if it was going to work out. Well I got back from my trip…no baby. She had her baby, Hunter, the very next day. Unfortunately when my phone rang at 1:15 am on the other side of the house, I didn’t hear it ring. When I called her at 7:00 that morning, she had already had the baby! Which really was a good thing. That means the labor was quick. Quick deliveries are always a good thing. So I made it there that afternoon. 12 hours after baby Hunter was born. Mom, Dad, and baby were still in their delivery room. They hadn’t been moved to their permanent room yet. So without further delay, introducing Baby Hunter. He was 12 hours old and in the room he was born in.
Ok, so last week I took my first trip away from my kiddos and hubby. I got on a plane Monday morning, 9/14 and headed to Chateau Elan outside of Atlanta to attend the third and I think final Learnfest!! “What is Learnfest?” you might be asking yourself. Well let me tell you, its a three day photography/business workshop taught by 4 of the portrait and wedding photography industry leaders; Lena Hyde, Audrey Woulard, Tamara Lackey, and Laura Novak. (click on their links and be inspired!) These woman are great photographers! But they all are where they are today because they are even greater BUSINESS woman. Amazing and brilliant business woman! Without wanting to sound to corny, I am a changed woman. Tomorrow will be a week since I returned home, and I truly feel like things are full speed ahead, where as two weeks ago I was barely going the speed limit. I think there are alot of exciting things ahead for Courtney Ortiz Photography, so stay tuned. In the meantine, let me share some the images I captured while on “vacay”. Unfortunately the weather was AWFUL the entire time I was there. So the plans I had for early morning walks in the vineyard had to be scrapped.
Laura, Lena, Tamara, and Audrey at the first night’s wine tasting reception.
Day One:
I was in Blue Group. We were divided into 4 groups, I think according to our length in business. Everyone wanted to be in blue group, which made me feel like one of the cool kids. I guess this just meant that we had been in business the longest! (2 years baybee!!!!!!) Morning session was with Lena Hyde. “Oh my god!” is all I can say, because really, there are no words. My biggest inspiration and motivation. I hope one day to take her out for a drink!
Session 2 with Tamara Lackey. We got to get out and shoot with models, although she did discuss business as well. I really enjoyed watching her interact with the kids. She’s great with them! I had fun watching her shoot. Full of energy, and completely sincere! The kids could totally see that and really responded to her!
When Tamara wanted to make something happen, she made sure her subject had no questions! 🙂
Day Two:
Morning session was with Audrey. Now I had met Audrey a year ago at a workshop held at her natural light studio loft in Chicago, so the two of us are “like this” (fingers crossed). We have a shared love of Louboutin shoes and Vuitton bags. We shot models. The second session was with Laura Novack. I can sit back now, a week later, think about her presenation, her business model, her passion, and ideas and be just as blown away as I was 7 days ago. “Little Nest” google it! BRILLIANT!
I’m a terrible blogger. I obviously let my “photo a day” ball drop after day 6. I have so much to blog and share! I left my kids for the first time last week and attended the most unbelievable photography workshop/conference; Learnfest. I’ve been so busy revamping my business policies and marketing “stuff” that I haven’t been able to blog some of the photographs that I took while on that trip. So here in the meantime are three pictures I found of Owen. I took them this summer. He’s beautiful and wonderful and I couldn’t ask for anything more!
Well I have about an hour and 20 left in the day to make my photo of the day post. The following photos weren’t actually taken today. Just going through some files. These were taken maybe a week ago. So they’re not that old. Anyway, it was just early one morning. I love the way the light shines through the front door when its open.
He actually asked me to take his picture for his one! 
We took a short road trip to our Aunt Lyna’s blueberry farm, Lyna Berry Farms, back in July! We thought it would be fun to take some time and do a little shoot out in the fields. I’ve been really wanting to take photos out in her blueberry fields. Picking takes place from the end of March through to May. At the end of the season, she opens up her fields for u-pick. I might have to plan a day of mini-sessions!! Any takers?????
So these are my two sisters…….Chelsey will be 22 tomorrow! My blog readers are going to help determine what Chelsey gets for her birthday. If 25 people leave a comment in the blog comments she’ll get a $25 gift card to the store of her choice. If 50 people….$50……and so on. The total $$ amount will be capped at $100! Time begins now and ends at midnight, September 11 (tomorrow night!)
Happy Birthday!
Wow, four days in a row!!! I don’t want to jinx myself!
I know this guy needs no introduction!!
At what age do these delicious rolls start to become not so delicious?? But for now, I savor every ounce!
