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.
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 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.
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.
It’s a crazy world out there folks. In times like these curling up on the couch with your littles and taking comfort in a good book is the perfect medicine.
Meet Lauren Bercuson. Lauren, a media specialist is passionate about children’s literature. It was with this passion that she founded Happily Ever Elephants . a blog dedicated to Children’s Literature. Lauren has curated lists of children’s literature titles to teach and explain certain topics/themes and these can all be found on her blog.
Want to talk to your kids about feelings? Lauren’s got a list of books for that.
Want to talk to your kids about gratitude? Lauren’s got a list of books for that too.
In these uncertain times, a book can explain complicated issues to kids better that I certainly can. Now would be a great time to check out Lauren’s list of books about Hygiene as well as her list of resources for parents on “virtual learning.” Which is quickly becoming a reality for us with school aged kids.
I had the pleasure of collaborating with Lauren on new branded photography for the Happily Ever Elephants website, marketing and social media. If you’d like to see more from Lauren’s branding session click here.
I started Courtney Studios in 2007 dedicated to creating a custom family portrait experience with the end result being beautiful portrait art; tangible prints and frames to touch and feel. Portraits that would “make your heart skip a beat and take your breath away every time you walked into a room.” I wanted to cover my home with custom family portraits of my own children, didn’t everyone else??!! Well, yes they did and do, but as time and technology marched on, digital files are becoming a “want” of my clients. I’ve heard you and I’m listening. I resisted for as long as I could and I’m happy to now offer digital files as part of my Custom Family Portrait packages. My passion still lies in designing and creating portrait art to hang and enjoy, but now offer three portrait packages each including digital files.
Your edited, high resolution digital files will be presented in this beautiful acrylic USB by Design Aglow.
This past Saturday, February 8 was the 6th Annual I EXTRA Love You Portrait Day. I EXTRA Love You is a portrait exhibit that showcases all that is EXTRA unique in people with Down Syndrome. This year’s exhibit will be on display starting Saturday, March 21 at Art Serve in Fort Lauderdale, on World Down Syndrome Day.
I’m grateful for the day my friend Daniela came to me with this “great idea” she had. Daniela was 10 when her brother Alex was born with Down Syndrome. Alex, now 20, is a yoga instructor and and shares his love of yoga with people of all ages and abilities. Daniela is an advocate for her brother and the Down Syndrome community as a whole, and I’m proud to collaborate and bring her vision to life. A vision that started with 25 people and over the past 6 years has grown to the 60 people who participated in Saturday’s portrait day.
I hope you will join us at the exhibit opening, Saturday, March 21. More info to come. Perfect for the whole family.
I photographed Brooke and Parker for the first time 9 years ago, so of course I was thrilled to see them again. This portrait session was just for mama. Every mama deserves to have beautiful portraits of her AND her kiddos. Being both a Mom AND a photographer I’m rarely in pictures with my kids and I truly value the ones I have (which admittedly most are iphone selfies).
Excited to announce that I will be once again offering Natural Light Studio Portrait sessions on weekends. I just couldn’t stay away. Get in touch for more information.
Happy New Year! The end of 2019 was extremely busy and exciting. Love connecting with old and new clients. I have so much to share over the past three months. Keep checking out the blog for client sneak peaks and upcoming events.
This family definitely has a piece of my heart. This was our fourth custom family portrait session together. Always a fun time, these three kids keep me on my toes. The bright colors of the Miami Design District are a fabulous backdrop for their custom family portrait session. I love this one particular street; the multi-colored windows, great natural light, and minimal traffic are PERFECT.
The Miami Design District is a hidden gem of a location for custom family portrait sessions. Now that the holidays are behind us and 2020 is well underway, it’s a great time to schedule a family portrait session without the pressure of sending out holiday cards or ordering gifts. Now is the time to do it for YOU…for your family. You love your family, you love your house, and you’re tired of looking at the blank walls. Together let’s create beautiful, one of a kind custom portrait art that celebrates your family and turns your house into a home. Whether it’s on the streets of Miami or any of the hundreds of great portrait spots throughout South Florida, let’s create custom family portraits that showcases the beauty that is your family.
Downtown Hollywood Mini Sessions are back. When I first started Courtney Studios (I celebrated 12 years this September!), Downtown Hollywood mini sessions were my jam! 30-60 minutes in and around the streets of Downtown Hollywood. The landscape was and continues to be ever changing, so each family portrait is a complete and totally different experience. As a photographer, the landscape is just as much an inspiration as my subjects. After a few years away from these fun family custom portrait sessions, I’m excited to bring them back in time for the Holidays.
The Downtown Hollywood Mini Sessions are Sunday, November 17. The cost is $250 and includes an 8×10 mounted print ($65 value). Your custom family portrait mini session includes a 30 minute walk around Downtown Hollywood, an online proofing gallery to share with family and friends, an 8×10 mounted print ($65 value), and an in person order session where we will go over all your finished portraits to create the portrait package that best suits your family’s portrait photography needs.
Follow us on Instagram @courtneystudios and my personal page @courtneyortiz (for headstands and running and recipes and kids and life…). On the studio’s page, I’m going back in the vault to share some of my favorite family portraits taken in Downtown Hollywood. Many of the murals and favorite spots are no longer there, but with new incredible art and secret spots to still discover.
There are a limited number of Mini Sessions available and you must have an appointment to attend. Please don’t hesitate if you have any questions or are ready to schedule your custom family portrait session today.
“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 -
