Struttin… | Ft. Lauderdale Photographer
Or I could call it “wedgie pickin time.”
Stella, hanging out in the upstairs playroom in her princess heels.
Tag Archive: courtney ortiz photography
Baby Charlotte | Ft. Lauderdale Family Photographer
On Monday, December 26 @ 8:45 pm
Charlotte Merideth Ortiz
was born.
Merry Christmas! | Ft. Lauderdale Photographer
We are two days away from Christmas and I have to say my stress level is unseasonably low. Presents are all wrapped as of last Saturday, Holiday cards went out in the mail a week ago, all client orders are out and delivered, and to top it off, at this moment, both my kids are napping! I have to say that this has been a pretty stress free December compared to Christmases past. Last year was a doozy for sure. I was so busy that I didn’t get around to sending out my own personal cards, and it really upset me. This year I sent out a total of 127 cards, and unfortunately it wasn’t nearly enough, and I didn’t rush and order any more. I don’t even have one left for myself. So if you didn’t receive one from me, and do truly apologize and will definitely up my order for next year. I’m just happy that I did, for the most part get them out.
Online shopping this year has definitely taken ALOT of the stress out of the holidays. Being that I’m due at the end of the month, my husband and I were serious about getting as much done as early as possible. Online shopping and starting the shopping early for us, definitely had its benefits and its downfalls. But for the most part, it was super convenient. The only downfall really, was having to breakdown and dispose of all the boxes that the UPS driver delivered. Plus, we are now Amazon prime members, which for a flat yearly fee, the majority of things sold on Amazon are available for FREE two day shipping or overnight for $3.99. And honestly, if Amazon doesn’t carry it, do you really need it? But that being said, all presents are wrapped, when I know a majority of my friends are hunkering down tonight with a bottle of wine and attempting to begin what can be a very daunting task.
So now its just a matter of playing the waiting game. Waiting for Christmas to come. Waiting for the baby to come (hopefully at this point, not until Monday. Gotta stick it out through the weekend). Having a bit of downtime this week has really given me a time to reflect as I think back on last Christmas, and how my life/my family’s lives have changed over the last year and will continue to change in 2012. We’re really very very lucky. It has been an amazing year for me both personally and professionally. I’m truly grateful for all that I have and all that I have to look forward to.
I want to share a few of the images I took in my attempt to create our Christmas card. The first attempt was in the studio. Tried to go for something a bit more traditional. The second attempt was on our quest for a Christmas Tree. Unfortunately, South Florida doesn’t have Christmas tree farms covered in snow, as its always been a vision of mine to do a session with a family as they cut down their tree. But for the first time, my favorite plant nursery, Flamingo Road Nursery, sold fresh cut trees. So it was there we went to “cut down” our own tree. I used a mix of both sessions for our card this year.
I wish you all a Merry Christmas!
Much love!
Till next time,
court
Newborn pt 2 | Ft Lauderdale Newborn Photographer
Another newborn post, although not my newborn. I’m officially 39 weeks today. One more week to go. Ideally I wanted to have the baby yesterday so that I could be in and out and home before Christmas. So at this point, the baby can’t make an appearance before Monday. That way I can be home for Christmas with my kiddos. Hopefully this little one will cooperate.
That being said, I had the honor and privilege to photograph this little newborn when she was just 5 hours old. Introducing little Sophia. Photographing newborns while still in the hospital is my absolutely FAVORITE way and place to capture these tiny brand new little miracles. You can’t ever relive those first few hours between a mother and new baby. This baby is the first for mom. Being there and capturing those first moments between them is amazing. As I mentioned in my last blog post regarding newborn photography, it really enables me to tell a story, to truly be a photographer. Plus, there’s just something about the light that floods into hospital rooms that warms my heart.
If you’re interested in having photography capture those first few hours/days of baby while still in the hospital, don’t hesitate to call the studio.
Till next time,
court
Newborn | South Florida Newborn Photographer
As I’m sure many of you know, “newborns” are pretty much on the forefront of all my thoughts lately, being that I’m a week out from having baby #3. Being a photographer, there is always the thought of “who”, if anyone, is going to take this new one’s newborn photographs. I could definitely do it myself. I’m lucky enough to know, and call friends, some of the best photographers in the industry. But it’s really important to me, that these newborn photographs are very similar in style to what I love in newborn photography. There are a many different styles of newborn photography out there to fit your tastes and needs. Some photographers will bring an actual home studio to your house, along with lots of cute props, hats, and backdrops, and do all sorts of cute little things with your baby. Not so much what I’m looking for personally. I want a photographer who can really tell my story. Freeze that moment in time, so that when I look back on these images in years to come I can remember the sights and sounds and smells of what our life was like when bringing home baby #3. It’s exactly the way that I approach newborn photography with my own clients; real, natural, and in the moment. Images that capture that new relationship between all family members. I always consider it a privilege when a client seeks me out for their own newborn photography, because they value the same things that I do. It’s such a special and unique time in their lives, and there is a plethora of photographers and styles to choose from.
That being said, meet baby Liam and his proud new parents. Liam, is the first for this gorgeous couple. What made this sessions even more special, is the fact that mom and I actually knew each other 10+ years ago. So to hear from her again was really special. I drove over to Naples for the shoot.
Well today is the Monday before Christmas. Kids are out of school, and the countdown is on in full force.
Till next time,
court
The May Family | Ft. Lauderdale Family Photographer
How do I love this family? Let me count the ways…. Well first of all, their oldest daughter’s name is “Courtney”. SCORE! Both girls were full of personality, and I had the privilege of working with their dad during all the Gridiron Grill-Off shoots that we did during the late summer/early fall. He was a member of the production team. So I was thrilled when he asked me to shoot his family portraits right before Thanksgiving. What originally started as an idea to just photograph the girls as a surprise for his wife, turned into a shoot for the whole family, which really I prefer.
The studio is officially closed for the Holidays and won’t officially re-open till February 1. We will be checking messages daily, so feel free to leave a message, someone will get back to you. We just are not scheduling new sessions until February.
Till next time,
courtney
if you’re visiting for the first time, don’t forget to “like” us on facebook!
Mitch & Mike | Ft. Lauderdale Family Photographer
Meet Mitch and Michael. Two brothers who came by the studio a couple of weeks ago for some fun and funky downtown portraits. I first photographed these two guys and their mom and dad four years ago. (where does the time go?) These two boys couldn’t be more different and I think their personalities really shine through.
That being said, we are well in the thick of the holiday season here at the studio. We’re busy getting out client orders and holiday cards, but all in all I’m really pleased with how everything is going. We had a number of new families take advantage of the mini sessions, as well as a few familiar faces. I’m truly thankful for all our clients, both new and old (returning would be a better word than “old”). So we have lots of great sessions to post on the blog once things calm down here in the studio. The studio will be closed from Dec. 19-January 31. Feel free to call or drop us an email, someone will get back to you. We’re currently booking sessions starting in February. So if you were too busy this Fall/Winter to schedule your family portraits (which is definitely the case for many of us) there’s always the spring!
Till next time!
court
The Schweigers | Ft. Lauderdale Family Photographer
Another amazing family who came by the studio for the mini sessions in downtown Hollywood. I met this mom for the first time when I first started my business 4 years ago. And it took that long for us to finally coordinate a time for us all to get together. Well good things come to those who wait. And by “those who wait” I’m definitely making reference to me! I have the best clients. Thank you!
Till next time,
courtney
The Harbours | Ft. Lauderdale Family Photographer
The October 29th mini session date was smack dab in the rainiest weekend we have had in South Florida in a long time. Luckily for me and my clients that morning, most of the rain held off till the afternoon. We did encounter a few quick showers and this family and I made safe “harbour” in the parking garage. Which by the way just happens to be one of my favorite places to shoot. As a mainly natural light photographer, the light that streams into the parking garage is just divine. Not to mention this family is amazingly good looking and their choice in wardrobe is every photographers dream.
Till next time,
courtney
Jack | Ft. Lauderdale Family Photographer
We are in full swing here at the studio, and I have to say I love it. The two days of mini sessions in downtown Hollywood were a success and I’m seriously looking forward to all that there is in store for courtney ortiz photography in the upcoming year. I can’t believe Thanksgiving is a week away and the fact that I’m even making reference to next year, 2012, really blows my mind. That being said, we are completely booked here at the studio for the remainder of 2011 and have already started booking appointments for February 2012. A complete list of mini session and studio dates for 2012 will be released in the next few days. In the meantime, keep checking back here at the blog. We have a TON of amazing sessions to share as well as a few weddings.
This is “Jack”! This is the second time I’ve been able to capture this little guy. The first time being at the Share the Love event to benefit the Haitian Earthquake effort back in January 2010. He’s gotten a lot bigger in the almost two years since I last photographed him. He’s adorable, and what makes it even more special is that his dad was my lab partner in 10th grade physics.
Till next time,
courtney
