Playing-It-Cool at your Family Photo Shoot - Spotlight on Courtney Studios!

*Sponsored 

As a family we've tried all kinds of different photo shoots. We try to plan at least one a year in hopes of documenting our growth as a family and preserving lasting memories. Like a lot of other families, we hope to schedule these shoots around the holidays and add them to our annual holiday cards.

No Smiling Allowed
Photo courtesy of Courtney Ortiz Studios

Usually, this means suffering in the South Florida heat during the Fall and trying to coax sweaty toddlers to give you a smile. It's about as easy as bathing a cat! If you keep up with my blog, you know I'm not a fan of rewards. On these days, I'm usually not above bribes (hey, it's all about the 80/20 rule). Luckily, the contributors for Modern Boca Mom were invited to enjoy a photo session with the uber talented photographer, Courtney Ortiz.

Courtney, a mom of three and former elementary school teacher, has been a successful freelance photographer for the past eight years. Last year she opened up her own boutique studio in Hollywood Florida, this place is REALLY cool. An all white studio that works only in natural lighting is the perfect backdrop for capturing the colorful personalities of each family. It's no wonder Courtney has been named Best Family Photographer by South Florida Parenting two years in a row! The "cool" space provided a freedom we wouldn't have outdoors. Pair that with Courtney's incredible "teacher skills" and ability to get my boys to giggle, and we had a delicious recipe for a wonderful family experience.

Have Lego? Will Smile!
Photos Courtesy of: Courtney Ortiz Studios

Brotherly Love
 Photso Courtesy of: Courtney Ortiz Photography

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I have a pretty well documented obsession with vintage cameras. Stepping into Courtney's studio I was immediately welcomed with vintage cameras as far as the eye can see! This adorable space is nestled in the heart of the Art Deco district of Hollywood Beach. The neighborhood providing plenty of creative inspiration for our own impromptu photo shoot on the way to catch a bite to eat.

Remember that bribery I mentioned?

Thanks for the Lolly's Courtney!

In parenting the days may be long, but the years are short. Mom is always behind the camera it seems. It's rare I make it into any of the millions of pictures I take day to day, leaving it to the professionals guarantees I make it into the shot and I'm free to enjoy myself. This family shoot was the "coolest" thus far and we ALL enjoyed ourselves.

I'm grateful to Courtney Studios for this awesome experience, these photos will be treasured for years to come.

Courtney Studios offers a variety of different services / sessions to suit your needs. Her package pricing and lists of printing services are endless (her wrap-around canvas portraits are my favorite).

Christmas in July!

Courtney Studios is offering Holiday Mini-Sessions this July 21st, 22nd & 23rd!

Call (954) 367-6821 or contact Courtney@CourtneyStudios.com to book a session.

Pre-School Portraits!

Yep, this one's getting framed..
Photo courtesy of Courtney Ortiz Studios

Essentially yours,

Erika

Disclosure: Essentially Erika was provided with complimentary services featured in this article. All opinions expressed in this blog post are my own and not influenced in any way by the sponsor.

Becoming A Part of the Paper Culture...

It's December! 

Tis' the season for holiday card madness! Over the years I've tried it all, from DIY photo sessions to hiring a professional. I've tried online printing AND printing photo cards myself. They each have their benefits of course, it's a matter of preference. I enjoy photography and coming up with unique themes for different photo shoots, and the quality in going with a professional company is wonderful. These days I seem to be so busy I decided to go with online printing once again. In doing my research this year, I came across a jewel!

Paper Culture is an online printing company that offers unique & modern eco stationery using only 100 percent post consumer recycled papers generated with renewable energy. With standard premium quality paper at 130lb, double and triple thick upgraded options and free pre-purchase design assistance, they are a tough deal to beat. Prices are very affordable and they will even mail the cards for you with FREE addressing return and recipient printing! 

Here's the kicker... are you ready?
For every purchase made through Paper Culture they will plant a tree in your name, you can even dedicate the tree in someone's honor.
Like all companies Paper Culture has a carbon footprint as a result of operations. But, unlike other companies, Paper Culture offsets it's carbon footprint through carbon credits in partnership with CarbonFund.org.

Fact: One lush, mature tree can produce enough oxygen in a single season for ten people.

Their Cards to Trees Program which launched on Earth Day 2010, is targeted to plant one million trees by the year 2020. This Certified California Green Business isn't winner of the Climate Leader Award for nothing!

Stationery making an impact that embodies a strong message of sustainability. Now that just makes my hippie heart happy!

(Photo credit: LGiustiPhotography.com)

May this holiday season smile gently upon you and yours, and may the new year bring you peace and joy...


Essentially Yours,

Erika