Meet Kiersten Ortiz | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kiersten Ortiz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kiersten, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I’ve always had a passion for taking pictures ever since I was a child. Perhaps it’s because of my terrible memory, but I love the idea of capturing a moment in time and being able to relive it every time I look at the photograph. When the pandemic started, like many of us during that time, I needed an outlet. Not only was I a new mom trying to rediscover who I am, but I was locked down in a 1 bedroom apartment with my husband and 3-month-old son. I wanted something that was my own, an outlet for my creativity and my sanity. Something I did just for me and no one else. Photography became that outlet. I took hundreds of photos of my son, practicing my skills until lockdown was lifted, and I felt comfortable enough to photograph other people. Honestly, it was just a hobby, and I was having so much fun! Then I started to think, “Maybe this could be something. Why not try to make some extra money while I’m doing something I love?” So, I made my website, did tons of research, and launched Kiersten Ortiz Photography. This was an opportunity for freedom, self-expression, and a chance to give others a time capsule of memories.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My goal with my photography is to be authentic and provide meaningful experiences for my clients. In portrait sessions (creative, maternity, and seniors), I want all my clients to feel safe and welcome to be who they are. I aim to deliver images that make you feel confident and beautiful. Especially for my maternity clients – Mamas, you are goddesses and should feel that way in your photos!

For my families, I don’t aim for posed, stiff shots where everyone is looking at the camera with a painted-on smile. That’s not reality. Kids need to run off some energy? Let them! Baby won’t let go of his favorite toy? Who cares? That’s life right now, so have a photo to remember how precious that silly toy was to him. I capture the giggles, the tears, the silly faces, and everything in between. And for couples, it’s not a photoshoot; you’re just on a date, and I’m documenting it. Be who you are as a couple, and share your love story.

I think an important lesson I’ve learned (and am still learning) is perfection doesn’t exist, only growth. It’s not a new concept, I know, but it’s a hard one to understand, especially when the market is so saturated. There will always be something that I wish I’d done better. There will always be a technique I can improve on. So why exhaust myself to get to the finish line when there isn’t one? All I can do as a business owner and as a person is try to be a little bit better every day.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Good question! I would definitely want to show them the Museum District and visit the Houston Museum of Natural Science. If the weather is nice, a trip to the Houston Zoo and Hermann Park are also on the list. I love going to the Zoo in the cooler months. A day downtown would also be fun, stopping by Post HTX and exploring the Theatre District, perhaps even seeing a show. We’d have to have brunch one day at Citizens of Montrose – the best espresso martini I’ve ever had! An afternoon in the Washington Ave area would be fun, spending time at Platypus Brewery and ending at Puttery. Since Sam Houston State is my alma mater, we might take a day to visit the campus and check out the Woodlands on the way. And depending on the time of year, the Texas Renaissance Festival would have to be on the list. There are so many options!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Are you kidding? How much space do I have? I am so lucky to be surrounded by so many people who love and support me in so many ways. I first want to thank my husband, David, for being my cheerleader. He always supports my choices, especially when I decided to turn photography into a business. He, my mom, and my brother all chipped in to buy the camera that I started with. David is my rock; he never complains, he lifts me when I’m overwhelmed or feel like I’m a failure, he’s annoyingly optimistic, and he’s a truly wonderful father. I think I would have quit several times if he wasn’t in my corner.

I’m also so thankful to my mom, Janice, for her endless love and support. She never hesitates to be my assistant at photo sessions and to tell anyone who will listen about my business – we love a proud mom and free advertising! I am so grateful for my brother, Ian, and bestie, Leah, who have shown me the will and bravery it takes to be an entrepreneur. And, of course, thank you to ALL my friends for the neverending support, sharing my content, sending referrals, and being my models. You’re all beautiful people!

Lastly, to my son Liam, thank you for being my very first model and showing me what it means to be authentic. Never stop being your sweet, goofy self!

Website: https://www.kierstenortiz.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kierstenortizphotography/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kierstenortizphotography