Hill Country Photographer uses her craft to create legacies

Kim Ortiz, a photographer and blended-media artist in the Hill Region Galleria, explained she hopes to inspire all people to do what they really like to do.

Ortiz was a licensed public accountant in advance of remaining laid off in 2012 she experienced been getting pictures programs on the aspect considering the fact that 2008 and saw it as an prospect to commence a new vocation.

“It was like a turning level, and I stated, ‘I’m heading to do what I love,’” she claimed.

Ortiz then built a new photography studio in Dallas in 2014 and ran a effective enterprise for 5 yrs before selecting to go to Austin in 2019 she finally opened a new studio at the Galleria in January 2020. At the starting of February, Ortiz relocated her studio to a new spot in the Galleria that she reported is “more central.”

“I’ve presently noticed more men and women halting to appear by means of my windows due to the fact I changed areas,” Ortiz mentioned.

Her photography and gallery largely attributes puppies having said that, she reported this is only component of her small business as she also pictures family members, households with their canine, headshots for executives and higher faculty seniors.Although she does do standard images, Ortiz reported her specialty is as a combined-media artist and photographer.

“Mixed-media paintings are my signature product, and I’m the only one particular in Lake Travis who does them,” she stated.

Blended-media paintings are a three- to 4-thirty day period method that entail taking the photos, painting the picture in a particular software on the laptop or computer and then printing the photo and putting it on canvas to paint the photo by hand, she reported.

Simply because the procedure associated in mixed-media art is so time-consuming, Ortiz only sees all around 30-50 clients a calendar year.

“What I do is a luxurious,” she stated. “But it’s also essential simply because of the story I’m producing.”

Ortiz, who owns 6 rescue canines, said she experienced this revelation when one particular of her pet dogs, Lexie, died in 2017.

“Dogs are like relatives, and they really do not are living eternally, but if you have a portrait completed of your dog, they live permanently,” she said.

She explained all the things she does is about developing a legacy.

“Portraits are all we have of our household when a person dies,” she stated.

Ortiz also reported she hopes to build lasting legacies by her operate and donations to nonprofit organizations. In the previous 10 decades, she has elevated $30,000 for different corporations, and she is working on elevating funds as a result of her business enterprise for the American Coronary heart Affiliation and the Austin Humane Modern society.

“I’m pretty lucky to be below at the Hill Place Galleria mainly because I dwell in this article,” she claimed. “I’m incredibly active in the community, and any individual who asks for a donation, whichever nonprofit it is, I will donate.”

Kim Ortiz Portrait Artwork

12700 Hill Place Blvd., Ste. S-120, Bee Cave

512-817-4996

www.kimortiz.com

Hrs: Tue.-Fri. 1-5 p.m., Sat. by appointment only, closed Sun.-Mon.