Meet Valerie

Associate Photographer

Hi, I’m Valerie Ortiz but you can call me Val!

Before working for Priscilla Green Photography (PGP), I was actually on my way to becoming a veterinarian. I graduated from North Carolina State University (Go Pack!) with a Bachelors of Science in Animal Science in May 2019 and my dream was to do a dual DVM/PhD degree and become a professor in Veterinary Medicine, so I was working in a Public Health lab then a veterinary research lab at NC State’s Vet School but I was not happy. Thus, in October 2023, I left my veterinary career behind and pursued a new dream!

I really loved working with people and making them feel comfortable and beautiful in front of the camera, and I love the transformative nature of photography. To take a simple photo and turn it into a work of art that tells a story, your story, what could be more fulfilling than that?

I’ve been at PGP since February 2024 & training under Priscilla for over a year now and have been loving it ever since! You’ll see me at your session fixing your hair, managing lighting, posing you, behind the camera & being Priscilla’s right-hand gal.

A little bit about me is that I’m Latina and my parents are from Puerto Rico and Peru. I’m from Raleigh, North Carolina but I am originally from Miami, Florida. I have a fur baby named Charlie that is a chihuahua/terrier mix that I (shamefully) spoil rotten. I’m also a stained glass/lampworking artist and love to hike, travel, and read! Any chance to work on a project that gets my hands dirty, whether it be upcycling some vintage furniture or plants some new flowers in my garden, I’m your gal!

Fun fact: I’ve backpacked through Iceland solo for an entire month, and two weeks of that in a campervan. My dream destination to travel is Peru, and I’d love to backpack there one day to get to know more about my heritage and culture! :)