Los Angeles Wedding and Portrait Photographer

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Los Angeles Headshots

09.23.10

Portraits

I'm feeling a bit of guilt for not blogging lately. I've been working on wedding and Bar Mitzvah albums from the busy summer. Speaking of Bar Mitzvahs, I'll be at the El Segundo 'Best in Bar & Bat Mitzvahs' showcase this Sunday in case anyone wants to come by.

Meanwhile, here's another round of headshots done recently.

Actress Nastassja Sanchez

Visual Effects Supervisor Scott Squires

Character actor Mark Spillman

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Cake Decorating 101: 2 of 8

09.16.10

Personal

So my daughter and I decided to take cake decorating class. We had our first class a few weeks ago and had a great time. Our biggest challenge was crumb coating which was pretty crumby. (Sorry, I couldn't resist.) But as I told my kiddo, we can only get better.

This past week we had out second class. We headed over with our cakes and frosting already prepared. Assignment number two: a car cake. Things I learned:

Although I think paste food dyes are great, these little bottles rock. They are easy to add to frosting and mix colors without a big mess.

Don't use a plastic spoon to mix your frosting. It will break.

Don't fill up your decorating bag too much. As you work, the warmth of your hand warms it up and it doesn't come out of the tip as well. Or, work faster then I did! lol

Making a basic car shape is almost as easy as a butterfly. Cut a round in half, crumb coat the tops and stick them together. The shaping was fun and easy with a sharp serrated knife. Unfortunately it was at this stage that I could tell I was going to have problems with my cake. Apparently I make my cakes too moist. I had some problems in class one and this time was even worse. My cake was so moist it was falling apart. I need to figure out how to make a moist but firm cake. A goal for future classes. I'm learning...

After mixing our colors and doing a crumb coating, we added windows, doors and hoods first by marking the lines with a toothpick then piping the white frosting on top with a #7 tip.

We made stars with a #17 tip. That was fun! This is also when I realized after awhile that my frosting was warming up too much from my grip and started to come out without a nice star shape. Note to self, only fill the bag up halfway then refill.

We finished off the cakes with a #48 tip bumper, donuts for wheels and M&M's for the head and tail lights. The antennae was a piece of spaghetti that we stuck in our #7 tip and squeezed frosting all over it. My daughter made the blue one and I made the purple one.

I knew when I first cut my cake in half that my cake was going to give me problems. It was just crumbling. I managed to crumb coat it by thinning out my frosting but it just wasn't sticking very well. By the time we got home my poor car was falling apart. I was tempted to leave you all with the photo above but the reality is that I am learning so you guys will see the good, bad and ugly. Here is the ugly...

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Day Trippin': Venice Beach

09.14.10

Personal

The family spent a few hours down at Venice Beach last week. It was mid week and pretty empty and quite for the boardwalk, which of course isn't nearly as entertaining, but it was a beautiful summer day and we had a great time wandering around. I used to live down here for quite a few years and I miss the beachy, artsy vibe. It matches my personality much more then the valley ever did but ah well, such is life.

These were taken with my 3G iPhone camera.

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And the winner is...

09.13.10

Contests

For those of you waiting patiently to see who won the jewelry giveaway, sorry for the delay. My daughter started fifth grade today. Her last year at elementary school and I think it kinda freaked me out this morning. My baby, my last kid, marching right into her new class with barely a wave. So what did I do? I came home and started furiously cleaning my house so I didn't have to think about it. I'm better now. I can see why people turn to wine! lol After some busy work and a few deep breaths (and a client dropping in) I'm back on track!

I'm going to try to do giveaways more often and I already have one for next month so make sure to stop on by soon to check it out. Okay... so the winner for the fan-tabulous (yes, I make up my own words) Tina Steinberg personalized bracelet is.... drum roll please...

Emma: well, I checked out the web site and OMG Tina Steinberg is amazing!!! I saw she is even "connected" with some up and comers in hollywood. That should get the word out pretty fast! In the mean time, Her love touch fingerprint collection is unique and precious while the spirit collection is inspiring and whimsical, but my absolute favorite is the luscious locket collection and in particular the circle of love. It has just the right touch of elegance and tenderness. The lovers names look as if they are effortlessly floating in eternal etherialness (is that a word?) anyway, it brings a touching tear to my eye. just stunning. I think it would be particularly beautiful with the lite box link chain to give it that little vintage look. Good work. I want one!

Yea Emma! Make sure to contact me so I can get you Tina's info. Everyone else, thanks for stopping by.

And here's my baby girl, all grown up with her Twilight keychain on her backpack! (She's Team Taylor, by the way.) And yes she wore shoes. I just pulled her out of the house for photos before she could get on her black Converse sneakers.

emma Says:

karen, your daughter is so very beautiful. she does look so grown up too. Im happy and sad for you both at the same time. Thanks so very much for this opportunity and I am exstatic to have won the bracelet. I love Tina's work and am blessed to have such great friends. Im glad that tinas bracelet will help me to remember my sepcial moments and precious loved ones.

(09.14.10 - 04:28 PM)

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Jewelry Giveaway!

09.12.10

Contests

I love giveaways, don't you? Don't get me wrong, I love getting stuff, too - a lot. But giving things away - meaningful things especially - is so much fun!

This month's giveaway is from the oh-so-creative and inspiring Tina Steinberg and her line of personalized jewelry. I was so excited when I saw her work and just thrilled when she offered her 'Truly Bracelet' for a giveaway. It's a sterling silver bracelet with a single fingerprint charm, customized with a loved one's fingerprint and a short inscription on the back of the charm.

The winner will receive this one-of-a-kind, customized bracelet (worth $180 ). A kit will be sent to you to make your fingerprint. Adult sizes may be on larger charms or reduced so that, if you don't have any little ones, you can get your older kids fingerprinted or even your brand new hubby!

The giveaway will run until Sunday, Sept 12th at midnight (PST) and a winner will be randomly picked the following day. In order to enter, please visit Tina's site and come back to leave a comment about your favorite piece. But wait, there's more! You can get additional, multiple entries by doing one or more of the following (you will need a separate comment for each entry, please):

1. Follow me on this blog (RSS feed above) and then leave a comment letting me know. If you are already following me, leave a comment letting me know.

2. "Like" Karen Ard Photography on Facebook, then come on back and let me know. Again, if you already "Like" me, you still qualify - just leave a comment (I like you too, by the way).

3. "Like" Tina Steinberg Designs on Facebook, then come back and let me know.

4. Copy this message into your Facebook status: Enter to win a gorgeous customized silver bracelet by Tina Steinberg Design by visiting Karen Ard Photography at www.karenard.com/blog, then come on back and let me know. (You must friend me so I can check!)

5. Copy the same message into Twitter then come on back and let me know. (My Twitter handle is http://twitter.com/karenard)

Olivia Liebig Says:

My favorite is the puppy love dog tag with finger print. It reminds me that I need to get my husband print for when hes deployed. I love love love her jewerly.

(09.02.10 - 08:06 PM)

sara pulliam Says:

I like the love squared piece!

(09.02.10 - 08:16 PM)

sara pulliam Says:

I liked you on facebook!

(09.02.10 - 08:17 PM)

sara pulliam Says:

I already like Tina Steinberg Designs on facebook!

(09.02.10 - 08:19 PM)

Megan Z Says:

Love Tina & her amazing jewelry and enjoy following photographer's all over the country by way of their blogs and facebook pages. happy to have added yours to my list! :) My favorite Tina piece is by far, Love Squared.

(09.02.10 - 08:24 PM)

Beth Alferink Says:

From her mobile me gallery, I love her Double Drop Necklace with two prints for my two boys and from her store I really love the Circle of Love Locket! Her work is beautiful!

(09.02.10 - 09:13 PM)

Beth Alferink Says:

I already like Tina Steinberg Designs on Facebook!

(09.02.10 - 09:14 PM)

Beth Alferink Says:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Two-Monkeys-a-Washtub/133461853347596
Posted on my public fan page...I can't friend you from there and if I was in CA, I would be calling you!

(09.02.10 - 09:18 PM)

Beth Alferink Says:

http://twitter.com/monkeyswashtub/status/22859041191

Tweeted - couldn't find your twitter ID or your blog follow....

(09.02.10 - 09:19 PM)

sarah fitch Says:

I loved the cirlce of love locket.

(09.02.10 - 09:33 PM)

sarah fitch Says:

I liked Karn Ard Photography on Facebook.

(09.02.10 - 09:33 PM)

sarah fitch Says:

I liked Tina Steinberg Designs on Facebook.

(09.02.10 - 09:34 PM)

Emily Says:

I love all of Tina's pieces. I have been a fan for many years and refer her website OFTEN. I would love another of her pieces. I have already "liked" her on FB.

(09.02.10 - 09:57 PM)

Karen Says:

I love all of Tina's designs, but I've been wishing for a Little Love Charmer for a while now... So simple and pretty!

(09.03.10 - 04:46 AM)

Karen Says:

I like Tina Steinberg Designs on facebook! Thanks for the additional chance to win. (I hope I hope I hope I hope I hope!)

(09.03.10 - 04:49 AM)

Karen Says:

I just liked you on facebook -- such beautiful photos!

(09.03.10 - 04:51 AM)

Cindy Franklin Says:

My favorite is the Spirit collection. Love the uniqueness of each piece. Glad to have found her, thanks Karen.

(09.03.10 - 09:05 AM)

Cindy Franklin Says:

I LOVE Karen Ard Photography. She is an amazing artist and captures such beautiful memories for so many!!!! Yeah, glad to call her my friend:) xoxo

(09.03.10 - 09:06 AM)

Cindy Franklin Says:

I LIke Tina Steinberg Designs on Facebook!!!

(09.03.10 - 09:07 AM)

JENNIFER POPE Says:

I love all of her pieces that have the fingerprint; luscious lockets have my eye currently. What a wonderful personalization. I've been a fan of her's for a long time. And I already liked Tina Steinberg Designs on FB.

(09.03.10 - 01:03 PM)

Krysti Says:

I liked the Tina Steinberg Designs on facebook, and I alrleady liked you on facebook a long time ago :)), voted here on the blog and posted the message on my profile page :))....hope this increases my chance to win!! xxoo

(09.03.10 - 02:57 PM)

emma Says:

well, I checked out the web site and OMG Tina Steinberg is amazing!!! I saw she is even "connected" with some up and comers in hollywood. That should get the word out pretty fast! In the mean time, Her love touch fingerprint collection is unique and precious while the spirit collection is inspiring and whimsical, but my absolute favorite is the luscious locket collection and in particular the circle of love. It has just the right touch of elegance and tenderness. The lovers names look as if they are effortlessly floating in eternal etherialness (is that a word?) anyway, it brings a touching tear to my eye. just stunning. I think it would be particularly beautiful with the lite box link chain to give it that little vintage look. Good work. I want one!

(09.03.10 - 04:57 PM)

emma fillius Says:

BTW, I completed entries 1-4 so I am crossing my fingers for a win!!!

(09.03.10 - 04:58 PM)

Krysti Bates Says:

I liked you on facebook :)

(09.03.10 - 05:46 PM)

Krysti Bates Says:

i like Tina Steinberg Designs on Facebook

(09.03.10 - 05:47 PM)

Krysti Bates Says:

I like Karen Ard Photography on Facebook

(09.03.10 - 05:48 PM)

Krysti Bates Says:

Not only do I love Karen Ard as person, but as a friend too!! Our first meeting was to do a professional pregnancy shoot and I haven't lost her number since :)) I have said this many times and I will say it again, her work is amazing!!!! I know we will be using her photography many times to come and she will be a friend forever!! xxoo

(09.03.10 - 05:50 PM)

Carol Ricklin Says:

I love the idea of having a unique (one-of-a-kind) part of your loved one with you, their fingerprint on a beautiful piece of jewelry! My favorite pieces are from the Love Touch collection. I am always amazing at how many clever artisans are out there in the world. :-)

(09.04.10 - 08:04 AM)

Carol Ricklin Says:

(09.04.10 - 08:04 AM)

Krysti Bates Says:

Enter to win a gorgeous customized silver bracelet by Tina Steinberg Design by visiting Karen Ard Photography at www.karenard.com - posted on my profile just now

(09.04.10 - 03:51 PM)

Hannah Says:

I love the Circle of Love locket. I "liked" you and Tina on facebook and I look forward to browsing your blog since I love perusing all different photographers' works. Thanks for hosting this giveaway!

(09.06.10 - 10:18 PM)

Julianne Orsa Says:

I love the "Found My Way" charm...reminds me perfectly of the journey to our sweet Lily.:o)

(09.06.10 - 11:52 PM)

Julianne Orsa Says:

I successfully subscribed to your feed.:o)

(09.06.10 - 11:57 PM)

Julianne Orsa Says:

...I "liked" you on facebook...

(09.07.10 - 12:01 AM)

Julianne Orsa Says:

...I "liked" Tina Steinberg designs...

(09.07.10 - 12:03 AM)

Julianne Orsa Says:

...and I copied the message into my status!:o)

(09.07.10 - 12:06 AM)

Danielle Says:

I 'liked' Tina's page on Facebook! :-)

(09.10.10 - 06:46 AM)

Cari Says:

I like Tina Steinberg Designs on Facebook!

(09.10.10 - 10:09 AM)

Cari Says:

I like the Heart Afloat Sparkle Necklace...make that "love" it...so unique!

(09.10.10 - 10:14 AM)

Cari Says:

I like Karen Ard Photography on Facebook!

(09.10.10 - 10:17 AM)

Nikki Brown Says:

I like the love locker heart locket!!!

(09.10.10 - 10:58 AM)

Nikki Brown Says:

I "liked" Tina Steinberg designs on Facebook

(09.10.10 - 11:01 AM)

Terri Villalobos Says:

Much too difficult to pick only one piece as a favorite, but if I have to than it is the "Sol Lariat". But all the Love Touch Collection is amazing, with special note to the 2 Tier Love Charmer both leather and chain.

(09.10.10 - 12:55 PM)

Krysti Bates Says:

i have been all over Tina's site and LOVE it all!!! I think my favorite piece is the circle of love locket!! stunning!!! AND the luck happens charm, and the be you charm!! I think I might become a frequent shopper!

(09.12.10 - 04:05 PM)

Krysti Bates Says:

i just visited Tina's site...again! I love the circle of love locket

(09.12.10 - 04:06 PM)

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