Huge Housecleaning Sale!!!

January is great time for cleaning house and that is what we are doing at the studio. For the last couple of weeks we have been working on getting discontinued frames off our walls, making room for some cool new frames, albums and boxes, and updating our sample portraits and our website. I think 2010, the beginning of a new decade, is a perfect time for updating, changing and growing your style. Anyway, we are giving you the opportunity to buy any of our discontinued frames (that have lovingly held our sample portraits) for HUGE discounts. We are talking about prices starting at about $40 for some great precut wall frames and $10 for desk frames. If you have images you would like us to put in them we can do that as well. Additionally, all framed art images of Italy are being offered starting at $50. You can see these on our website under "fine art decor". Lastly, if you know that we have used an image of your family or children for a sample, please contact us as we are offering these at a 50% price reduction from our price list. Please give us a call if you are interested. With these special prices, they will not last!

MOM'S Class

After many requests from our great mommy clients, I have decided to put together a photography class just for moms (and dad's too I guess). So, if you want to learn how to take better pictures of your children or need the answers to the following questions, this class if for you! Are you wondering why your pictures are too dark, too light, or blurry? If you need to learn the basics of camera function, lighting, and the tricks to getting the best expressions or if you just want to learn how to take great pictures, you need this class! Sunday, March 7, from 10am to 3pm at the studio. Please call to register 602.263.5098. Hurry cuz I am limiting the enrollment so I can give enough attention to everyone. (Sound familiar?)

Holiday Sip N Shop Friday, November 20th

Are you looking for some fun, unique gifts for special people (or maybe yourself)? Or, maybe looking for a great way to spend a couple of hours on Friday? Then come by our holiday Sip N Shop this Friday, November 20th where you can sip on mimosas (in the am) or wine (in the pm) while you shop at great boutiques and save 10-20% with your toy donation for Toys for Tots. You can find everything from photography sessions for your loved ones, to unique vacations, to great clothes, jewelry, frames and holiday cards. Boutiques Swank, Muse, Jewel Ya, Flipped Bird, Charlie Max, Camelback Odyssey Travel, Coventry Road Frames and Artistic Impressions by Mara will all be here. Don't forget to bring your toy for our Toys for Tots toy drive. We will be giving out savings vouchers with your toy donation! At our studio 3117 N. 44th Street from 10am-2pm (while kids are at school) and 4pm-8pm (for happy hour before your night out)! See you here! Oh, all session retainers and portrait orders will be given a 20% reduction with your toy donation Friday only!

Photographer in Training

Here is a great image that I found while sorting through old photographs at my parents' house this past summer. That is me (Mara) on the right photographing my Dad (John Blom) and sister (on his shoulders) the day of his graduation from Brooks Institute of Photography. I love this! So, I guess it was my destiny.

Saying Goodbye

On June 19, 2009, a week after her 63rd birthday, we said goodbye to my beautiful mother, Chloe Beeson Blom.  She was an incredible woman who gave me so much and my heart will ache for her.  The past year was difficult, watching as she battled the pancreatic cancer that was ravaging her.  Trying to remain hopeful and positive was all we could do, and we made the most of our time together, knowing in our hearts that it was probably limited.  I am so grateful for this past year with my mom, a year to say goodbye and love her just as she was.  I would like to honor her by documenting people with cancer living their lives, just as she is in this image with her grandsons (my  boys).  The images will be displayed in a book and exhibit to benefit cancer research.  This image was taken after she returned from the hospital where she had the surgery that discovered the cancer.  She has her cutest wig on and is truly happy to be with her boys.  She continued to live the rest of that year, playing poker with her grandkids, celebrating Thanksgiving with her family, working, having lunch with friends, going to church, weddings, on trips and enjoying her gifts.  If you love someone with cancer or have cancer and would like to help me honor my mother, please contact me at the studio so we can set up your session.  You will receive an 8x10 Archival image for your participation.  

Schedule Your Beach Session!

Now is the time to schedule your beach sessions!  It is hot, school is almost out and we are all looking forward to getting out of here and heading to California for some cool weather and relaxation.  Don't wait another year... make this the year you remember by scheduling your beach session.  If you schedule now through May 31, you will receive a 20% price reduction on your session retainer and portrait order from your session.  It is a great deal but don't wait. Mara only photographs one time per day (evening for the sunset) and she books up fast.  

Mini Sessions Are Back!!!

Don't miss this great opportunity for Mother's Day and Father's Day gifts!  Every Friday during the month of April, Mara is offering mini sessions at the studio.  For only $150 you will get a session and an 8x10.  Additionally, you will save 20% on any additional portraits ordered as we have extended our Anniversary Special through April!  These sessions are scheduled every half an hour and fill up quickly so schedule yours today!