Artistic Impressions by Mara ~ Fine Art Photography

New Year's Resolutions

2012-01-09T09:56:00.003-07:00

If you think that you can wait (till the economy gets better, till you lose 5 pounds, till your child's tooth grows in, till they get their braces off, till your hair grows out) to have heirloom portraits of your family or children created, you need to read this. As a mom with a 13 year old who is now taller than me, I can tell you that even if you are not experiencing what this beautiful lady experienced, time and memories fly by and before long you can't remember how sweet it felt when your little guy laughed with his brother or held your hand. Make 2012 the year to celebrate your life with beautiful heirloom portraits of your family and children.

Give Toys Get a Gift!

2011-12-08T19:47:00.003-07:00

Help us fill our Toys For Tots Box! Bring in a Gift and get a $100 gift card for beautiful portraits. Call 6022635098 or just stop by the studio. Help make a child's holiday a little brighter. After all, that's what it's all about, right?

Family Portrait Special!

2011-10-07T14:21:00.006-07:00

Preserve your family memories with a family portrait session and take advantage of our family portrait special! Save 50% on session fees, 20% on portrait orders and 10% on custom framing now through October 31! Hurry, sessions are filling up quickly!

Come Shopping with your CARE CARD!

2011-10-07T14:16:00.003-07:00

Please join us next Friday, October 14, from 2-8pm for our CARE CARD kickoff party! Bring some girlfriends, sip some wine and shop with your CARE CARD to save 20% with the cutest boutiques! Look forward to seeing you all here!

Having Fun in California!

2011-07-16T12:51:00.014-07:00

Just wanted to share a few images from some of my summer beach sessions. So far, so good ...

Love the naked two year olds!!!

A little boy's best friend!

Love this family! Have been working with them since there were only three...

Nothing better than running free...

Love Beckie and her sweet boy! What an amazing mother she is!

I am loving being so busy this summer! So far, I've photographed seven families and have six more scheduled. I still have a couple of times the last week of July, so if you are interested, call today to schedule your session. They grow so fast! What are you waiting for?

Beach Sessions!!!

2011-05-18T19:53:00.002-07:00

This is the summer to remember! I still have some dates available for July so call today to reserve your beach session spot. They go quickly because I only do one a day (at sunset) so don't miss another year, call today. They grow so quickly and you will be sad if you don't have any memories of this time. Now through May 31, save 50% on session fees and up to 25% on portraits!

Super Fun Shopping Event!

2011-05-09T16:11:00.003-07:00

Please bring your friends and join us this Friday, May 13 from 10am to 7pm for a great shopping event featuring over 20 local boutiques and everything from unique home Decor to funky beach bags, to beautiful baubles to amazing miracle beauty products. Shop in the am while the kids are at school or in the pm for happy hour Botox! Plus Artistic Impressions is offering 75% off all sessions (including beach sessions) at this event only! Feel good because 10% of all the $ you spend will go to UMOM shelters. Yippee! Get rid of that Friday the 13th bad karma!

Mini sessions for your minis!!!

2011-04-08T12:25:00.008-07:00

Get a complimentary children's mini session and help collect food for St. Mary's food bank!!!

Artistic Impressions by Mara is offering complimentary sessions and 20% price reduction on portrait orders Saturday, April 30th, and Sunday, May 1st with the donation of one bag of food per child. Reservations are required, so call today to schedule your session!

602.263.5098

Double the Fun!

2011-03-30T20:34:00.005-07:00

Twin Secrets... These two little ones and I had so much fun together. What personalities they had, but the cutest was that she said that he is her best friend!

New Products to Love!!!

2011-03-28T22:03:00.008-07:00

Books, and Boxes and Funky Frames! These are great ways to display your beautiful image and, as always, are the very best quality and finish. The books are all custom designed, the boxes hold matted images and the frames are custom. Check out that red lacquer, to die for...

Beautiful Miss Emily

2011-03-14T16:52:00.005-07:00

Senior sessions are always fun, but this session with the beautiful, charming Emily takes the cake!

I'm so excited to see her face when she sees how amazing she looks in her senior portraits.

Matthew and Mariye

2011-03-01T13:45:00.003-07:00

Check out these cuties from a recent session at my studio. They are twins and best friends with the most beautiful eyes. We had so much fun and got some amazing images. Can't wait to see their mom and dad tomorrow for our viewing appointment!

Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter and Get Special Offers!

2011-03-01T13:18:00.007-07:00

Yippee!!! We are now on Facebook and Twitter. If you "like" us on our Facebook Page and "follow" us on Twitter, you can get some special offers for sessions and portraits not available for anyone else.

Children's Portrait Special!!!

2011-02-23T16:18:00.003-07:00

Save 50% on sessions and up to 25% on portrait orders during the month of March! This is the perfect opportunity to preserve your memories of those most precious to you. They grow so quickly... don't wait another season (month, year, etc.)! These sessions fill up quickly, so call today to reserve your time. 602.263.5098

Limited Beach Session Dates Just Announced

2011-02-17T12:00:00.005-07:00

Only 14 spots available for the Summer Beach Sessions! Hurry and schedule yours today before they are taken. Mara will be in California from July 1-17, so don't miss the opportunity to have your family documented in a fun, casual, beautiful environment with images you will cherish forever. Don't wait another year, make this the year that you will remember. Call to schedule your time today 602.263.5098.

Custom Framing Special

2011-01-12T21:46:00.003-07:00

Get your portraits out of boxes and up on your walls where they belong!

Now through the end of January, let us help you choose beautiful custom frames to compliment your images and receive a 15% price reduction on all custom framing. Schedule your appointment today!

Don't Miss this Great Event!

2010-09-21T08:30:00.005-07:00

We will be at this fun shopping event helping to raise money for the Amigos de Las Americas. Come see us here and shop great vendors. We will be selling gift certificates for children's studio sessions and a $150 portrait credit (total value $275) for only $50. The entire proceeds from the sale of these gift certificates will be donated to the Amigos de Las Americas. You can support a great cause and get a great deal!

Family Portrait Special!!!

2010-09-14T14:59:00.007-07:00

What are you waiting for??? While you are waiting for the economy to get better your kids are growing right before your eyes and your memories are fading. Invest in something that will make you smile when you are old, invest in memories of this special time. When all of this turmoil settles (as it always does) you will have your beautiful heirloom portraits to treasure. We are getting very booked so be sure to call today to reserve your spot! 602-263-5098

Summer Fun!!!

2010-08-16T18:41:00.007-07:00

What a beautiful place my boys and I visited this summer! We were in Ontario, Canada (Toronto and Muskoka) and had such a fun time playing and working (a little). We stayed with my wonderful friends, Christine and Andrew Burns and their great families. I love these images of my guys! The one on the deck together with the shadow was photographed with a very primitive plastic camera called a Holga. I love that camera but sometimes don't know exactly what I will get! I think this one turned out pretty great! The happiness you can feel with all of these images is what I love. I will post some more fun client images from this summer soon!

Beach Sessions Still Available

2010-06-15T14:08:00.003-07:00

Mara still has a limited number of beach sessions available! So, if you have put off scheduling yours, now is the time! Call today and we will get your beach session scheduled. Don't wait another year to preserve your family memories! Call today!

In Memory of Brian Carlin

2010-05-21T12:00:00.004-07:00

Friendship, Smiles, Love... that is Brian's message to all of us. I will try to live his message every day and hope that all who read this can do the same. Be a friend to someone who needs one, smile at everyone you meet and love unconditionally. Little Brian, 8 years old, passed away last week after heart surgery. I had the pleasure of photographing Brian the week before his surgery and will be forever grateful to his beautiful mother, Beckie for allowing me the opportunity to get to know and document such a sweet, funny, kind, lively, loving little guy. My thoughts and prayers are with the Carlin family.

Class of 2011 calendar model search

2010-04-30T11:36:00.006-07:00

Calendar model search open to all Phoenix area class of 2011

Do you have what it takes to be in our calendar? Do you know someone that would be perfect? We are looking for all shapes, sizes and types of Seniors. Just fill out an application and we will contact you for an interview. The application is available on our website under "events" page. Contact Megan at the studio for any questions!

602.263.5098

Back by popular demand!

2010-04-29T11:37:00.008-07:00

Mini Sessions just in time for Father's Day!!!

Don't miss this opportunity for great Father's Day gifts! Friday June 4th, 2010 Mara is offering mini sessions at the studio. For only $200 you will get a session, 8x10 and 5x7 black and white gift portrait. These sessions are scheduled every half hour and fill up fast so schedule your today!

602.263.5098

Don't let another year pass you by...

2010-04-28T18:24:00.009-07:00

Now is the time to schedule your summer beach session! Phoenix is getting hot and the kids are almost out of school. It's time to head to California for some nice weather and relaxation. Make this trip one you will remember for a lifetime by scheduling a beach session. If you schedule before May 31st, you will receive 50% price reduction on your session fee, 20% price reduction on your order and a 10% price reduction on framing*.

Call to schedule your summer beach session today

602.263.5098

*some restrictions apply. Call for details

Huge Housecleaning Sale!!!

2010-01-28T13:28:00.005-07:00

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

2010-01-25T21:38:00.005-07:00

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

2009-11-18T13:24:00.006-07:00

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

2009-10-26T16:22:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-03T17:27:00.005-07:00

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!

2009-05-12T13:10:00.006-07:00

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!!!

2009-04-09T22:08:00.005-07:00

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!

It's Our Anniversary!!!!!!

2009-02-25T16:00:00.004-07:00

Wow!!! It has been 10 years since I first started Artistic Impressions. I can't believe it. I feel so old. It has been really great watching my first clients' children grow into the cutest older kids. I feel like I have made some great relationships and been so privileged to watch families grow. To celebrate and in anticipation of 10 more years (at least) of having the greatest job, we are offering a 20% reduction on all session retainers and portraits now through the end of March.

Celebrate Your Beauty This Valentine's Day!

2009-01-17T13:37:00.003-07:00

Give a gift he will treasure ... a beautiful timeless image of you. Now through February 1, schedule an in-studio intimate portrait session and receive a complimentary small leather preview album or a 25% price reduction on an image box when you order an 8x10 or larger Archival Sepia Toned Portrait!

Arizona Heart Gallery Images on Display

2008-11-12T15:09:00.004-07:00

Come and see this portrait of Vinnie and other foster children who are part of the traveling exhibit that is known as the Arizona Heart Gallery. We are proud to host the Heart Gallery from now until November 21, 2008, at our studio. Please come and see these moving portraits of Arizona foster children. The Heart Gallery was featured in the Arizona Republic today. Click here to read the article. Professional photographers (including me) from around the state volunteer to photograph these beautiful children in order to show the public that these are not just statistics, but children who need loving "forever homes." Photographing these children has been a privilege and I am so happy to report that four of the children that I have photographed have been placed in adoptive homes.

TOYS FOR TOTS SESSIONS

2008-11-05T19:34:00.005-07:00

Preserve your Memories and be a Santa! Now through December 15, save 50% on all session retainers at our studio, with your choice of indoor or outdoor settings when you bring in a new unwrapped toy to be donated to underserved children this holiday season. Space is limited so call today to schedule your session! (602) 263-5098

Use Your Care Card with us October 17-26!

2008-10-05T21:19:00.006-07:00

Use your Care Card with us during Care Card week and receive a 20% reduction* on anything you order October 17-26! You can buy gift certificates for loved ones, order portraits from previous sessions, schedule future sessions or frame your portraits. To make your experience super convenient, you can even buy your Care Card from us! All proceeds from the purchase of your $50 Care Card will go directly to Ryan House. You can feel good while shopping and saving money!

*All orders must be paid in full when placed for the discount to apply.

Don't Get Left Behind by Our Holiday Deadline!

2008-08-27T06:30:00.000-07:00

Our deadline for all holiday orders to be placed is November 15, 2008! So, schedule your session times now to ensure holiday delivery of your special gifts and cards! Our Fall month sessions times book up so quickly, so call today to ensure that you will get the date and time of your choice.

Special Mini Sessions September 13!!!

2008-08-27T06:29:00.000-07:00

Just in time for Holiday Cards and Gifts, Mara is offering mini in studio portrait sessions on Saturday, September 13. For only $150, you will can have your child(ren) photographed in our studio with your choice of black and white or color and receive an 8x10 gift portrait. These images will be perfect to use for holiday cards and gifts or even a special portrait for your home. Call today to schedule your session time as the last time we did this in May, we booked up within two days! Check out these great images that were created at our last event.

Please help find a cure for EE!

2008-08-27T06:17:00.002-07:00

One of our clients and friends has this terrible disease. He is the cutest little boy and your help would be so greatly appreciated!

Spring Sip N Shop Huge Success!

2008-05-18T11:49:00.006-07:00

The Spring Sip N Shop this past weekend was a huge success! We ended up having a total of 12 local boutiques participating, including The Willows, Olive Annie, Kelly Klose stationary, Boo Boo Bags, The Affordable Designer, Mombomb, Jewel Ya, Stellar Royalty Scraps and Stones, Sara Nevins Designs, Raph Infant and Child, and Lou Lou's Decor. I think everyone had a great time!

The best part was that we raised almost $600 from our raffle that will go directly toward the printing of the portraits of foster children for the Arizona Heart Gallery! Very cool! Thank you to all the vendors who participated and all the great people who bought the tickets. We were also featured on News Channel 3 on Friday night! Special thanks have to go to Carey Pena who worked on the story of the Heart Gallery for a year. You can view the story by clicking here.

I also would like to thank all 18 great clients who participated in the special studio sessions Saturday! I can't believe that I photographed 18 sessions in one day but it was a great way to spend the day and I loved getting to see all your amazing kids. It was actually really relaxing for me. We will do another event like this in the fall! Check out some of the images from these sessions above.

Don't miss the Spring Sip N Shop!!!

2008-04-26T17:42:00.007-07:00

Don't miss out on the great deals and fun time at the Spring Sip N Shop! We are hosting a fabulous event on May 16, from 4-9pm (for wine and appetizers) and May 17, from 10am-2pm (for coffee and bagels). Great items from boutiques like Olive Annie, Jewel Ya, The Affordable Designer, MOMBOMB, Sara Nevins Designs, Raph Infant and Child, Lou Lou's Decor and Stellar Royalty Scraps and Stones will be all in one place at special discounted prices!

There will be a great raffle to benefit the Arizona Heart Gallery. You can win some great prizes including a session and portrait by Mara.

We are also offering a 20% price reduction on all portrait session retainers and portrait prices for sessions now through the end of 2008 that are booked during the Sip N Shop (even beach sessions)! Additionally, just in time for Father's Day, Mara will be photographing children in mini sessions at the studio all day on Saturday. For only $150, you can receive a beautiful framed black and white portrait of your child(ren). Call to reserve your spot or for more information. 602.263.5098

Time to Schedule Your Beach Sessions!

2008-04-26T10:31:00.006-07:00

It's that time of year again, time to start thinking of summer plans, vacations, activities, time together as a family. It is the perfect time to have a portrait session with your family at the most relaxing place, the beach! Everyone has fun during these sessions, even Dad. How can you not have fun when you feel the sand under your feet, hear your children's laughter and even get a little wet? The images from these sessions are always the greatest, so natural and fun. Call the studio to schedule yours soon because we book up really quickly. 602.263.5098 *If you schedule your session before May 31, you will receive a 10% price reduction on your session retainer and all orders from your session including framing!

Beautiful Chrissy

2008-04-26T10:06:00.009-07:00

Here are some images from a recent session I did for a great, really fun girl who will be graduating in May! Congratulations Chrissy! There is still time for your graduate session, so call today to schedule. 602.263.5098

Sweet Girl

2008-04-24T10:17:00.001-07:00

I recently photographed the cutest little girl. She has the prettiest big brown eyes. I loved the images of her and wanted to share them with you. Her parents are pretty nice too! See more children's images on our website.

Looking for Grandparents and Grandchildren Models for Project!

2008-02-21T14:43:00.003-07:00

I am looking for Grandparents with their Grandchildren to use as models for a project that I am working on. These are some of the images that I have made of my own family, but am looking for other families to share in this project. In exchange for being a model, you will receive a complimentary image of your choice from the session. Please email or call the studio for more information.