Tuesday, November 23, 2010

2011 Calendars




I am working on putting together the 2011 Calendars. Two are already available through Zazzle, with one in post production. Please check back often.

Zazzle is also running a special on calendars between now and the end of November. All calendars are 40% off if you use code 40CLNDRS2011.

Ardent Photography on Zazzle

Thank you,
Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com

Friday, November 19, 2010

Committing to a Handmade Holiday


The holiday season is coming. What am I saying! The holiday season is upon us, especially if you walk into any local store. With everyone pinching pennies this year, many of us are looking at this season with a mix of excitement and worry; all of those gifts.

What ever happened to making the presents that we give? What ever happened to sharing our talent and passions with other people especially at this time of year? I suggest we pull back this holiday season. We need to look at the family and friends we want to shower with gifts and think about what they truly enjoy. Sometimes this is easier said than done. Sometimes we realize that we do not know the people we care about as much as we thought we did. It is time to learn.

Sometimes though, we lack the skill to make what our gift giving targets would swoon over. At that point it is time to check out Etsy, ArtFire, and other such handmade exclusive sites. Share the passion of an artisan or craftsman who makes their living with their hands. You can also keep an eye out for holiday craft fairs and bazaars. Local to Tacoma? Check out the Grity City Gift Fair on the 26th and 27th of November and the Junktastic event Sundays at Studio 6 Ballroom.

We all have talents that we think everyone else has no interest in, but I think we are often mistaken. This holiday season, share your interests with your family. Pull those you love close and keep warm this holiday season.

Thank you for reading,
Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com
smcternen.etsy.com
ardentlife.etsy.com

Monday, November 15, 2010

Website Re-Design Offer




If you are a Tacoma Area small business who desperately needs a new website design, post a comment on this article with a link to your website for a chance to win a free website makeover by Ardent Photography and Design.

Visit Spiraldragonfly.com to see what I do.

Thank you for Reading,
Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com
smcternen.etsy.com
ardentlife.etsy.com

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Buffalo





Though our trip through Yellowstone this year, was on a very rainy day, I did manage some wonderful buffalo (aka bison) shots.

Thank you for reading,
Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com
smcternen.etsy.com
ardentlife.etsy.com

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Invitations that Speak Volumes






Are you looking for an invitation for a special event? A First Birthday, Wedding, or Anniversary Party? Do you want a design that is unique and speaks volumes? Contact me to start the design process for your one of a kind invitation.

Postcard style
Standard $.75 to $1.05
Oversized $1 to $1.80

Flat Invitations
Finishes offered: Matte Linen Metallic Felt Speckled Recycled
Sizes Offered: 5x7 4.25x5.5 4x9.25 5.25x5.25
5.5x4 4x8 6x9 (only in Matte and Linen)

Example Pricing:
5.5x4 Matte Finish: $1 to $3.75 per Invitation
6x9 Linen Finish: $1.75 to $5 per invitation
4x9.25 Metallic Finish: $3.75 to $12 per invitation

Do you want a unique photograph of you and/or your loved ones for your unique invitation? On-site Photography sessions start at $75 per half an hour. Contact me for more information.

Thank you,
Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com
smcternen.etsy.com
ardentlife.etsy.com

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Fall Fabulous 8x10 Sale!




All in-stock 8x10 prints are on sale! Save $20 on all 8x10 prints the entire month of November. Check out the Etsy Store for listings.

Need an 11x14? Contact me for availability, they are on sale for $30 each!

Check out Ardent Photography on Etsy, for a full listing of prints on sale.

Thank you,

Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com
smcternen.etsy.com
ardentlife.etsy.com

Friday, November 5, 2010

In University Place? Check out GreenSpot


If you fine yourself in University Place sometime during the week before 5pm, you should wander into the GreenSpot Tea House and Art Gallery on Bridgeport. They have wonderful tea there and at the moment they are showing a collection of local artists' work including work from Ardent Photography and Megan Elise Kilen.

GreenSpot Tea House and Art Gallery
www.greenspottea.com
3318 Bridgeport Way W
University Place, WA 98466
253.565.2832

Located between 33rd and 35th St W on Bridgeport
Way, heading south from the Tacoma Narrows
Bridge

Thank you,
Sarah McTernen

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Living An Ardent Life





People ask me a lot why I chose Ardent for my business name. Ardent means passionate. I believe that you should live life with fire and purpose. I chose ardent because I put my heart into my work, all of my work.

Ardent Photography now has a sister shop in Ardent Life. The Ardent Life shop is small at the moment, only having necklaces, bracelets and earrings. As time passes, I hope to add my blanket creations, spice mixes and other aspects of my ardent life.

Visit my new shop, ArdentLife, on Etsy!

Thank you for reading,

Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com
smcternen.etsy.com

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Holiday Photography


In my E-mail this morning was a special offer from another photographer for holiday family photo sessions. I am not sure how I got on this mailing list, but it did get me thinking about how people buy photography?

I offer all of my services al-a-cart. I believe that it is easier for the customer to pick and choose the services and products they wish to purchase rather than have to sort through different packages that have more or less then they may want.

What are your thoughts? Al-a-cart or package?

Thank you,

Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com
smcternen.etsy.com
ardentlife.etsy.com

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Worth A Thousand Words...


Time
A Sestina
Words and Photography by Sarah McTernen

See more in my book
One Cream, Two Sugars , at Blurb.com

Thank you,
Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

It's All About the Wardrobe!


Are you getting ready for the holidays? Want the kids to look fabulous but not necessarily so formal? How about making them super! Check out Super Tot on Etsy.

Super Tot

Thank you,
Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com
smcternen.etsy.com

Monday, October 4, 2010

Capturing Your Family and Autumn


Autumn is a great time to take family photographs because of the vibrant colors outside and the warmth of the setting sun earlier in the day. During the summer months you have to wait until 7 or 8 pm in order to take advantage of the magic hour, but as the days grow shorter, the opportunity to capture the glow of evening presents itself.

Want to book an Autumn portrait session? Send me an E-mail.

Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Etsy Treasuries


A few months ago, Etsy put together a new treasury system. Before, you had to wait until the list fell below a certain amount, and then hope you clicked your mouse fast enough to grab a spot. I tried a few times, but always managed to be away from my computer during the magic moment. Now, anyone can create a treasury at anytime, and they don't expire. Sometimes they are deleted, but they hang out for a bit. Here are a few Treasuries that I am featured in. Click around and check out some of the other very talented artisans at Etsy.

List of Treasuries

Thank you,

Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com

Monday, August 9, 2010

The New Art Review




My work has been accepted for publication in the New Art Review's book Doors and Walls.

This book is a compilation of many artist's unique photography.

You can buy the book on their website at www.new-art-review.com.

Thank you,

Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com

Saturday, July 31, 2010

Purple Rose


From my garden, a purple rose, let sit too long without water

Sarah
www.ardentphotography.com

Etsy July Treasury



With the installation of the new treasury system on Etsy, I figured I would post monthly treasuries. For July, I am celebrating the art of the garden.

The Art of the Garden

Please click through the treasury and see some beautiful handmade items relating to the garden.

I also posted a Red White and Blue Forever treasury back around the 4th. Please visit that one as well to find some wonderful patriotic items. I updated it yesterday morning and added a few new items to replace things that have sold.

Red White and Blue Forever

Thank you,
Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography
smcternen.etsy.com

Friday, July 30, 2010

Wonderful Blog Post About RAW

A photographer friend of mine wrote a great article last October comparing and contrasting film and digital photograph development.

Photography Raw Magic by Kate Lynch

Please read and then look through her wonderful photographs. She is posting a new photograph everyday.

Kate's Facebook Fan Page

Word and Picture Communications

Thank you,

Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com

Not Sure What Happened to July





I have been busy this month editing photographs and chasing after my three beautiful children.

I am starting to work on the photography galleries on my website.
Art Gallery

The Zazzle shop has a few new wild creations.
Zazzle Shop

I have closed my main Cafe Press shop though I do have a few images up in their marketplace.

Not a fan on Facebook yet? Check it out ArdentPhotography.SM

Off to edit some more pictures. Thank you for reading.

Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com

Friday, June 25, 2010

Bacon Brownies




These brownies have a praline frosting on them. I made them in a heart shaped pan for Valentine’s Day. My husband and the kids all approved.

I wanted to cut out the first piece before taking the photograph so that the internal texture of the brownies were visible. The counter is white, so a little flash went a long way to lighting up this photograph. The glass of wine is not only a serving suggestion, but also added a little variation to the photograph. When planning the design, I wanted the close up of the internal texture to be an insert over the heart shaped brownies.

Want to make them yourself?

4 large eggs
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
6 tablespoons melted butter + 2 tablespoons bacon drippings
1 1/4 cups cocoa
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
4 strips of bacon, diced

Cook bacon in a small skillet until quite crisp then remove to a paper towel. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the drippings.

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Prepare the chosen pan.(8” x 8” square or equivalent).

Beat together eggs until fluffy , then add sugars and remaining ingredients except bacon but including drippings. Mix in bacon pieces. Pour into prepared pan.
Bake for 45 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.

Remove from oven and cool on a rack for at least 20 minutes.

Thank you,

Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Putting Together a New Idea



My husband bought a new meat thermometer. We tend to go through a lot of them in this house due to loss and malfunction, but we also tend to loose that little paper or tube that comes with them telling you the proper internal cooking temperature. I am sure this is also listed in either the Better Homes and Garden Cookbook or the Betty Crocker one, but that would mean taking the time to look it up. What if it was part of the art on your kitchen walls?

What are your opinions?

Thank you,

Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

June Etsy Promotions


After visiting the Celestial Seasonings home in Boulder, Colorado, I thought I would devote this month's promotions to one of my favorite teas. It is interesting the items that come up when you search for Earl Grey.

1. Rose Earl Grey Black Tea - Ovationteas

2. Earl Grey Ti - ARTbyRT

3. Earl Grey Earrings - TaraBacci

4. creepy crawly cockroach teacup - foldedpigs

5. Keep Calm and Drink Tea 8x10 Print - KeepCalmShop

6. Earl Grey a la Creme Truffles - denisesdelectables

7. Earl Grey Tea Soap - PassionMoonPotions

8. Earl Grey Sandwich Cookies - whimsyandspice

9. Italian Bergamot and Pink Grapefruit Shea Body Lotion - pipertate

Thank you,

Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com