Ardent Photography and Design

Little Fish, Big Pond full of Fish

2012-01-29T06:50:00.000-08:00

I have come to the realization that all the things I do are not unique. Let me explain, because I know a few of you are going to jump on that statement and start with the Sarah has no confidence thing, but that is not it.
I grew up reading about the great authors like Carson McCullers, the beat poets, Hemingway, who were part of a small society of people who created. They just were. They didn't ask to be. They didn't hock their wares. They created what they felt compelled to create and as the years went by it got attention. I know at some point they did send it to a publisher or editor and success didn't just fall in their laps. Today, you could write the best story ever to be set to paper, but no one would ever find it. Even if it was published in a magazine or Online it would still be stuck in the quagmire that is today's written word. The same thing goes for photography. There are so many photographers today. This is a wonderful thing, but at the same time, dilutes the art of it. I am not even sure that I am one to talk. I have never shot a film SLR, I have never developed in a dark room, I have never gone to school for anything that I do.

The point of this mini rant? I'm not sure. I was lying in bed, wide awake at 5am and these thoughts that I am writing to you now kept floating around in my brain. I am trying to muddle through this years round of giving up. I love the art of it all, but I am not good at the selling part of it. One reason is because I don't put the energy into it. I don't enjoy marketing so it looms over my head like a big dark cloud of what I should be doing. Another reason is the confidence thing, or lack thereof. A third reason would be the complete chaos that my life is at the moment. I have no order or organization and that is another daunting task that I keep putting off. I need a week with nothing going on to set everything straight, but that isn't going to happened, is it? Hmmm.

Okay, I have some organizing to do...I at least need to find my desk.

Talk to you soon,
Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com
http://ardentlife.etsy.com
http://smcternen.etsy.com
www.zazzle.com/ardentphotography

Snow!

2012-01-16T05:56:00.000-08:00

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

Doubt

2012-01-13T10:27:00.000-08:00

The more I read, the more I am not sure I am built for this kind of thing. That's not true. It is just not something that I have time for at the moment. This conversation has started in the middle. Let us go back to the beginning.

I love to create. There is a poster that I saw today on Etsy by Eee Bee that says "I just want to make beautiful things even if nobody cares." This is how I feel, but I also would like my "hobby" to pay for itself. At the moment, I do not believe that what I do could support my family, but I would like it to support itself, which it does...most of the time. This leads me to try and learn marketing and exposure techniques. It facilitates my need to find craft shows and other selling venues. It is also the bane of my creative time, which between kids and homeschool, being a wife and all the other things, is in short supply.

I came across a link for the Smart Passive Income Blog www.smartpassiveincome.com and started to read. The information is very good. The problem is, I realize that it would take so much time to set up some of these strategies that I would not have time to create. Possibly, I just have to learn patience. Possibly, I just have to set aside some of my precious quiet time to formulate a better business model. This hurts my brain just thinking about it.

I was reading The Mom's Guide to Running a Business earlier this week, trying to glean ideas for how to make my business grow and at the same time becoming overwhelmed with this feeling that I am not made of the same stuff these women are made from. I guess it is the time of year for doubt. The creating will happen no matter what, I just wish the business side of things was as enjoyable.

Thanks for reading,
Sarah
www.ardentphotography.com
ardentlife.etsy.com

A Musical Journey

2012-01-10T13:33:00.000-08:00

This past weekend I journeyed down to Portland, Oregon with family to enjoy the River City Music Festival. Between attending workshops and listening to lots of bluegrass music from artists like Sierra Hull, the Bluegrass Regulators and Northern Departure, I had time to lament no longer being able to play my violin. I have never been skilled with the guitar, another instrument in my house, but at one point in my life, I was at least decent at the violin. Looking back now, and reading some of my adjudication reports, I am not sure how well I actually played. This doesn't matter now, though. This weekend has shown me that I need to get my fingers moving again. By the end of the year, I hope to feel comfortable playing my violin in front of people again. Off to go practice!

Best wishes,
Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com
http://ardentlife.etsy.com

Happy New Year! Now Let's Get Back to School.

2012-01-03T06:52:00.000-08:00

Back to school today! Our school schedule had been thrown into a chaotic mess for the holiday season, but now that our house has returned to it's pre-holiday order, we can start our lessons at their regularly scheduled times. Of course this implies that we have a schedule, which we do, it is just very...um...relaxed.

I am also hoping to get started on creating some math manipulatives and other learning "toys". If they go over well, maybe they will end up in the shop later this year.

I hope you all had a wonderful new year's celebration.

Best wishes in the new year,

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

The Process of Organization

2011-12-29T07:25:00.000-08:00

I am trying to organize all the jewelry. This is one of those tasks that is hard to start because it seems insurmountable. Some need new photographs, some just need photographs, I am getting ready to retire some pieces and send them to be reworked, many of them need to be listed on Etsy.

So many new pieces that you all have not yet seen.

Wish me luck,

Sarah
www.ardentphotography.com
ardentlife.etsy.com

Stollen - A German Tradition

2011-12-17T09:25:00.000-08:00

Growing up, I always new it was Christmas time when I smelled Stollen baking in my grandmother's kitchen. It wasn't everyone's favorite holiday treat, but there was something to that fragrant bread that I always loved. My version of this holiday treat is different from my grandmother's mostly because I use dried fruit soaked in Grand Mariner instead of the candied fruit.

Stollen

FRUIT
2 cup Raisins, dried Apricots, dried Cranberries, and dried Cherries rough chopped
½ cup Grand Mariner

Soak the chopped up fruit in the liquor for at least two days.

SPONGE
½ cup whole milk
½ cup flour
4 teaspoons yeast

Warm the milk to 100° F, then whisk in the flour and yeast, cover in plastic wrap and store for 1 hour in a warm draft free place until very foamy.

DOUGH
2 ¼ cups flour                                                                           1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon sugar                                                                    1 egg
¼ teaspoon salt                                                                         5 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon grated orange zest                                                    Up to ¼ cup water
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

Mix together flour, sugar, salt, zests, and cinnamon. Fold in sponge, egg and butter. Then add enough water to make a soft dough. Let rest 10 minutes.

Add fruit to the dough. Sprinkle the counter with flour and then knead until the fruit is spread evenly through the dough. The dough should not be sticky but may be tacky. Knead for about 6 minutes. Add a bit of oil to a large bowl and spread it around. Roll the dough ball in the oil, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let ferment for 45 minutes. The dough does not rise much.

Form either one large loaf or two small ones. My grandmother always made stollen in metal loaf pans. I formed the dough into two small bâtards. Gently coat with a very thin layer of oil, cover with plastic wrap and proof on a parchment lined sheet pan for approximately 1 hour or until 1 ½ times its size.

Heat the oven to 350°F. Bake the bread for 20 minutes, turn the pan and bake for another 20-40 minutes depending on how you made the loaves.

Now I don’t do this, but after you bake the loaves and remove them from the oven, coat the loaves with a bit of oil and then cover with powdered sugar, wait a little bit and then tap on another layer. This is apparently traditional, but it was not the way my grandmother made it.

Cool completely and store in a plastic bag, unless you like your stollen stale, then leave it out. Stale stollen is also traditional. If you cannot wait to eat your fresh baked stollen, make sure you wait at least 1 hour.

I hope you enjoy!

Happy Holidays,

Sarah McTernen

An Ardent Life Design

www.ardentphotography.com

Ardentlife.com

Warning: Traffic Revision Ahead

2011-12-16T11:12:00.000-08:00

I've decided that a change in direction is needed: partly for this blog, partly for my web presence, and partly for my life. I am not a big company. I am not a power-driven business woman. I am a mother to three pretty awesome kids. I am a housewife, no matter how '50's that sounds. I am a photographer with a different point of view. I am a website designer with a personal touch. I am a baker of cheesecakes, cookies, bread and more that entice peoples' tastebuds. I am a violinist, though it has been a few months since I've played. I am a writer, of more than this blog. I am an artist in copper, gemstones and more.

I am not sure why I thought it was to my benifit, or to my readers for that matter, to keep all of these aspects seperate and to try and be a kind of business woman that I am not. You are not a single thing: just a mother, just a sales clerk, just a fiber artist, so I will not pretend that I am anymore.

That is all for now. I will update you as changes are made, and changes will be made.

Have a wonderful Holiday Season if I don't talk to you before then.

Merry Christmas, Happy Solctice and a Wonderful New Year,

Sarah McTernen

www.ardentphotography.com

Dropping the Ball

2011-11-30T08:01:00.000-08:00

I have been neglectful. I'm sorry. I haven't written in months. I could give plenty of examples of why I have been busy, but in the end, it hasn't been a priority. Things have been hectic and I am realizing that with so much going on, I tend not to be able to be perfect at everything. I accept imperfection in my art, knowing that the little differences identify it as mine. I have a harder time accepting this in my life. As a new year approaches, I will make posting here a larger priority.

What is going on in December?

Calendars are on sale online for $15 both 8x10 wall year calendars and 4x6 desk monthly calendars. You can buy a pre-packaged calendar, or pick and choose from any of my photographs. View the calendars on Facebook at the Ardent Photography page and E-mail me with your order at sarah@ardentphotography.com

Signature Art Jewelry on Etsy is on sale at 50% off until December 4th.

Junktastic is back in December! On December 4th, we will once again gather at Studio 6 Ballroom to sell our handcrafted and vintage wares, giving you a local opportunity to have a handmade holiday. Please come visit us on Sunday from 10am until 4pm. Find Junktastic on Facebook.

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and may your holiday season be full of family and light.

Best wishes,

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

The Art of the Sell

2011-08-25T07:11:00.000-07:00

I am not a salesperson. Even when I worked in retail (okay, it was a market, but still...we did have an artsy/craftsy section), I wasn't ever one to convince someone to buy something. I would never sell ice to an Eskimo, as the saying would go, because I just find that rude. But if you love something and are trying to find the justification to buy it...that I may be able to help you with.

Artists are notorious for being bad sales people. I think it is an artist's conundrum to fall in love with what they create and therefor it is hard to let it go. Sometimes I refer to it as the "Smelly Cat" issue. I used to watch Friends, and in this one episode, Phoebe was playing for money, but she felt bad because "Smelly Cat" earned $1.50 while "Sticky Shoe" only raked in $.25 (I'm paraphrasing, but you get the idea). I feel bad when a piece is not loved. I had a smile from ear to ear when a little boy bought a 4x6 of The Toilet. Now this was not because a little boy paid $5 for one of my photographs. It was because this was the first time someone had wanted to take The Toilet home and love it (the way you love art.) I don't ever want to convince someone to buy what I create. I want them to love it. I want them to take it home and cherish it.

Now the other side to this is that I hate to see someone not treat themselves. By nature I am a very frugal person and I rarely buy things for myself, not really an uncommon trait in a mother of four, but it goes to intent. I don't treat myself, but I think that everyone else should indulge in what they love (I am a horrible enabler). Let me tell a story to illustrate.

This past weekend I was at a show. The traffic had been light and the day had been hot. I was losing my festival attitude (this had more to do with the constant sun and heat than anything else). A couple came into the booth and began looking at the jewelry. We talked about how I did this, and why I did that, all the while the woman is picking up my Aquamarine Maze cuff (this very unique, very one of a kind piece that I am not sure I could duplicate) and she begins to fall in love, but she puts it back down, and then picks it up, and then puts it back down. I hand her my card and I say I sell online, but she is still looking at the cuff. We talk about custom pieces, she asks if I could make something like the cuff again, I tell her it shouldn't be an issue. I am sure the cuff will still be here. She is shocked, "Why?" "Because lots of people pick it up, but they always put it back down and move on." It is speaking to her. In the end, it was made for her. The cuff wins the conversation and she takes it home, not wanting it to be left on the table, lonely. Most of my pieces are highly individual, just waiting for their owner to come and claim them.

I read somewhere that artists who put their work up for sale, but do not take into account their customers wants and needs, are selfish. I have to say that this is a salesman point of view. I am not a salesman. A salesmen is trying to sell you something, I want you to buy something. A salesman thinks that his product is the best in the world and will try to convince you of that in any way he can. I love my work and I hope that you do to, but if you don't, have a nice day, it is not for everybody. Now, maybe I will sell a few less photographs because I don't try to push them on people, but hopefully I will collect a few more art lovers.

Thank you for reading,

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

Garfield Street Fair - Saturday, August 20th

2011-08-19T07:42:00.000-07:00

The 2011 Garfield Street Fair is Saturday, August 20th. With more than 100 vendors, two music stages, two beer gardens, a wine garden, children’s activities and a large car show, we are expecting this year's event to be fantastic.

For the first time, the street fair will extend along both the west and east ends of Garfield Street. The fair opens at 10 am and ends at 6 pm.

The Garfield Street Fair is listed on Facebook, as is the Garfield Street Business Community, and you can see the list of participating vendors and bands performing at www.shopgarfieldstreet.com.

Please come on down and see all the new work and displays.

Best wishes,
Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com
smcternen.etsy.com
ardentlife.etsy.com
www.zazzle.com/ardentphotography

A Street Named Darien

2011-08-08T17:57:00.000-07:00

Best wishes,
Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com
smcternen.etsy.com
ardentlife.etsy.com
www.zazzle.com/ardentphotography

Snide Remarks and Digital Photography

2011-08-07T23:04:00.000-07:00

This weekend I attended an art festival as a vendor. All in all, this was a good experience. There was one moment that made me want to rant. While a couple was in my booth, perusing my photographs, we came upon the question of how I achieved a certain look to a photograph. I mentioned the word Photoshop and saw the man's eyes change. Now that I had mentioned that I use a photo processing program, my work became meaningless and not worth the time he had just spent looking through my hundreds of images. His wife was still rather taken by quite a few of my pieces and when she pointed out a framed version of "Vines" he responded with the snide remark of "all Photoshop".

Since the beginning of my career as a photographer, I have fought the battle of film versus digital. I have had eyes rolled at me, had stories relayed about how someone's father who shot film took such better photographs than mine, have had people point out what they perceive to be digital flaws in my work, and other such interactions. I have fought with my own opinion of digital versus film and I have come out on the other side, not wanting to belittle what I do, what I create. I am a digital photographer and an artist who uses Photoshop mostly to process my photographs. The majority of my images have not been "Photoshoped". But let's take a minute to put that concept to rest.

I hear people dismiss work because it has been altered, but altering photographs has been happening since the inception of the camera. Film was not a perfect record of what happened in history. It was just as likely to be modified and altered as digital images today. Early art photographers actually shunned artists who made clear concise images, because they wanted to be more like the painters of their time. Also, art photographs are not news images, where you are being bamboozled by someone trying to change what really happened.

Another point on this matter I must bring to the fore front. I hear all too often people saying how they do not understand Photoshop and they couldn't use it if they tried. If this program is so difficult to use, then why is it looked down upon when someone can wield it well? Is it not an art form in its own right? Every time the art world expands, the people, and the critics, want to put down the new medium because it is not as good as the old. Maybe it is not. This does not mean that it is not any good. It is different. It is a different medium just like the difference between the romantic and the impressionist painters. Photographers have always had the problem of being lumped into one category but now the masses lump film and digital photographers together, making digital the red headed step child of the former.

So now we move on to my work. I use Photoshop as a processing program. I take all of my photographs in RAW format which is similar to a digital negative. There is not much you can do with a RAW image until you process it. Film photographers use baths of chemicals to process and tweak their photographs. I use Photoshop. Most of my images are not altered to any great extent. I alter some to great extents because I believe that being able to create what I see in my head, what I envision, is an art form. I love photograph like "Tinted Rose" where I removed distractions from the background then turned the whole thing sepia just as much as I like "Haunting" of which I did no additional processing.

I love what I do, but I was always a much bigger fan of Ginsberg than Kerouac. Now to explain, Kerouac did not believe in editing. He thought that one should never alter a poem after the words had hit the paper and if they did so, it was dishonest to the art. I am a firm believer in the power of editing. I have been working on the same book for twenty years and there has been a lot of editing. The same theory applies to my photography. The captured image may be well photographed, but if I think it is missing that punch, I use Photoshop to capture the image that was only in my mind.

Best wishes,
Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com
smcternen.etsy.com
ardentlife.etsy.com
www.zazzle.com/ardentphotography

ETA: I find it funny that I only used photographs from the Botany collection. This was not done on purpose. :)

Chasing Butterflies

2011-07-29T08:18:00.000-07:00

Okay, it was just the one.

Sarah McTernen
ardentphotography.com
smcternen.etsy.com
ardentlife.etsy.com
Ardent on Zazzle

Racoons!

2011-07-17T16:25:00.000-07:00

Three baby racoons swiping fruit from a cherry tree.

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

The Renewal of Summer

2011-07-08T11:37:00.000-07:00

I know spring is supposed to be the time of renewal and fresh starts, but this year, I think that spring skipped us and left an extra dose of winter in its place. The last few months I have been busy with creating jewelry, booth displays, and new photographs, dealing with shipping errors and print house backlog due to a water main break, prepping for shows, recovering from shows, and sick munchkins one after the other after the other. It seems like it has been non-stop. There are many things that have been neglected and this blog is one of them, my newsletter is another, and my website needs some enduring TLC.

Want to see this month's newsletter? Here is the July edition of The Keen Observer.

I am in the process of updating the website. The look will not be a large alteration, but the Art Gallery is changing a bit and the Events page has been updated.

I am still backlogged on developing some new work. I have a few hundred images that I need to go through and get ready to show off. I am excited to be working on a new Art Gallery. It has been needed for a while now.

This weekend I will be at the Art on the Ave Junktastic event at Studio 6 Ballroom on 6th Avenue in Tacoma. I will be there with lots of new jewelry piece, new framed work, and new prints. If you find a print that you love but I don't have it in the size you want, just let me know you want to put in an order. If you order at the show, you get show prices!

Thank you for reading and your continued support of my work.

Best wishes,
Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com
smcternen.etsy.com
ArdentLife.etsy.com
www.zazzle.com/ardentphotography

July Junktastic

2011-07-07T08:42:00.000-07:00

Junktastic Sunday Market During Art on the Ave
Sunday, July 10th, 2011
11am until 5pm
Come on down and see all the new photographs and jewelry designs.

Best wishes,
Sarah McTernen
http://www.ardentphotography.com/
smcternen.etsy.com

UP for Art Artist's Market at Duck Daze

2011-06-01T22:27:00.000-07:00

Please come and visit the first UP for Art Artist's Market that will be happening in front of the new library in University Place this Saturday in conjunction with the Duck Daze festivities. It is supposed to be a gorgeous day, so come out to UP to take home some fabulous art.

Thanks for reading,

Sarah

www.ardentphotography.com

Custer Elementary Bazaar

2011-05-05T13:32:00.001-07:00

Come visit me on Saturday and get your last minute Mother's Day shopping taken care of.

Best wishes,

Sarah McTernen
Ardent Photography
www.ardentphotography.com

Picturing the Rain

2011-03-24T14:44:00.000-07:00

Working on a new background for a website so I was playing with a clear glass vase and a blue piece of construction paper. I sprayed the vase with water and the got as close as possible to focus on the water droplets.

Need a unique website with an artistic touch? Give me a call. I would love to help you out.

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

Playing with Long Exposures

2011-03-23T14:34:00.000-07:00

The moon was at it's closest the other night, and though I was outside to capture the brilliance of the moon, Washington weather had a different agenda. As the clouds rolled in, covering the face of the moon, I began to look at the few stars that I could see. Then holding the camera as still as I could (it was too late to go and grab my tripod, maybe another night) I shot some short long-exposure shots. I am excited for summer now, and to get to play a little more with this concept once the skies clear up.

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

The Moon at Night, Is Big and Bright...but Behind Clouds

2011-03-22T14:40:00.001-07:00

Big Bright Moon on Saturday night ... well at least bright, I am not sure it was any bigger than normal though it was nice and full. The clouds crept in too soon, so I had to settle for some eerie artsy shots.

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

First Show for 2011 is Junktastic!

2011-03-18T14:14:00.001-07:00

Have you heard? There is a Sunday Market at Studio 6 Ballroom. Find local artists, crafters, junkers, vintage, recyclers and more all under one roof (okay, I think there are a few vendors who are going to be outside, but I'm not positive about that). You need to come and check this event out. Ardent Photography with be there with new prints, favorite prints, some framed pieces, as well as Ardent Life Designs jewelry. So come on down to 6th Avenue in Tacoma and say hi.

See you this weekend and thanks for reading,

Sarah McTernen
ardentlife.etsy.com
www.ardentphotography.com
smcternen.etsy.com
Ardent on Zazzle

Some of Your Favorite Things

2011-03-16T15:05:00.000-07:00

I must thank you all for your patience this year. I promise I will find the ball at some point (it is probably lost under the couch). But until then, I figured I would pose a question. I was going through some statistics on my Etsy shop and wanted to see what the most favorited photographs were.

The top three:

The Pearl Nautilus: 16
The Dandelion: 10
AR Apart: 9

Though my Etsy shop does not contain all of my images, I want to know...

What is your favorite of my photographs, any of them NOT just the three above?

and

What would you like to see more of?

On March 23rd (aka next Wednesday) I will pick one lucky person to receive an 8x10 of their favorite shot, so spread the news.

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

Hello Again!

2011-03-03T09:01:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile. How have you been? I have been busy with Ardent Life Designs, taking photographs of the new pieces that are created, and chasing after three little munchkins. Junktastic is coming up on the 20th of this month and I will be there with prints available framed and unframed in various sizes. I hope to see you there.

Starting next week, I will be posting a photograph a day and getting back on the blogging path.

Thank you for reading,
Sarah McTernen
ArdentLife.etsy.com
Smcternen.etsy.com
www.ardentphotography.com

2011 Calendars

2010-11-23T14:51:00.000-08:00

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

Committing to a Handmade Holiday

2010-11-19T07:34:00.000-08:00

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

Website Re-Design Offer

2010-11-15T08:00:00.000-08:00

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

Buffalo

2010-11-14T15:15:00.000-08:00

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

Invitations that Speak Volumes

2010-11-13T11:59:00.000-08:00

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

What You Will Find At The Zoo!

2010-11-12T08:41:00.000-08:00

Thank you,
Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com

Fall Fabulous 8x10 Sale!

2010-11-09T08:40:00.000-08:00

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

An Autumn Walk

2010-11-08T07:43:00.000-08:00

Thank you for looking,

Sarah McTernen

www.ardentphotography.com
smcternen.etsy.com
ardentlife.etsy.com

In University Place? Check out GreenSpot

2010-11-05T15:24:00.000-07:00

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

Living An Ardent Life

2010-11-04T08:18:00.000-07:00

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

Holiday Photography

2010-11-03T06:53:00.000-07:00

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

Worth A Thousand Words...

2010-10-06T19:17:00.000-07:00

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

It's All About the Wardrobe!

2010-10-05T15:31:00.000-07:00

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

Capturing Your Family and Autumn

2010-10-04T09:39:00.000-07:00

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

Etsy Treasuries

2010-08-10T17:00:00.000-07:00

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

The New Art Review

2010-08-09T12:09:00.001-07:00

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

Purple Rose

2010-07-31T17:52:00.000-07:00

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

Sarah
www.ardentphotography.com

Etsy July Treasury

2010-07-31T10:00:00.000-07:00

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

Wonderful Blog Post About RAW

2010-07-30T10:08:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-30T08:43:00.000-07:00

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

Bacon Brownies

2010-06-25T10:21:00.000-07:00

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

Putting Together a New Idea

2010-06-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

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

June Etsy Promotions

2010-06-15T16:01:00.000-07:00

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

Giraffes

2010-06-12T16:27:00.000-07:00

Thank you,

Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com

Hey Dads! You Deserve Portraits Too!

2010-06-03T09:25:00.000-07:00

Larry and Sydney at Wapato Park, Tacoma WA

As Father's Day approaches, it is time to capture the beauty of a father's love. Many dads find themselves in the role of photographer for the family, so they do not end up in the photographs themselves. This Father's Day, make sure that the dads in your life find their way into your family photos.

Need a little help capturing the entire family? Contact me to set up a portrait session at sarah@ardentphotography.com

Thank you,

Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com

Business Head Shots: Out of Office

2010-05-27T21:14:00.000-07:00

Business portraits do not have to be stuffy, they do not have to be boring, they do not have to be in an office or in a studio. Head shots can be taken in a comfortable chair, on a sunny beach, or sitting next to a quite pond. Any scenery that represents you and your business will be a wonderful backdrop to represent you to the world.

These photographs were taken on Ruston Way in Tacoma, WA for Mary Huff of Spiral Dragonfly Coaching (visit her at www.spiraldragonfly.com.)

Want to book your own session? E-mail me.

Thank you for reading,
Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com

I Call Fowl!

2010-05-25T10:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you,

Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com

A Question About Art

2010-05-24T10:00:00.000-07:00

"The art lies in the man, not in the medium, and the photographer who loves the poetical, dreamy, sometimes melancholy...moods of nature, will show these qualities in his work."

~Rudolf Eickemeyer, Jr.

For the longest time, I wondered whether or not I was an artist. To many people, the act of selling ones work makes one an artist. If someone else wants to buy it, your work is art. To me that definition is too inclusive. I have struggled with the identity of my work, the value of it and the meaning for it, more for my own definition than for any other purpose. I ran across this quote this past month while writing my newsletter and the words struck home. It doesn't matter what the external manifestation of it is, it is the way the mind works that is art, it is the vision that is art, it is the perspective and the ability to change that perspective that is art. Your thoughts?

Thank you,

Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com

It's Not Complete Until You Frame It

2010-05-23T10:00:00.000-07:00

The Camo Violin 9x12

The Garden Fairy 20x30

The Toilet 16x20

Shadow Tulip 11x14

Typically, photographs are matted and framed in black wood as seen on many a gallery wall, but I believe the frame is the finishing touch that deserves just as much consideration as the elements of the photograph itself. The type of wood, the construction, the embellish-ments, whether or not to use matte: these all create a piece of art beyond the photograph. When I frame, I want to create a piece that will look wonderful in a living room, dining room or even a bathroom. I am not designing for the stark museum landscape. I am designing for the warmth of a home.

When I am looking for frames, whether it is pawing through antiques, perusing frame shops, or finding handmade items on the internet, I have a particular photograph in mind. I see the nuances in the frame that will bring out elements of the photograph and vice versa; it needs to pop. Most of the time, that is. Sometimes, I find a frame that I think would be wonderful, but I am not sure what piece to put it with, such as the piece above. I set the empty green frame over the packaged print of the Camo Violin while I was framing something else, looked over, and that was it .

To see more articles from the May edition of The Keen Observer, click here to view the PDF file and then E-mail me to make sure that you recieve next month's newsletter in your inbox.

Thank you,

Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography

Spring Sale At Creative Forces

2010-05-22T10:00:00.001-07:00

Carolyn Osborne’s Spring Sale is this weekend, May 22nd and 23rd. Come and find beautiful jewelry and more.
Visit her studio at
430 Berkley Avenue Fircrest, WA 98466

Thank you,

Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com

May Has Been a Blur

2010-05-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

I made a valiant attempt to post everyday or at least a few times a week, but once again life and business has got in the way of me writing. I have been out in the world shooting though, so look forward to some new work. I am planning to get a few post under my belt before I once again jaunt out into the world to capture some new everyday things and transform them into art.

Thank you so much for reading,

Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com

Head Butting Sheep

2010-05-20T13:55:00.000-07:00

Thank you,

Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T10:35:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all of you moms.

A very Happy Mother's Day to Missy, who is the winner of the Mother's Day Portrait Session Give Away.

Don't forget, if you book a portrait session by the end of May, you can get $15 off your sitting fee.

Have a great day!

Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com

New Front Page

2010-05-05T14:19:00.000-07:00

The new look has finally infiltrated the front page. Though most of the information is changed, the layout resembles the rest of the site and a new header has been added. Let me know what you think!

www.ardentphotography.com

Thank you,

Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com

Free Portrait Session for Mother's Day

2010-05-03T15:10:00.000-07:00

Are you a mother? (or do you know one?)

Do you live in the Puget Sound Region?

Would you like to have professional portraits taken of you and your children for free?

Then put your name in for my Mother's Day Free Portrait Sitting Contest!

One lucky mom will receive a 1/2 portrait session with me in the location of her choosing. You must live in the Puget Sound Region and must be a mom (sorry Dads, your month is in June). Oh and moms-to-be count.

My daughter will pull one name out of a hat on Mother's Day (5/9/2010).

Comment here or E-mail me at sarah@ardentphotography.com.

Thank you,

Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com

May Etsy Promotion

2010-05-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

Celebrating the beauty of pregnancy and the wonder that is being a mother. Happy Mother's Day to all of you moms and moms-to-be out there.

1. With Child - beachchik (Custom Painting)

2. Natural Wooden Nursing Necklace - littlenurslings

3. With Child (oxidized) - frillz

4. A Mothers Love - Inspiring and Positive Fertility Art Print - TheFertileGarden

5. Bell Casts Gift Certificate - mamarocksdesigns

6. Birth Wise Bracelet - for Labor and Birth - WildMotherArts

7. Queen Bee Deluxe Pregnancy Gift Set - thespoiledmama

Thank you,

Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com

Want Pregnancy portraits or Mother's Day Portraits? E-mail me to book a session before June 1st and save $15 on your sitting fee!

The Stunning Designs of Carolyn Osborne

2010-04-30T10:00:00.000-07:00

Carolyn Osborne is a fabulous artists who resides in Fircrest, Wa. She works with glass, paint, beads and more.

One of her unique and beautiful offerings, is a custom piece to commemorate the life of a passed loved one.

"Sacred Embers for the ultimate rememberance of a beloved human or pet that has passed. Go to www.sacredembers.blogspot.com for more information.

Your piece is truly one of a kind."

Carolyn also create wonderful signs and banners

Interested in viewing some of her jewelry? She will be at the Ardent Photography Open House, May 1st from noon until 6pm.

Ardent Photography Studios
6620 48th Street Ct W
University Place, wa

She is also having a Spring Sale at her studio on May 22nd and 23rd from noon until 5pm on both days.

Carolyn Osborne's Spring Sale
430 Berkley Avenue
Fircrest, WA 98466

253-566-8871

View more of her work online at www.creativeforcesbycarolyn.com
www.sacredembers.blogspot.com

Thank you,
Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com

The Perception and Paint of Jeananne Sizemore

2010-04-29T10:00:00.000-07:00

Want to see more? Check out her Etsy Shops Artwhims and Artwhims Paper.

If you live in the Puget Sound region come by my studio on May 1st between Noon and 6pm to see her work up close and personal.

Ardent Photography Studios
6620 48th Street Ct W
University Place, WA

253-566-6175

See the Facebook event here.

Thank you,

Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com

The Stunning Beauty of the Pregnant Belly

2010-04-28T15:03:00.000-07:00

As Mother's Day approaches and I have stumbled across beautiful belly castings on Etsy, I wanted to share with you Nayomie's portraits. I loved working on these photographs.

Do you want pregnancy photographs taken? Send me an E-mail and book your session today.

Thank you,

Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com

Unique Mother's Day Ideas!

2010-04-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

Are you tired of sending the same bouquet every year but still need the convenience of online shopping? Check out Zazzle for personalized items from mugs to t-shirts and more.

Check out these shops!
Ardent Photography
Artwhims
Edition HA
KE Photo

Shop by April 28th and receive free ground shipping on all orders over $25 using code MOMDAYGROUND!

Thanks for looking,

Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com

2nd Annual Open House

2010-04-26T12:04:00.000-07:00

Feast your eyes on some fabulous local art May 1st, 2010 between Noon and 6pm when I will be hosting my annual art exhibit at my home/studio in University Place. I will be joined by two other wonderful women artists: Jeananne Sizemore, owner of Artwhims and Carolyn Osborne owner of Creative Forces.

Come and support local artists and find the perfect piece of art to set off your personality and that gift you always wanted to give. Don't forget, Mother's Day is May 9th!

Gallery Tours will take place at 1pm, 3pm, and 5pm.

Ardent Photography Studios
6620 48th Street Ct W
University Place, WA 98467

Find the event on Facebook: 2nd Annual Ardent Photography Open House

Thank you,

Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com

Graham Crackers

2010-04-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

4 tablespoons butter, softened
1 egg
6 tablespoons brown sugar
4 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons water
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups graham flour
3/4 cup white whole wheat flour

Preheat the oven to 350 F.
Blend butter egg and sugar in a large bowl and beat until smooth. Stir in honey. Dissolve baking soda in the water and then stir this into the butter mixture. Stir in the salt, graham flour, and whole wheat flour until the dough holds together. If it is too tacky add more graham flour.
Dust your rolling surface with graham flour and roll the dough out to an 1/8 of an inch. Cut into square or your desired shape and move to a parchment lined cookie sheet. Puncture each cracker a few times with a fork. Bake for 15 minutes checking on them half way through. Remove the crackers from the over and carefully move to a cooling rack. They will be soft at first, but as they cool they will harden.

Thank you,

Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com

Wylie Kids

2010-04-14T11:40:00.000-07:00

Call me to book your family portrait session today!

Thank you,

Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com

The Art of an Internet Presence

2010-04-09T16:11:00.000-07:00

For a small business, the idea of becoming visible on the Internet can be daunting. All you want is a simple yet attractive website for people to find in their search for your products or services. You look around for a web designer, but most of the companies only offer boring and unimaginative sites or want more than you make in a year. I would love to provide you with a unique website, tailored to your style and industry, for a fraction of what other companies charge. I charge less because I enjoy creating beautiful websites and stretching my creativity and your vision. Now is the time to update your image and improve your visibility. There are many ways to get people to your website, I help keep them there.

Why is Ardent Photography different than the standard website design service?
I offer completely unique websites without templates or frames. You will not see another website out there like your own. Your website will be created to emphasize your business and focus on your logo and branding. If you already have a logo, I will work with you to incorporate that image into the soul of your site, but if you haven’t got that far in your business identity yet, I would love to help you create a logo that captures the public eye and sticks in the memory of potential customers.

What other services does Ardent Photography provide?
• Website maintenance
• Head shots
• Copy writing
• Business card design
• Pamphlet creation
• Portfolio photography (people and merchandise)

Examples of my work: www.spiraldragonfly.com and www.bobspropertysolutions.com.

Need help with a logo for a new venture or just jazzing up your current style? I can help with that too. Let’s dust off the old and spring into a new vision.

Business Solutions

Check out more articles in the April edition of the Keen Observer.

Thank you,

Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com

Photography 101: Children

2010-04-06T15:55:00.000-07:00

My two younger children welcoming there new baby sister. This is by no means a perfect picture, but it does capture the very different personalities of these three kids.

Capturing photographs of children is an athletic task, especially if you want them in a good mood. The studio photographer has props and gimmicks available at the instant the child turns to fussing and tears, though the gimmicks to not always do the trick. Often parents have a better approach, since they are a familiar entity. In the end, kids do not like to sit still. Sometimes you can get one shot done, but then they want to move and wiggle. My opinion, let them move and wiggle. Follow your kids around when they are playing and capture them in the essence of childhood. Sometimes you will need to call their attention to you so that their faces will be visible, but most kids can be convinced to enjoy being in front of the camera. This is especially true in today's digital world where "Can I see?" is a common phrase.

Still, there is always the one who hates the camera, or at least wants to appear that way. Whether it is because they are "too old" to smile, or because they are having a bad day, sometimes it is easier to convince them to smile, if they see what they look like when they don't. Again, the wonders of the digital age.

This photograph is my oldest. She had developed the habit of frowning for the camera. I am not the most cheerful subject either, but the grandparents had requested up-to-date pictures of the grandkids (sometimes we fall into the whole cobblers kids have no shoes scenerio). I told her she was scowling at me not smiling. I then showed her the face she was making and she decided that this was not the face she wanted captured.

This is the second picture. The smile is genuine and beautiful.

This is my edit.

In order to find her smile, I didn't have to convince her she was beautiful, or make her laugh, I just had to convince her not to sabotage the picture. You know your kids best. Don't try to create the perfect picture, just take the photograph and you will have the best representation of your kids to hang on your wall.

If you want professional portraits to go along with your now wonderful snap shots, E-mail me at sarah@ardentphotography.com to schedule a family portrait session or just a session for your kids.

Thank you,

Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com

Footprints: Greater Tacoma Artists Guild

2010-04-06T11:28:00.001-07:00

We are a group of artists dedicated to helping each other grow in business and creative opportunities. From photographers to sewers, candle makers to jewelry artists, painters and more we gather to share and spread the word of all things handmade, to leave our mark on those who see and love our art.

I have been a member of the Etsy community for almost two years now. Though I have been a member of EtsyRain for a large portion of that time, I do not have the desire nor capabilities to get up to the Seattle area for events and meetings. In an effort to bring the Etsy community to the Tacoma area, Jeananne Sizemore (artwhims.etsy.com) and I have organized Footprints: Greater Tacoma Artists Guild. We want to give local artisans who sell their wares on Etsy assistance with their businesses and their craft, as well as provide local opportunities in the form of craft shows and festivals.

Are you an Etsy artist in the Tacoma area (or willing to travel here for monthly meetings and events)?

Please contact either Jeananne Sizemore (artwhims.etsy.com) or me, Sarah McTernen (smcternen.etsy.com). Share with us one of your favorite items in your Etsy shop and why you would like to join our team.

Links:
Facebook Fan Page

Thank you,

Sarah McTernen

Happy Half Birthday All You Scorpios

2010-04-05T13:42:00.000-07:00

April is half birthday month for Scorpios so I decided to make my Etsy Promotion all about the creepy arachnid.

1. Scorpion - VonChandler

2. Scorpio Astrology Tarot Sculpture - odesignstudio

3. Real Scorpion Strike a Pose Stinger - Reabutterflygifts

4. Astrology Soap Scorpio organic and handmade - saukmountain

5. Zodiac Night Light Scorpio - BlueTurtleCrafts

6. Scorpio Rising Carnelian and Jasper Necklace - gypsyeye

Thank you,
Sarah McTernen
smcternen.etsy.com

Happy Easter Everyone!

2010-04-04T11:36:00.001-07:00

Tacoma Fulcrum Gallery Looking for Young Artists

2010-04-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

The Fulcrum Gallery in downtown Tacoma is putting together an exhibit for this summer pairing new artists (ages 13-19) with displaying, promonant artists called "Here and Now". If you know of a young artist who could use the exposure and would relish the experiance of being diplayed in a brick and mortor art gallery here is the submission requierments. Submissions must be sent in by May 1, 2010.

Fulcrum Gallery
1308 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Tacoma, WA 98405
Thurs, Fri & Sat 12-6 pm
T 253 250 0520

Thank you,

Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com

It's Graduation Day!

2010-03-31T13:06:00.000-07:00

Alannah, 2009 Graduate

Okay, well, not yet. But it will be soon! Are you ready? These last few months until graduations begin (whether college or high school) will go quickly. Don't forget to make your appointment to capture your graduate's face before it is changed forever by the real world.

Thank you,

Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com

Photography 101: Product

2010-03-30T10:00:00.000-07:00

Fused Glass Plate by Tacoma Artist Penny Duke

When taking product shots there are a few simple things to remember to create useful images.

1. Keep it simple: Don't clutter the image with lots of background or other items. A simple background is enough to showcase your item. If you need a prop, use one not twelve.

2. Focus: Make sure the focus of the camera is on your product, not on anything else, especially not the empty air in front of the product.

3. Lighting: Don't worry, you do not need special lights to create usable images. Sunlight (even on cloudy days) is bright enough. Well lit images showcase your product much better than low light, "dingy" looking pictures.

Think you still need help or you want a in house lesson? Send me an E-mail. I will help you create better product shops for online shops and portfolios.

Thank you,

Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com

Speakeasy Arts Cooperative

2010-03-29T10:00:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for local talent in the Tacoma area? Do you want to immerse yourself in art? Check out the Speakeasy Arts Cooperative located at 746 Broadway Street in Tacoma. Run by Angela Jossy, this newish venue has events scheduled every week including the 100th Monkey on April 21st.

Speakeasy on Facebook

Phone: 253.426.5704

Open Thurs through Sun 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.

See events schedule for additional information.

Thank you,

Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com

Rachael and Tracy

2010-03-28T10:00:00.000-07:00

Last year I was surrounded by new and soon to be mothers. This is a friend of mine with her beautiful baby girl.

Thank you for looking,

Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com

Lights, Camera...Lights?

2010-03-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

I began playing the violin when I was twelve. It was the first year of middle school and I was given the option of art, band, or orchestra. Since I had convinced myself that I was bad at art, and didn’t want to play any band instruments, I opted for orchestra and the violin. It was a perfect fit.

A few years ago, frustrated with the student violin that I was still using, I headed off to Ebay to look for a more sophisticated instrument. In my searching I came across many beautiful specimens. I finally settled on a fine 1920’s model that turned out to have a beautiful sound and this one, a “fiddle” painted in a camouflage pattern by a veteran of the Vietnam war: a friend to the man who was selling it.

I bought the violin for its photographic possibilities, filed the bridge myself so I could put the strings on properly and found that it too, had a beautiful sound. I played the instrument many times over the next few years, but never took out my camera to capture its unique beauty.

I do not believe I would have captured the same photograph had I taken its picture so many years ago. I didn’t yet own the lens I used and I was still struggling with the “proper” way to take a picture. Today, I am learning to love my own style, and not the rules of photography. I work with the light of a room and form the photograph around the light rather than forcing the light to do my biding. I would rather edit out distractions from a great photograph than opt for a different lighting just to have a clean background. This photograph is clean and uniquely lit by a table lamp while the subject is sitting on a green blanket.

Want to find out more about want Ardent had to say in March? Check out the newsletter The Keen Observer.

Thanks for reading,

Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com
smcternen.etsy.com
Ardent Photography Fan Page

March Etsy Favorites

2010-03-26T10:15:00.000-07:00

I love copper. I always have, even if it sometimes turns my skin green. I love the bright orange color of a clean penny and the subtle petina of an aged statue. Here are some of my favorite Etsy listings having to do with copper.

1. Casper Copperbottom - eiderdown

2. Night Chi 3 piece dinnerware set - OneClayBead

3. Dodo in copper and granite - Rakupferamik

4. Copper Penny - Flowers - Original Watercolor 4x6 - printmakerjenn

5. Barrel Copper Red Mugs - cyrusthepotter

6. Bubble Wand Mini Flower Swirl Magic Wand - PurpleBusStudio

7. Copper-Blue Raku Vase - natureofclay

8. Hand Forged Iron and Copper Flower Life-Size - styler76

Welcome to spring.

Thanks for looking,

Sarah McTernen
smcternen.etsy.com

I've Been Blogged

2010-03-18T10:48:00.000-07:00

Julia Baron at Art Setter has written an article about my work! Check it out here
http://blog.artsetter.com/2010/photography-by-sarah-mcternen-seen-from-a-different-angle/

Thank you,

Sarah McTernen

Etsy Front Page 2/24/10

2010-02-26T09:12:00.001-08:00

I made it to Etsy's front page on Wednesday! Thank you bomchelle!

Check out her shop here

Sarah McTernen

Make Valentine's Special

2010-02-09T12:41:00.000-08:00

Show your Valentine how much you care by giving him/her something special, unique and homemade, even if it shows up a bit after Valentine's.

1. Amoretti Love Necklace - Little Tesoro

2. WoNderFul - thepeachpit

3. Rosemary Canvas - Heather Johnston

4. 1 Pound Assorted Hand Dipped Chocolates - BellaRoseChocolates

5. SamplePack of Gourmet Nut Butters - NutButterQueen

6. Chocolate Salami - dolcecabanacocolate

7. Black Opal Custom Coffee Blend - katherynmd

8. Delicious Chocolate Treat Soap - LoveLeeSoaps

9. Sterling/Red Pearl Valentine Necklace - josoriginals

Want something a little more personal? Contact me to set up a couples portrait session sarah@ardentphotography.com

Thank you,
Sarah

Welcoming a New Life

2010-02-04T11:30:00.000-08:00

Infant photography has reached a new level of popularity in recent years with the help of Anne Geddes and other baby prop photographers. Before, the very young were stuck with poorly lit snap shots or those overhead hospital photos, but now they can be captured inside a tulip or curled up in a bear suit. To be honest, what I find beautiful about babies is their own innate innocence and newness. They have a constant curiosity and no ability to hide. Capturing an infant is more about waiting for their smile or curious grasp than folding them into the perfect sleeping shape or enshrouding them in cutesy costumes.
This year I am looking forward to offering new design services along with my photography. One of these services is baby announcements from your photo session. If scheduling a photography session seems undo-able in that first month home, remember that even by etiquette rules you have six months to make it happen.

From this months E-mail newsletter(find it online here). Want it in your inbox? E-mail me at sarah@ardentphotography.com

January Etsy Promotions

2010-02-03T11:20:00.000-08:00

Sorry, I am running behind already this year. January's theme is Wisdom, Whiskey, and Worry.

Wisdom
1. Mister Owl Key Pendant - TrashAndTrinket
2. Brown Owl Steel Memo/Dry Erase Board - ekohdesign

Whiskey
3.Satellite Earrings with Champagne Quartz - favorJewelry (also called Whiskey Quartz)
4.Hazelnut ChocolateWhisky Sandwich cookies - whimsyandspice

Worry
5.Worry Trap - GhostShip
6.Kambaba Jasper Worry Beads - JewelleryReflections

Don't forget to check out the other amazing things in these talented artist's shops.

Thanks for looking,

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

Welcome to 2010

2010-01-02T10:43:00.001-08:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. Happy New Year!

Sarah McTernen

December Etsy Promotions

2009-12-03T15:32:00.000-08:00

In honor of my daughter's birthday later this month, I decided to devote this month's Etsy Promotions to her name (even though it is spelled differetly). Enjoy!

1. Blackbird in the Willow original folk art painting- Artbyregant
2. Regans Blooms - MomNMiaQuilts
3. Regan Key Fob - halfstitched
4. Letter R Plaque - susiezcreations
5. Regan Necklace - MyCutiePie
6. Regan the Original Maple wood Pendant - fashionrefined
7. See You on The Other Side Photograph - WillBPhotography

Thank you,

Sarah McTernen

Handmade Holidays with the 30 on 30 Project

2009-11-19T10:44:00.000-08:00

Are you making your lists and checking them twice while you get ready for the upcoming holiday season? Well, on November 30th, help support the handmade movement and find fabulous unique gifts that will bring cheer to your friends and family by spending $30 on Etsy. It is called 30 on 30.

Never heard of Etsy? Well start out at my shop, Ardent Photography and move out from there. Etsy is an online market place that brings the boutique atmosphere into your living room.

Innocence

2009-11-17T13:58:00.001-08:00

A Little Bit of Springtime

2009-11-16T22:29:00.000-08:00

The Nautilus Shell

2009-11-14T14:11:00.000-08:00

ArdentPhotography.com: Now A Little Faster

2009-11-11T15:30:00.001-08:00

After five years of home hosting, I have finally relented and moved Ardent to a hosting service. I did not have the luxury of making a planned move, unfortunately. A power flicker took down one of my servers. It was the universes way of telling me that I was taking too long. Anyway, Ardent should now load faster and display better, once I go through and fix the glitches. Thank you for your patience and if you see anything that needs my attention, please E-mail me at sarah@ardentphotography.com.

Thanks again,

Sarah

September Etsy Promotions

2009-09-26T12:18:00.001-07:00

I had lots of cool items to choose from this month, but these were my favorites. Please check out these talented artisan's shops on Etsy and see all of the beautiful art that they create.

1. zMacPhotography - Traveling Path 11x14 Print
2. WiteOwl - Marichelle Lace Necklace
3. GreenMan - Pea Pod Play Set
4. Lura Jewelry - Tree of Life Switchplate II
5. ellejewels - Garden of Joy Olivine Bracelet
6. Robynas - ZAZA Hammock

Oh, and if you have a free moment, check out my shop Ardent Photography and see all of the new photographs and collections that have been listed.

Thank you,
Sarah McTernen

Maternity Leave

2009-09-24T09:41:00.000-07:00

If you have not read the September edition of The Keen Observer, our family is expecting a new edition on the 1st of October and I am no longer taking portrait appointments for 2009. Art order are still welcome and encouraged. I will start taking portrait and project photography assignment again in January 2010. Until then, I am working on filling out the inventory on Etsy and will still be uploading new designs to the Zazzle shop.

Trunkt Marketplace

2009-09-16T17:28:00.001-07:00

Though you can find Ardent images all over the net, there is a new marketplace where boutiques can buy wholesale batches of prints and collectors can order framed photographic art pieces while the everyday consumer can request custom images. This unique marketplace is called Trunkt.com. Check it out for yourself.

I am currently adding more content and trying to flesh out my portfolio. Check back often for updated content.

August Etsy Promotions

2009-08-30T14:45:00.000-07:00

Just a few of my favorite things to indulge youself with at the end of summer.

1. Misty Minty Green Tray and Tumbler Set by Darrielles Clay Art's Shop

2. Midnight Sorano Pendant Necklace (Large) by GoHeadOverHeels

3. Two of Us by DizzyW

4. The Birds 22k Gold Fused Glass Pendant by Moonofglass

5. A Teaset for Four by Alina Hayes

Thanks for looking and don't forget to check out my shop http://smcternen.etsy.com.

Sarah

Shelton Art Festival 8/1/2009

2009-07-29T07:21:00.000-07:00

For all of you who are going to be in and around Shelton this Saturday, or who don't have anything planned on a weekend that has more activities than a trash can has flies and want somewhere new and interesting to go, Shelton is putting on their 2nd Annual Art Festival on Saturday from 9am to 4pm along Railroad Ave. I will be there with my fabulous booth, new photographs and the help of my very generous younger brothers. I would love to see you so come on down.

Thank you,
Sarah

Cody James

2009-07-27T06:39:00.001-07:00

Capturing a Teenager:
My brother was up at my house for a few weeks and wanted a good pic for his web presence.

Thank you,
Sarah

New Flowers

2009-07-26T17:42:00.001-07:00

Rhododendron

I don't know what this flower is even though I planted it.

Hibiscus

Thanks,
Sarah

July Etsy Promotions

2009-07-25T13:25:00.000-07:00

Looking for some new art to cover those bare walls? Well remember that variety is the spice of life, so after you find your favorite Ardent Photography print, check out some of these wonderful artists.

1.Amelia Kay Photography - Looking Upward
2.Rowena Murillo - Elephant Spirit
3.Darkling Woods - Miss Fortune
4.Dana Laymon - Lonely Tree
5.GJC Photography - Wish You Were Here
6.Dorndorf - Sunflower Study 01

Are you in need of frames for you newly puchased masterpieces? Please check out Ray's Woodworking. I love his work.

Thank you,
Sarah