Katie's Thoughts

KCP Celebrates 20 Years in 2012!

2012-01-19T09:00:00.000-08:00

Gosh, where does the time go?

I can't believe it's been 20 years since I arrived in California

from the east coast to start this adventure in photography.

I used to say that I would stop shooting weddings

when my client's children start hiring me. Well, the time is here

and I guess I'm not going anywhere soon.

I'm not as old as I thought I would be :)

Here I am at my first photo job in New Jersey.

Perms were the thing! How funny.

(Looks like I took myself pretty seriously...he he)

This store is gone now and a new strip mall is in its place.

It seems like yesterday when I packed my first camera

and little suitcase and hopped into my Ford Escort

for the big drive out west. Who knew I would never turn back

and that KCP would grow into what it is today.

Here I am in the studio at Moto Photo.

(The flash dance look was also in with the perm)

I started as a kiddie photographer and had quite a

reputation in my small town.

This is me in upstate New York with neighbors and my brother.

My Fisher Price plastic camera was my favorite toy.

Guess this was just meant to be!

In busy life, we sometimes forget to celebrate our accomplishments,

so I am making a promise to myself to pause every once

in a while this year to reflect on how far I have come

as a photographer and honor all of the wonderful clients

who have supported me throughout the years.

We are off to a running start in 2012 at KCP with ambitious

plans for the new year. I am excited to be building a new website and

to move into new directions with KCP while enhancing our

current services. I will post the news at it unfolds.

One of the most fulfilling projects is for me to start teaching

photography and I am also excited to work with our

local artists in Laguna with the birth of our new little art

school in the Canyon.

Stay tuned, more to come soon...

Ritz Carlton Howloween Yappy Hour

2011-11-02T10:07:00.000-07:00

We had such a blast documenting the

Ritz 2011 Howloween Costume Contest

which ended the first

Yappy Hour Season with a bang!

Here is link to a fun slide show with highlights of the fun:

Yappy Hour2011

Congratulations to the Best in Show Award Winner Gunner:

The lucky winners received a

hand-painted dog bowl by

Faux Paws Productions

two-night stay at the Ritz Carlton and

a beach session with our studio.

Other goodies for the contest were donated

by Mutt Lynch Winery

We look forward to the start of another season

with our furry friends next spring.

This new tradition was a huge success and

we hope the Ritz will continue the fun for years to come.

The hotel was proud to donate $7,500 from their sales to the

Pet Project Foundation

where lost and abandoned animals have

a second chance at a good life.

KCP Beach Portrait Special -$100 off our Session Fee

2011-11-02T10:00:00.000-07:00

Book Your Location Portrait before November 15:

$175 Session Fee

(Reg $275)

Includes Online Proofing and

One Digital Image

(Groups over 6 may include additional fee)

to book your session online

click here

or call 949-497-8857

Lagoonie Pumpkin Class Photos

2011-10-18T16:37:00.000-07:00

Here's some photos from our pumpkin class Saturday.

We really had a blast and made some

pretty cool pumpkins!

Thank you to our first students for showing up

to our new little art school.

Colleen and Monica from Lagoonies Gallery

did a great job helping everyone.

Our first class at the new Laguna Beach Creative Arts Center

2011-10-10T11:00:00.000-07:00

Lagoonies Pumpkin Art Class

This class is for children and adults of all ages.

Create your own cartoon character, bat spider or

spooky monster. You will learn to incorporate texture,

shapes, glow in the dark paint, googley eyes

and special techniques for ears, noses,

fangs and wings. Imagination is encouraged

to make your own unique foam pumpkin

you can enjoy year after year.

Instructors: Colleen and Monica from Corbett Gallery

Cost: $40.00

To register contact:

colleen@lagoonies.com /949-494-3306

Saturday October 15 11-2pm

Wednesday October 19 3:30-6pm

Sposored by the new:

Laguna Beach Creative Arts Center

at Kathleen Clark Photography Studio

3337 Laguna Canyon Road -Laguna Beach

Here are some examples of what you can make:

Coming in 2012. The Laguna Beach Creative Arts Center at KCP

2011-10-10T10:30:00.000-07:00

Exciting plans for the new
Laguna Beach Creative Arts Center at KCP

Laguna photographer Katie Clark and Lagoonies artists

Coleen Corbett and Monica Jackson of Corbett Gallery

are combining resources with the opening of a

Creative Arts Center in Laguna canyon in 2012.

The center, located at Katie’s studio, will feature

various classes, workshops and gatherings focused

on creativity and the arts.

Their intention is to create a space for all ages to

experience art education by working together with

local artists in an alternative curriculum that supports

self-expression and community.

The center will offer classes in photography, painting, jewelry,

mixed media and more. Local teachers will be hand picked to

meet various needs as the center progresses. Art and photography

classes will culminate with group exhibitions and openings so

emerging artists can share their art with the community.

They are currently looking for paid art teachers and volunteers

willing to help out with start up tasks.

If you are interested in being on our contact list for classes

or would like to get involved as a teacher or volunteer:

please call Katie at 949-497-8857 or email info@kcpstudios.com

More information to follow as the center progresses...

Coastline Pilot and Art Miles Mural Project Feature Local Artist Fitz Maurice

2011-01-25T19:26:00.000-08:00

I am delighted to share recent news of my friend

and client Fitz Maurice's important contribution

to a mural commemorating the 10th anniversary

of the 9/11 attacks sponsored by

the Art Miles Mural Project.

I have been photographing all of Fitz paintings for

a year now and I finally had the chance to get her in front

of my camera with her art. Her unique paintings inspire

me and I continue to be amazed by

her spiritual approach to her art.

Below is her article in the local paper:

Laguna Beach Coastline Pilot

Candelight and Elegant Reds at the Ritz-Carlton

2011-01-25T19:07:00.000-08:00

Here are a few images of a recent intimate corporate dinner in the

Pacific Promenade Room at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel.

As always, gorgeous and luxurious!

2010 Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel Featured Events Photographed by Katie Clark

2010-12-13T11:21:00.000-08:00

2010 was a busy year of new and exciting additions

at the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel.

Here are a few featured events photographed by Katie

as their in house photographer:

Holiday Woodie

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=303341&id=129566299574

New Amenities

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=231175&id=129566299574

Cupcake Challenge

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=299564&id=129566299574

Raya and Chef Greg Howe

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=222756&id=129566299574

Ambassadors of the Environment Grand Opening

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=227542&id=129566299574

Lisa Simpson-Ritz Carlton-Katie Clark-Two Days. Two Looks.

2010-12-07T10:43:00.000-08:00

In 2010 I had the pleasure of working on a few weddings

at the Ritz Carlton with one of my favorite coordinators, Lisa Simpson.

I thought her blog entry below is clever.

Click here too see more details from one of these weddings

from The Flower Girl in Dana Point.

Lisa's blog link: Two days, two looks in the Pavilion Ballroom

Jeni Simonds and Surf and Sand Featured on LVL Weddings and Events Blog

2010-12-03T09:22:00.000-08:00

KCP Associate Jeni Simonds did a beautiful job this month

capturing stellar images at the Surf and Sand in Laguna Beach.

Click Here to see her work and details from the vendor team

blogged by LVL Weddings and Events.

KCP Photographs Historic First Weddings at La Live!

2010-11-12T12:40:00.000-08:00

On October 23rd, KCP was hired by La Live to photograph details for the first weddings since the Ritz and Marriott hotels opened early this year. It was an honor and a privilege to be there for this historic night. A feature that makes this venue unique is the ability to host large events up to 1500 people! Here are a few photos. Just the beginning of what is to come in the future.

Wedding 160 Guests and Bridal Suite

Wedding 650 Guests!

Cocktail Hour w Yummy Sushi

Yoga in Bed and Laguna Yoga at Seven Degrees

2010-10-25T15:04:00.000-07:00

I have known Johnna Trimmer for many years and have been fortunate

enough to study Yoga with her in her studio in Laguna Beach.

She is an amazing teacher and is now offering healthy back

classes at Seven Degrees in Laguna Canyon. I also have had the

pleasure of creating the cover photos for her wonderful

Yoga in Bed CD and her portrait and product photos for her website.

I highly recommend Johnna's CD and classes.

She is truly a healing and enlightening soul!

I am excited to spread the word that Johnna is back as a teacher

in Laguna after a hiatus to work on her CD and other projects.

For more information visit her website:

http://lagunayoga.com/index.html

Namaste!

Katie Clark and Harvest Couture Featured in Professional Photographer Magazine

2010-07-13T12:30:00.000-07:00

Here is an article recently published about our partnership with Harvest Couture and our new Fine Art Division of Kathleen Clark Photography.

Click here to read article

Katie Clark Fine Art is at the Sawdust Festival in Laguna Beach

2010-07-13T00:47:00.000-07:00

It's finally here! The Sawdust Festival in Laguna Canyon!!!

The Sawdust is a celebration and showcase of Laguna Beach artists of many different mediums and styles. This is my first year participating in this amazing event and it is quite an experience. The grounds are empty until May, and with hours of hard work, each booth is re-constructed for the summer. We were lucky enough to have many helping hands to get us through the four week build.

Truckloads of sawdust are ready to cover

the ground inside the festival.

The beginning of our little booth.
Our space is a mere 8x10 feet.

Good friends Suzi, Elaine, and Mindy hard at work.

Who says girls can't build things?

Go Girl Power!

Mindy and Elaine taking a short break from building.

Mindy and I in front of the booth. Almost done!

Our good friend Preston donated the oak floor and installation.

We are really excited about our first example of photography on wood floor.

It is our favorite feature of the booth!

For the design of the booth, we spent countless hours discussing colors, substrates, and sizes. Here we are with our friends Jenny and Maryann who helped us with the printing of our art.

The sign for the front of the booth. Katie Clark Fine Art has arrived!

The sign finally goes up!

The final days before opening day were intense. As we progressed the excitement (and stress) kept us focused and I am amazed at what we accomplished in such a short time.

Mindy installing the art before opening night.

Putting the final touches before our debut.

Opening night was amazing. We had wonderful friends and clients come to support us.

THANK YOU to everyone who helped make this a success!

Here we are with Maryann Doe, Art Goddess and mastermind

behind many of our printing ideas. We worship you Maryann!

Helpers-Our staff member Kinh and some interns, Becka, Sandy, and Gary,

with myself and Mindy in the booth. Thanks for all the help guys!

Our final product!!! Come visit us at the Sawdust Fesitval in Laguna Canyon (booth #241).

Corinne and Jason Expecting

2010-05-04T08:19:00.001-07:00

Katie Clark Fine Art is Published In Beverly Hills Lifestyle Magazine

2010-05-03T12:30:00.000-07:00

We are very proud to announce our recent editorial

in the Spring 2010 edition of Beverly Hills Lifestyle magazine

published by Skylab Media Group right here in Laguna Beach.

We are so excited to be included in such a prestigious publication.

The spring issue was distributed in the gift baskets this year at the

Academy Awards so all the celebs and vips in Hollywood have an issue!

The article introduces the new direction we are taking with our

Fine Art division which is growing and transforming every day.

Mindy Smith KCP's Studio Manager is the brain power behind

this new venture which we will be posting more

information about as news develops.

Click here to see the full online edition:

Beverly Hills Lifestyle Spring 2010

(The magazine is also sold at Barnes and Noble.)

Our editorial is on page 86 or you can click on the image below to read.

Page 86 Editorial:

Page 99 Katie Clark Fine Art Ad:

A Day at La Live with Bill Marriott

2010-05-03T08:13:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago La Live! finally opened their brand new

JW Marriott and Ritz Carlton towers in downtown LA.

I had a very fun day as the photographer hired to document

Bill Marriott's special visit to the hotel. It is amazing to see Mr. Marriott

in action, from working with the upper management

to his endless warmth while greeting the employees in every department

with a handshake and a smile.

The Town Hall Meeting that was held for over 600 Marriott employees was enlightening and optimistic. According to Marriott officials, we are definitely in an upswing in the economy and plans for expansion with more hotels, remodels, and fun new concepts are on the horizon!

Here is the team who worked around the clock

to make the opening a success!

I am so fortunate to be the photographer

to document this big moment for the Ritz Carlton.

KCP is looking forward to many wonderful future events at La Live.

$75 Spring Mini Sessions

2010-03-11T19:09:00.000-08:00

Just in time for Easter and Mothers Day,

the 15 minute Mini-Session is back!

From now until May 15th enjoy a special offer for

couples, families and children.

Please call or email for appointment times.

Studio only. Includes proofs online.

Albums, frames and print packages also available.

RIP Ritz Carlton Sunset Terrace Tree!

2010-01-13T18:32:00.001-08:00

A few weeks ago they removed the tree from the Sunset Terrace

at the Ritz in Laguna Niguel. Unfortunately, it was sick and needed

to go to tree heaven. We affectionately have dubbed the event

"RIP Sunset Terrace Tree".

As a tribute to the tree I loved so much, I made two sided

custom ornaments printed on metal for many of

my friends on the catering staff at the Ritz.

Here are the images that were included on the ornament.

I also added a few inspirational quotes about

change as words of encouragement for our new year ahead.

With endings there are new beginnings!

I happen to have had the opportunity this past weekend to

photograph the first ceremony on the Terrace without the tree

at a wedding coordinated by Lisa Simpson.

Here is the historic moment.

Congratulations Cindy and Eric.

Your ceremony made Ritz Carlton history!

The upswing is that the Ritz can now hold larger ceremonies

on the Terrace with a beautiful panoramic ocean view!

Looking Up!

2009-12-25T22:39:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

We are looking forward to many good things in 2010!

In the meantime we are taking a break until January 4th

to gear up for an exciting year of new beginnings.

Little Maggie was willing to pose for our holiday card

even though she had some objection about the antlers.

Favorites from our Mini Sessions

2009-12-17T09:59:00.000-08:00

Its amazing what we can accomplish in only 15 minutes!

Here are some highlights from our recent holiday special.

Thank you to all our wonderful clients that participated.

I think everyone got some meaningful and great quality images.

The Woods Family

What a beautiful bunch!

Thank you for checking out KCP for the first time.

The Nim Family

We first met the Nim's for their wedding.

Now they have a gorgeous little girl.

They also brought the extended family. Great to see you guys again.

Mitchell Girls

These elegant little ladies were a pleasure to meet

and were perfect little models with their poses.

Thank you to Amy McLimore for introducing the Mitchells to us.

The Middlemans

This fun family goes to the gym together every week.

They all are super fit and have totally positive energy.

Mother and Son have competed together in body building competitions!

Thanks to our newlywed client Sean for spreading the word to them about KCP.

Julianne and Patricia

BFFs and good friends of ours at KCP.

The Alvarado Clan

The Alvarados were also wedding clients of ours that now

have a bubbly little girl, in pigtails below.

The rest of the clan are cousins.

Mc Limore Family

I shot Amy and Rick's wedding at the very start of my career

and they have been loyal KCP clients ever since.

I photograph their family every holiday.

Their 5 year old twins had a ball on our new white couch!

The Kulba Family

Vicki and Jim's wedding was the start of a long term relationship

as KCP Clients for Life.

They are one of our most appreciated families who

do multiple sessions every year with their growing family.

All this practice in front of the camera makes

their children perfect models!

They've got it down...look how adorable:

The Alberda Family

I met Chad and Janelle at the Kulba wedding and they have

also become one of our favorite and most long term

Client for Life families.

Their little son is so adorable and is a natural in front of

the camera due to all of our shoots together.

Janelle is Vicki's cousin and both are always so fun to see.

The Bablots

A few years ago I had the privilege of going to Cancun

for Mark and Laura's destination wedding.

We had a week together that was a total blast.

They started a family right away and have been s

urprising us with their beautiful babies.

The Ogaras

Jennifer and Matt are still newlyweds married at the

Ritz Carlton a short while ago.

They brought the extended family to the park for a great shoot.

It was so great to see everyone again. They are such a sweet couple

and we can't wait to see their babies when the time comes!

Sean and Brennan

Recent new clients who are becoming fast KCP friends brought the puppies in for a crazy holiday card. I couldn't resist snapping the "behind the scenes" pleading

for doggie number three to enter the set. Mission accomplished!

(See perfect "angel doggies" below)

T'he Handel Family

I am so excited to have the Handels back in the studio after

not seeing them for a few years. Wow how the kids have grown,

and they are such beautiful people!

I met Traysi in the very beginning of my career

and we are now great friends.

I am always thrilled to have her in front of the camera.

Love these photos!

Thanks again to all of our beloved clients!

We look forward to positive changes,

good health and happiness in 2010!

Custom Art Now in Wedding Packages

2009-06-30T15:58:00.000-07:00

We are now offering custom art pieces in select

packages for weddings shot by Katie.

Each art piece is created by Katie from images

captured on the wedding day and is a one of a kind design.

Here is a sample art piece. Created for clients Jackson and Bianca,

recently married at Seven Degrees in Laguna Beach.

Katie's Opening at Seven Degrees-Laguna Beach Art Walk- June 5 2008 6-9pm

2008-05-26T10:13:00.000-07:00

I am excited to announce my fine art show at

Seven Degrees in Laguna Beach!

The opening is June 5th, 1st Thursdays Art Walk, 6-9pm and will hang for the month of June.

This show is a special opportunity for me to unveil to the public some of the new printing mediums that are now available in the fine art photography industry. A few of these pieces implement cutting edge technology that is only available from a select few printing labs in the world. I am fortunate to be able to have access to this technology as a result of working with Daniel Fine Art in Laguna Beach.

We have been using these innovative methods for a few months now in hotels, resorts and casinos across the country. Two of my pieces, printed on metal, were recently purchased at the Ritz Carlton in Laguna Niguel.

I am extremely enthusiastic about this show because it enables me to illustrate the amazing things we can now do with photography as a result of digital capture. It also allows me to introduce personal images that have been created from my heart...which, to me, is a true definition of art.

I am also pleased to have LA recording artist Caroline Waters perform live vocals during the reception.

Come visit us for a wonderful sensory experience of art and sound!

To learn more about Caroline visit her website Redhead Records.

Back to the Blog after a very long hiatus!

2008-05-21T17:58:00.000-07:00

It is interesting that I am motivated to revisit our blog today. Looking back, I realize that it is 11 months to the exact date today that we posted our first blog. Spring must be the season to come out from under the piles of digital files, paperwork and shoots to let the world know what we have been doing. Well...life has been a whirlwind and it has been over 7 months since my last post. So much for keeping up on weekly happenings at KCP!

In a nutshell, here is a brief history of the wonderful things that have been going on. I have been working diligently on a new direction as a fine art photographer with wonderful results. Here are some of the locations where my art has been purchased and permanently placed.

I sure have been busy!

Sept 07-Nudes-Suites-Red Rock Casino

Las Vegas NV

Oct 07-Horses-Guest Rooms-Wine Valley Inn

Solvang CA

Oct 07-Crystal Image on Plexi-Lobby Bar-MGM Grand

Detriot MI

Nov 07-Western Art-Guest Rooms-Boomtown Casino

Reno NV

Nov 07-Leaves on Aluminum-Ritz Carlton

Laguna Niguel CA

Dec 07-Abstracts on Panel

Four Seasons Lumiere Hotel & Casino-St Louis MO

Detail 1 0f 6 Abstracts on Panel

I also shot all of the artwork (0ver 130 paintings, photographs, and sculpture) that will be published in a coffee table book for the

new Four Seasons in St Louis.

I am lucky enough to be a featured artis in this book as well!

The book is due to come out this summer.

In addition to creating my own artwork, I have been shooting art, interiors where the art is displayed, and artists themselves.

Patty Barnett-Artist-Laguna Beach

Michelle Taylor-Artist-Laguna Beach

Creator of the Tortoise loved by all ages in Bluebird Park

In between there have been weddings, portraits, events and travel assignments!

No wonder the blog has been neglected!

OCTA Bus Spotting with Donna Mac Kay

2007-07-31T08:15:00.000-07:00

We finally got some real photos of the bus!
Donna (who wrote the Rangefinder article) came for a visit last week and we were lucky to spot the bus on Laguna Canyon Road. We were like two mad women chasing the bus down El Toro Road, illegal u turn, cutting off cars, shouting out the window, stopping at the bus stops and jumping in front of it for photos. People must have thought we were insane :) It was quite the adventure! I have become obessessed with trying to get a glimpse of it, as it is quite hard to know when and where it will show up. It seems like it is totally random. I even got the bus schedule and waited at the bus stop in Laguna on Sunday and never got to see it. I wonder if it is only one bus that has the wrap. I will never casually let a bus go by me again, its an automatic reaction to turn my head everytime I hear one on the street.

This is jeweler Greg Thorne and his gal, he is on the back of the bus...

This is me with sculptor Michelle Taylor who is also on the back, and painter Anne Liv Scott, who is on the side of the bus

Painter Kaitlin Evans is obviously surprised at the size of her photo on the side of the bus!

Thanks for coming down Donna, it was such a fun day!

Orange County Toll Road Ad

2007-07-27T14:27:00.000-07:00

My photographer friend Arlene Pace found this in her Toll Road bill.
Thanks for the heads up Arlene! According to the Sawdust, the front image is getting a great public response.

Up Close and Personal Show at Seven Degrees Gallery in Laguna

2007-07-26T09:53:00.000-07:00

Here is the promo card from the June show. Dora at Seven Degrees did such a great job with the layout. I just love it! If you haven’t seen this venue, check out their website. It is such a cool place.
http://www.seven-degrees.com/

Katie Clark, Laguna Beach Photographer, is Published in July Rangefinder Magazine!

2007-07-24T09:46:00.000-07:00

This has been an incredible summer as a result of me being chosen to shoot the 2007 “Up Close and Personal” ad campaign for the Laguna Beach Sawdust Festival. It is the first time the festival has delegated funds for a campaign in its 40 year history. Quite the honor for me! I have been living in Laguna for 15 years and I am thrilled to be so involved in the art community here. This town is so close to my heart!

In the last post I included the layout for the bus wrap that has photos placed 6 feet tall all over the bus. It is so fun to be in Laguna and hear people talk about the bus. It looks great and is the talk of the town! I have been so busy with all of the excitement I am just now getting a chance to spread the good news.

The images have also been featured in:
-My first Art Show at Seven Degrees this past June
-Local TV Commercials on major network channels
-Ads in magazines and newspapers all over LA, Palm Springs and Orange County
-Multiple promo cards, brochures, and artist directories distributed at the festival and throughout town
-And most recently, a national article in Rangefinder Magazine!

Here’s the link to the article:
http://www.rangefindermag.com/magazine/Jul07/64.pdf

This trade publication is very respected in the photo industry and it is quite the recognition to be featured here. I also want to thank writer Donna Mac Kay for believing in me and taking the time to write such a wonderful story. She is always looking for new ideas for stories, to contact and learn more about Donna visit below.
http://www.mackaymediaservices.com/

I will continue to post more photos and videos of the summer fun and comments about how this project has affected the Laguna Beach art community. The 30x40 images from the Seven Degrees show are now featured in the Up Close and Personal booth on the Sawdust grounds throughout the summer. If you stop in, please sign the guest book. I would love to hear what you think. Here are some photos of the booth and my new tribe of artist friends!

Sawdust Bus

2007-07-19T15:31:00.000-07:00

Here is the layout for the Sawdust bus wrap. It is so fun to see this cruising around town! You can click on the photo to see it larger. My logo sits right next to the license plate. COOL!