Amy Shertzer Photography | Los Angeles Photographer

10 on 10: LACMA {L.A. Photographer}

admin — Thu, 10 May 2012 10:00:14 +0000

This month, my “10 on 10″ post comes from a family Saturday trip to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, otherwise known as LACMA. There is no shortage of culture and things-to-do in L.A. so we try to split our weekends between chores at home and exploring our city. And LACMA has a great program called, NEXGEN, which provides free admission to the art museum for a kid and one adult chaperone. It’s their way of getting kids hooked on art while they’re young and we think it’s a great idea! Our adventure for the day cost us a mere $10 in parking!

As soon as you come up from the parking garage, you’re greeted with art. I love any scene with palm tree and the dynamic lines and color of the building are a nice contrast to the trees.

More pattern and line and color greets you as you walk the corridor between some of the museum’s halls. That’s my 5-year-old leading the way. . .

Our main draw for the visit was to see the Metropolis exhibit by Chris Burden. The boys had been before, but it was my first visit. It’s quite the impressive city scape of racing cars and trains. Any little boys dream, really!

As it turns out, art doesn’t have to include cars to interest children. The enormous Band by Richard Serra had twists and curves and secret cubbies, perfect for exploration.

The dedicated children’s area, the Boone Children’s Gallery, gave the kids (and adults!) a chance for some hands-on art. With a friendly staff of helpers, fresh paints and supplies, soothing music, and inspiration all around, it was a great place to work on our own masterpieces.

We headed out to a courtyard and were greeted by the installation Penetrabile by Jesus Rafael Soto. I shared this image for Fine Art Friday a few weeks ago:

But thought I’d add a few more for some perspective. . .

We strolled through the sculpture garden, walking right through a painting (so it seemed),

and explored Urban Light by Chris Burden, one of the museum’s most iconic pieces. The old fashioned street lamps reach toward the sky so majestically.

And are a delight to run through for a 3- and 5-year old!

There is so much we didn’t explore, but I think the key to having a great time for the kids and adults is to pace yourself and not try to cram it all into one day. And with our NEXGEN passes, thankfully, we don’t have to!

It wouldn’t be a “10 on 10″ if I didn’t have a link to another fabulous photographer, so go check out Beth at BMP Photography, New Hampshire Photographer now!

Let Them Eat Cake! {El Segundo Bakery Cafe}

admin — Tue, 08 May 2012 03:51:49 +0000

I know, it just keeps coming! I’ve been to David Schat’s Bakery Cafe in El Segundo several times for pictures of their amazing and delicious products, I just have so many great images to share. This post is dedicated to their new cake master — Rebecca. She has been busy, busy, busy creating the most beautiful cakes, cupcakes and pastries you can imagine.

When I arrived for these pictures, she had 4 gorgeous cakes waiting in the case ready to be taken home by some lucky customers that very day! She’s more than happy to add a custom greeting to a ready-to-go cake or you can place an order ahead of time to get exactly what you want — from the cake flavor to the filling to the icing color to the decoration.

Okay, enough with the chit chat. . . time to make your mouth water!

I’m telling you, next time you have a celebration, call Schat’s and Rebecca will hook you up!

A Giveaway! {El Segundo Family Photographer}

admin — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:58:26 +0000

I’ve teamed up with Elizabeth Green at LooKs, etc Salon for a fabulous giveaway, perfect for Mom! Lots of my blog readers are moms and you know that you deserve some pampering! First, you’ll get a FREE haircut and styling with Elizabeth at the salon in downtown El Segundo. Then, while you’re looking your best, you’ll be treated to a mini-photo session with the ones you love by me, Amy Shertzer Photography! You’ll also get a $100 print credit to put towards prints so you can treasure you at your best with the ones you love best, for years to come.

Entering is easy! Just click the link below, enter your contact information and that’s it! You can also stop by the salon and fill out a paper entry with Elizabeth. All entries will be pooled and the winner will be drawn on Mother’s Day, May 13th!

Be sure to visit and “like” the Amy Shertzer Photography facebook page, too! That’s how the winner will be announced, so you’ll be the first to know! (We’ll call or e-mail the lucky lady, too!)

*Please note that only 1 entry per person is allowed. Moms, you can enter yourselves but spouses, dads, and good friends can enter, too, because the winner can gift the hairstyling/photo session/print credit to their favorite Mom!

Good luck and have fun!

(You can also CLICK HERE to enter)

52 in 2012: Week 17 {trees}

admin — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 18:14:26 +0000

Last week I took my boys to downtown L.A. to visit the Los Angeles Central Library. Amid the towering skyscrapers of downtown Los Angeles, sits this gem. The building itself is modestly sized next to the modern office buildings but it is quite stunning — brimming with unique architecture and art, not to mention thousands of books.

And it’s not just the interior that holds treasures. In front of the library is a charming little park, filled with fountains and sculptures and {trees}, perfect for 2 little explorers!

As always, you can follow along with several other talented photographers in the Photo-a-week project for 2012. Here’s here’s the list!
Michelle, Heather, Jenn, Heather. Rhonda, Tracey, Stacey, Andrea, Jessica, Amanda, Sarah, Janet, Lesli, Carla, Lena, Rose, Naomi, Tracy, Heidi, Veronica, Amy, Kristin

Fine Art Friday: LACMA {Los Angeles Photographer}

admin — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 10:14:00 +0000

My fine art Friday posts are turning out to be inspired by art! My family ventured over to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, fondly known as LACMA, last weekend. Every corner turned leads to more beauty, more thought, and more inspiration.

This is part of an installation called Penetrable by Jesus Rafael Soto. It’s in a courtyard outside and just begs you to walk right in and feel the lines like rays of sunshine or sheeting rain. There is movement and joy and you hear children laughing as they dart through and twist themselves in the cables.

This monthly project is part of a circle of talented women photographers, so be sure to follow the links around, with your next visit to Jenny Froh, Dallas Pet Photographer!

52 in 2012: Week 16 {growth}

admin — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 03:56:29 +0000

I spent 36 hours of the last weekend on a team, with 10 other people, running a 200-mile relay race from Huntington Beach to Coronado Island. It was Ragnar SoCal and the slogan goes: Run, Drive, Sleep ?, Repeat. The distance is divided into 36 legs, with each person covering 3. Except we had a last minute drop-out on our team, so I covered 4 legs, 26.5 miles in total. I’ve run 7 marathons before, but the challenge of dividing that distance into 4 legs, run over the course of 36 hours, while hustling to exchanges and cheering on teammates was something entirely different. Entirely more challenging. Entirely more crazy and exhilarating. Entirely about personal {growth}.

I have 2 images to share that I feel sum up the experience. The first is our team, heading for the finish chute approximately33 hours after we set out on the journey.

The second image was taken with my iphone as I ran the final mile of my fourth and final leg (Leg #27). In my exhaustion, the beauty of the foggy coastline did not escape me. Nor did the camaraderie of other runners, not participating in the race but who just happened to be out for their Saturday morning workout, who cheered and offered encouragement. It’s quite different than the finish line of a major marathon (what greeted me the last times I covered over 26 miles in less than a 24-hour period), but no less a cause for joy and celebration and relief!

The Treats at David Schat’s Bakery {Los Angeles Photographer}

admin — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 23:44:03 +0000

I’ve shared breakfast and lunch and some of the fabulous breads available at David Schat’s Bakery Cafe in El Segundo, California, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t show you one of the best selections of sweet treats in the entire South Bay!

I think I’ll just let the pictures speak for themselves — enjoy!

Sisterly Love {Los Angeles Children’s Photographer}

admin — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 18:05:04 +0000

I had an amazing session with an amazing family last week, and while I will share a lot more in a few days, I can’t resist a tiny little peek right now of these sweet sisters. We had lots of fun and lots of big smiles and laughs, but I’m really drawn to this image with the sweet and loving bond between them so evident. It really makes me wish I had an image like this of me and my sister when we were girls!

52 in 2012: Week 15 {work}

admin — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 16:26:15 +0000

After church on Sunday, my boys got to do some important {work} by helping to take down and fold the flags. They were very serious and proper in their job!

Jewelry on Sale! {Los Angeles Family Photographer}

admin — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 17:01:03 +0000

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and in honor of the most special lady in your life, I’m offering all photo jewelry 15% off through Wednesday, April 18th! I have a huge selection of sterling silver necklaces, bracelets, and accessories along with a fun and fresh “fashion line” available. Contact me before the 18th to get the sale pricing!

Haven’t had a session with me yet? A gift certificate for a family session is something Mom will cherish forever! Or, join me for a mini-session to benefit Operation Smile on April 22nd. Get all the info on my Celebration of Smiles event here — and then you’ll have a great image to put in that special piece of jewelry!