Kara Frans Photography bio picture
  • Welcome

    I was born in Chicago, raised in Arizona and it was there that I started noticing "moments". Little slices of time I wanted to keep for myself. Like everyone, I had a camera when I was younger but it wasn't until freshmen year of college that I found photography. My formal training started when I needed a few extra credits and by the time I graduated, I had taken every photography class offered at U of A, even staying on an extra year to do a work study class with the illustrious Ken Shorr. I loved being able to create with my camera. Capturing those slices in time and able to re-live them whenever I came out of the darkroom. For me, it was the process, too. The process of finding out about the subjects I was photographing. Their story and their lives. I wanted to remember their faces, exactly as it was when the shutter was clicked.

    Over 8 years ago, a friend asked me to photograph her wedding and of course, I couldn't say no. A business was born and I've been so lucky and privileged to be able to photograph for the people I meet. I tell their story - whether it be their wedding, a family portrait or capturing moments with their children. I want their story to be around for their granddaughters and grandsons, a little slice in time.

    My clients are just like me: down to earth, fun and can really laugh. This is the best job in the world and I can't wait to share it with you. Thank you for looking at my site - enjoy!

  • Let the Parties Begin!

    Happy New Year Everyone!  Since it’s January 1st, I thought I would start the New Year off right and post some of our party packages for 2010.  We love, love, love all parties – both kids and adults (especially if there are margaritas…..)

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    The Fratantuno Family

    This fabulous family is so much fun – I met them at my daughter’s preschool, Happyland,  almost two years ago and I just love hanging around them (in a non-stalkerish way, of course).  Last weekend, we headed out to a local park here in LA and, as you can see, really just laughed and smiled the whole time.  The weather was perfect photographer’s weather:  all clouds without a trace of sun – ahhhh – just love it.  Thank you Jodie and Mike for such a fun session – I hope you love your images as much as I do!

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    The Hoshide Family

    The Hoshide family and I set out to go to one of our beautiful So Cal beaches, with amazing weather and the water was perfect.  Luckily, there were plenty of outfit changes for the boys since both were pretty wet about half way through the session.   We ran around for over two hours – I think the three of us were more tired then the boys were but we all had such a wonderful time!  Here are a few of my favorite images and thank you for such a fantastic session!

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    The Viola/Morales Family

    This fabulous family came to me last year through Peachhead and I’m so thrilled to be able to photograph them again this year as well!  The newest edition to the family is baby M. – one of the cutest smiles I’ve seen in quite some time.  And sweet pea L. is growing up so fast – it’s really fun to watch her grow.  We went to a local park and were able to create some amazing images of the family – thank you all for such a great session!

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    The Hersh Family

    Another fantastic Arizona family with the cutest little girl ever.  We walked around Phoenix’s Desert Botanical Garden where their daughter, S. ran around and had so much fun.  Three is a tough age all around (yes, my 5 year old was once 3) but we managed to get some great shots of her as well as with her mom and dad.  Thank you so much Jen and Jason – I had such a great time with you!

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    The Watters Family

    This sweet family are part of my wonderful Arizona clients that I’ve been lucky enough to photograph for a few years now.  Their son, C. is growing up and I just love to see him each year!  Thank you Julia and Kevin for such a great session – as you can see by C’s smile, we had a great time!

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    The Monroe Family

    I just love coming back to Phoenix each November to photograph my favorite clients, which of course includes Jada and her sweet son, B.  We headed up to the Desert Botanical Gardens, walking around having fun and looking at all the beautiful flowers and cacti that Arizona has to offer.  B was all smiles the whole time and both Jada and I had a great time with him.  I love watching him grow up and it’s so sweet to see he’s turned into such a big boy.  Thanks Jada and B!

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    The Brodar Family

    I’ve known this wonderful family for quite a few years – I was at their wedding way back before I was even photographing weddings.  It’s been such a privilege to photograph their growing family and it was this time last year that baby L. was in Jen’s tummy.  This is her debut for the annual Christmas card – welcome baby L!  The girls’ dresses were just stunning and all three were so cute in them – thanks for such a great session!

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    The Bancroft Family

    Wow!  Such gorgeous parents and children!  I’ve known this family since my early days of having my daughter – I met Christa and her daughter when my own was just a few months old and I had just joined the MOMS Club here in Culver City.   Seriously, some of the warmest and nicest people I know.  I was so thrilled to photograph their family session this year – thank you!!

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    The Specchierla Family

    This awesome family won a gift certificate from Happyland Preschool in Culver City and we set out to capture some fabulous family photos at a park here in Los Angeles.  Their girls were so fun to work with and each with their own personalities, they were just fantastic!  The girls’ parents were really great as well – I loved talking to them about life, photography and everything under the sun.  Thank you for such a fun session!!

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