Just a walk in the park

One hour outdoors undoubtedly earns Ryan a father-of-the-year award

When we first announced our "No Foolin'" promotion to coincide with the official launch of theanthologie.com we figured we'd might get some great images, but didn't bank on great stories, too. Our sessions were set for only one hour to introduce prospective clients to the Anthologie concept and photography style - not enough time to tell of any substantive events. Or so we thought.

Our final client to reserve his session decided to take full advantage of our approach -- not overly orchestrated and ready to document on the fly -- and completely surprise his wife. We learned what a caring and dedicated father he is in the process.

Ryan's plan was simple: While his wife went off for a day of shopping, he'd take the boys out for a walk, have us photograph the outing, bring the boys back and have some emotive photographs made in time for Mother's Day. We one-upped him and designed a book highlighting the session. Ryan was thrilled with the design and we worked swiftly to ensure the final product, a personalized hardcover coffetable book, was published and delivered in time for Mother's Day - all the while, his wife had no idea the boys had even been photographed. The book was completed in time for Mom to have quite the surprise Mother's Day morning.

We had a wonderful time hanging out with Ryan and his boys and I'm sure the entire family with cherish this exciting time for years to come (his youngest is only three months old). Congratulations, Ryan! Be sure to let us  know if you'd like to earn another award next year!

Flowers, candles and a baby boy

Tyler plots the perfect proposal

Since proposing to my own wife eight years ago, I’ve relished the idea of capturing that significant moment for another couple. Today that idea became a reality.

On Thursday, Tyler contacted me to let me know he was planning to propose to Ashley on Friday night - make that Saturday morning - after her shift got off and wanted to see if I’d be available to record this event for their family. (I have been documenting their family history since July 2008. You may recognize them from our “Miracle of Life” portfolio).

I was thrilled and honored that Tyler would have the pressence of mind to contact me for such a momentous and deeply personal occassion. Of course I would be there, the challenge was how to pull this off at 3 a.m. with sparse ambient light and without Ashley noticing me as I in no way wanted to interfere with what happened and with respect to their privacy.

My first question: “How are you going to do this Tyler?”

He wanted to involve their son Logan. Tyler shared with me at the hospital shortly after Logan’s birth that he knew he wanted to marry Ashley and that life’s events simply came at them out of traditional order. Thus, he had the opportunity to allow their 8-month-old son to be a part of a milestone typically reserved for two.

Tyler had a T-shirt made for Logan saying “Will you marry my daddy?” on the front with a “yes/no” on the back. They both wore tuxedos and Tyler flooded their home with tea candles and flowers for Ashley’s arrival — sorry ladies, Tyler doesn’t have brothers.

Tyler further set the scene by creating a path that would lead Ashley to the dining room (the same dining room where I began the couple’s 9-month maternity photos) where Logan would be encircled by candles with the box for the engagement ring at his side. From there? Tyler didn’t have a plan.

It’s just something that he would figure out as it happened, he said.

All that remained was for Ashley to come home.

After much pacing and some comforting to Logan who had been up way past his bedtime, Tyler finally received word that Ashley was on her way home. I made my way out into their backyard where under the cover of darkness I would be able to peer my lens through a break in the curtains that Tyler had arranged for me.

At long last Ashley came home and discovered Tyler and Logan waiting on the dining room floor. I sensed she figured out what was going on as I could hear her cyring through the walls. Luckily, I was behind glass so that what was said between Ashley and Tyler was completely private as Tyler got down on one knee and put the ring on Ashley’s finger.

I could then hear Ashley struggle through tears to excitedly say “I can’t believe this is happening!” and “Yes!”

After a few short seconds I was gone and Ashley had no clue I was even there — until now!

Congratulations Ashley! I’m so excited for you both.

I was able to interview Tyler as he waited out the final moments before Ashley’s arrival so look forward to a complete story and more photos soon.

The big picture

Anthologie gallery begins to take form

With every new home it takes awhile before the personality of its owners is reflected in the interior. John and I finally had the opportunity to show a bit more of who we are by installing some of our favorite Anthologie images yesterday at 18 Bridge Square, Northfield.

The four massive giclees (38×38 inches each) welcome all who enter our new headquarters and take the viewer on a journey through a piece of life’s continuum, beginning with our favorite baby, Logan, and finishing with our favorite bride and groom, Philip and Virginia.

John and I are thrilled with the lush black ink quality of the prints and the immediate impact of each composition. And the crystal clear LED lighting is the perfect (and most efficient) accent. We were able to get the prints installed just in time for Northfield’s Girls Nite Out.

The rain did put a damper on our original plan to offer complimentary mini lifestyle sessions to the Girls Nite Out participants. However, despite the rain, John and I were able to make some great connections with the visitors who did stop by to check out our work and see what Anthologie is all about.

Thanks to all who took the time to visit with us. We’re already looking forward to next year!

Toast to the town

Anthologie to sponsor Northfield Girls Nite Out Friday

Strap on your best heels and dig out that little black dress, Friday night is ladies night and Anthologie will be on hand capture every moment. Join us for Girls Nite Out 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. in downtown Northfield.

John and I will introduce ourselves to the community and give all the girlfriends participating a sample of what Anthologie has in store with our new location at 18 Bridge Square.

Starting at ticket registration, we will be out on the town photographing candid moments of the evening. Women sporting Girls Nite Out pink wristbands will be able to flag us down for an impromptu lifestyle photography session out on the street. So be sure to purchase a ticket at Sisters Ugly, The Rair Pair or Women & Kids on Division to see firsthand the significance in capturing an unscripted moment among friends.

So look for the guys in the black polo shirts with the big camera bags cruising the square. We'd love to meet you and share your story! Photographs of you and your girlfriends shopping, walking or simply talking will be available for purchase via our website following the event.

Be sure to purchase a ticket in order to be eligible for a drawing featuring wonderful prizes from area businesses, including a special giveaway from Anthologie!

A glimpse into the future

Anthologie opening soon in historic downtown Northfield

The dust has settled and the paint has dried -- well, sort of anyway.

John and I have been absent from the blogosphere as of late as we've been working around the clock to finish renovations at our new studio and fine art gallery, opening Tuesday at 18 Bridge Square in Northfield.

After the official Anthologie website launch April 1, John and I wasted no time moving to the next "big thing" in our own story -- signing a lease and immediately going to work. And working on a number of projects, including our "No Foolin'" lifestyle portrait promotion and the build out on our new location.

On top of matching the interior of the space to coincide with the Anthologie aesthetic, we've completely gutted and remodeled the bathroom and added walls to give the space a better flow. John and I have also installed a unique photo mounting system for our gallery (pictured below).

The studio will include a gallery of our own fine art photography and we will participate in the Northfield Riverwalk Arts Quarter, putting our own stamp on the vibrant arts scene the community already has and bringing our patrons to Northfield to help stimulate area businesses.

After weeks of cleaning, painting, fixing and plumbing, John and I were finally able to move in our office furniture today!

Our first official day of business will be Tuesday, however, we're already booked solid with assignments, so you'll have to wait until Wednesday to come by and say "hello." We strongly encourage all visitors and interested parties to schedule an appointment with us by using our contact form as we're often working on location. However, our typical work hours will be Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursdays noon to 8 p.m.

We will introduce ourselves to the community Friday, May 8 as an official sponsor of the Northfield Girls Night Out. Please stop in at Sisters Ugly to purchase tickets in advance to participate in our "wristband only" special event. More details will be coming soon.

Special thanks to our families, friends and clients for your patience throughout this past month (John and I have been hard to reach), but we truly appreciate all the support.

More of our story is coming soon!