Year One

To say 2009 was an eventful year for Anthologie would be a huge understatement.

The business became official on Feb. 5, the website launched April 1, our first retail location opened May 1, and by the end of the year we had already restructured. It wasn't an easy decision, but ultimately co-founder John Magnoski left his post Nov. 1 to help our fledgling business bolster its vitality. We lost an extremely talented photographer and a great person, but gained a more nimble business aimed at making our service options simpler and more affordable for our clients.

Last weekend, Anthologie extended a thank-you to some of the many friends, family members and colleagues whose support made this past year possible. Our first Anniversary party was a savory blend of visual and culinary arts, as our friends at Fermentations Wine Bar & Bistro in Dundas whet our palates with amazing hors d' oeuvres (when I say amazing, I mean mind-numbingly, space-time-continuum altering; just check out the photos) while folks were able to take in the sights of my latest exhibition, "Freeze Frame" in the Anthologie gallery. Thank you to everyone who came out for this festive affair.

So what's in store for year two? You can count on the creative photography and compelling storytelling you've come to expect from Anthologie, but you can also expect new products and services, changes to the website and a steadfast dedication to making everything easier on you!

Stay tuned ...

Anthologie 2009 Year In Review

Twelve moments that stand out from the rest With my newspaper background I have a habit of looking back as each December draws to a close. While it's fun to see where we've been and dream about the future, I wonder how many people realize that most media outlets practice the Year In Review simply because it's a holiday week and not a lot of news happens?

At any rate, a solid photography portfolio has no more than 12 images, which coincides nicely with the calendar. Following are some of my favorite images -- one per month -- from 2009. While it's nearly impossible to pick the absolute, best-of-the-best images (The shutter on my camera opens and closes tens of thousands of times each year), the photos that follow celebrate some of my favorite stories and moments of the past year. I hope you enjoy the show.

Keep letting it snow

The Anthologie "Let it Snow" promotion deadline has been extended to Dec. 31, 2009.

Though the weather has been frightful, the amount of snow on the ground has been less than delightful. I want to give all families the opportunity to see how different and exciting an outdoor photo session can be -- even in bitter cold temperatures. So, contact me via the contact form on this website any time this month and tell me you want to "Let it Snow." Then take your pick on two great ways to save: 1. get an image disc with photos printable to 4x6 inches or 2. get (25) holiday greeting cards featuring your favorite images. All this plus your on-location photo session and online proofing for a special price of $150. Contact me today!

Save 50 percent with "Let it Snow"

The weather outside may be frightful ... but it makes for photographs so delightful. It may be balmy today, but we know all that can change with a blink of an eye. However, we Minnesotans are hearty and we're not going to let a few snow flakes scare us, are we? Are we?!! I didn't think so.

It's time to get outside and have some fun. Whether it's sunny, foggy, muddy or snowy - great images can be made no matter the conditions. After all, the best photographs are all about emotion, not scenery. But if you're still a little wary of being photographed in a farm field or blizzard conditions, don't fret. I have an incentive ...

Schedule your "Let it Snow" holiday portrait session today and save 50 percent. All you need to do is contact me by 5 p.m. Dec. 4 using the contact form on this website to receive this discount. And if you contact me by 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27 (Black Friday) you'll also receive a complimentary CD (printable to 4x6 inches) of your images with reproduction rights. Meaning, you'll be able to print additional photos on your own terms - where you want, when you want.

**Photo sessions must be completed by Dec. 12 to guarantee Christmas delivery.

Am I nuts? Maybe. But I really want you to see how exciting a cold-weather photo experience can be.

Included in the "Let it Snow" Collection:

• 25 beautifully designed holiday greeting cards featuring your favorite images

• Creative fee, plus the time and talent of your photographer (30 to 60 minutes)

• Editing and enhancement of your best images

• Outdoor photography at a location of your choosing

• A password-protected website featuring a gallery of your best images, complete with convenient online ordering (posted for 30 days)

Regular price $300, Now only $150

Click HERE to see a sample and for more details.

Anthologie re-opens in downtown Northfield

Artists' reception brightens Bridge Square

The past month as been a time of transition for Anthologie. I truly appreciate everyone's patience during the remodeling of our offices and gallery at 18 Bridge Square. The Garage and Anthologie have repurposed our building, bringing a hip venue for business and the arts in downtown Northfield.

This past weekend, we hosted an artists' reception for myself and Meredith Fierke with the opening of "The Train Song," a photography exhibition combining my images with Meredith's personal blog entries, chronicling her ascent in the music industry. Visitors were treated to a special, extended version of the exhibition featuring images made this week with the events coinciding with the release of the Cities97 Sampler Vol. 21, on which Meredith's music is featured.

A special thanks to all who came to visit our space and support the arts! As a thank you, door prizes were awarded during the opening. Our winners are:

• Sara Ohotto Bauer, limited edition Dan Iverson print

• Cari and Eric Goodman, "The Procession" CD by Meredith Fierke

• James and Molly Bauer, complimentary Anthologie photo session!

For those who missed the opening, not to worry: The exhibition will remain on view at the Anthologie Gallery through Dec. 18, 2009.

To see more photos from the reception, click HERE.