Let it Snow Returns!

Reserve your Anthologie winter photo session today!

It's time to play in the snow, the mud or the rain, because whenever Mother Nature throws us a curveball, great photos are sure to be made.

Anthologie's "Let it Snow" winter photo promotion is back and better than ever, now with three ways to save.

Perfect for documenting trips to the tree farm, family traditions or just because, Anthologie has a "Let it Snow" winter photo collection sure to fit your holiday picture needs. Contact us today using the contact form on this website to reserve your session. Use coupon code SNOW10 in the "how did you hear about us" field to receive this special pricing.

Details

• All sessions also include edits and enhancements of your best images

• All sessions also include an online proofing gallery active for 30 days from posting

• Session fees are due at the time of scheduling in order to reserve your date. A credit will be kept for you on file should you need to reschedule.

• There are no travel fees for photo sessions within the Twin Cities and surrounding suburbs

• Sessions must be completed by Dec. 11, 2010, to ensure on-time delivery of holiday cards

• Still have questions, contact us today

Bittersweet

Saying goodbye through photos

One of the many aspects of my job that I love is the relationships I get to build with my clients, and the fact that many of them become friends. Such is the case with Maureen, a wedding client whose larger-than-life image dominated my storefront window at my past Northfield studio, whose nuptial photos graced my business cards for more than a year and whose presence was recently made at my wife's baby shower (she's obviously become a friend).

Once that relationship is established and trust is earned, I, as a photographer, get the great pleasure of getting to take part in some truly amazing life moments. Maureen contacted me awhile back saying that the difficult economic environment had forced her to make an even more difficult decision, that to give up her horse and cherished friend, Hannah. Before she did so, she wanted to honor their relationship through pictures, and requested that I create the images. I was honored, excited and a bit apprehensive. After all, it promised to be an emotional event.

What I didn't realize until moments after our session was complete was that Hannah was moving to her new (and positively Rockwellian) home immediately and that I was actually about to see the last goodbye. While I witnessed the event, some things are simply best left in memory and not immortalized in photos. Hannah was visibly stirred by the situation and seemed to have a keen awareness for what was taking place. Instead, we have radiant images to celebrate the bond between a woman and her equine friend.

Scoring points

Devising the perfect game plan for a proposal

It was love that sent Matt Jackson on his biggest life journey. Not love for a woman, but love for a game — hockey.

Matt was a standout on the Apple Valley, MN varsity hockey team and advanced to the collegiate level before a snowmobile accident sidelined his aspirations of going pro. It was during his time on Eagles high school team, however, that would change his life. It was then that he first crossed paths with Lori Taormina, the squad's team manager.

While the two never spent much time together, they obviously made an impression on one another. Years after their brief high school encounters, Matt and Lori easily noticed each other while socializing with friends at an area sports bar. A connection was made, and the two quickly started dating.

Two years later, Matt had purchased an engagement ring, had asked Lori's father for her hand in marriage, and was already plotting the perfect proposal.

Matt had treated Lori to a full-day spa treatment at the Oasis Salon in Lakeville while he was off deer hunting in Southern Minnesota. Well, at least that's what Lori was led to believe. Matt had actually postponed his trip a bit to surprise Lori as she neared the end of her day of pampering. The salon had requested me to produce photos for marketing materials so I would be on hand during all the action. Plus, we needed a model for the brochures — that's where Lori came in.

As Lori luxuriated in each phase of the treatment — hair, make-up, massage, manicure and spa pedicure — she had no idea Matt was anxiously counting down the minutes until he'd be cued to make his entrance. Matt stacked the deck and brought along champagne with personalized flutes, chocolates and strawberries, and a sushi platter on top of the stunning ring he had selected.

Finally, Matt's moment came and he was able to catch Lori completely off guard as she relaxed with a glass of wine during her pedicure. A traditionalist, Matt got down on one knee and asked Lori to marry him. In between tears of excitement and joy, she said yes.

Congratulations, Matt and Lori!!

Little book, big savings

Anthologie "Warmth of Fall"  | Reserve a session, get free books

Temperatures will soon plummet. Before your morning commute calls for dispensing a gallon of washer fluid over an icy windshield (as if that will help), it's time to get out and enjoy the beautiful autumn air.

There's no better way to celebrate this time of year than with a photo session with you and your loved ones. Trips to your family's favorite apple orchard, an afternoon meandering through a pumpkin patch, or simply just because, there's plenty of opportunities to create a lasting fall memory. And now, Anthologie is making it even easier to ensure these moments won't be forgotten.

Reserve any regular-priced photo session through Oct. 31, 2010, and we'll provide you with three mini "Brag Books" for you to look back on these memories for generations to come.

Complete photo collections for a one-hour session of on-location photography are $150 and include:

• expert edits and enhancements of your best images

• a password-protected web photo gallery for convenient online ordering and photo sharing

• complimentary downloads of your best images at web resolution

• ownership of your digital negatives printable to 4x6 inches

Use the contact form on this website and reserve your session today!

Student Teacher

Drew Donlin could teach us all a few lessons. The Wayzata, MN high school senior is learned in the ways of time management and integrity.

On top of the full-time of job of being a high school student navigating the world of college applications and campus visits, Drew has found time to remain highly involved with extra curricular activities and his church.

Drew is a multi-sport athlete playing baseball and running track in spring and quarterbacking the Wayzata Trojans football team in the fall. He is also class president, is an officer of his school's National Honor Society and he was voted Attorney General for Minnesota's Youth In Government program.

Faith is also central to Drew's life and he is an active member of Woodridge Church in Medina, MN. In fact, Drew recently completed a mission trip to the Dominican Republic where he helped to build homes and to lead sports ministry programs.

Please view some of the senior pictures I made of Drew (below) at one of his favorite hang-out spots, Wayzata Beach, on Lake Minnetonka. Additional images can be found HERE.