Think Negative!

OK, before you think we're having a bad day talking about negative things, we are really talking about something very exciting for our long time clients.
We are selling our film negatives from earlier sessions completed before we converted our studio to digital processes in 2003-2004. That doesn't seem like that long ago, but aside from the introduction of color film in the ealier part of the last century, it really amazes me how photography has changed so much in the last 10 years!
On a personal note, as we approach close to 20 years as a professional studio, I am glad to have had the opportunity to experience using film, working in the darkroom and  using a completely manual camera. Although, I love the digital processes we use now, that experience really taught me about how the light entering the camera transforms into a print...in it's purest form.

Anyway, the negatives are yours for only $99 for each session. If you have more than one session, we will be glad to give you a lower per-session bundle price of only $19-$49 each set, depending on the number of sessions.  These are primarily medium format negatives and, of course, they are the only copy available. Our digital images are backed up to several computers and other media, but that is not the case with the original film negative. We will provide you with the only original copy of your images to print or share with other family members...or to simply have for safekeeping in a safety deposit box. You do have the option of having them scanned so they can be saved as you would your digital images. One that we found is @ scancafe.com. Even though we haven't used them personally, their scanning price seems to be the most reasonable.
Just give us a call at 336.766.8367 and we dive into our many boxes of stored negatives to find yours!

3.5 Reasons To Have Your Senior Portrait Sessions this Summer!

Did you know that the summer before your Senior Year is the best time to book your Senior Portrait Session?
Reason # 1: It is easier to fit into your schedule.
Between school, homework, practices, games, rehearsals, it seems like Seniors sure are busy when school starts back. Save yourself from the stress and having to fit in one more thing into that busy schedule!

Reason # 2: The weather is nice, the Portrait Park is lush and green and the days are longer.
One of the things I hear a lot is that people don't want their portraits to look too seasonal with fall colors or the bare trees in the winter. Even though most of our outdoor settings look great year round, they are at their best in the Spring and Summer months. When the days get really hot in July and August, on a limited basis we can schedule later sessions to beat the heat.

Reason # 3: You will save money on your sessions and even have the chance to get a free portrait gift!
This could be the number one reason for some, but the earlier you schedule your session the better the savings will be, so be a trendsetter and give us a call at 336.766.8367 to reserve your time. You create your custom portrait session with our Senior Elements.

Reason #3.5: If you need images for your yearbook Senior Page...
They are needed at the very beginning of the school year and we need time to prepare them for the yearbook advisor.

So what are you waiting for? 
You know you deserve the best for your Senior Year, so let us bring out your fabulosity with the most portrait options, an experienced photographer and a 100% guarantee that you will be THRILLED with your Senior Portraits!

Is This The Year For Your Anne Grant Beach Portrait?

Ahhh...the sand, the sun, the waves and those long lazy days at the beach with the people you love. These are such wonderful memories to preserve in a beautifully crafted portrait for your home, your beach house and even your holiday cards! 

This year we have reserved time from our studio schedule to be at North Myrtle Beach June 26-June 30. We would be glad to come to your beach house, another photogenic setting (maybe with a pier or other "beachy" looks) or any location within a hour's drive from the Myrtle Beach area that has special meaning to you. Please call 336.766.8367 to reserve your time for your beach portraits!

Reservation fee to arrange time exclusively for your beach session is  $450.
$300 of the reservation fee will apply toward your portrait order. 
The reservation fee is non refundable, but in case of cancellation,  your reservation fee may be applied as a studio credit.

Join Us At Clemmons Community Day!

Months of planning by members of Lewisville-Clemmons Chamber of Commerce have gone into the 2nd Annual Clemmons Community Day happening this Saturday from 10am-3pm. It is the kick-off event to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the incorporation of Clemmons as a village. There will be 3 more events later in the year to mark this anniversary.
On a personal note, I am very proud of the efforts and involvement of my Studio Manager/Husband/Best Friend, Nolan on this project. He has truly enjoyed being a part of seeing the event come together along with several other dedicated members of the Chamber and other community leaders.
As Vice-President of Economic Development for the L-C Chamber, he has had the opportunity to get a closer look at how local government decisions are made, as well as work with a great group of people who make this community such a nice place to live, work and play!

Rotary Club Of Western Forsyth Easter Festival & Egg Hunt

It's time once again for the Rotary Club Of Western Forsyth Easter Festival & Egg Hunt at Shallowford Square in Lewisville. We are planning nice weather just for you, along with entertainment, food, and Easter Egg hunts for different age groups.
We will have a booth there along with other local vendors, so come by and see us while you are there for the festivities!

Brittany ~ Class of 2012 North Davidson Senior Spokes Model

This year our SpokesModels have had a "test" head shot to get them started, so when Brittany comes for her complete Spokes Model session including special on location settings, she will have her braces off. I'm glad we will have "before and after" images for her, but also so you can see a super cute and even a glamorous look for those of you with braces!

If you are interested in being a Spokes Model for the following high schools: West Forsyth, Davie, Reagan or Mt Tabor, please fill out the online application by Friday, April 22 for a FREE senior portrait session.

Representing West Forsyth HS Class of 2012...Danielle!

Our first Spokes Model, Danielle is a rising senior at West Forsyth and is SO excited about representing Anne Grant Photography to her Senior Class!
She brought a great look to the studio for her Spokes Model "test photos" (new for 2012 SpokesModels). With the simple design and color of her clothing, it doesn't distract from her at all. Also as I was looking closer at her images, her make-up application was just right. She looks natural, but she applied enough to bring out her best features.On that note, I have noticed a trend in heavier, thicker eyeliner which looks great for an exotic high fashion look, but sometimes if it is too heavy is can actually cause the appearence of slight distortion in the eyes in a portrait.  When you come for senior portraits, just be yourself...at your best!
We are still taking applications for Spokes Models, so it's not too late!

"You Are The Art" Portrait Gallery Exhibit

This exhibit will showcase some of our best images and we’d like to include you!

Our 5th Annual Portrait Gallery Exhibit will be on display May 2-May 31, 2011 at Casanova's Coffees & Fudge located in the historic Lewisville Mill at 6275 Shallowford Rd in the heart of Lewisville. We will be publicizing this event as an art exhibit and YOU are the art! 
In order to create excitement in the community, we will have an Opening Reception on Saturday, May 7 from 10A.M. until 2 P.M. at Casanova's Coffee. There will be door prizes throughout the day, so come by and register to win (you don’t have to be present to win, but the registration will only be available at the reception.)
All you need to do is authorize us to create a portrait from your past session; then you may pick up your new portrait when the gallery exhibit is over at the end of May.  This beautiful portrait is yours for the special price of only $99 (Reg. $399) for an 11x14 portrait or $149 (Reg. $439) for a 16x20 portrait.
You will want to respond quickly as this tremendous value of up to 75% off retail is only valid if ordered by April 6, 2011.
This is a great gift idea ...or maybe just to treat yourself!  
Special Note to husbands: this is what she REALLY wants..and you don't even have to go to the store.  We'll take care of everything for you!
(Special price applies only to images that were previously ordered since 2005. Orders already in progress do not apply.) Please call 336.766.8367 or e-mail by April 6, 2011 to discuss your pose selection.

Limited Edition Spring Portrait Sessions...FREE PORTRAIT SESSIONS!

Yes, you read that right, SPRING! We could be in for another spell of cold weather, but we are looking forward to a little preview of spring weather in the coming days. As a bonus, the daffodils are back! We are offering sessions in a nearby "field of daffodils" with NO SESSION FEES for a very limited time. Call 336.766.8367 and we will reserve a time for you!

Sally's Angels...Meet Sally at Hip Chics on March 12!

Our next client story is one of those that comes from a difficult time that blossomed into an organization to help others in a similar situations.
Our "Baby's First Year" program is designed to show distinct developmental stages in portraits.Since Sally spent the the better part of her first couple of years of life in a hospital, we extended her Baby Plan to create a portrait history of those important milestones, no matter when they happened. This is not unusual for our babies with special needs.
What was unusual is that out of those struggles that the whole family went through with Sally's medical problems, they wanted to give back to others in appreciation for those who helped them so much ...so "Sally's Angels" became a reality.
As quoted in this month's Forsyth Family Magazine:
"Sally's Angels is a wonderful charity that was formed in 2006 in response to the need a group of women observed when Sally was born and spent most of her first year in the hospital. Seeing the needs of parents who have a sick child and the financial challenges they face, they founded Sally’s Angels. The charity has dedicated its mission to helping families with critically and chronically ill children through their journey.
Since their first year, they have raised and contributed over $100,000,with funds going to support families of children at Brenner Children’s Hospital, Forsyth Medical Center, the Ronald McDonald House of W-S and other local organizations."
Now that Sally is 6 yrs old, she one "hip chick", but tomorrow she will make an appearance at the Sally's Angels fundraiser that is being held in conjunction with Hip Chics 4th birthday celebration. There will be a live radio show with Truth Talk Live Station and even free pizza from Donato's Pizza! There are many more fun activities planned, but the best part is that during this event,  for every $50 spent, $5 will go directly to Sally’s Angels. If you spend $100, then $10 will go to the charity. Each donation will be written on pink Angel Wings to be displayed around the store! We are proud to support Sally's Angels and now, tomorrow, it will be even more fun! See you at Hip Chics in Clemmons!

Baby Portrait Sessions ~ The beginning...

"Seek the wisdom of the ages, but look at the world through the eyes of a child."~ Ron Wild

On our "Baby's First Year" program, we portray 3 or 4 distinct stages during a time when your baby changes more than any other time in their lives.

We love to start with a newborn portrait session before the baby is 2 weeks of age, but many times our moms like to start at about 2-4 months while they are still tiny, very dependent and cuddly.

Even though those first gummy smiles are precious,  there is something magical about the look of wonderment in a baby's eyes... 

One of the many blessings in our lives...

This week's blog entry is not really mine, but written by my Daughter-In-Law, Crystal on her Facebook Blog (they are called "notes" on Facebook.)
Anyway, I wanted to share it for 3 reasons:

• Most Mommies can relate to this 
• It has a positive message that may be encouraging to others: that both parents have their own special traits that help in raising their son, Carter and the love she has for her family.
• It makes my heart so full and I am so proud that our son, Spencer is a good Daddy and husband, with such a loving wife. All of the things she mentioned that he does with Carter, Spencer did as my little boy, especially making car noises. I was touched by this and hoped other parents and grandparents would enjoy it.
  It is just one of the many blessings I count everyday...

Daddy's Boy
"Lately Carter has been waking up in the morning after Spencer has already left for work.  Sleeping in is a good thing, but it inevitably leads to a disappointed little boy.  You see, from the moment Carter wakes up, his first words are, "Daddy, hold you."  He LOVES his daddy.  I know he loves mommy too, but he is definitely a daddy's boy.  I don't blame him; daddy is usually more fun than mommy.  Daddy wrestles, spins, throws, has tools, makes the best car noises. . . . So I wait.  For the moment when Carter comes to terms with the fact that daddy really is at work and he won't be home until dinner time.  This usually takes about 15 minutes.  Until that pivotal moment, he will not let mommy enter the room, turn on the light or raise the shade.  15 minutes to wrestle with the idea that it's just me and him all day long.  But then he somehow comes to terms with it, because I am good at some things after all.  I'm the best at kissing boo boos, the best at singing lullabies, the best at butterfly kisses.  I do the best Little A impersonation, and I know how to dance to all his favorite songs.  So we somehow get by until dinnertime.  And my unconditional love for him remains unfazed when daddy walks through the door and I get to play second string again."

Anne Grant ~ The National Village Photographer?

A few weeks ago, we received a call from someone needing an updated portrait since she had been appointed in a new position. This is not unusual, since we "upgrade" a lot of business portraits, sometimes several times a week.
However, she went on to tell us she recently became the President and CEO of the American Humane Association, "the nation’s voice for the protection of children and animals." It is quite an honor to portray someone who has reached this level of recognition and success.

We will be telling you more about this worthwhile organization later, as we plan to do a Pet Portrait fundraiser for them, but I want to introduce you Robin Ganzert, Ph.D through the portraits we did at her parent's farm in Davie County. We've had some extra cold weather lately and this was one of those really cold days, so we bundled up and just made it happen since she needed these images right away.

Robin, her husband and 3 lovely children live in Clemmons, as well as one of her sisters, but it turned out that their other sister happened to be visiting from GA, so we made the most of it and were able to create wonderful multi-generational and multi-species(!) portraits. I consider this type of portrait almost more treasured than any other because it is so hard to get the family together..all at one time.

A Gift From Anne Grant Photography and Lime Lollies Children's Boutique

Lime Lollies Children's Boutique is located in the heart of Clemmons at 3570 Clemmons Rd (just up from the Post Office). They have a nice selection of heirloom clothing for special occasions such as Baptism or First Communion.

When you purchase an outfit for your child for these celebrations, Lime Lollies has made arrangements with us to offer a free portrait session, plus a bonus gift to commemorate this important time in your child's life. If you would like more info on the store, call 336.766.0509 or call us at the studio 336.766.8367 for more info on this offer.

Generations of Love ~ Wesley's Newborn Portrait Session

The first portrait session of the new year was one of the most anticipated events at our studio.

The Anne Grant Team joins with one of our own, Denise & her husband Ben, in celebrating the birth of their first child, Wesley.

Along with Wesley's grandparents and even great-grandparents, we all marveled over the perfect miracle that each new life represents.

Being photographers, you can imagine all that Denise and I had planned for his first portrait session. Even though he was only a few days old, he was very patient with us!

By the way, he didn't really weigh almost 12 pounds! He is a big boy, but the accuracy is thrown off because of the antique scales & the added weight of the blanket.

Model Call for Class of 2012 Senior Portraits

Do you: 

• Love to be photographed?
• Have an outgoing, creative personality?
• Want more than just boring, average senior pictures?

We are now accepting online applications for the Class of 2012 Spokes Model Team.

If you are chosen as a Spokes Model you will receive:

• FREE Indoor/Outdoor portrait session with an award winning photograper (value up to $149)
• FREE Photo Album for Facebook ($49 value)
• FREE set of personalized referral cards made with your images ($99 value)
• Celebrity Status! Be a VIP Senior, with the opportunity to appear in our marketing brochures, on our website and at displays in the community.
• A chance to earn fabulous prizes, such as a Spa Basket, iPod, or an iPad!

To be considered as a candidate, it's as easy as 1-2-3...All you need to do is:
1. Fill out the online application completely at www.grantphoto.com/modelapp.php
2. Become our friend on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/grantphoto
3. Join our Anne Grant ~ The Village Photographer Fan Page at www.Facebook.com/annephoto
Once we have reviewed your application, your Facebook personality, and Facebook photos, we will contact you with details about the next step. 

Typically we use girls as Spokes Models simply because they are more likely to show off their portraits with enthusiasm, but we can consider guys if they meet the criteria.

Please don't delay. We can only use 3-5 Spokes Models per school!

NC Family Portraits, Baby Portraits, Senior Portraits, Pet Portraits...and More!

Just catching our breath...we've been as busy as little elves, creating portraits and some fantastic Christmas cards for some of the nicest people in NC! The more we get to know our clients, we feel so fortunate that our lives can be enriched by these special relationships.
This year has been challenging, sometimes stressful or even difficult for many families we meet, but one thing I have noticed is how those situations can draw people to what is really important. It seems that people are taking inventory of their lives more than ever... treasuring the relationships, memories and the simple joys that happen in families everyday.  It is usually not the most spectacular occasions that bring us our favorite memories of family or friends and we are lucky to get to share in a bit of that everyday...

 

 Well...I could go on and on..that's all I have time for now, but there is more to come...

Portraits in Words...Stories From Our "Studio Family"

As most of you know, we consider our clients more than "just another portrait session". While we do appreciate their business, we are truly honored that they have chosen us to of photograph their families, their memories and their lives. We have made so many friends and they become part of our studio family.
Over the next few months, we will focus on some of their stories to touch your heart, encourage you, bring awareness to other people's causes or maybe just bring you a smile.
This first story about a beautiful princess named Olivia is a little long because there are many chapters, some yet to be told.
We use the word "Princess" often around here, but Olivia had no doubt about her "princess" status. The bumper sticker on her mom's van even read, "Yield To The Princess"!

The first portrait (on right) we made of Princess Olivia was in 2004 at her school when I was creating images for my Special Kids Photography certification.
Later in 2005, she came for a high fashion black & white session at the studio (shown here with her mommy, Karen). They were both DIVAS!

Even though we had a chance to visit her in 2007, the last portrait session in 2008 was her most "princess" session ever...she was soon to be leaving this earth to live with the King of Kings. This time when we went to visit her, all of her "adoring subjects" had gathered around making her feel very special. Again, she was getting in touch with her Princess-ness with everything princess from her blanket and pillow to her watch and her ring while wearing a princess dress and even holding a princess toy puppy. Oh, so much pink surrounding her..and so much love. Her Daddy is holding her hand here while he hugs her close to him.

As I write this, it still seems so sad that her life here was so short, but fast forward to 2010... I see her mom again, making a life for herself after enduring over 2 years of coping with overwhelming grief. She says it is "only within the last few months that she is more than a shell and learning to experience happiness again". After reading Elizabeth Edwards' book, Resilience, she wrote Elizabeth a note telling her how much the book had meant to her. That led to a series of events that ended up with Olivia's story being told on the Nate Berkus Show.  The production crew came to the studio to get permission to use Olivia's images on the show and ended up filming Karen by our pond for part of the show  (pictured above)....

and if you could read VERY fast we were even in the credits at the end of the show!
It was exciting for us, but mostly we were glad to see an uplifting tribute to a sweet little angel princess and those who love her.
On the show, it was fun to see Nate give Karen a special gift of new living room furniture and Elizabeth Edwards speaking with her.
As an update: just today Elizabeth's sister surprised Karen with a little gift!
Olivia's life still matters so very much...

It's Time to Plan Your Christmas Portraits!

Our Christmas Portrait Packages start at only $129 with NO SESSION FEE ...and something for everyone!

For a more contemporary look, we will have Santa Bits on Monday, November 15. It is a stylish way to have portraits with Santa, but still  keep your child(ren) as the main subject. Many children are overwhelmed by the big stranger in a red suit, so we can even have a parent wear the costume and not have to reveal that in the portrait since it just shows "bits" of Santa. In this image, you can see how effective this was with my own grandson and his father!

Then on Tuesday, November 16 we will have a Warm and Natural look with warm, earth tones and a touch of holiday greenery. This would look great from the very casual to a more formal look, but could also be used as a portrait on display year round.

Oh, Baby ... A special maternity portrait session!

At Anne Grant Photography we have been anticipating a very special gift!  Denise and husband, Ben are expecting their first child, a son, who should arrive just after Christmas.

Most of you have met Denise (our wedding photographer and portrait design consultant) on visits to the studio or when we are at events in the community...and you know how special she is to us.
We would like to invite you to drop by the studio on Sunday, November 14 anytime between 2 pm and 4 pm for a "Diaper Shower". This is a "floating" drop in event, so come by and bring a pack of diapers (any size) and/or baby wipes, or just a few encouraging words of congratulations. We love our studio family and we welcome any of you who would can come to share in the joy of this occasion.