3 Ways to a Merrier Holiday

Whether you are celebrating the birth of a Savior, a holiday season of shopping, time with family ... or just a day off from work, we hope it is a happy time for you.

If it's not:

• take a moment to think about at least 5 things that ARE good in your life
• show kindness to someone less fortunate than you
• call a friend over to watch a funny holiday movie: Elf, A Christmas Vacation, Christmas Story

But, before we begin to decompress from getting everyone else's portraits and Christmas cards ready, we wanted to tell our followers, clients and friends, THANK YOU and Merry Christmas!

Love, 

Anne,
Nolan
and Cooper

Pawprints On Our Hearts ... The Other Children

When someone calls our studio to schedule a family portrait session, we have found that can come in many forms. It could be a couple with no children, a mom and her daughter, a multi-generational extravaganza, or the typical 2-parent / 2-children family.

However, we have had occasion to meet some lovely families whose dogs are the head of the household and the people are happily owned by them. (Our dog, Cooper, reminds me that is the case in our house often, particularly when I have to negotiate with him to make room for me in our king-sized bed.)

If

someone 
asks
if they 
can bring
their dog 
to a session,
we always say,
"We hope you do!"

Kelsey ~ Senior SpokesModel ~ WFHS

Senior SpokesModel, Kelsey brings a great look and personality to represent Anne Grant Photography to the Class of 2013.
A senior at West Forsyth HS, she has been been a part of Crosby Scholars since the 6th grade. She  attends Calvary Baptist Church and is an active member of the youth group and a part of the senior high choir. 
Her volunteer work at Morgan Elementary School is good preparation for her chosen profession as a teacher. As a native of Clemmons, she hope to come back and teach at an area school after getting her teaching degree.
If you want more information on the studio, just ask Kelsey...she was thrilled with her portraits, saying "the pictures came out great I cannot wait until I have them hanging on my wall!"

My, How Time Flies! ~ NC Children's Photographer

There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child. There are seven million.                                                                                                                  ~  Walt Streightiff

Do you ever wonder who pushed the fast forward button on your child's life?
No matter the age of their child, every parent looks back and feels like time went by at lightning speed. Maybe its because we wish we had done this or that for them or with them when they were at a certain age or it could be that life's simple moments seems sweeter the further we get away from them.
It is a running theme in the life of the families who come to the studio.  Many of the babies I photographed as newborns are well into their teens now, so I get a dose of that "life flashing before my eyes" feeling along with their moms.

Lindsay is not that old yet; she's only 7 years old, but it really does seem like a short time ago, she was sleeping peacefully through her first portrait session in the studio. Yep, time flies!

"No Limits" On Our Thanks to Costco

If you are a longtime follower of our blog, you will remember the "No Limits" Formal Dance that we photograph each year. With hundreds of teens and adults with special needs attending the gala, there is a lot that goes into providing them with a memorable event.
We had a super team of photographers, with Jack Deere and Carole Braden joining us this year, along with the assistance from the sweet ladies in the Circle Group from New Philadelphia Moravian Church. There are numerous opportunities to volunteer that night and the organizers would be thrilled to hear from you if you are interested in helping out. The kind folks at Hayworth-Miller even came and gave limo rides for the whole evening. They really have a heart for the community and its people.
But afterwards, the hundreds of photos need to be printed so we have partnered with Costco Photo Department in Winston-Salem to provide great looking prints at a great value. This year, we not only had the same excellent service, but Costco donated not one, but two $100 Gift Cards to use towards the printing. These photos mean so much to all of the "No Limits" attendees and the donation is greatly appreciated...Thank you for caring, Costco!

One Family's Portrait History ~ NC Family Portrait Photographer

What does your family's portrait history look like?

Everyone has the desire to follow through with a plan, but many things can get in the way of that actually happening. But for this family, their plans for the portrait history have ended up just like they wanted, only they took a slightly different path than expected.
In 2006, we had their family portrait scheduled and just a few days before their session, they got the happy news that they were expecting their third child. Even though we could have gone ahead with it and continued the portraits when their new addition came, she preferred to wait until the family was "complete".
So, instead we began in 2007 with individual formal portraits of each child at around age 5.  This 5 year project was completed this year which included a family portrait in 2010.
The eclectic portrait gallery in the hallway or stairway that grows with its own pace and cohesive style as life's tapestry unfolds is warm and wonderful. On the other hand, these planned arrangements for personal wall art can become a significant part of your home decor and even passed on as heirlooms for generations to come.
So, I pose the question again...What does your family's portrait history look like?
Is it all you hoped it would be?

"Family faces are magic mirrors.  Looking at people who belong to us, we see the past, present, and future."  ~Gail Lumet Buckley

Reader's Choice ~ Every Vote Counts!

It is time to express yourself about your favorite businesses & services in the 2012 Winston-Salem Journal Readers Choice. We would certainly appreciate your vote so we could once again be selected as the Reader's Choice Photographer (on page 4 of the Ballot in the Shopping and Services Category). The deadline for voting is Sunday, July 8.

Our greatest compliment is when you tell others about us and this is another way we just feel the love! Thank you for selecting us as Best Photographer in the past and for your continued patronage and support. I give all of you my vote as the Best Clients and above all...FRIENDS!

Beach Portraits ~ NC, SC, GA Photographer

Year after year, the whole clan meets at the beach for a  special time filled with many happy memories. Let your home decor reflect those wonderful moments year round with a beautifully crafted wall portrait.

 Click On Image To Enlarge

This year we have reserved time from our studio schedule to be at North Myrtle Beach July 15-19, 2012.  
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.

A Special offer for our Blog readers: 

The first 3 to respond to this offer will receive a FREE set of holiday cards, custom designed with your family, your children...and your love to share with others.

Reservation fee to arrange time exclusively for your beach session is  $450.
$300 of this retainer will apply toward your portrait order, so your session fee is only $150 for this extended session.
The reservation fee is non refundable, but in case of cancellation,  your reservation fee may be applied as a studio credit.

Thankful For So Many Blessings

This the time of year for reflecting on what has been done for us...and how we can spread that kind of love to others.
Thank you, Jesus!

Before and After ~ No More Excuses! { NC Portrait Photographer }

"I'm too..." old, wrinkled, fat, pale ...the list goes on and on. So many folks put off having portraits made until they lose weight or they feel they are too old or just plain "I don't look good in pictures."
First let me say, I get it! I do not enjoy the thought of being photographed, but I want to at least help you consider all the possibilities before putting it off any longer.
 

Whether it is room makeovers, wardrobe updates or even "Trick My Truck", the appeal of "Before and Afters" is the hope that something can be improved upon.
Since I would never embarrass anyone by pointing our their flaws, I have never gotten to show a good example of what we can do with the less than perfect subject. As I was getting a new head shot to accompany an article I was writing, I realized I would be the ideal "non-perfect" subject!
We start with posing our subjects in a flattering way and finish it off with just a little polish that brings out their best features. On my portrait (double click image to enlarge), a higher camera angle reduces the heaviness around the chin(s)...Yikes-did I say CHINS? Oh well, there's more: in post-production we go on to reduce the wrinkles, diminish the folds in the neck that gravity has brought, smooth uneven skin tones, remove those stray wiry, gray hairs and even correct smudged makeup. Not that I am ready for the runway or a magazine cover, but at least I feel better about it...and that is all that matters!
As a professional photography studio, the expectation is that we will make you look better in your portraits than you could do on your own. Of course, we strive to go way beyond just meeting those expectations and proudly stand by our 100% guarantee that you will be THRILLED with your portraits!

Express Yourself! { Clemmons, NC Children's Photographer }

Sometimes...

its just the way they look at you 

or look away.
Maybe it's that sweet smile

or just that they want to play.

Wait for the expressions, 

anticipate the moment and they will come!

You Is Kind ...You Is Smart ...You Is Important ...

One of my dear clients was speaking these truths into her granddaughter the other day and it has been ringing in my ears ever since. 

If you're not familiar, it is from "The Help", a recent movie from a book of the same name. It is about a period of time in the South that I remember well...a simpler time, with some historical facts that for the most part, are much better today.

Portrait Clothing {More Thoughts...}

When people ask us what to wear for their sessions, we do not have a prescribed formula that overrides YOUR choices. When you come to us for personal wall art to suit your decor, we want it to express who you are, so we just share our observations from years of experience and make suggestions based on what you tell us about your family.
I have actually seen others photographer's websites saying "No white bows" or "No matching shirts and jeans" for any of their sessions, promoting their look for the edgiest, coolest pictures on Facebook. We love to bring out the natural lifestyle of a family and edgy,cool images are fabulous if that is what you really want. (Think of an "urban" setting- like a downtown alley, maybe a sofa on the water's edge or even a parking deck .)

However, it could be that you have another purpose for your portraits than trying to do the funkiest contemporary look of the week.The image below shows the same family in colorful clothing (the boys said they were like fall leaves!) and another from the same session all in black tops. An easy change of clothing for a different look.  Both are perfect...they show the love of this family and the boy's personalities. This family chose the colorful clothing for their wall portrait but also ordered some of the others in black shirts and some in black and white.

For larger multi-generational family groups, we do suggest with the number of people involved, different ages and genders, that it may be best to go with something simple and not overthink a concept. Try letting the clothing be a secondary object, with the subjects faces and body language being the main focus of the image.

Does this seem familiar with all the cell phones? Between all the texting, talking, playing games, internet, tweeting and checking all the status updates...Oh, my...how do we find the time to do anything else?

Yes, It's Time For Spring Portraits!

Every year we are on "Daffodil Watch" to determine the best time to photograph YOU and your family in the daffodils. With the mild winter weather we have had, we are predicting that the finest display of daffodils will be a week earlier than previous years. How does an On Location session on a Saturday sound to you? The "Walk In the Daffodils" Limited Edition sessions  will be scheduled for Saturday, March 17, 2012. Your portraits will be ready just in time for Easter!

OK, what if I told you there is no Session Fee? That's right...it's FREE!

Don't miss out... There is a great demand for these special sessions and they book up quickly! Call 336.766.8367 early to schedule your preferred time.

Let's Hear It For The Guys! ~ NC Senior Portraits

Most of the Senior girls coming in for their sessions are very enthusiastic about expressing themselves in front of the camera, bringing numerous outfits and ideas for the Senior portraits that they had been planning, sometimes for years.
On the other hand, most of the Senior guys that come have not put as much thought into it and some are just ready to get it over with! The one thing that turns it around is if we explore their world , their passion for life and what really grabs their interest.

The young men shown in this image are an inspiration to others showing excellence in each of their chosen interests. They are not just participants, but are leaders in what they do as instructors, national champions, coaches and apply this attitude to other parts of their lives as well.
We appreciate the opportunity to showcase their talents through portraits!

Color As A Statement ~ Clemmons, NC Photographer

To continue the "what should we wear for our portrait session?", we will look at the "rules" for classic portraiture soon. But, for now...it seems like I am falling for the simple, clean look of high key {especially white} backgrounds more and more!
High Key backgrounds & props were "in" during the 80's and into the 90's and it became a staple when we were photographing babies. Just wanting to change things up a bit, I didn't use it quite as much for a while..using colors, darker backgrounds and doing lots of outdoor sessions.
However, when color (clothing color, hair color, etc) has a specific purpose in the overall image, at times it can speak the loudest with NO color in the background..and maybe no props either.

So, whether we need to say "Merry Christmas!" or  "LOVE those red boots!"... the white background can be just another tool to make it happen.

YOU Are The Art! ~ NC Family Photographer ~

Our 6th Annual Portrait Gallery Exhibit will be on display March 1-March 31 at The Coffee Mill (Formerly 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! 
All you need to do is authorize us to create a portrait from your past session; then you may pick up your new portrait in April when the gallery exhibit is over.  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 February 20, 2012.
This is a great gift idea for Mother's Day or Father's Day, birthdays ...or maybe just to treat yourself!  

(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 February 20, 2012 to discuss your pose selection.

"What Should We Wear?" ~ NC, SC, GA Photographer

One of the most frequent questions we hear is, "What should we wear for our portrait session?"
The answers are as varied as the subjects we photograph, but I wanted to offer some ideas to consider when we are planning your personal wall art to decorate your home.

First, as we dismantle the idea that blonde hair and white clothing will "wash you out", it can actually be just the opposite. On a properly lit portrait, with the skin tones being deeper and warmer than any shade of white, the colors in the complexion stand out even more. Even with a white background, the simplicity can make the subjects the strongest part of the image.

We Are Family! ~ NC Family Portraits ~

We had a wonderful fall portrait season with lots of families and just couldn't wait to share them. However, many of the portraits would make their "debut" as Christmas cards or Christmas gifts, so we had to wait until after the holidays to show off our beautiful Anne Grant Photography families.
We will post them here over the next few weeks and also on our Anne Grant ~ The Village Photographer Facebook Page...don't forget to "Like" us!

Puppies, Buddies & Schools { Clemmons, NC Children's Photographer / Pet Photography }

October has been a busy, busy month here at the studio ...and all around Clemmons!
In between all of the portrait sessions for families, seniors, pets & babies, we have had the honor of being asked to photograph several community events...and even a few historical moments.
As one of the committee members for The Dog Park at Tanglewood, we have been seeing the developments as they unfold. Plans are in the works to break ground in Spring 2012. When I think of all the time we will be spending there, it will mean even more knowing we we were there at the beginning. Many other people will feel the same way because there was a HUGE turnout for Bark4 the Park, an event heal earlier this month to raise awareness about the location and planning for the Dog Park.

Earlier that day we went to the 2nd Annual Race for Victor, a 5K walk/run that honors & helps Victor and others through the Pitt Hopkins Syndrome Fund.The fund is increase awareness and research in the understanding and treatment of Pitt Hopkins Syndrome and offer support to families receiving a PTHS diagnosis.

Then, in the middle of the month, we were photographing families at the Piedmont Down Syndrome Support Network Buddy Walk. It was a beautiful fall day for the many families who came out for this annual event that celebrates Down syndrome Awareness Month and to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.

Finally, you may have heard a big sigh of relief from all who worked for many hours each week for months on the "Celebrating Our Schools" event, held at the new Morgan Elementary School just up the road from our studio. Frank Morgan, the school's namesake and a longtime teacher and principal for Clemmons' schools, was there along with other community leaders and hundreds of others to enjoy the entertainment, community service booths and all kinds of activities throughout the day.