They’re here!  The Authentic New England Limited Edition Photo Sessions are ready to be announced.  If you follow my Facebook Page, you’ll have seen me recently talk about my excitement over my new collaboration project I have named “Authentic New England”.  I know I have been a bit vague on the details. However, while discussions and plans were underway, I just couldn’t help sharing a shot from my publicity session, or dropping some hints about something big coming.  I am thrilled to be able to now detail exactly what has me so excited!

Let me back up a little bit though and get personal with you.  In early December, my dear friends Erin and Sam Schreier of Inheritance Farm posted to their Facebook page a plea from the heart.  A desperate plea brought from desperate times.  They were in danger of losing their farm.  This wasn’t only their livelihood, it was also the roof over the head of they and their three children.  This farm has been in Sam’s family since he was 11 years old and has a rich history.  I had celebrated this wonderful couple’s wedding on this property.  This wasn’t just another internet sob story that seems to flood our Newsfeeds these days.  For me this one was personal.  Yes, of course, I would donate to their GoFundMe campaign, but I wanted and needed to do more.  The cog wheels of my mind began turning, thinking and creating ways that I could help Erin and Sam with their mission; save Inheritance Farm!

The farm’s tagline is “an inheritance is a transaction between present and future. Leave forward the inheritance of a better world.”  Leave forward.  Pay it forward.  What could I do or give to pay it forward? My mind wandered back to the beautiful house and grounds of the farm.  Beautiful rolling fields with mountains in the background.  The farmhouse itself a beautiful structure, exactly as you would picture a New England farmhouse with white wooden siding and intricate details.  Various farm buildings on the property all exude authentic charm.  Inspiration struck and I immediately contacted Erin to socialize my idea and see if she agreed it had legs.  Fast forward over some excited exchanges and a collaboration was born.  Fleur Foto would use Inheritance Farm as a photo shoot location.  Discounts would be offered on the upcoming permaculture workshops that are planned at the farm.  Vice versa, discounts would be offered for photo sessions for workshop attendees.  Joint marketing was discussed and impetus built.  But that wasn’t enough for Erin and Sam.  The quintessential givers, they wanted to ensure the collaboration would also benefit their community.  As such, our first joint event will be held on April 3rd, and will benefit the Dunbarton Congregational Church.  With all that in mind, I am thrilled to present to you Authentic New England – Limited Edition Photo Sessions:

Before I go much further, let me hand over the reins to Erin directly so that she can describe to you what is Inheritance Farm Permaculture and why it is so important.

“In the summer of 2010, Sam and I stood on the edge of a 100 square foot garden in a gown and tuxedo.  Rain threatened for the first time in two months; a sign we took as a blessing on our wedding day. Blue-pod peas and pumpkin vines, lush despite the drought thanks to Sam’s ingenuity with water catchment, overflowed with produce destined for our family’s storage and the local food pantry.  Two promises were made: to each other, and to the future of this farm that could provide so much for so many.

Years later, the “Giveaway Garden” still thrives, but now with more intention and purpose.  It is one of the hands-on learning-and-giving workshops Sam and I will host this year on Inheritance Farm, a 200-acre permaculture education and innovation farm in Chichester, NH.  The mission of the farm is multifaceted, reflecting the very essence of a permaculture-based biodiversity.  Education, community building, design and return of surplus to those in need are at the core of each workshop, including the five-month Giveaway Garden experience.  Each month, a new phase of garden building with permaculture ethics and techniques will be offered as a hands-on learning experience.  Between monthly classes, volunteers can participate in ongoing learning and interaction with the garden at weekly “weed meetings,” and take home a share for their efforts.  The surplus will be donated to curb hunger in New Hampshire.

The three tenets of permaculture are Earth Care, People Care, and Fair Share.  Giving food is only one way the farm strives to give back to the community.  Tie-in workshops teach earth care in the form of biochar, alternative heat sources like compost and rocket mass technology; people care events include a discussion group to explore ethics and sustainable solutions, and collaborative efforts with community entrepreneurs like Laura and Fleur Foto Photography.  An inheritance is a transaction between present and future. Leave forward the inheritance of a better world.”

Thank you, Erin!  You can read more about the farm and its mission in this front page article from the Concord Times.  With the mention of the upcoming benefit for the church in the article, it was time to formally announce our collaboration and details.

Beginning in early March, a series of limited edition photo sessions will be held at Erin and Sam’s farm in Chichester, NH.  The first event will benefit the Dunbarton Congregational Church, with a further event being held April 3rd.  As previously mentioned, a portion of the proceeds from these events will be going to Inheritance Farm and any associated beneficiary.  These sessions are suitable for all your photographic needs, whether you are seeking a maternity session, wish to announce and capture your engagement, or perhaps it’s been a while since you had family photos taken.  We can tailor your time to exactly match your needs.  The farm will provide the beautiful and stunning backdrop scenery.  You can toast marshmallows at the large fire pit, enjoy tea with homemade bread and jam, and Erin has promised some other hospitality homemade treats.  Hair and Make-up by Lydia Acheson available (details upon inquiry).  Included in your $150 limited edition photo session fee are the following:

  • pre-appointment consultation to fully understand your photographic wishes and discuss wardrobe choices
  • 20 minutes of outdoor photography for up to 5 people (extra can be accommodated at $10 per person.)
  • (1) 8×10 mounted and professionally printed image (other products are available for separate purchase)
  • (1) ordering and image viewing session on-line or in your home

You could be enjoying timeless artwork in your home of images like these:Limited Edition Photo Sessions - Family Photo Session at historic Inheritance Farm Permaculture by Fleur Foto Photography

Limited Edition Photo Sessions - Authentic New England photo series - family portraits at Inheritance Farm Permaculture by Fleur Foto Photography

Limited Edition Photo Sessions - Authentic New England photo series - family portraits at Inheritance Farm Permaculture by Fleur Foto Photography

or these:

Limited Edition Photo Sessions - Limited Edition Photo Sessions - Authentic New England photo series - family portraits at Inheritance Farm Permaculture by Fleur Foto Photography

Limited Edition Photo Sessions - Authentic New England photo series - family portraits at Inheritance Farm Permaculture by Fleur Foto Photography

Limited Edition Photo Sessions - Authentic New England photo series - family portraits at Inheritance Farm Permaculture by Fleur Foto Photography

Exited?  We are! Limited spots are available so get in touch either online or call me today (978) 571-6280 to book your spot for April 3rd, or for future events.  To enquire about arrangements for your own fundraising event at the farm, please get in touch!  These will be days for community gathering.  Days for celebrating all the potential the future holds for the farm.  Days to support our friends and days to give back.

I would like to give particular thanks to Lydia Acheson for her time and talent in the realm of hair and make-up arranged for the Dunbarton Church Event package.

Limited Edition Photo Sessions – Authentic New England is part of a photo session series focusing on giving back to the community and supporting Inheritance Farm by Laura of Fleur Foto Photography.  Laura is a portrait and lifestyle photographer that specializes in maternity, newborn, child, family and high school seniors.  Based in Londonderry, NH, Laura also serves Chichester, Nashua, Hollis, Windham, and the greater Boston area, including Groton, and Newton, MA.