About Dream Anchor Photography: Your Vermont & New England Photographers
Our Story: Turning Passion into Purpose
Nathan Payne, CPP
As a photographer, I let my big dreams and an unwavering passion for capturing life's most beautiful moments drive me. Whether it's a breathtaking landscape or the inspiring stories of people's lives, I find endless inspiration in the world around me.
Although I discovered photography later in life, it has quickly become integral to who I am. Through my lens, I capture the unique essence of every subject, bringing their personalities and stories to life in stunning imagery.
Every client deserves exceptional photography, and I am humbled to serve as their photographer. Whether capturing memories for a family portrait session or showcasing a business's products, I approach every project with the same level of care, attention, and dedication.
So, if you're looking for a photographer who will go above and beyond to capture the perfect shot, look no further. My wife and I would be honored to work with you and create stunning, timeless images you will cherish for years.
Thank you for considering us for your photography needs. We cannot wait to meet you and capture your life's most beautiful moments.
Hilary, Creative Director
At Dream Anchor Photography, we pride ourselves on our steadfast, pragmatic, and detail-oriented approach to every project we undertake. So when Nathan first approached me in 2019 with his dream of turning his photography hobby into a business, I knew supporting him in every way possible was essential.
Despite the chaos of starting a business while raising three young children and working part-time, we were determined to make our dream a reality. So when the pandemic hit in 2020 and turned our world upside down, we embraced the change and invested further in our passion for photography. It became our primary income, and we've never looked back.
When you choose us as your photographers, you can trust that we will bring our unique blend of creative vision and practicality to every project. We understand the importance of anchoring our ideas in reality while still capturing the beauty and essence of our subjects. It is our pleasure to create stunning images you'll treasure forever. Thank you for considering Dream Anchor Photography.
How Did Dream Anchor Photography Get Started?
The Beginning of a Passion
The story of Dream Anchor Photography's inception is marked by a simple yet profound question: "What can I do with this?" This question, posed by Nathan just two days after receiving a camera as a Christmas gift, set the stage for a journey of exploration and discovery. Nathan recalls, "That first year, I took 30,000 terrible photos." However, these 30,000 photos were not in vain. They served as Nathan's learning ground, helping him overcome the initial challenges and paving the way for the birth of Dream Anchor Photography. Out of this massive collection, a few gems emerged, laying the foundation for the company's future.
Where Dream Anchor Photography is Today—and Tomorrow
Building a Legacy
Today, Dream Anchor Photography represents more than just a business—it's our legacy. As a husband-and-wife team, we're building something we hope to pass on to our three kids, should they follow in our footsteps. With Dream Anchor Photography, our vision goes beyond individual success; it's about creating something sustainable and transferable for the future.
More Than Just Nathan Payne Photography
Dream Anchor Photography was born from the idea that photography should go beyond one person. By establishing Dream Anchor, we created a brand that allows for growth—whether it's Hilary taking on a more prominent role, our kids joining the business, or collaborating with partners. Dream Anchor is more significant than just one photographer; it's a name that carries the potential for the future.
What Sets Dream Anchor Photography Apart?
Specializing in Complex Projects
We love tackling complex photography projects that require a high level of planning and creativity. Whether a commercial shoot or a highly personalized session, we prefer projects that push us to bring extra value to our clients and challenge our creativity.
Going Beyond Simple Photography
We don't believe in showing up, taking pictures, and leaving. At Dream Anchor Photography, we add value by embracing a project's complexities, whether collaborating with partners or going the extra mile to ensure each photo captures something unique.
Examples of Our Work
A Motorcycle Portrait at the Vermont Granite Museum
One example of our work is a motorcycle portrait we did at the Vermont Granite Museum for a client from Connecticut. The project involved collaborating with Wilkins Harley-Davidson and bringing in partners to cover behind-the-scenes content. The goal was to create images that served the client in his pursuit of being featured in American Rider Magazine.
A Mountain Proposal Adventure
Another notable project involved documenting a surprise proposal atop a mountain. We traveled 50 miles by car and hiked a mile to capture the moment at sunset, complete with champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries. The experience was not just about taking pictures but about creating an unforgettable moment for our clients that they will cherish for a lifetime.
Our Journey—From Dream to Reality
Overcoming Challenges
Our start was challenging. Nathan left a nearly six-figure job to pursue photography full-time without a safety net. We had no clear plan, only a dream. Building a portfolio became our priority, and offering our services for free or at a low cost to create a proof of concept. Despite the uncertainty, we persevered. Slowly, our efforts began to pay off, and what started as a dream grew into a sustainable business.
Why Photography Was Never Just a Hobby
Photography may have started as a pastime for us, but it was never meant to stay that way. Once photography had its claws in Nathan, he dove in as deeply as possible. The business side came second, but the passion for capturing moments was always first.
Advice for Aspiring Photographers
Finding Purpose Later in Life
Nathan was 35 when he finally figured out what he wanted to do. After years in retail sales, earning a financial certification, and climbing the corporate ladder as a banker, it became clear that none of it was his true calling. It wasn’t working because he wasn’t doing what he loved. Photography works for him. It's fun, it’s exciting, and it brings joy. One day, we’re in a warehouse photographing a motorcycle shoot; the next, we’re on top of a mountain documenting a surprise proposal at sunset. Few businesses offer that kind of variety, and it’s exactly why photography became more than just a job—it’s a fulfilling career.
Get Started, Make Mistakes, and Stay Flexible
If you're considering starting a photography business, our advice is simple: Get started as soon as possible. Be ready to make mistakes, and most importantly. Learn from them. The journey to success is about iteration, learning, and constantly refining your skills. Building a portfolio is crucial, but embracing every project as a learning opportunity is equally important.
Marketing and Building Dream Anchor Photography
Leveraging Our Network
Initially, we relied on our combined 45+ years of experience in sales and our connections within the local community. We started offering photography services and gradually built a portfolio showcasing our growing skills and creativity.
What's Next for Dream Anchor Photography?
Growing, Teaching, and Paying It Forward
As we progress, we're proud of our growth and excited for what's to come. Nathan has spent nearly six years honing his craft, and we're looking to pay it forward. In 2025, we plan to start sharing our knowledge with aspiring photographers, passing along what we've learned through experience. We believe in the power of creativity and consistency in photography and business and are eager to help others grow just as we have.