Things Happen for a Reason
Have you ever considered how one seemingly insignificant event can alter the trajectory of your life? This is the tale of how I crossed paths with Phillip 20 years ago.
It's rare for someone to enter your life and immediately make such a profound impact. Phillip Fourie did just that, whether by his actions, their effect on me, or by prompting me into action. The specifics are less important than the undeniable significance of his influence.
It all began innocently enough with a phone call from Phillip Fourie, who had noticed my work at the Mississauga garden council. His persuasion and persistence were remarkable. Phillip had a proposition concerning a prestigious magazine in Mississauga that I simply had to hear before I could consider declining. Little did I know!
Around the same time, completely independently of Phillip’s call, two other events unfolded.
Previously, Derry Bunting had approached me with a proposal to join a collective of photographers where he would act as an agent. Our first collaboration involved a limited edition print series, starting with "Heron in the Mist."
Another friend, Al Seymour, was having breakfast with us at a church men's group. At that event, Al shared with us a concept he had about a high end custom built garden shed business. His drawing was made with a dot matrix printer.
Go forward another three weeks and I get that phone call from Phillip. Sensing an opportunity to assist Derry, I called him and asked him to be in my office visiting around the time Phillip would show up. Derry and I decided that if the opportunity presented itself, I would broach the subject of his business. Not only that, but if it was the right fit, we might even bring Al's project up.
Phillip came into my office and his proposal was for me to do photography for the magazine in exchange for the byline, and seeing my images broadcast to over 20,000 homes. Additionally, I made a deal to get my financial planning practice a discounted ad. I've always wanted to be published in a high end magazine.
Phillip told us more about his magazine and there seemed to be wonderfully aligned objectives. It was a win-win situation. We were able to tease a free ad out of Phillip for the limited edition prints to boot!
I sensed the perfect opportunity to mention Al's wonderful sheds. I suggested an article featuring a back yard before and then after a shed was built might be interesting. No apparent interest was shown for that idea and we ended the meeting.
Three days later, I get a number of calls from Phillip. How would my friend Al like to have his shed not only in the magazine, but featured on the front cover. He would have a high gloss full colour image of his sheds in 20,000 homes. Because of time pressure for the magazine publishing deadline we needed to have the shed ready and photographed in three weeks. I replied to Phillip with a little fib, I had to connect with Al and find out where he stored or built one. I promised to get back to Phillip within two days.
Within seconds of hanging up I put out an all points bulletin for Al. We tracked him down and the conversation went very much like this. "Hi Al, I have a proposal for you that you are not allowed to refuse! How would you like to have 20,000 full colour high gloss images of your shed in some of the best homes in Mississauga. That image would not only be in the first ever issue of this high end magazine, it would be featured on the front cover!"
Al wanted some time to think about it. I gave him long enough for me to catch my breath. Then I asked, " By the way how long would it take you to build one?"
He thought about it and said "Two to three months."
"You'll have to do better." I said. "In fact, if you can implement my plan we can be ready sooner. Our deadline to press date is three weeks! Tell me, yes Naguib, we can do it." An hour later, Al called and gave the go ahead. I called Phillip and told him the truth, Al is in the process of building a shed that would make him proud of the first cover of the Mississauga Quarterly.
The next morning, we gathered early to plan the shoot, transforming our outdoor location into a veritable movie set. Given it was April, we aimed to capture the essence of a spring garden.
Here was the plan:
Focus on the front face of the shed, featuring windows and a door, along with one side.
Ensure the roof is shingled on one side.
Incorporate blooming plants and a pathway leading to the shed's front door, using box plants for the windows.
Arrange lighting along the pathway.
Include a barbecue and outdoor furniture to enhance the scene.
Position the shed to catch the early morning sun for ideal lighting and ambiance—assuming the sun cooperated, of course.
Fortunately, Al had supportive in-laws with ample driveway space where we could construct our set. We pooled resources, borrowing plants, windows, and a door. A high-end barbecue was generously donated specifically for the shoot.
On the day of the shoot, although the forecast predicted overcast skies, we were greeted with early morning sunshine before it briefly hid behind passing clouds. We efficiently completed the shoot in under an hour.
Twenty years have passed since this project evolved from mere concept to the beginning of a thriving construction business. During this time, we also launched a magazine that brought pride to our city.
This journey unleashed the photographer within me—a vision focused on possibilities rather than obstacles. It taught me the importance of seizing opportunities and diving in fearlessly. These experiences enrich life's journey, demonstrating that seemingly unrelated events often unfold for a purpose, even if we don't initially understand why until everything falls into place.
Throughout it all, we've grown closer and embarked on many adventures together. Stay tuned for more to come.
