For years, Walter’s Boot & Shoe Repair has been located just steps from our studio. And for more years than we’ve been in existence, they’ve been firmly planted in the Downtown Rogers community, repairing shoes and leather goods. To walk into the shop these days is equal parts intrigue and nostalgia. The shop has been somewhat updated since the original owner, Carl Walter retired years ago. These days, his nephew Aaron, his wife Kim, their son Cody, and a talented hat maker named Clara work in the shop. And while you can finally use credit cards to pay for your repairs or purchases, many of the original details were thoughtfully left or repurposed in the shop. Most of the machines are original to the shop, some dating back to the late 40’s. And yet they still work as good as when they were new, thanks to Aaron’s knowledge and care. Awhile back, we had the opportunity to hang out in the shop with the purpose of creating some photo and video content. And today on the blog, we’re excited to share a bit of both. Please enjoy this All American story of history and craftsmanship.

Hello and welcome to the last blog post of 2021. Traditionally, we have shared our favorite images from the past year. Of course, we have a lot of favorites and so our posts have pretty much been a photodump smorgasbord from the past year. This year, challenged ourselves to find and share 21 photos from the past year, along with a short blurb or story behind each one. So without further adieu, here they are. Enjoy.

Philip & Jared / Novo Studio

Say hello to Mavis Wine Company, a brand new and already-popular business in Downtown Rogers. Owners Jeffery and Meghan opened up the small wine shop / bodega / eating establishment recently, after moving from Los Angeles. Coming from the film industry, the two decided they needed new experiences and a somewhat slower pace of life.

We recently interviewed them for a Go Downtown Rogers social media feature and we are also sharing the photos, along with the interview here on the blog. It’s a good read and their space photographs extremely well. But if you don’t make a trip down here to try their delicious food and wine in person, you will TRULY be missing out.

(Click to read more)

Say hello to our next door neighbors, the hardworking architects and construction workers that are currently renovating “The Opera House”. Built in the late 1800’s, this gem-of-a-building occupies the corner block of…

How do you compile a decade’s worth of images and stories into a single blog post? If you ever figure it out, please let me know. In the meantime, this a best attempt at highlighting some of the ongoing clients, fun jobs and unique ingredients that have compiled the last 10 years of Novo Studio.

Enjoy.

6 years ago when I first started this series, Carl Walter was the first person I featured and he will forever be the toughest act to follow. I would try to sum up my experience in talking with him if I could. But you just can’t summarize a 3 hour long conversation filled with humble beginnings and war stories and everything in between, so here’s a link to go back and read it for yourself.

Fast forward to today, where Aaron and Kim Walter have

Almost directly across the street from the studio is The Rusty Chair, an eclectic store filled with cool vintage finds, unique decor and…well…to be quite honest, stuff you never thought you’d see. Take for example the…

A heartfelt thank you to all of my friends and clients who made 2017 such a memorable year. This blog post contains some of my favorite commercial and lifestyle images from 2017. I couldn't pick just a few favorites, so there's a lot. Send me your medical bills for injuries related to excessive scrolling and Have a Happy New Year.