Friday, December 17, 2010

'Tis the season... Photography Gift Certificate (& baby bootie) SALE!

Merry Christmas all! 'Tis the season for shopping & giving (but mostly for remembering why we're blessed & the baby who started it all...)

In honor of Christmas, we have two special sales, PLUS Christmas "gift-aways" happening on facebook... Read on!

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1) Photography GIFT CERTIFICATES are on SALE! (extended through MONDAY Dec 20th). The perfect gift to GIVE or ADD to your OWN CHRISTMAS LIST (just forward this on, hint hint!) :)


-Save 10% on Gift Certificates in the denominations of: $50 (buy for only $45), $100 (buy for only $90), or $250 (buy for only $225!)

-Sale now ends Monday Dec 20th, 2010. Contact me at the studio (featherbluestudios@juno.come or 651.489.8281) to purchase.

-Max of 3 sale Gift Certificates available to any given customer.

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2) My line of BABY BOOTIES & baby wear - Paisley Pie - is also on sale...
Adorable Baby Booties + luxe little skirts, take 10 to 30% off (even the already marked sale prices of some) for ONE WEEK ONLY! -- extended through Monday Dec 20th.

-Check out the adorable modern Baby Booties & baby/toddler skirts on ETSY. CLICK HERE: http://www.etsy.com/shop/stcollection

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3) As a Christmas gift to you, we're still doing "Christmas Gift-aways" (PRIZE GIVEAWAYS) on FACEBOOK this week! So there's never been a better time to join Feather Blue Studios on facebook.

To FIND US ON FACEBOOK type in "Feather Blue Studios" and hit "like" if you haven't already.

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Blessings to you all! Enjoy these last few wondrous days as we countdown to Christmas...

~Shannon :)
651.489.8281 ~ featherbluestudios@juno.com

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Leaves, Trees, & Pure Joy ~ {Images from Fall Outdoor Shoot Day}

Ahh... remember when the snow, well, just wasn't?

We did have fall, didn't we? And it was lovely. :)

Here are a few of my faves from this year's Outdoor Fall Shoot Day in late October. They were taken throughout Como Park. This isn't every family, but at least the ones whose orders I've conquered for now! Perhaps I'll post the rest later. Enjoy the fall colors & re-live your moments jumping in the leaves...





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Feather Blue Studios {modern photography by Shannon Tacheny}
Como Park area, St Paul, MN
baby, child, & family photography {+ more!}

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

There's still time! CHRISTMAS PHOTO inspiration. {Child & Family Photography, Twin Cities / St Paul, MN}



Yes, there's still time! Still time to create the best Christmas Card on the block (err, list). :) Still time to get modern Christmas Portraits that say "wow!"

As deadlines go: Tuesday December 7th is the very last day to shoot with Christmas turnaround in mind. Weekend of Dec 4th, preferred. (By the end of November, even better). :) But none-the-less, don't panic. There. is. still. time.

Shooting in-studio is the best option at this point, though if you're up for snow-covered hills, I am too. :)

I often get asked the "what-to-wear" question, or do you have any "themes" in mind? This posting is dedicated to inspiration for those of you wondering how to give your holiday photos that envy-worthy flair!

AND, if you read on, there is ONE LAST HOLIDAY SPECIAL at the end as well. (Santa says not to peak until you've been inspired by the rest of the posting). :)

My advice for selecting what to wear, or what theme to create, is this:

*Start with ONE THING YOU LOVE and work around it. Go shopping. Browse online. And when you fall in love with that one thing, jump on it and the inspiration will flow from there!

It could be a woodsman hat for your little guy, some ear-muffs, funky shoes, a fuzzy vest for your spunky girl, a toy that you're family loves, an instrument, that to-die-for baby dress, a pair of cozy Pjs, a cute Christmas mug, a pair of slippers, that dress that you eyed on the mannequin (not all the fun has to be for the little ones).





Once you find that one item that you've completely fallen for, then you can decide if you're portrait mood will be:
~dressy or casual
~a look with fashion-flair or popcorn-in-the-hair
~wild or cozy

and find pieces for all the kids or the whole family to go with it.






I have to say, online retailers this year are offering better-than-ever inspiration for complete looks. I especially liked how the websites of Gap Kids & Children's Place offer a themed outfit section, where you can see a whole look and then pick & choose (or continue to browse online) for the perfect compliments to an outfit.



And YES, it's totally ok to wear hats, scarfs, & mittens INSIDE the studio! :)



So here's where we're "wrapping" things up...

TWO final HOLIDAY SPECIALS for you:

1) Any full price session between now & December 7th, receive 15 BONUS Holiday Cards with your Holiday Card Order. (That's 15 more friends you can share the spirit of Christmas with). ;)

2) Anyone who opts to try out one of these "themes" (open to your own interpretation) :) will receive $30 OFF their session + the 15 Bonus Holiday cards with a card order. (Also valid through December 7th).


Themes:
-PJs & Popcorn (Find some cozy snuggle-wear, maybe with cute slippers, even a fuzzy hat or two, and I'll provide the popcorn. For eating, throwing, stringing, whatever we can think of. A photo session can't get much more fun than that!)

-Winter-wear Accessories (Scarfs & mittens? And don't forget the hats {fur-trimmed, maybe some ear flaps? up to you!} Think bright colors & fun patterns. Wear cozy casual outfits in solid colors, or go crazy with tulle skirts, jeans jackets, blazers, or dresses. Why not?)

-Rock Appeal (Do you play guitar-hero? Do the kids love their toy instruments? Bring along a guitar or two, maybe some drum sticks, and whatever else you like, and let the kids rock the session away! Think layered clothes, tatoo-inspired shirts with sweaters or blazers on top, funky shoes, cool tights, a tie over a t-shirt. You get the idea...)

-Glitter & Ice (Are you drawn to the sparkles? Perfect especially if you have girls, though dad & brother don't have to be excluded. Think lots of whites & creams, sparkly clothes, & we can even throw sparkly confetti all around! Great for a "White Christmas," but also nice if you're going to opt for the "Happy New Year" card instead of an earlier holiday greeting.)

Sound fun? Sounds like a blast to me. :) Call or email to book your modern family picture "experience" today...

See you soon! ~Shannon :)
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Feather Blue Studios {modern photography by Shannon Tacheny}
651.489.8281 ~ www.featherbluestudios.com ~ featherbluestudios@juno.com
located in the Como Park area of St Paul
modern portrait art for babies, children, & families
serving St Paul, Minneapolis, and the Twin Cities area

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Costume Contest Winner 2010 ~ {Baby Garden Gnome}

We have a winner! Baby Garden Gnome charmed the crowd & takes home the title of Costume Contest Winner 2010.

Thanks to everyone who participated in this years 2010 Halloween Costume Contest & Food Drive. We loved you all! We had a great time AND made a difference in our community.

~Finalists & Winner - you should hear from me this week regarding prize pick-up.

~And anyone who placed an order, those will be going out this week sometime as well; we'll be in touch!

Friday, November 5, 2010

Halloween Costume Contest FINALISTS! ~2010~ {Child & Family Photography}

We know you've been waiting and here they are! The 2010 Costume Contest Finalists, shot last weekend at our neighborhood hot spot Java Train Cafe here in cozy St Paul...


It was sooooo hard to decide, but we've narrowed it down to the three. We loved all the kids, colors, & personalities!

Now it's your turn to decide who will take home the title of Costume Contest winner 2010...

Paul Bunyan with his loyal friend Babe the Blue Ox



or Baby Garden Gnome, pretty in pink & full of expression



or Popeye the Sailor Man, complete with his Spinach & Pipe!



Listen closely now... there are 2 (TWO) ways to vote. And yes, you can vote twice if you can navigate both options. :)

1) Make a COMMENT at the bottom of this blog. Name your choice in the comment; counts for one vote! (only one comment per person/username will count). :)

2) Head to our FACEBOOK page, and click like next to the finalists name. (If the link doesn't work, you can type in Feather Blue Studios on facebook).

At exactly midnight next Friday, November 12th, we will stop qualifying votes.

All finalists will receive a gift certificate from the beloved Java Train Cafe + a mini album & Gift Certificate from Feather Blue Studios! The WINNER will take home a more generous sum from both. :)

So what are you waiting for??? Vote for your fave & then spread the word!

Thanks for the fun everyone!!!

**UPDATE: Voting is now closed! Thanks for all your comments & fb postings. Look for a winner announcement above soon.**

copyright all photos, Shannon Tacheny
Feather Blue Studios {modern photography}
Saint Paul, MN ~ serving the Twin Cities
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PS - Do to volume, we will not be able to answer questions regarding how to use the blog comment system or facebook; we kindly ask that you try to navigate the technology on your own or with the help of a friend if you are unsure. :)

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Senior Picture Feature - Grace {White Bear Lake Senior Pictures}


I had the great fun of working with Grace a few weeks ago, at the very end of summer, when the weather was still warm & the days were still long & bright...

I'm working on finishing up the order now & thought I'd post some of my favorites. She is full of personality & energy, which made the session all the more fun, and I think her fresh beauty & joy are reflected through these so well.





Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Kids Halloween Costume Contest 2010 (at Java Train Cafe!)

*Just finding this last minute? :) Join us! We should have room for drop-ins, especially from noon-1pm. Come with your costumed baby or kid(s), have their photo taken for our Costume Contest, enjoy some fun fall crafts, and finish it off with a treat bag! And don't forget that Java Train Cafe is the perfect place to enjoy lunch & some play time. Hope to see you there! Read the rest of the posting for more details. Don't forget to bring your food drive items!*

Back by popular demand! Our fun-filled Halloween Costume Contest & Food Drive event: with mini-shoots for your costumed kids, a craft area, and fabulous treat bags for kiddos to finish things off. Saturday, Oct 30th from 11am-1pm, held at Java Train Cafe (Midway area, St Paul).

Plus, three costumed cuties will be selected as finalists by Feather Blue Studios & Java Train staff to be the Costume Contest Finalists, with open voting to follow to name our 2010 Costume Contest Winner! Kids ages 0-10 are eligible.

Shoots will be just 3-5 minutes each, and prints will be available to purchase post-event online.

To participate, you MUST PRE-REGISTER for a time slot. This helps us keep the event running smoothly plus lets us know how many treat bags to make up! You may come anywhere withing your time slot range, and can stay as long as you like once your photo is done! Space is limited, so don't delay!

To register, email or call the studio: 651.489.8281 or featherbluestudios@juno.com. We need to know the number of kids in your group, their names & ages, and an adults name + email address for confirmation.

Update two days before: Still plenty of space, especially in the afternoon. Email/call us with your details and the slot you want... For now we are calling 11am & 11:20am full, though if that is the ONLY time you can come, let us know & we will fit you in. But the afternoon has LOTS of availability, so for a more relaxed experience, choose the 12 to 1 range; come on over to Java Train for lunch either before or after your event fun!

Note: Java Train has an extensive (& yummy) LUNCH MENU! So no worries about coming over the lunch hour... come for the fun, and stay for lunch!

The slots to choose from are:
11am - tentatively full
11:20am - tentatively full
11:40am
12noon
12:20pm
12:40pm
1pm
(As slots fill up we will note it here; we take anywhere from 6-10 kids per time-slot to keep things running smoothly).

And DON'T FORGET: This event is also a FOOD DRIVE for Second Harvest Heartland, so bring one or more food drive donation items per child. Click HERE to see a list of most-needed food items. (Hint: there will be a prize for whoever brings the MOST food drive items!)

STUDIO Mini-Shoots - November! {Child & Family Photography, St Paul MN}


October is well underway, with all of it's beautiful colors & pumpkin-related activities. :) We have a few of those ourselves in fact! But with Christmas Cards & Gifts in mind, it's time to post more info about our NOVEMBER Studio Mini-Shoots!

The exciting news is... we have not one, but two chances, for you to get this incredible mini-shoot rate for your baby, child, or family modern portrait session.

-Saturday, November 13th
(morning through early afternoon)
AND
-Tuesday, November 16th (morning through evening)

(please note this is a date change from what we'd previously posted, which was only Tues November 9th; that original date has been replaced by these two new ones)


The rate is just $89 ($79 when you book early!), which includes a $25 order credit! If you book before Oct 30th, you will save an additional $10 off the session fee! Each session is 45 minutes long, and includes your choice of background (a few minutes of set-up & background change is part of that 45 minutes). This rate includes up to 5 people. If you have more than 5 individuals as part of your family, please contact us about a slight adjustment for time & rate. And keep in mind that a max of about 6, sometimes 7, people can fit in studio shots. If your family/group is larger, please book an outdoor session (sooner, rather than later!)

To book your November mini-shoot baby, child, or family portrait session, please call or email Shannon at 651.489.8281 or featherbluestudios@juno.com.


Feather Blue Studios
{modern photography by Shannon Tacheny}
Como Park area, St Paul, MN

Monday, September 13, 2010

Holly Jolly Inpiration! {Holiday Card Ideas 2010!}

Have you thought about... drum roll.... your Christmas Card yet!?!?

Probably not. :) But I can't think of a better time. Book your session early, have your card designed by November, and take something off your to-do list in December.

Here's a little Holly Jolly Inspiration to get your mind in the jingle-one-thing-off-my-to-do-list kind of mood. :) Start dreaming... {& then check out our great specials & mini-shoots and book yourself a fall session today!}







Sampling shown above; 50+ templates to start from. All customizable with single or multiple images & your own text. Custom designed with love. We look forward to designing you an envy-worthy, heirloom-precious Christmas card featuring the modern portraits of your beautiful children or family.

Check out the STUDIO WEBSITE for more image samples & shoot details!

(Card design service available for portrait clients only.)

October Outdoor Mini-Shoots (at Como Park!) -- Child Family Photography St Paul, MN


They're Coming!

Fall Outdoor Mini-Shoots at Como Park.
Don't miss out on this fabulous deal if you want outdoor portraits of the kiddos or family with fall-colors in mind!

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16th, 2010

Current Time Slots:
9:30am- booked
10:15am- booked
11am - OPEN
11:45am - booked
12:30pm- booked

The special rate is just $95 & includes a $25 order credit!
Each session is 45 minutes long, time enough to capture posed & candid images of the whole family, and individual shots as well.

SAVE an additional $10 when you BOOK BEFORE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24th! Deposit required.

Call or email Shannon at 651.489.8281 or featherbluestudios@juno.com to reserve your spot today!

Find the Feather Contest: A Reason to Read {the e-newsletter!}

If you read the last newsletter, you're in the loop. But here's the "official rules" lest you forget. So read up & then get back to that newsletter & FIND THAT FEATHER! :)



"Find the Feather" contest, Aug-November 2010.

Be one of the first three each time to find the small feather hidden in each e-newsletter, & WIN $10 STUDIO MONEY! (You can win everytime!)

It’s Simple to Play... 1. Search each newsletter for the tiny hidden feather.
2. Be one of the first 3 (three) people to email us noting where the feather is.
3. If you win a round, you’ll be emailed your $10 studio money certificate!

Certificates valid on Sessions Sept2010-Dec2011; Not valid on past sessions;
Any given individual may win up to 5 times ($50!); Only first three (3) emails/winners
will be replied to each time; Feather in logo(s) & sample feather in
contest section does not count. Each contest open for 3 days after e-newsletter is sent.

Not on our newsletter list? Click HERE to sign up! (The current newsletter is aimed primarily at the child/family portrait audience; if you wish to receive news about other areas, please let us know!)

Friday, September 3, 2010

Family Photo Feature: Outdoor Family Photography {St Paul, Minneapolis, MN}

Here are some peaks from an outdoor family session done a few weeks ago, by Como Lake. A beautiful family (aren't they cute?), :) beautiful scenery, and beautiful light. While summer is coming to an end, early fall light is still lovely and there's plenty of time to get an outdoor session in before the leaves change... {check out our September BOGO special below}. ;)