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. :)