Holiday Season Wishes!

Wow! After an intense holiday-order-rush season I get to relax a little and send out some holiday cheer!

~~~ Hope you enjoyed a BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS SEASON and wishing everyone a JOY-FILLED NEW YEAR! ~~~

After finishing countless holiday cards (each one more original, adorable, & modern than the last), an abundance of "Christmas gift" portraits and products, and wrapping up the shooting, editing, and parties associated with the fabulous CRAVE book this fall, I want to THANK YOU for being part of Feather Blue Studios in whatever way. I am blessed by the opportunity to use my creativity to create memories and bring smiles.

Look for an array of photos from the last couple months of shooting coming soon, (after I get a little down-time). ;)

In the meantime, enjoy one of my favorite photos of the year. What can I say? It's just plain cute.

Cheers!
Shannon :)

CRAVE book launch party! -- Be There.

After an exciting fall of photographing an array of fabulous local women and their inspiring places, products, and services for the very cool CRAVE coffee-table book guide, the week to see the book is finally upon us!
Now it's time to CELEBRATE! Come tell us what YOU CRAVE! at a special CRAVE book launch party hosted by me (Feather Blue Studios) and my good friend Deirdre of Deirdre & Company (also featured in the book).

There will be delish treats, a CRAVE-related game (with a $50 gift card up for grabs), and a mini-boutique area if you're in the mood to start your Christams shopping or treat yourself to a little something special. (Not to mention that CRAVE books, complete with their own page of fab deals at boutiques and eateries across the Twin Cities, will be available at a very special price).


Working on this project with Kathy of Back Pocket Strategies, curator of the Mpls/StPaul CRAVE book, and being inspired and supported by the CRAVE community was very enriching.

Please join us! You are so very, very welcome to this celebration. Most of all, we look forward to chatting with many of you and finding out what's inspiring in your lives right now as well.

Shannon & Deirdre's CRAVE book launch party ~ Java Train Cafe ~ THIS FRIDAY, Nov 18th ~ 6-9pm open house style

Cheers!
Shannon :)

Model Photography & Comp Cards

A big part of what I love to do is help launch new models in the world of modeling in the Twin Cities. Through Model Integrity I give upfront advice on the risks & benefits of pursuing this industry and how to recognize scams vs legit agencies and opportunities.

While this industry is not for everyone (& does involve a lot of hard work!) I encourage models who want to go for it to give it their best shot and do it right! When individuals feel they are ready to invest in professional, industry-relevant commercial & fashion photography, I help them strategically plan the best way to utilize their look and branch out to help them represent a broad market.

Here's a few of the Comp Cards I've worked on lately, representing different ages, looks, & genders...

Fall Outdoor Shoot Day! {Child & Family Photography ~ St. Paul}

It is indeed that time of year again... fall. Beautiful leaves, cooler days, colorful layers, and (dramatic pause) -- thoughts of Christmas cards!

Along with all that, comes our annual outdoor child & family photo shoot day... This year, we're adding an urban vibe to the event, with pictures taking place along the quaint streets of St Paul.*




SATURDAY October 15th, 2011

~~Only 4 slots available!!!~~

- 9:15am
- 10am - booked
- 10:45am - booked
- 11:30am

***Please call/email with
payment info to reserve your spot. Sessions must be pre-paid.***

651.489.8281 ~ featherbluestudios@juno.com






Your $95 session ($190 value!) also includes:
-a $25 credit toward your custom holiday card order
-an online gallery to view your pictures & show to others
-an ordering consultation to help you select your portrait art & design your cards!
(all regular session policies apply; prints are ordered a la carte with no minimum order)

*Exact shooting start location to be determined - likely the Selby/Dale area or along Grand Ave in St. Paul. Envision lots of brick, enchanting fences, some green space, urban-wear & tear backgrounds, (and your kids or family in lots of bright colors!)

It seems only appropriate to conclude with a little holiday card inspiration for you... (I promise I won't start playing any Christmas music just yet).


Cheers! ~Shannon :)

CRAVE Book Project

Wow. I am floored by how long it's been since I've blogged.

But I have a good reason.

I've been completely engrossed in the most fabulous project. I've been shooting smart, savvy, super-fun women business owners all over the Twin Cities for the 2nd edition of CRAVE Mpls/St Paul - the trendy coffee table book / city guide to women owned businesses in the Twin Cities.




Keep an eye out! It'll be released in mid November, just in time to give as Christmas gifts to your best gal pals.



The pictures are a big secret until our launch party, but I've been given permission to sneak peak a few... I put these up on facebook awhile back, but apparently they didn't make it to the blog yet...








Curious about the book? I believe there's still about one week and a few spots left if you're interested in being featured... check it out: CRAVE ONLINE.

Senior Picture "Summer Sizzler" Special! {shopping spree + girlie wall art}

Ahh... summer. If you're a teen girl (ready to take on your Senior year no-less, but not quite ready for summer to end), your wish list this summer may very well include:
-a great swimsuit
-lipgloss that lasts
-and Senior Pictures that show off your summer tan

No worries, we've got you covered! -- though you're on your own for the swimsuit shopping. ;)

Introducing our Girls-Only "Summer Sizzler" - a Senior Picture special that includes a beauty shopping spree & delightfully-designer wall art for your fashion-forward bedroom wall.

It's simple: Book your regular priced Senior Picture session to take place in July or August 2011 and receive a $40 mark beauty Gift Certificate* & an 8x10 signature print from your session with our "be strong - inspirational text" design! (sample shown here)



Shoot us an email at featherbluestudios@juno.com or call 651.489.8281 to book your session now! Questions? Happy to help as always. :)

Not familiar with the fresh, modern photography style of Feather Blue Studios? Check out "The Senior Scene" {modern Senior Pictures} on the Feather Blue website to see and read more: www.featherbluestudios.com

*Special not valid with any other offers. Bonus gifts available once session is paid in full. Mark beauty gift certificate to be redeemed through Feather Blue Studios between shoot date and image ordering date.

July & August child/family shoot SPECIAL! (Como Town passes!)

If you're going to invest in stunning portrait art of your kids or family, why not make a day of it? Not a full day of having your photos taken of course (I hear dads moaning already), but a full day of fun for your family!


Being located in the beautiful Como Park neighborhood has a few distinct advantages... (Being within a mile of zebras and giraffe's does not come without it's perks!) In addition to the beauty of the Como lake and park area, a great place to capture beautiful portrait art, the Como Zoo and Como Town amusement park make great fun for families, especially those with young children.

Which brings me to the one and only studio SUMMER SPECIAL!

Book a full price child or family session to take place July or August 2011 and receive 2 FREE Como Town UNLIMITED RIDE WRISTBANDS!*

Enjoy some family fun the day of your shoot or visit Como Town and the Como Zoo on the day of your choice!


*Details: A $50 deposit must accompany your booking to reserve a shoot date, with balance due at session time. Valid for daytime or evening sessions ($135 or $165 full price). Como Town passes will be available at the time of your shoot or within one week before if balance is paid in full.

Not valid with any other discounts, credits, gift certificates, or with previously reserved sessions. Two passes will include two children's passes or one adult and one child pass based on preference.

Session may take place in-studio or outdoors. Sessions are allotted approximately an hour and a half, with one or two outfits, for up to five people. Limited session times may be available.

So start planning your summer fun and book a session today! (Plus, beat the holiday rush and have your Christmas card photos ready by September!)

651.489.8281 ~ featherbluestudios@juno.com
_____________________________
Feather Blue Studios is not affiliated with Como Town. Copyright of photos remains with Como Town and original photographer.

Summer Schedule...

I will confess, I am taking it easy... I LOVED our 100degree heat wave and am completely thrilled at the reality of summer. So you won't find any fancy newsletters, intensive events, or major studio undertakings for awhile (all though sometimes inspiration is known to strike at odd times). ;)


But I have made some scheduling decisions for the summer and thought it a good idea to share. With the kids out of school, summer camps planned, weekends accounted for, and desk cleaned, I can finally settle in to a new (temporary!) routine.

So as a flexible guideline, the summer schedule is as follows:
-Tuesdays: desk & editing days (best to catch me via phone!)
-Thursdays & Fridays: most shoots scheduled; some desk-time
-Wed or Thurs nights: various evening shoot availability
(some Monday evenings are possibilities too)

Keep in mind, summer days are long and late afternoon to evening light is GORGEOUS for outdoor shoots! Morning & mid-day shoots are great for studio-shoots and will work for outdoors, but not as ideal for on-location glory.

Summer is a great time for:
-Senior Pictures
-Child or Family Shoots at the Park
-Fashion Portfolio updating

Be in touch with questions or for booking times...
Cheers!
Shannon :)

Spring! (and studio stuff)

We're all aware that MN has been very unsure as to whether Spring is really here or not... but after several bouts of Spring snow, freezing whether, TONS of rain, and a little hail, it seems we have settled into weather that wants to remain at least above the 50s (and occasionally the 70s). We'll take it!

This past week the lilacs bloomed, one of the most glorious scents in the entire universe (currently filling my home), but alas far too short-lived. So here's a couple of lilac shots to add some "Spring cheer" to your day.



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With summer fast approaching and school ending soon, the studio hours, which have been primarily all day Tues & Thurs + Fridays mornings will be changing a tad in the next few weeks (though I'm not sure exactly to what yet!) and we'll keep you posted as to new availability soon.

I'm working on a couple other projects, so studio hours may be a bit more scarce with less focus on special events, so if booking a session is in the back of your mind, you may want to get on it!

Early Summer is a great time to get in those low-pressure family or child outdoor shoots (plenty of time to throw that holiday card together come fall!) and of course the beginning of Senior Picture season for the upcoming class of 2012!

And with our Summer Model Integrity schedule, I'm excited to meet new faces and also hopefully do a fun mix of studio and location model portfolio work with local talent.

Look forward to working with many of you soon...

Cheers MN! To the blessing of knowing how to truly appreciate Spring & all it's glory!

Groupon Day! {Model Integrity Workshops}

Addition to this Post: Groupon-Day is over, but we still have a wonderful special through May! Check it out... http://www.modelintegrity.blogspot.com
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Hey All,

Model Integrity, our all-things-model-actor-fashion division, is offering a Groupon today for New Model Workshops! If you know someone interested in modeling (or interested in getting their munchkins into modeling), check out the Groupon link here!


Happy Spring... so glad it's finally come! Hope it's for real this time. :)

Aruba Photographic Art Collection

I had the privilege of traveling to Aruba {Dutch Carribean} earlier this month (thanks to my hubbie's company) and spent some time feeding my creative side by taking a few rounds of artistic images. The finally collection makes me just plain happy and I thought it might bring a little joy to you all too.

You can see the full collection (about 40 images) on facebook (type in Feather Blue Studios) because there are many more worthy of bringing you to your own warm, tropical "happy place," but here are a few of my favorites...














I am thinking about making this collection available as artistic photographic prints, signed, matted, and ready to frame. If you are feeling the need to transform a room in your home into a tropical bungalow (or just want to add a little color or serenity to an empty wall) and are interested in a print or display of prints, let me know by emailing featherbluestudios@juno.com.

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Copyright of all images belongs to Shannon Tacheny
www.featherbluestudios.com
Saint Paul, MN

Collages, Jewelry, Canvases (& hot cocoa)...

Things are always a little quieter here in the winter; everyone likes to snuggle down & lie low for a bit after the holiday rush. Understandably of course -- I like to join them, preferably with a cup of hot cocoa and a good book in hand. :) But even with less of a rush, projects still abound, and I wanted to share just a few of the unique products I've been working on for portrait clients this past month or so...

A canvas collage, complete with side text, from one of our fall shoots. I love the energy & love it expresses...



Sterling silver, waterproof, and heirloom-quality. Four kids wrapped around mom's heart.


This is a proof of a terribly fun 15x30" collage I've just finished working on - won't it look fabulous once framed? So modern.


Oh, and I saw GREEN grass yesterday (peaking out from under 6 feet of snow of course). A true sign that spring will eventually come. We can make it a bit longer all, can't we? Just hang on tight to that hot cocoa & find yourself a good book... soon things won't be so "quiet." :)

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Copyrights of all images remain with Shannon Tacheny & Feather Blue Studios.
www.featherbluestudios.com ~ St Paul, MN

A New Year... (2011)

Happy New Year Everyone!
While I do not know what the new year will hold, my wish for you is that you will cherish each and every day of it.
Love & Blessings ~ Shannon :)