How to Rock This "Senior Picture Thing": The Scoop on How Senior Pictures Work & Why They Matter | High School Senior Picture Info, St. Paul, Minneapolis, Twin Cities

Wow - that Senior Year is coming up fast!  

If your son or daughter (yes, your baby!!) is graduating next year -- or if you're an upcoming Senior yourself (go class of 2016!) -- here's our take on how to "rock this Senior Picture thing,"  FAQ style...  

Q: Why do Senior Pictures even matter?  Everyone has a digital camera these days.

A: It's true, snapshots abound.  But how many of those images end up actually in print?  Or are even in focus, for that matter?  Senior pictures are a long-withstanding tradition for a reason -- short of wedding pictures, they are often the only professional photo an individual will have taken in their adult life.  Think about that...  The photo that will be on mom's wall for 50 years, or be featured at a person's funeral (after they've lived a long, well-loved life!).  Senior pictures are significant.  A rite of passage.  An heirloom.

Additionally, at an age of transition, the right senior pictures can provide a confidence boost  --  seeing your very-best-self in print is uplifting and motivating  -- just what's needed as a student goes into their Senior Year and begins to make decisions about college or life changes.

Q: So how do I pick a photographer?

A: You find a photographer whose style you love and whose work you trust.  Due to the influx of digital cameras, there are a lot of options for you!  This is great!  But this means you have more research to do to avoid the not-so-great-ones.  We recommend you choose someone with experience.  This isn't the kinda thing you want to cut corners on -- let's face it, getting excited about your pictures and then seeing a deflated version of what you were hoping for is a really big let-down.  

Here at Feather Blue Studios, photographer Shannon Tacheny has over 10 years of experience.  She also has worked in the fashion industry, so if artistic, fresh, modern images are what you're going for, this might be the place for you.  If you're hoping for something that looks like it came straight from a magazine -- but will still make a great art piece on mom's wall for the next 50 years -- yep, we can do that.  We shoot in-studio (on one of dozens of bright solid or fun patterned backgrounds), outdoors, or both!

Q: My student is a Junior.  Remind me why I'm thinking about this again?
A: Since yearbook deadlines are generally in the fall (check with your school, but they usually fall between October and December of the start of the school year), most seniors do their sessions in the summer before their Senior Year, or the Fall of; some even as early as May of their Junior year!  So thinking ahead is a good idea. Summer and fall get busy quickly!

Q: So how does this whole Senior Picture thing work then?
A: Well, here's how it works here at Feather Blue Studios:

-Senior sessions at Feather Blue Studios cost just $250 (for up to 2 outfits, you can affordably add a 3rd or 4th outfit if you like), and that INCLUDES $100 of credit that you can use toward professional prints or digital images.  Most of our clients love that they can order professional, retouched, printed artwork for their home and family, with no work on their end.  We do all the work, you get all the credit!  You order completely a la carte, from our great selection of prints and items (starting at $18).  There are no minimum orders, and no packages to squeeze into.  We do have a fabulous custom collection program for orders over the $450 range, complete with a discount and free gift.

-You'll want to book your session about 3-4 weeks before you're ready for it to take place.  Late-afternoon / evening sessions in the summer are hot time slots if you want your collection of images to include sun-flare outdoors (like this picture below). 

Q: How do we order our pictures?
A: After your session, you'll get an online gallery with artistically color-corrected images that you can view and share.  And shortly after, you'll come in for an ordering appointment to take care of final decisions, and add-on any wall prints, wallets, collages, or other fun products that might interest you  ---  we should note, this is a no-pressure appointment.  We want you to get only what you love.  Later on in the year, you can order grad announcements if you want as well.

Q: Is retouching included? 
A: On all final prints or images that you order on, yes, absolutely; we do very natural, light retouching so you look like the very best you.  No worries about blemishes or extra shine.  We'll make you pop! 

Q: What does a student wear for their senior pictures?
A: The short answer is: whatever they want.  (With mom & dad's blessing hopefully!)  Most seniors will shoot in 2-4 outfits.  Guys tend to be ok with the 1 or 2 looks, gals prefer to do 3-4.  But it's really up to you.  We have a little pinterest collection here for some inspiring senior picture fashion ideas.

Q: Where are you located?
A: Feather Blue Studios has been in business for ten years.  Shannon has a cozy studio space in the charming Como Park area of St Paul, very near Como Lake (where we have beautiful options to shoot by), and not far from the Conservatory & Zoo.  We are easy to get to, and the entire experience is relaxed and low-key.

Shannon Tacheny of Feather Blue Studios is an experienced senior picture photographer in the St. Paul (Como Park) area, specializing in modern / contemporary senior pictures with an editorial edge and fashion flair. 

Feather Blue Studios is located in Saint Paul MN and serves high school seniors for the surrounding Twin Cities and East Metro area, including all of St. Paul, Minneapolis, Roseville, White Bear Lake, Shoreview, Mounds View District, North St. Paul, Eagan, Woodbury, and more!

http://www.FeatherBlueStudios.com

FeatherBlueStudios@juno.com  |  651.489.8281

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tags: Class of 2014 Senior Pictures MN, St. Paul Senior Picture Photography, Saint Paul Senior Picture Photographer, Twin Cities Senior Picture Photography, Twin Cities Senior Picture Info, Roseville Senior Picture Photography, Mounds View Senior Pictures, White Bear Lake Senior Picture Photographer, Highland Park Senior Pictures, Como Park Senior Pictures, Modern Senior Pictures St. Paul, Fashion Senior Picture Sessions, Contemporary Senior Pictures Minneapolis, Minneapolis Senior Picture Photographer

Senior Picture Photography Info! | Senior Picture Photographer St Paul / Twin Cities MN

Class of 2014 - it's time to get excited! 

Summer and fall are sought-after seasons for senior picture photography here in St. Paul, and across the Twin Cities.  Warmer weather and longer evenings allow for beautiful light and some amazing senior picture looks outdoors. 

Here at Feather Blue Studios, getting to know upcoming high school seniors and being a part of their senior picture experience is truly one of our most fave activities.  We offer a modern senior picture experience that combines your choice of fresh studio looks with natural outdoor looks, often with a contemporary or high fashion flair.

Because you want to be in-the-know about how this whole senior picture thing works, here’s our Q&A guide to senior picture photography, Feather Blue Studios style:

When is the best time of day to shoot senior pictures?
Because most seniors love to shoot partially if not entirely outdoors, mornings or late afternoons / evenings are the best times to shoot.  Getting the most out of the low evening light is often a must -- shooting in the late afternoon or early evening gives us the option of capturing those edgy sun-flair looks.  In the fall, as the light gives out earlier, shoots tend to start earlier in the afternoon or in the morning.

Where are some good places to shoot senior pictures outside?
Feather Blue Studios is just blocks from beautiful Como Park in St Paul, which provides a wide array of natural and structural settings for senior pictures.  An awesome bridge, a beautiful water fountain, cool fences, and of course the lake, are just some of the great shooting spots at Como.  We also shoot regularly on Grand Ave or Selby Ave in St Paul (less than 10 minutes away) for seniors that want more of an urban look – brick walls, old buildings, cool benches, some graffiti, coffee shops, etc.  Thirdly, there’s the railroad track look – off the beaten path, but nearby and always cool.  If you have another awesome place in the Twin Cities you’d like to shoot, we’re happy to chat about it – we custom charge for travel and enjoy discovering new hot spots. 

What should I bring?
You, your array of clothes, a friend or parent if you want, and anything you’re madly in love with that represents you and you want in your photos.  We’ve had seniors bring everything from their collection of scarves to their skateboard to their trombone.  And their dog.  We try to shoot pictures that include props in modern, real life, non-cheesy ways.  Don’t feel like props are necessary though.  We love the magazine-style, fashion look too.

How far in advance should I book my senior picture session?
We recommend you shoot your senior picture session about 3 – 5 weeks out, although some students will book 2 –3 months ahead of time.  Daytimes, evenings, and weekends are all options, some weekends will go fast; remember that off-school days in September and October make great options.  (See the bottom of this post for this year’s availability and fall deadlines).

What should I wear for my senior pictures?
If you know what you want to wear ahead of time, perfect.  If you haven’t decided yet, feel free to bring a few options and we’ll help you nail it down.  Don’t forget shoes and accessories if you want to swap them out.  Guys & Gals – we have a fab pinterest board just for you with senior picture clothing ideas and notes – check out http://pinterest.com/FeatherBlue22/ and click on the folder for you.

How do I order my senior pictures?
We like to combine the best of the digital world with actual professional-quality modern prints.  You get to see an online gallery about 10 days after your shoot (great to share with friends and family) and then you come in for an ordering appointment shortly after to place your print order.  A handful of your most amazing images will go on facebook.  And then wall prints, albums, wallets, & more can all be ordered at your appointment (way more exciting than a CD that ends up at the bottom of a drawer).  Digital images are available to order as well, but most people find it savvy to opt for the prints, all which include retouching.  Prints are ready for pick-up about three weeks after your ordering appointment.

How much does a session cost with Feather Blue Studios?
Sessions start at $250 for up to three outfits (shot inside &/or out), which (drum roll) includes $100 of starter print credit to use toward any prints or product you like.  (Add a 4th outfit for just $35).  Shoot us an email at FeatherBlueStudios@juno.com to get your Senior Picture Experience guide sent as a pdf (it includes pricing, session info, shoot tips, and more).

Who will I be working with?
Shannon Tacheny is the owner and primary photographer of Feather Blue Studios.  (Read about Shannon here).  Her background in the arts, fashion, athletics, plus extensive professional photography experience, make her a real gal with a well-rounded perspective on what students really want out of their senior picture photography.  She takes photos that both students and parents love.  Modern wall art meets a collection of lifestyle images and expressions. 

What cities and schools does Feather Blue Studios shoot senior pictures for?
Located in Saint Paul, MN, just blocks from Como Park, we shoot for students throughout the Twin Cities.  We are especially convenient for students in St. Paul, Roseville, Mounds View area, White Bear Lake, Eagan, North St. Paul, and Minneapolis, amongst others.  Available to all public, charter, homeschool, and private school students (such as Como Park high school, Central, Highland Park, Mounds View, Roseville High School, Saint Paul Academy, Concordia Academy, Liberty Classical Academy, and others).  And yes! - we can send a digital file of your yearbook photo directly to your school.

Ready to get started?  Have questions?  Be in touch!
http://www.FeatherBlueStudios.com
FeatherBlueStudios@juno.com  |  651.489.8281

IMPORTANT AVAILABILITY NOTE: This year Shannon will be available for sessions Summer 2013 through October 10th, 2013 only!

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tags: Class of 2014 Senior Pictures MN, St. Paul Senior Picture Photography, Saint Paul Senior Picture Photographer, Twin Cities Senior Picture Photography, Twin Cities Senior Picture Info, Roseville Senior Picture Photography, Mounds View Senior Pictures, White Bear Lake Senior Picture Photographer, Highland Park Senior Pictures, Como Park Senior Pictures, Modern Senior Pictures St. Paul, Fashion Senior Picture Sessions, Contemporary Senior Pictures Minneapolis, Minneapolis Senior Picture Photographer