Friday, June 14, 2013

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!

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Friday, May 3, 2013

LCA Classic 2013 Business Sponsor - Liberty Classical Academy Special Offer on Photography Sessions!

Feather Blue Studios is proud to support Liberty Classical Academy in their Annual LCA Classic event as a business sponsor this year!

 
 The "LCA Special Offer" can be seen on the studio website in the "Events & Specials" section HERE, and is noted below as well:

LCA (Liberty Classical Academy) Special Offer... LCA families (+ former families + donors to the LCA Classic) receive $25 off your session (child, family, or senior picture) + $25 goes back to Liberty as a donation (via the annual fund next year, 2013-14 school year). 

Currently valid between May 15th & Oct 15th 2013.

Monday, April 29, 2013

Baby Cruz Turns ONE! Cake Party Photo Session | Modern Baby Photography - St Paul / Twin Cities

It's always fun when my "elite petite" babies (those who have been with the studio for 3, 6, 9, & 12m pictures) "graduate" and turn the big ONE.  (Though I miss not seeing them in the studio quite so often).  Here are some fun shots from baby Cruz' one year "cake party" session!










Friday, March 29, 2013

Water Changes Everything {Your Photography Session Made This Happen}


Earlier this month I received this email...  Go ahead, click on it.


Last winter, we ran a headshot special "Feel the Love, Share the Love" here at Feather Blue Studios where a portion of each shoot went to the amazing organization Charity:Water.  Charity:Water is a non-profit that has perfected the art of getting clean water to needy communities throughout the world.  They also happen to be pretty amazing at providing updates and letting you know where your donation money goes -- don't you just love that?

Thought it might be fun for you all to see how your session last February is now impacting persons throughout the world.  If you're not familiar with Charity:Water and how they work, check them out for yourselves and learn why water changes everything.

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Baby / child / family photography, high school senior portraits, model / actor / fashion photos, headshots / commercial business photography.
Serving St. Paul and the Twin Cities, MN

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Valentine's Day Resolutions | St. Paul Photographer

Yes I know resolutions are usually reserved for New Years. But really, what's the harm in adding a few more here and there. And since it's Valentine's Day, a day that celebrates love, I thought a few resolutions revolving around things I LOVE to do (and you probably do to) would make a lovely idea, worth sharing with you all.


1. Eat more dark chocolate. I mean really, this one speaks for itself.

2. Share more love. Be more generous. (Generous with things, time, money, emotions). If you have not yet heard about the movement for "Generosity Day" (also today, February 14th) than you should read more about it. Though I am not one to jump on bandwagons, certainly the idea of being generous (and kind and caring and loving) is an excellent piggy-back to Valentine's Day (if not everyday).

3. Take more pictures of PEOPLE you love.
My daughter is turning 10 this week. 10!!! Where did the time go? This is a photo of her when she was six. I truly have lived my own motto of enjoying every moment, but just because I enjoyed them, savored them really, does not mean I do not miss those moments sometimes. These pictures remind me of that joy.

4. Be more creative.
This one may not be for all of you. But for those of us for whom creative juices run freely, sometimes we forget to use them. Or get too busy. Or run out of ideas. Or don't sit down long enough to think of any ideas. Lately I have been in the mood to paint. I may just get out my canvases and paints and do that.

Like these resolutions? Want little bits of LOVE to be a bigger part of your life? Get out there and buy yourself some dark chocolate (and one for a friend to meet resolution #2). Then spend some time with your camera and friends or kids, and devise a plot to find a moment or two for something fun and creative. Do not feel disappointed if you decide that you simply cannot handle #3 and want to hire a professional. That will help me with #4. Every single shoot I do brings new creative energy for me.

Wishing you much JOY & LOVE today and everyday. Even if you have to work for it. :)

~Shannon
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Shannon Tacheny of Feather Blue Studios LOVES creating modern portrait art, whether it be children's photography, high school seniors, or headshots for business people, models, or actors. Feather Blue Studios is based out of Saint Paul, MN and serves Minneapolis, St Paul, and the Twin Cities surrounding areas.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Happy New Year from Feather Blue Studios!

I hope you and your family enjoyed a relaxing and joyful Christmas! Thank you to my family, clients, and friends who give me the opportunity to create modern heirlooms of the photographic kind. I am so blessed.


Sending wishes for a beautiful, adventurous, and fun-filled New Year!

~Shannon

Friday, December 7, 2012

Happy December! -- Family Christmas Photo Features

Wow! It's December already. Where does the time go! I meant to be blogging holiday shoot deadlines, and photo updates, and new plans... but that's ok. I spent that time with my family, and your family, and editing like mad, and designing some really beautiful holiday cards for my beloved clients (see some of their beautiful families through this posting). Life doesn't always have to be on a perfect schedule, it just needs to be enjoyed minute by minute, day by day. Each day brings new joys -- and I try not to miss them (I hope you don't either).


Speaking of enjoying each minute, here's an article (Huffington Post, by Allison Tate) that I couldn't have written better myself... (thank you to my good friend for sharing it with me).

I often share my passion about how investing in your family photo experience is really investing in the creation of HISTORY, and the above article hits the nail on the head. You are leaving a legacy, your family is part of it, and MOMS - YOU are a big part of it -- so don't be shy about being in your family Christmas picture, no matter how you think you look. Be part of that history for your kids.

While it might be late in the game to get a jump on the professional Christmas photo shoot, make sure you're in your snapshots this holiday season with your kids. Smiles, snuggles, and stray hairs all around.



Thank you to all the wonderful clients I did spend this fall with, sharing in a moment of your family's history. I am blessed by each of you! I truly love getting to know you and your children.

Merry Christmas everyone! Now go and enjoy your December already!!