Thursday, February 26, 2015

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!


FeatherBlueStudios@juno.com  |  651.489.8281


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Wednesday, February 11, 2015

You Have Totally Got This | "Bonus Bucks" GIFT CERTIFICATE SALE! | #wegothiscrazyjustonceayear | Modern Photography for the Twin Cities

This is the year...
  • The year that you're totally on top of things.
  • The year that you actually make those adorable Christmas cards happen.
  • The year that you completely rock this Senior Picture thing.
  • The year you throw your fears to the wind and come away with an amazing headshot.
  • The year you give modeling a try (or get those cute kiddos of yours an agent).
Don't worry - you've got this.  

And we can help.  

How?



Step 1: Get in on our "Bonus Bucks" Gift Certificate Sale - the only time of year we give away free money.  Yep: you spend $100 on a Gift Certificate (while checking "look into photographers" off your future list), and BAAAM - it's $120. (You can even multiple that free money by two or three if you like.)

Step 2: Feel amazing that you helped feed one hungry child for a whole month through Feed My Starving Children. (Yep, you did that.  And it's not a small thing.)

Step 3: Enjoy a cup of steaming hot joe (or your choice of drink) at Caribou Coffee (treating yourself to some whip cream seems in order) with our free gift to you - a Caribou gift certificate.  While you think about all the amazing things you accomplished today no less.

READY?  Just click on the link HERE to make sure your year is off to the start you want it to be.
You can invest in 1, 2, or 3 certificates (with $20 bonus bucks added to each -- the math is looking mighty good).

And then contact us when you're ready to book your session.  It's really that simple.


It's the month of love after all... feel the love, share the love, leave with pictures you love.

Whether you need:
-Headshots
-Child / Family Photography
-Model or Fashion Photos
-or Senior Pictures
... this is FOR YOU!

Invest now, and your gift certificates can be used as early as March, on any new session.

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BUT DON'T DELAY!  Our "Bonus Bucks" Gift Certificate Sale runs only through Feb 28th, 2015! 
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Feather Blue Studios {modern photography by Shannon Tacheny} specializes in:

-child & family portrait art
-high school senior pictures
-model & actor headshots & portfolios
-business professional headshots
-small business commercial photography

Located in the charming Como Park area of St. Paul.
Studio, outdoor, or on-location sessions available.
Visit www.FeatherBlueStudios.com to see more of our work.
10+ years of professional photographic experience (+ a whole lot of style).


Pre-purchase your Gift Certificates now (with $20 Free Bonus Bucks on each!) 
so all you have to do is book your shoot later.



Thursday, January 15, 2015

Welcome 2015: New Year, New Goals | Twin Cities Portrait & Commercial Photography

Phew!  The end of 2014 flew by fast...

No surprise, since it's our busiest time of the year around here (outdoor fall shoots, Christmas card sessions, holiday card designs, and more!)



Now that 2015 is off to a fresh start, here are some of the things you can look for around the Feather Blue Studios world...

  • A new headshot & small business program, including the option to add killer photographic accent images (your very own stock photography) that will grab attention for your business on social media, in print, and on your own blog.
  • Some model calls? (We've got a few fashion projects in our back pocket).
  • New graduation announcements / invitations for high school seniors. (Super fun.)
  • And plenty of fresh outdoor and studio concepts for our amazing portrait families (already thinking about next fall!)
What are your goals?  And how can we help make them amazing?

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

It's Time For: Fall Family Photography!! Special Event Days Announced & More! | Child & Family Photographer Twin Cities -- Studio + Outdoors

It's about time we announced this!


We do all the work -- you get all the compliments!!




Did you catch that?  Book a child or family shoot for any day (availability pending!) now through
November 15th, and get $30 credit toward your images/prints!

-OR-

Better yet... join us for one of our designated "Special Event Days" and
get in on fantabulousness!  

Saturday, Oct 4th -- Saturday Oct 18th -- OR Wednesday Oct 22nd
in-studio OR outdoors -- your choice!

Special Event Days are just $139 & include a $50 order credit,
plus an 8x10 Calendar art piece & treat bags for the kiddos!


--  Click on any image to enlarge and read!!!  --


$50 Deposit is due to hold your space.  Questions?  Ready to book
your child or family picture experience for the fall?

Shannon --  651.489.8281  or  FeatherBlueStudios@juno.com

You can always see our portfolio sampling at...

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Space Still Available! -- Professional Headshots & High School Senior Pictures | Photography Special St. Paul MN

Don't forget! - we still have some space available for our outdoor headshot sessions "Headshots in the Park" - shot here in the Como Park / Lake area - convenient parking and easy to find! (New Sept shoot date added).

Scroll down or click here for the rest of the details.  Hurry before the slots are all booked!  Contact us at FeatherBlueStudios@juno.com or 651.489.8281 to reserve your headshot session today.

Great for business professionals, artists and authors, small business owners, models and actors, and more!


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And reminder -- our senior picture special is on through September!  Get your deposit in by the end of September, and you can reserve your shoot date for October or November at the special rate as well!  Scroll down or click here to see that post as well.  A great deal and amazing experience for high school senior pictures, including photos in-studio, outdoors, or both.



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Family and child specials for fall photography (think: Christmas cards!) coming soon.


Monday, July 21, 2014

Christmas in July - Giveaway-Extravaganza & More!!! | Studio Partners and Commercial Photography Projects

Christmas-in-July Giveaway Extravaganza -- enter to win!

This month we discovered some super-loveable new products and had the privilege of shooting for some up-and-coming boutiques.  Thanks to their help, we're excited to present this "Christmas in July" Giveaway-Extravaganza!



*Five (5!) different contests are happening now -- yes, right now -- on the Feather Blue Studios Facebook page. (Enter through Mon, July 28th!)

*Read below for more about what makes these products and businesses great. Then hurry on over to the Facebook page to enter! 


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Ollies Cubbie (on Etsy) -- baby-centered e-boutique

In her baby-centered online shop, Ollies Cubbie, designer and owner Alexis offers adorable appliquéd onesies and big, bold headbands.  We are especially partial to the cute little birds and forest animals (cute for boys & girls), but have a peek and find your own favorites!  We partnered with Alexis to provide some photography for seven of her Etsy listings, such as this feather-lad headband, and this cute gender-neutral yellow bird onesie, amongst others.

SCORE THIS: You can find a coral bird onesie and multi-toned headband as part of one of the baby-set giveaway packs on the Facebook page! (Fun to note: these headbands offer a flexible fit for sizes babies to small children).



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SewBuildLove (on Etsy) -- mama-must necklaces

Kim of SewBuildLove creates trendy necklaces that make you drool.  Or rather make your baby drool!  These eye-catching necklaces double as artful baby teething toys that you can attractively wear with or without baby.  Composed of beautiful fabrics wrapped around wooden beads with a baby-friendly ring at the end, these are a must for moms with babes of all ages.

We worked with Kim on commercial photography for six of her mama-friendly necklaces, including this uber cute aqua & navy style, and this blue and green toned necklace (which is, hint hint, one of our giveaway items), and more.

SCORE THIS: You can find not one, but TWO necklaces by SewBuildLove offered as part of our Facebook giveaway packages!



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TeenyBee Boutique - St. Paul baby boutique extraordinaire

A newer St. Paul boutique on the oh-so-adorable Selby strip (near Snelling Ave), Teeny Bee boasts baby things of all the greatest kinds, colors, and patterns.  From quaint toys to hip hats, Teeny Bee is a worthy destination for not only the trendy baby gift, but also the really helpful items products that make new moms lives easier.  The super friendly and well-informed staff of this well-decorated and durable boutique (think: big kid friendly) will walk you through the ins and outs of any product and share their own well tested stories of what really works.

Visit Teeny Bee in person or check out their facebook page for deals and more.

A big thank you to owner Kristie Case for helping with our model call and offering up a precious pink headband as part of our giveaway!

SCORE THIS: This shabby-chic pink headband with pizazz, listed with one of our baby packages.


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CRAVE Book Twin Cities - guidebook to great gal stuff

This collection of amazing places, faces, and eats run by women business owners in the Twin Cities is a fun and practical read.  Featuring a Feather Blue Studios page, as well as many a profiles photographed by Shannon, this guide, published in 2012, will inspire you and set you CRAVE-ing something new.

SCORE THIS: Win a CRAVE guidebook of your own!  Head to the Facebook page for the contest listing.  PS - it's listed with a little bonus from the studio.


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Jamberry Nail Wraps  - easy and addictingly-adorable nail art

We know a good product when we see one, and this one isn't just new, it's game changing!  Long are the days of polishing your nails and then waiting for them to, what, dry!?  Now you can master the art of using these vibrant nail wraps to create stunning patterns or simple elegance.  Best of all, no nail chipping -- these last about 2 weeks.  Affordable (you get 2-3 manicures out of one set of wraps) and fun, Shannon thought this was a good compliment to match Feather Blue Studios flair and had to get in on the biz -- so you can share in the Jamberry nail browsing glory at her rep website here.

SCORE THIS: A $25 (twenty-five-dollars!) e-gift certificate to go crazy on the Jamberry website.


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Feather Blue Studios - yes, that's us! -- modern photography by Shannon Tacheny for the Twin Cities, including headshots with style, model and actor portfolios, child and family portrait art, high school senior pictures, and more!

SCORE THIS: In the midst of giveaway galore, you'll find a $25 gift certificate for the studio {Feather Blue Studios, St. Paul MN} to use toward any upcoming photography session -- note: it's with the Crave book!



So what are you waiting for?  Click into the Feather Blue Studios Facebook page now and start entering to win some fab stuff!
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HOW TO ENTER:
1. Find the giveaway posts on the studio Facebook page - there are 5 separate ones - enter one or enter them all!

ENTER HERE!!
(super speedy to enter)


2. Comment (why do you want to win this?  how would you use this? what do you love about this?)
3. Share (hit "share" and publish it to your own page; consider sharing with a specific friend too!)

OFFICIAL RULES:
One entry per person, per prize category (yes, you can enter all of them!).  Contest ends at midnight, Monday July 28th, 2014.  To be officially entered, the Facebook posting must show a comment and a share from individual entering.  Winners in each category will be selected by random drawing.  Winner will be contacted via Facebook messaging.  Must reply within 7 days to claim prize or a new winner will be selected.  Prizes will be mailed or emailed within approximately 2 weeks of winner acknowledging message.

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New to Feather Blue Studios?  You can always check out our website at www.FeatherBlueStudios.com - we specialize in child and family portrait art, high school senior pictures, model and actor headshots, business professional images, and small business commercial photography.

Don't miss what's going on right now!
-Headshots in the Park - special shoot days
-Senior Picture sale - July-Sept discount
-And stay-tuned: our Sept & Oct kids and family outdoor special-event-sessions will be announced soon (think: get that Christmas picture crossed off the list!)







Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Senior Picture Sessions on Sale! - $50 off any Senior Picture Session Booked by September 2014 (to take place July - Nov) | Senior Picture Photographer St Paul MN

Book your high school senior picture session now for Summer & Fall!


Sessions are regularly $250 (which includes $100 of print credit) 
***  On sale now for just $200, still with the $100 of print credit!  ***

NEW: get your deposit in by the end of September to receive the same deal for October and November shoots as well!

(Your choice of 2-3 outfits/looks - shoot in-studio, outdoors, or both).

Senior Picture Photographer Twin Cities | Senior Picture Photography St. Paul MN


Read HERE for more info and then don't forget to check out the Senior page of the website at www.FeatherBlueStudios.com.

Slots will fill quickly, summer is going by fast!  Ideally please book apx 3+ weeks in advance, though some sessions may be available on shorter notice.  A $50 deposit is due at time of booking, balance due at session.   

Online gallery of images sent post-session, with an ordering appointment scheduled shortly after for you to review your images and select prints or digital image collections.  Additional portraits can be purchased a la carte at your preference, no packages required.

***Still booking for September, October, and November! 
Including the Friday of MEA no-school-day in October -- limited space***