Love will set you Free

by Rebecca Bystrom | Apr 13, 2023 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

We, unaccustomed to courage
exiles from delight
live coiled in shells of loneliness
until love leaves its high holy temple
and comes into our sight
to liberate us into life.

Love arrives
and in its train come ecstasies
old memories of pleasure
ancient histories of pain.
Yet if we are bold,
love strikes away the chains of fear
from our souls.

We are weaned from our timidity
In the flush of love’s light
we dare be brave
And suddenly we see
that love costs all we are
and will ever be.
Yet it is only love
which sets us free.

Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou was a brave woman who spoke her mind. As I read myself to sleep each night, I’m seeking comfort in her words. With each paragraph, a creative thought has flowed through me and onto the page. I have been searching and trying to regain traction in my personal life as well as my business. A new creative push to constantly move forward yet remaining intact with my roots. Who I am. What I want to portray. And how to spread that message. I am a creative….. with that means I don’t sit still for very long, constantly moving to the next project. Sometimes abandoning a project because something bigger, better comes up. Other times I travel by minute- without any focus at all and spontaneously creating whatever I feel like at the moment. This is one of those moments where spontaneity hit me.

With Love.

We live in a world so dark and cold, wanting to understand each other and be so bold.

But nobody speaks.

We watch our brothers and sisters fight, we watch our soldiers die.

But nobody speaks.

Why does this have to be so hard? In the depths of my soul I can feel the turmoil

Yet nobody speaks.

To be heard, to make a sound, is to be ridiculed and scorned.

Bashed about, thrashed about, spoken behind one’s back.

But nobody speaks out-loud to each other.

Not of good, not of laughter, but of the hatred of mankind.

So love your brother, love your sister, love your friend. May you always seek love, and spread it all around. Until that time, when we can share and everybody with speak about the darkness that gathers in the pit of our soul.

Love is the answer. Love is the key to unlock the secrets of the deep dark abyss.

May you always find love. Shine love. Share love like it has no end.

Prom Mini Session

by Rebecca Bystrom | Mar 24, 2023 | TSP Events, TSP Journal, TSP Seniors | 0 comments

PROM MINI SESSIONS

With prom just around the corner it’s not too early to make a photo – plan. TSP is offering short & sweet {10 minute sessions} – with ala’ carte options to add fun products, or more time in front of the lens.

Prom Photo Packages start at $50.00

Gather up your friends

Our current “plan” is to offer minis at the OHS auditorium. If weather cooperates, we may be able to wander across the parking lot to the Art barn or Schillbergs Park. This all boils down to Mother Natures Cooperation. We will know more the week of the event.

Please Message us with questions – To reserve your time / date fill in the contact info. The next step is to build your prom mini session package.

A deposit of $25 saves the groups time slot.

TellaStory Photography © All Rights Reserved
Located in the Midwest, Scenic Saint Croix River Valley. Servicing Local Communities in Hudson, WI, Eau Claire, WI, Duluth MN Saint Paul, MN & Minneapolis, MN * We are available for Travel & Destination Shoots.

715*497*3588 shutterbug@tellastoryphotography.com

Senior Blog Series Tips & Tricks {P3}

by Rebecca Bystrom | Mar 22, 2023 | TSP Seniors | 0 comments

No matter what direction you are taking in the next steps of life. this moment marks a huge milestone both in your life and the lives of your parents. It deserves to be celebrated.

Senior sessions are the perfect way to capture the transition into adult life. We are here to help answer all your questions. We put together this multi -series blog loaded with years of cumulated information: How to get the most out of your senior session; and choosing printed images you’ll love to display.

If you still have lots of questions after reading these tips, please feel free to ask! We are an open book.

How to Get the Most out of Your Senior Session; and Choosing Printed Images You’ll Love to Display. {part three}

The Session is complete – now what?

We will go behind the scenes to work our magic editing skills. You may see a sneak peek image on our social media – 1-2 weeks after our session.

A viewing gallery link will be emailed 2-3 weeks after our session.

You may order directly from the online store, We can help walk you through the photo package selections. Wrapping up the senior session. Simple – Stress Free

In a Book ?

On The Walls ?

Tella – Your – Story

Getting the digital files printed is a great way to encapsulate this period in your young adult life. No matter where the future takes you, you’ll always have this time to look back on.

Picture Perfect Moments

Do not leave your best memories sitting on a flash drive or locked inside phone storage files.

Going Beyond Digitals

What do you Choose??
Large Canvas Invitations
Metal Prints & Announcements
Float Wraps Gift Prints
Framed Prints Easel Stand Prints
Glass Blocks Mini Books
Heirloom Albums Storybooks
Wood Prints & Guest Books

Ready to book a session date with TSP?

The next steps is to drop us a message and we can get you starting building your session collection. We keep this part ala' carte, allowing us to customize your photo package 100% From start to finish.

Do you have more questions?

Contact

715*497*3588 shutterbug@tellastoryphotography.com

Tips & Tricks for the Best Senior Sessions {P2}

by Rebecca Bystrom | Mar 22, 2023 | TSP Seniors | 0 comments

Congratulations on reaching the end of your high school career! The next big step is Graduation. This is a huge moment in any student’s life. No matter what direction you are taking in the next steps of life. If you’re preparing to head off to college or start your career right away, perhaps taking a gap year. No matter what direction you choose after graduation; this moment marks a huge milestone both in your life and the lives of your parents. It deserves to be celebrated.

Senior sessions are the perfect way to capture the transition into adult life. At TSP, we understand that getting in front of the camera can be a little nerve-wracking for some. You may not know how to pose or what expression to have on your face. Do you smile? Do you face the camera or look away? What time of year should you have your photos taken?

We are here to help answer all your questions. In fact, that’s why we put together this multi -series blog loading with years cumulated information: How to get the most out of your senior session; and choosing printed images you’ll love to display.

If you still have lots of questions after reading these tips, please feel free to ask! We are an open book.

How to Get the Most out of Your Senior Session; and Choosing Printed Images You’ll Love to Display. {part two}

What is the best time to schedule a session?

That is a loaded question. kinda? What do you want your photo’s to look like? Do you like the crisp white light (morning) or does the golden yellow sunshine spark joy (afternoon).

Location Location Location – is also a factor to consider when setting up a session.

If you are looking for a relaxed experience, consider spending 1-2 hours with your photographer. This will provide a variety of outfits (1-3) plus potential to visit multiple locations.

Need a Quick & Fast session (short & sweet), with “Just a couple of photos” afterwards?? A mini session, may be perfect for you – 20 minutes tops is all that we need to capture a “few good images.”

What happens after the session?
How do you want to use the photo’s? In a book or on the walls? Not sure what you are doing yet? No problem; you may prefer to wait before making any print purchases until after you get to see the image gallery.

No pressure & Stress Free ordering 1. 2. 3.

Create at least 3 basic looks.

Now it’s time to bring all the elements together. The more outfits you bring to your photo shoot, the more options and styling flexibility you’ll have within your session. You’ll want a minimum of 3 head-to-toe looks:

- Parent Pleaser – This is the one you know they’ll love showing off for years to come. Think a crisp shirt and great jeans, with nice shoes and classic accessories for a timeless look.

- Senior’s Choice – What’s the most “you” thing you do? Bring along your musical instrument, a paint palette or another object that shows off your most important personal interest.

Activities – From sports to chess club, your activities make up a big part of your high school experience. Bring a team jersey, dance line costume or favorite debate duds to commemorate your achievements.

Minor details to consider:

Get rid of glare from your glasses.

Buy or borrow a pair of suitable frames without lenses to prevent glare and reflections from the glass. You may even ask your optician to remove the transition lenses from your frames for the photo session, but give them plenty of notice so there is no rush.

Make sure clothes are clean and wrinkle-free. (Drop off items for dry cleaning 1-2 weeks ahead of time.)

Gather all your shoes, accessories, jewelry, props, styling tools, etc. in one place.

Double-check your scheduled session time. Confirm Location / Date / Start time

Ready to book a session date with TSP?

The next steps is to drop us a message and we can get you started building your session collection. We keep this part ala’ carte, allowing you to customize your package 100% from start to finish.

Build a package /approve the quote.
Deposit {$75.00} to reserve (2) session dates

Once your calendar dates are confirmed. We may go over locations & potential options that may best suit your vision.

Do you have more questions?
Stay tuned to Senior Q&A blog {part 3}

Contact

715*497*3588 shutterbug@tellastoryphotography.com

Tips & Tricks for the Best Senior Sessions Blog Series {part.one}

by Rebecca Bystrom | Mar 22, 2023 | TSP Journal, TSP Seniors | 0 comments

We are here to help answer all your questions. In fact, that’s why we put together this multi -series blog loaded with years of cumulated information: How to get the most out of your senior session; and choosing printed images you’ll love to display.

If you still have lots of questions after reading the Senior Blog Series, please feel free to ask! We are an open book.

How to Get the Most out of Your Senior Session; and Choosing Printed Images You’ll Love to Display.

Trust your photographer

This is the number one tip for any type of photo shoot. You hired a professional to ensure that you get images you love. That you will receive images that you want to share with family and friends. Trust your photographers expertise. A professional will guide you through poses, always looking for the best creative shots. When you book a professional; you are paying for years of education & experience.

Be fully present

You probably hear a lot about mindfulness these days, but one of the best ways to truly enjoy your senior session and feel more comfortable is to simply be in the moment. It’s okay to put your cell phone away for our short time together. Once we have finished your session; you can log back into the digital world. Plus – juggling the square thing in the pocket is not “fun” — it’s ok to tuck it away.

Don’t stress about your hair or makeup or how you’re standing. Just focus on relaxing and being your genuine self. Talk to your photographer, interact with them, and chances are they’ll encourage a smile or get that belly laugh out of you.

These small, fun moments are so much more authentic than carefully posed and staged portraits and will allow your true personality to show through your photos.

Plan out your outfits

Think ahead, this will help keep the process stress free. Choose outfits you love and pieces that make you feel good. If you buy anything new, be sure to wear it and try it out before your session. The last thing you want is to be uncomfortable {your photos will reflect this nuance}.

Don’t forget to take your undergarments into consideration! Please do not wear bright underwear showing through a flowing white dress, or bra straps peeking out of a cute blouse.

Plan your whole outfit down to the accessories to make sure everything goes together, you can move around and feel fabulous too.

Pick 1-5 outfits. We may not have time for all the sets, but we can help provide insights once we arrive at our session location. Time of day / location colors / lighting – all may play a part in choosing the final outfit.

Get your makeup and hair professionally done

A professional make-up artist can help make sure your makeup doesn’t run or smear during your session.

A professional hair stylist, can style your hair in a way that looks amazing on you and holds through wind & outfit changes

PLEASE please – DO not dye your hair or schedule hair trims the day before the session. Plan ahead for major changes. or wait until after your session.

Pamper yourself

A few days prior to the session, make sure that you stay hydrated and get plenty of rest. Don’t stress if you wake up with blemishes the day of your session; Leave it up to me and the magic of photoshop.

Pay attention to your nails and eyebrows. This applies to girls AND guys…be sure to clean up your nails before your photo session! As your hands will likely be in at least a few photos, so make sure they look how your want them to (i.e. no chipped polish dirt under the nails.)

Have fun

Show off your personality, don’t be afraid to look silly, act goofy, or make a funny face. Sometimes a ridiculous pose is just the thing we all need to loosen up!

Be ready to Dance around, wave your arms, go frolicking through a field—this senior session is all about you.

From the things you love combined with details from your high school career – Your senior portrait session will be infused with “you” – right now. Images that will be cherished as the years go on.

Ready to book a session date with TSP?

The next steps is to drop us a message and we can get you started building your session collection. We keep this part ala’ carte, allowing you to customize your package 100% from start to the finish.

Build a package /approve the quote.
Deposit {$75.00} to reserve (2) calendar dates. Primary date & a back up for the “just in case” life happens.

Once the calendar dates are confirmed. We will go over locations & potential idea’s that may best suit your photo vision.

Do you have more questions for me?
Stay tuned to Senior Q&A blog {part 2 & 3}

Contact

715*497*3588 shutterbug@tellastoryphotography.com

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