Hi - My name is Michael Thresher, and capturing wonderful family memories is what I've devoted my life to. I'm a professional family photographer, but more than that, I'm just like you... I'm a family person, and I have something to share with you about your family:

In a World of Statistics: According to a study done by Kodak, the average American family has .9 professional family portraits created in their entire life! Wow! There are a lot of people who don't realize how wonderful it can be to own a professional family portrait, and how it can affect their family!

Our world tries it's best to divide the family. Statistics are a tragic reminder that family values are being attacked from every side. But I bear witness that parents and children who live in a home that, by design, honors the family have a distinct advantage over those who don't. It assures them that the family unit is the most precious thing to mom and dad.

So what is in your home? Does it's design confirm the incredible importance of your family?

There is no painting, sculpture or artwork, regardless
of it's value, that can affect people more profoundly than your Family Portrait proudly displayed in your home.

We're not talking about school pictures on your dresser or vacation snapshots on the mantle. This is about making a statement to all the world of what's really most important to you. It's something your children will see every day, affirms their family identity and states the importance you place on your family.

All Portraits Are Not Created Equal.

Some people think creating a family portrait is just too overwhelming. hard and settle for a church directory or a wedding day picture. You may think that it's simply impossible for everyone to look great in a photograph at exactly the same time. Well, it isn't! As long as you know the secrets presented on this site, it won't be any work at all on your part.

Other people think that a church directory photo, or a photo taken during a wedding is good enough. Frankly, that's perfectly OK if you simply want to document who's who. But there are special times where a simply photo simply won't do! You really need to experience what a professional family portrait shows before you can appreciate it. It's not to mearly document history, it's to show the relationships, the emotional ties, and the HOW you are as a family as much as WHO you are.

A benefit to being in professional photography for so long is that even though both our children are off to colleges spread across the country, we invested the time to create our own family portraits which have become the most wonderful possessions we own. Yes, I "walk the talk", and no, I did not create the portraits myself. I know better than anyone just how challenging it is to capture everyone looking fabulous at the exact same moment. I would show them to you, but I only display images on our website that I have personally created. Come visit my home sometime and you'll see them all!

Believe Me, There Is Nothing Better You Can
Do Than To Invest In A Series Of Family Portraits.

Our families grow SO FAST! Capturing an annual family portrait is by far the best plan. When we get together to design each years' portrait, new activities, new places, and new attitudes are captured for a legacy that you'll cherish forever.

However, I realize that not every family is able to invest in annual portraits, so please consider at the minimum, owning the 4 essential images. The following paragraphs outline the 4 essential images that preserve your family legacy:

Essential Image #1 - The Early Years. Like me, you may have missed family portraits when your children were babies. It's very upsetting, but I won't dwell on lost opportunities. Just see what we're doing with babies these days on our Children's Page. But definitelydon't miss a professional family portrait when your children are little. At this time of family life, a child's world hinges on their parents love relationship. Your family is intimate and close, with the kids openly seeking the security of parents laps, reading books together and playing games. The portrait we create is also intimate - close together - everybody touching. Such a memory as this will warm your heart and bring tears to you eyes forever.

The Register Family - Wenatchee

The Secret for creating this portrait is obvious once you get to know me. I love children and I know how to get their attention in a fun and enjoyable way. Once they are having fun, I can capture their real personality in an image that you'll truly enjoy. Trust me on this, nobody does family portraits the way we do. CAUTION: You may believe that this is a luxury you can't afford - but I tell you from my heart, this image will become one of the most prized possessions you will ever own! DONT MISS IT! We can work out a variety of payment plans that fit anybodys budget, so don't worry.

Essential Image #2 - The Pre-Teen Family. If you can't justify annual portraits, the second essential professional family portrait is created before the oldest turns 13. This period of time is tremendous fun, as the family explores the world together by camping, boating, hiking, etc. Mom and dad are still pretty smart, but life is big with lots to see and do. This portrait could be at the lake, in the orchard, riding bicycles, or any of a thousand activities. As the years pass and you look back at this image, you remember how exciting family life was.

The Strutzel Family - Wenatchee

The technique for capturing this portrait lies in my experience working with "gangly" pre-teens. They are often very self-cons ious about braces or clothes that don't quite fit, and have suffered through years of marginal "school portraits". Children often believe that they are not very photogenic, so getting them "on-board" for a family portrait is done by using the "poor mom" technique. Simply tell them that it is something that would make you so happy! You see, children will do anything to make mom happy (as will your husband) so shamelessly play this card! Then leave the rest to me. I know how to get them to relax and be their true beautiful selves, without the stress of "posing" or saying "cheese". I guarantee that you will absolutely love this image - tears of joy will be your response every time you walk by this portrait in your home.

Essential Image #3 - The High School Graduate. Talk about an emotional time for parents! The third essential family portrait marks the end of childhood, as the oldest will soon be off into the big world to make their mark. Mom and dad seem to have lost their super-human intelligence, since there are obviously so many smarter people in the world! Yet this family portrait is often the most prized of all, because it represents all the years you've invested in your children's lives, all the emotional ups and downs of the high school experience and the challenge of passing from childhood into adulthood.

The Raven Family - Cashmere

Having a professional family portrait created at this time should be a top priority! You have given your life towards your children and this one image tells so may stories! In fact, it's so important, that we include the creation of this image absolutely free with every senior portrait package! That's right! If your child has us create their senior portraits, we will give your a top-of-the-line, on- location family portrait session for no cost. Yes, it's that important!

Essential Image #4 - The Extended family. I bet you already guessed this one! Mom and dad - aka, Grandma and Grandpa - have once again gained the position of having all wisdom and knowledge, as their children heat up the phone with child-raising and life changing questions. This is an incredible image of your family legacy! Though the people may change as the extended family grows, shrinks, and grows again, this portrait remains the central focus of the parent's home. Often we re-create this image several times to keep up with family changes.

The Anderton Family - Wenatchee

My technique for creating this portrait is legendary. Our patrons are constantly amazed that we are able to capture this image, as it is one of the most difficult in the family portrait series. This is were our guarantee that you will be thrilled with your image makes such a difference. Many people tend to think capturing an image like this is impossible, so why even try? But I kid you not, this legacy portrait is like an encyclopedia of family history as parents reminisce the stories within this portrait. NEVER - EVER PASS UP CREATION OF THIS PORTRAIT! You will regret it the rest of your life.

If you're lucky enough to have us create annual portraits, you will have invested wisely in the complete legacy of your family. But if you only have a few done, these 4 essential family portraits will be the most treasured possessions you own as they grace your home over the years. There is nothing more dear, I kid you not. Perhaps your home has grown in valuable over time, but no "thing" you have ever purchased has the honor of being what you would risk your life to save in the event of a fire. That's the true legacy of your family portraits.

Please be my guest and view the family gallery. You'll see images taken at all life stages and perhaps be encouraged that having us create your own family legacy is a higher priority than you first believed.

Call us at 509-782-3554 to set up a no-cost, no-obligation visit to our studio, where we can chat about your family portrait and you can see life-sized samples of what other families are doing.

A Chat with Marylin Young, Wenatchee:


The Young Family - Wenatchee

RSP: Why do you choose River Street Photography?

Marylin: We have used River Street since 1999. Michael is a big part of our family tradition.

RSP: Do you find the staff helpful in guiding you through your portrait experience?

Marylin: Yes! As always!

RSP: Does the River Street guarantee make you feel confidant working with us?

Marylin: Actually we never think about the guarantee. We know Michael will make sure our portraits are above and beyond! It's because he cares and is a talented photographer.

RSP: How would you describe your sessions with Michael?

Marylin: We always feel comfortable and relaxed. When Michael says he got a great portrait, we know he did- we've never been disappointed.

RSP: How do you feel when you see your portraits in your home?

Marylin: Year to year Michael has captured the changes and growth of our family. They are a priceless treasure.

RSP: What suggestions would you give to other families about planning their family portrait?

Marylin: Listen to Michael before (the session) with clothing ideas. During the session just relax, he has a great eye for detail - he knows when he's got it!

Check out the Specials page to see what's happening right now.

We invite you to call 509-782-3554 with your questions and to learn how we can provide the next memory of your families legacy.