"Our family has had Michael create several portraits for us, and every time it's been
great. It's always a challenge getting the whole family together, but it's worth every
bit of effort when I see the beautiful portraits on our walls. The memories are
here for us even when our children are far away."

Joe and Marilyn DeFina, E. Wenatchee

Do You have a Portrait of Your Family
that you Absolutely Love?

Hi - My name is Michael Thresher, the guy in charge here at River Street Photography. As a
professional photographer, creating family portraits is my passion. But more than that, I'm just
like you... my family is the most important thing to me. And I have something to share with you about that...

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

Other statistics show that to a tragic degree, family values are being attacked from every side.
But families who live in a home that, by design, honors the family have a distinct advantage over
those who don't. A home that promotes the family is the most important thing a mom and dad can provide.

So what is in your home? Does it's design confirm how dear your family is to you?

There is no painting, sculpture or artwork, that can affect
people more profoundly than your Family Portrait
proudly displayed in a place of honor.

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 identity and states the importance you place on your family.

All Family Portraits Are Not Created Equal.

There are lots of ways people try to fill the need, but most fail miserably. Some think that a church
directory photo, or a photo taken during a wedding is good enough. Others believe that putting their camera
on "timer" mode and running to get in the photo actually works! Many parents think that it's simply impossible for
a photograph to capture everyone looking great at exactly the same moment. (By the way, it isn't, I do it all the time!) The secrets I'm about to share will eliminate these notions and show you how wonderful a family portrait can be!

You see, there are times where a simple "who's who" photo just doesn't cut it! At special times in a
families life, there is simply no substitute for the experience of a professional. I have the ability to capture family
relationships, emotional ties, and HOW you are as a family more than just what you look like.

And YES, We Walk the Talk.

You've probably heard the story of the typical plumber who fixes everyone else's pipes while his own are
leaking? Fortunately, I'm not the typical photographer. Even though both our children are now young adults,
spread across the country, Mary and I invested in our own set of professional 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 I'll proudly show them to you!

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. But I totally understand that not every family is able to invest in annual portraits, so please consider
at the minimum, owning the 4 essential images that will preserve your family legacy and become the most
precious possessions you own:

Essential Image #1 - The Early Years.

Don'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.

"River Street creates lovely, excellent quality family portraits. I'm delighted to have one for our family. Working with Michael was easy and I appreciated his willingness to photograph our family close to our home. Our young son was not very focused but Michael was so patient and made it easy for us to get a great portrait." Melinda & Michael Johnson, E. 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.

(Actually, a complete family legacy begins with the birth of your child, which is why we have the most incredible
baby plan in existence! If you have (or are going to have) a new baby, go directly to our Children's Page and call
us immediately, because a professional image of you with your new baby is simply amazing!)

Essential Image #2 - The Pre-Teen Family.

The second most essential professional family portrait is created just 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.

"Our family had a great time with Michael walking through the woods finding " just the right light" for our family portrait. It's on the wall in our home and we really love it." Randy & Brooke McAllister, Wenatchee

The technique for capturing this portrait lies in my experience working with "gangly" pre-teens. They are often
self conscious 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 "Don't you love your 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.

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 plans that will fit anybody's budget, so don't worry.

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.

"We've used River Street 3 times now for family portraits and we're really happy with all of them. I smile every time I look at our new one - it's a keepsake to treasure and looks great in our living room." Melinda & Jeff Raven, Cashmere

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.

Our portrait on the wall in my home is a reflection of our life - a great memory of our 50th anniversary. We had a fun time, and Michael made those who were nervous at ease. It was nice using someone local who would do the portrait in our orchard. Judy & Gary Grams, Cashmere

My technique for creating this portrait is legendary. Our clients are amazed that we are able to capture this image,
as it is one of the most challenging in the family portrait series. This is where our guarantee that you will be thrilled with
your portraits makes such a difference. Even with this total guarantee, many people think that I'll never be successful,
that 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
CALLING ME TO CREATE THIS PORTRAIT! You WILL be THRILLED - I guarantee it!

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 Teresa Watts, Wenatchee: RSP: Why do you choose River Street Photography? Teresa: "We decided on River Street because of comments and recommendations from friends." RSP: Do you find the pre-portrait consultation helpful in guiding you through your portrait experience? Teresa: "It was very beneficial! It got me thinking about clothes and what was important for our family." RSP: Is there something you particularly like about Michael's photography? Teresa: "He has a way of capturing the personality and feeling in his subjects." RSP: How would you describe your sessions with Michael? Teresa: "It was fun! He has a contagious laugh that put us at ease. It was so different from other photo sessions in our past." RSP: How do you feel when you see your portraits in your home? Teresa: "We love them. We think you're the best!"

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

We invite you to call 509-782-3554 with any questions.