Announcing our 100th Customer
Read More10 Key Ways to Bridge the Gap Between Your Business and Online Media
You believe you provide top service or a top quality line of products...but let's be honest between you and yourself for just a moment. Does your imagery reflect that? Does it reinforce what you "say" you want customers to perceive about you or your business? In the online world, if you don't show what you do or sell and you don't show it well, it doesn't exist! Here are 10 things you can implement and begin to bridge that gap.
1. Show the faces of the business
Potential customers, especially millennials, want to feel like they know a little bit about the people behind the business. Good headshots are the first step in making a personable connection. It shows who they might expect to meet or work with. The intentionality that goes into creating the image is also a visual statement on how serious or passionate you are about your work.
2. Show your storefront
You might be inclined to underestimate your the power of a storefront image, but did you know hundreds of people drive by your business without noticing? Look outside...they are doing it right now. We all easily slip into our own routines and forget to observe our surroundings. Sharing a great image of your storefront on social media might be just the thing that jogs their memory and helps them spot your place tomorrow. Be sure that image is also uploaded to your Google Business Listing and Yelp.
3. Sell the destination
Don't just tell people what they should expect to get from using your service or product, show us! An image has the power to communicate to parts of the brain that are not governed by language and rational thought, reach the intangible places where we find feelings, identity, and belonging. Just like the airlines show images of a happy couple strolling a white sand beach in Mexico, you need to sum up what your product or service will do for the customer. A well-crafted image is a promise of how it will make them feel, the status they will experience, how other people will perceive them, how it enhances their lifestyle or the big problem it solves.
4. Show pictures of your ideal client
Another way to reach the intangible areas of the brain is to show what your ideal client might look like, what they do, or how they live. This makes me, the viewer, consider whether I am like that person or if I am part of that community. If I'm not, it is also an opportunity of me to mentally "try on their shoes," so to speak, and see if it could be a good fit for me.
5. Educate with visuals
You already know this. You can tell people everything they need to know in words, but you can never make them read it. An image has the power to communicate all this and more at a single glance. Show your products, show your work, show your process, and show how much you care.
6. Show people the inside experience
Many people around you still haven't visited your business possibly because they simply don't yet know what it's all about. However, your store experience is exactly the thing someone out there didn't know they wanted or needed. So how do you connect with that person online? Sharing images or video, of course. Yet again, it communicates all the intangibles, turning it into a visual tour and allowing potential customers envision how they fit into that experience. Think about photo tours, video tours, fly-throughs or flyovers, or even 360-degree photo bubbles. For some business, the VR movement might be the right way to connect with a new market segment.
7. Interact with real people
Real images or video testimonials of clients build social credibility and trust. It is as simple as showing images of a favorite client doing their thing, using your product, or enjoying your services. Again, it also gives viewers the opportunity to imagine what it might be like to be in their shoes.
8. Live stream
Both Facebook and Instagram have the ability to publish live video streams. Use it as an opportunity to be real and candid with your following as to what is going on with your business. It doesn't take much planning or production to get started, but you should at least be able to identify why your ideal client might care about what you have to offer in your live stream. Some easy ideas include, (1) give a two-minute walking and talking tour of your business, (2) show what you are doing on location, (3) give people a behind-the-scenes look, (4) interview someone casually who has one great thing your followers could learn, or (5) tell why you are attending a tradeshow or conference.
9. Make it fun - Represent your unique culture or personality!
If you are a little different, show how things are done differently. If you walk alongside your clients through a process, show your clients receiving guidance. If your staff is passionate about what they do, show them doing their thing and loving it. If you are more engaging, show people who are engaged. Providing such visual ques tells the viewers, "Hey, if you are like us, then we are the perfect fit for each other!"
10. Show you have a heart
You know you and your employees know you have a heart, but do the people outside of your business know? Most of your service or volunteer efforts probably happen off-site or after hours, so how would they know? Show your team serving, show your community involvement, and show happy group shots of your employees enjoying it.
Know what you can do well and know what you can't. Do you educate your customers about the importance of trusting a professional like you? Well, what does it say to them when you turn around and go all DIY with your brand imagery? Yes, there is a time to be real with in-the-moment cell phone images, but if all your imagery is amateur, you might be making a strong statement on what you believe about your business or whether you take your business seriously or not.
Even if you aren't a big brand, you can still adapt every single one of these for your business. Why not start with just one of these 10 points and dedicate this month to improvement?
-JMB
Are you struggling with your imagery? We can help!
We are passionate about creating images that drive connection and lead to sales!
© 2019 Jared M. Burns Photography
Seattle & Snohomish County Professional Business Headshot Photographer
www.jaredmburns.com | 206.659.7468 | info@jaredmburns.com
8 Reasons Autumn is Best for Family Portraits
Why schedule your family portrait in Autumn? Here are eight reasons you should consider that are unlike any other time of the year.
1 - Fall is the most visually stunning time of year, but very short
Fall in the Northwest with all the glorious color is the most desirable time of year to be photographed and everyone knows it! The leaf color normally peaks around the second week of October. About a week after that, all the leaves are on the ground.
2 - An opportunity to focus on natural family moments
Imagine walking through the leaves or sitting in a ocean of color. My favorite with the younger kids is to throw leaves in the air or at each other because of the natural smiles and joy that bursts out.
3 - Images will be warm and engaging
The warm summer glow that creates amazing atmosphere is at its best during the transition from summer to fall. Dressing for the season means wonderful, rich tones, that match the colors of nature.
4 - Beautiful locations unlike any other
Do you have a favorite fall location? If not, we know of many around the area and can recommend some that would be perfect for your family!
5 - Freedom to be more creative
Great portraits any other time of year have limitations on clothing that will work. However, fall is the one time of year you have options! Some people dress on the casual side, some really dress it up, and some choose to include scarves, sweaters, pea coats, knit hats, and other fun accessories that show off a little color flair.
6 - A timeless look that transcends the season
Displaying a fall portrait in your home will look always look wonderful, no matter the time of year. It is also an eye-catching statement to visitors about what is most important in your home.
7 - Best holiday cards ever!
Yes, now is the time to plan ahead on your holiday cards. You’ll show family and friends you don’t just drop a few cell photos into an online card template. Your family puts thought and care into creating something special and unique! Cards like this will live on the fridge long after the holiday season!
8 - Book before November 10th and receive complimentary holiday cards!
This is one of a select few specials we run each year! When you book your photography session before 11/10/18, we will gift a 24/pk of 5x7 flat, press-printed, holiday cards with envelopes with your session!
© 2018 Jared M. Burns Photography
Snohomish Family Photographer
www.jaredmburns.com | 206.659.7468 | info@jaredmburns.com
World Wide Photo Walk 2018
Join us for the World Wide Photo Walk in Historic Snohomish October 6th @ 4:oo PM! This is an opportunity for photography lovers of any experience level to come together for some creative fun among fellow enthusiasts. Best of all, it is free to join!
Have you ever attended a photo walk?
Photo walks are a fun and low-key way to learn about your camera gear or learn new ideas or techniques from other photographers. Anyone of any age or experience level is welcome. This is about learning from each other and together!
Nationally recognized photographer, Scott Kelby, and founder of KelbyOne Online Training started this event 11 years ago and it has caught on in thousands of cities around the globe. We meet up at the designated location, spend some time walking around and creating images while socializing, and we ask questions and share things we know about photography. After the photo walk, we gather at a local restaurant to warm up and chat some more.
Did I mention there will be prizes?
Yes, for those who register for the photo walk, you will have an opportunity to submit some of your favorite images and compete to win DSLRs, Gift Cards, Apps, and Camera Bags! Be sure you register for the walk so you will have an opportunity to win!
Planning Ahead
SHOES: Be prepared with shoes comfortable for walking about 1.5 miles
CLOTHING: Dress warmly for an autumn evening
CAMERA: DSLR’s, Mirrorless, Camera Phones, Point-n-shoots, and all other digital capture devices are all welcome
BATTERIES: Make sure they are charged in advance & bring extras if you have them
EQUIPMENT: Bring what you have or bring what you would like to learn to use - Tripods and lighting equipment is encouraged
See you October 6th @ 4:00 PM in Historic Snohomish!
Snohomish County Photographer
www.jaredmburns.com | 206.659.7468 | info@jaredmburns.com
Please vote for our business - Best of Western Washington
It's that time of year again to vote for your favorite businesses in 2016. Last year we were honored to make it into the Top 10 Best and only missed placing in the winning top five by a handful of votes. Seriously, we were just a few votes short of making it!!
This year I know we can do it with your help! We are proud to have been nominated for two catigories...Portrait Photographer and Wedding Photographer.
Please take a moment to vote for our business! Voting is easy.
Thank you for showing your support for our small business!
- JMB
© 2016 Jared M. Burns Photography
Seattle Wedding Photographer & Snohomish Wedding Photographer
www.jaredmburns.com | 206.659.7468 | info@jaredmburns.com
5 Ways to End a Snohomish Summer
And just like that, summer's coming to a close. The 2016 school year is about to begin. The end of summer deserves to be celebrated so it is time take a moment and plan a last hurrah in one of the Top 10 Coolest Towns in America.
Here are five fun ideas to help you send off summer...
1. Udderly Sweet: If it isn't yet a tradition, it should be. Load up some friends or family and head over to the best frozen yogurt place in the valley up at Snohomish Station. Grab tables out front and enjoy your carefully crafted treat for one last outdoor evening. Visit Udderly Sweet Frozen Yogurt
2. Lord Hill Regional Park: You meant to get out hiking more, but summer sure slipped by. There is still time to visit the northwest forest trails at Lord Hill only 5 minutes outside of town. Set aside 2-3 hours and bring your sense of adventure as you seek out wandering paths you haven't yet explored. Visit Lord Hill
3. Snohomish Aquatic Center: As the newest and coolest indoor pool North of Seattle, it is certainly one of the most popular places in town for family fun. It's a perfect place for one last escape from the late summer heat. Visit the Snohomish Aquatic Center
4. Hot Air Balloon Ride: Here in town we think of balloons as the official city bird so it goes without saying that nothing is more Snohomish than a hot air balloon ride. Make a once-in-a-lifetime memory and enjoy the setting summer sun from the best vantage point over Snohomish County. Visit Arial Balloon, Balloon Depot, or Over the Rainbow for availability.
5. Flowing Lake: Only a short drive up the hill from town, it might possibly be one of the best places in the area to relax. Gather up some food, drinks, swim gear, and that book you wanted to finish. Make a whole day of it with an old-fashion picnic and leisurely afternoon on the shores of this pristine lake. Even better, turn it into the last camping trip of the season in the Flowing Lake Campground. Visit Flowing Lake
“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” ~ Dr. Seuss
-JMB
Need to schedule senior photo or family portraits? There is still time if you contact us today!
© 2015 Jared M. Burns Photography
Snohomish Family Photographer
www.jaredmburns.com | 206.659.7468 | info@jaredmburns.com
Kayt + Justin: Winter Wedding at Belle Chapel Snohomish - Seattle Wedding Photographer
Snohomish, Washington is one of the fastest growing spots in the state for mini destination weddings. Kayt and Justin knew of the charm here and selected Belle Chapel as the perfect setting for their winter wedding and reception. These images were created by Snohomish photographer Jared M. Burns with assistance from Sarah Schmidt Photography.
-JMB
© 2014 Jared M. Burns Photography
Seattle Wedding Photographer & Snohomish Wedding Photographer
www.jaredmburns.com | 206.659.7468 | info@jaredmburns.com
Lynn + Doug: Belle Chapel, Snohomish - Seattle Wedding Photographer
Lynn and Doug wanted a quiet little hometown wedding. Belle Wedding Chapel located in the heart of downtown Snohomish was the perfect choice. With Snohomish being one of Washington State's premier wedding destinations, all the wedding vendors they needed were local and easy to find on www.mysnohomishwedding.com. Caring most for their family and closest friends, Lynn and Doug chose to host a smaller wedding on a sunny Sunday afternoon which provided wonderful portrait moments inside as well as beautiful photography outside.
Lynn's Personal Team:
Venue: Belle Chapel, Snohomish Wedding Venue | Wedding Dress: Nordstrom | Photographer: Jared M. Burns, Seattle Wedding Photographer | Catering: Emory's on Silver Lake | Suit: Nordstrom | Officiator: Sharon St.Marie, Belle Chapel | Makeup: Friend | Floral Design: Snohomish Flower Co | Cake Design: Family
-JMB
© 2013 Jared M. Burns Photography
Seattle Wedding Photographer & Snohomish Wedding Photographer
www.jaredmburns.com | 206.659.7468 | info@jaredmburns.com
Anna + Chad: Seattle Engagements - Seattle Wedding Photographer
One of the best things about engagement photography is discovering new places and why they are unique to the couple. Anna & Chad are a wonderful couple and I was privileged to learn their story as they walked the beach of Howarth Park in Everett, Washington. Just being there to have fun and capture a moment like this is what it is all about. I can't wait to work with them again at the big wedding this August! Congratulation Anna & Chad!
-JMB
© 2012 Jared M. Burns Photography
Seattle Wedding Photographer & Snohomish Wedding Photographer
www.jaredmburns.com | 206.659.7468 | info@jaredmburns.com