5 Reasons Summer is the Best Time to Get Your Family Portraits

When was your last family portrait? If you are like most people, you did it when the kids were little, but now years have passed and important stages have been missed. You don't have to let that happen again this summer! Here are 5 reasons that prove this summer is the BEST time for your family portraits!

Jared M Burns Snohomish Summer Photography with kids.jpg

1. Best Weather!

This is when the Northwest is at its very best with the lush green of the land and vibrant blue skies and water.  You don't have to worry about the winds and rain that can ruin hair and clothes any other time of year.

Snohomish Family Photographer, Jared M. Burns - Couples

2. Best Creative Potential!

When the weather is so good, you have options for more diverse locations. You get to take advantage of the amazing outdoor lighting. You can build sessions around summer themes or activities your family identifies with. From the mountains to the water, all the parks and natural areas have been manicured and are waiting for you. 

Snohomish Family Photographer, Jared M. Burns - Northwest Family

3. Best Flexibility!

You already know it's hard to get the family together the rest of the year, but summer is a time when everyone's schedules open up and life slows down just a little. It's easier to take time off work during the week. The days are longer meaning families can still do portraits after work in the beautiful golden light of evening.

Snohomish Family Photographer, Jared M. Burns - Family with older kids

4. Best Moments!

Yes, the best moments happen in summer. Everyone is more relaxed, the days come a little easier. The family is together more and creating quality memories that last a lifetime. Portraits can persevere and commemorate this unique stage in your family.

Snohomish Family Photographer, Jared M. Burns - Destination Family Portrait.jpg

5. Best time is before it's too late!

One thing I have learned in photography is that summer is the easiest season to let slip past you. People start with dreams like "This will be the year we finally get the family portrait done!" but, year after year the summer BBQ's, kids sports, travel, yard projects, and big work events steal every last bit of your time...and the family is yet another year older with nothing to show.

The best time is now. Once summer slips away everyone else will be calling us frantically, saying, "Oh my goodness, where did the season go? Is there any way you can STILL fit me in!?" 

© 2018 Jared M. Burns Photography
Snohomish Family Portrait Photographer
www.jaredmburns.com | 206.659.7468 | info@jaredmburns.com

Sarahenna: Seattle Mehndi Artist - Seattle Wedding Photographer

It is my privilege to introduce you to our newest preferred vendor, Sarahenna!  Sarah, is a unique artisan who specializes in Mehndi and henna designs for the body.  Take a moment to compare her work with other henna artists around the web and one will immediately discover she brings unmatched quality to this craft in our Seattle community. This collaborative project was unlike any other I have done.  The photography that follows documents my exploration into a new world of beautiful Indian culture.

Mehndi is “henna” (an herb) applied as temporary body decoration during a traditional Indian wedding.   It begins with the preparation of the henna herb leaf which has been ground into fine powder.  As a notable distinction, Sarah only imports high quality, natural, earth friendly products directly from India.

Water, sugar, and exotic oils are mixed together to form the henna paste.  It is then injected into foil cones that will act as the drawing utensil.

Our model, Karishma Sharma, is required to sit patiently for the next 7 hours as Sarah applies the designs with meticulous care.  The drawings are primarily applied to the hand and foot regions as they will be the most receptive to the henna pigment.  Though it acts as a tattoo, its effects will only last around 2 weeks.

Because the process requires many hours to complete, the paste will begin to dry before the pigment has the opportunity to set.  Lemon juice and sugar water are dabbed regulary to keep it moist for as long as possible.  The bride will be wrapped in protective layers and asked to remain as still as possible overnight.

The following day, the paste has dried and can be  rubbed off to reveal the designs.  They appear faint at first, but as time passes the designs will become darker in color.  With moisturizer, the life of a design can be extended to about three weeks.

The Mehndi tradition is considered to be one of the most important preparation rituals for the Indian bride.  The time of application is meant to be shared with her family and friends, often its even accompanied with dancing and singing.

In some Indian communities, Mehndi also signifies a special time in a bride's life where she is waited on hand and foot, not being permitted to perform even the least amount of work until it has worn off.

Henna is not just for wedding Mehndi!  Sarah provides a wide range of services to enhance the body for any culture or any occasion!  When you contact her, also ask her to tell you about the exciting new clothing design!

If you have enjoyed the work of our preferred vendor and featured artist, please take a moment to show your appreciation by visiting Sarah's website at  www.sarahenna.com and like her on Facebook!

-JMB

© 2012 Jared M. Burns Photography
Seattle & Snohomish Business Photographer
www.jaredmburns.com | 206.659.7468 | info@jaredmburns.com