5 Smart Things Parents Can Do Now for Their 2025 Grad

5 Smart Things Parents Can Do Now for Their 2025 Grad

Senior yearbook deadlines are coming like a freight train. Don't allow the hectic pace of life to steal the special opportunity from you and your grad. There's no two ways about it; we are at the end of the season and the the smartest things a parent can do when it comes to portraits are...

1. Book Now: Time is Running Out

Daylight Saving Time ends soon. The rainy season will start any week now. Time is of the essence for senior portraits. Don't delay any longer in securing a grad session with your photographer.

2. Be Transparent About Your Timeline

Communicate your timeline upfront, especially if the yearbook submission deadline is a factor. This will help your photographer prioritize you accordingly. When this late in the game, phrases like, "I'm only price shopping" communicate to a photographer "This is not urgent, I'm not ready to make a decision." That's great if you have time, but photographers cannot plan for what you don't tell them.

3. Invest in a Professional Photographer

While beginner photographers offer lower rates, their lack of experience can compromise the quality of your senior portraits. A professional photographer with years of experience will provide full-service solutions and capture lasting memories you can count on. Remember, any photographer can get you a few good memories, but professionals deliver great portrait memories on luxury products that grow in value through the years. They won't waste your time with redos.

4. Include the Family

Your senior's graduation marks a significant milestone for your entire family. Consider scheduling a family portrait session alongside their senior photos. This is your last stage together with everyone under the same roof. It is always easier to kill two birds with one stone.

5. Embrace the Seasonality

If you missed the summer look you desperately wanted, that's okay! Rather than asking your photographer to seek out locations and ways to recreate it, embrace the beauty of the fall season and cooler temperatures. School starts in the fall. They are approaching the end of their K-12 experience. It fits, just go with it while there is still time.

Five slots remain in October. Contact us while there is still time to claim yours and we will do everything we can to help make this stress-free!

Can you skip the summer portrait stress?

Sun's out, fun's out... but wait, are the senior or family portraits you have yet to do stressing you out? This summer, skip the scramble and let us handle the hassle. We'll guide you through every step, from beginning to end, ensuring a successful, easy portrait experience you will love!

Here's our process and why we do it...

• Initial Consult - We want you to have all the information upfront about what to expect and how to prepare so you can make the best decision for you before you ever have to commit. This is also a key piece to knowing and understanding who you are so we can guide and shape your custom session. (Start the process here!)

• Prep for success - We'll guide you on a clothing plan and show the "Why" about what works and what does not.

• The portrait session - You don't have to know how to arrange your family or where to put your hands. We will guide and direct everyone through a variety of poses. 

• Order Consultation - Online galleries take weeks or months to review carefully. We don't do that. Instead, we come to you and personally help complete selections in less than 30 minutes. All you have to worry about is the fun part of creating the personal works of art you want in your home.

• Editing & Retouching - Any product we offer includes master-level retouching so your images will look their best no matter how big or small you choose to display them.

• Labs - We use only the highest quality labs in the nation; ones the general public does not get access to. We're also your advocate through the whole process. It is a complicated process you should never have to worry about. If something goes wrong during production, we are on it until it's done right. 

• Delivery - All art deliveries come to us first so we can personally review each item for accuracy and quality. Once it meets our approval, we hand deliver the items to your home. With larger artwork that can be difficult to hang, we'll handle that for you too!

• Top-rated - We are very proud of the 5-star reviews people leave for us and believe it's because of our commitment to our "We aren't happy until you are happy!" philosophy.

PRO TIP WHILE IT IS STILL GRAD SEASON!

Book senior grad portraits with us and we'll include time for family portraits at no extra cost! Think of it like...

• Killing two birds with one stone!

• Win-win!

• Stroke of Mom genius!

• Two bulls-eyes, one arrow!

• Double-double with a milkshake!

• Two in birds in the hand is worth three in the bush...

Okay, maybe these got away from me a little there, but don't let summer get away from you!

Psst! Only 52 days of summer left!

We've got this! It can be stress-free, but first, you have to call!

Kids in a golden field at the end of summer

So why hire a pro for senior grad portraits?

This isn't just any senior year; it's THEIR year.

It's the culmination of experiences that have shaped your child into the incredible young person they are today! It's a year filled with hopes, dreams, and the promise of a bright future. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and capturing it properly isn't just about a few good photos – it's about creating a timeless heirloom, a tangible piece of their extraordinary life event.

Sure, a friend or family member could snap a few pictures, but will they truly capture the essence of this special time?

A professional photographer brings years of experience to the table, ensuring every shot is a masterpiece. Imagine them weaving magic with natural light, finding that perfect location, and composing images that tell your senior's story, even fixing the light when conditions go awry.

Pro photographers aren't just picture-takers; we're master artisans with a camera, we are pose-correctors and expression coaches. We'll prep your grad to look their best before shooting ever begins. We'll observe and learn what stances and poses work best for them during the shoot and avoid competing image elements between the background, clothing, and lighting as we go. Our minds are always turning, always analyzing, and always improving everything about the scene inside the frame...even when we don't show it.

But it doesn't stop there.

We'll be by your side during the selection process, helping you choose the perfect photographs for albums, graduation cards, and more. There are many mistakes to avoid after the fact that the "digital-only photographers" don't know how to look out for. Our expertise extends far beyond the click of a shutter. We understand the art of printing, ensuring you receive stunning high-quality keepsakes that will grace your walls and social media for years to come. Full-service experience means we are working to create amazing art for you from the first phone call through the relationship building along the way and to the very last product delivery. 

This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Don't settle for anything less than extraordinary.

More times than I can count now, the phone rings, and the parent of a senior grad student starts the conversation with, "So we went with the $500 photographer for my daughter's portraits..." and you can guess the rest of the story.

There are NO un-dos.

 You CAN avoid the cost of reshoots.

 WE CAN HELP!

Professional GuySenior Grad Portrait - Can you spot how we applied our knowledge of the color wheel to make him pop?

Uh oh, are you and your soon-to-be senior student disagreeing about the grad portrait plan?

Graduation fever has hit Madison! As a senior, the year's highlight is the portrait session, and she's buzzing with ideas. But her mom's enthusiasm quickly fizzles when Madison unveils her vision. Madison dreams of popping colors, trendy poses – the perfect social media storm for Senior Sunday. Her mom, however, cringes. To her, these are fleeting trends. Senior Sunday is a one-time thing, but these portraits should be a lifetime memory. Mom yearns for timeless elegance, classic portraits that'll grace their home for years to come. Their discussions turn into a battle between "the boring stuff" (as Madison puts it) and "a bit much" (according to Mom). Neither wants to budge. Both are more than a little frustrated.

(Does this story sound a little familiar to you?)

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CONGRATULATIONS

You are officially the parent of a senior grad!! (This is normal.)

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Both of you are seeking to commemorate the upcoming milestone, it is just that the goals are distinctly separate. Let's compare... 

YOUR GOALS AS A PARENT

• Capture the life milestone

• Look like the capable young adult they are becoming

• Create a cohesive look that fits in the home 

• Proud to represent them at their best

• A reminder of their belonging to this family

• Feel affirmed for all that went into raising this child (fist-bump from me)

YOUR GRAD'S GOALS

• Showcase individuality

• Look cool and different

• Highlight personal talents and interests

• Emphasize personal style

• Use props and outfits to reflect their personal brand

• Feel seen

• Feel very seen

• Feel seen in the most epic possible way

Despite these differences, both the senior grad student and parent CAN achieve their own results with the help of a professional photographer who understands their unique needs. With nearly 16 years of experience, and clients with diverse lives and interests, we know how to provide customized solutions to meet opposing desires.

We believe everyone deserves to have an amazing portrait they are proud to show off. We also know what it feels like to be a parent. We will work with you both to create the perfect portraits. With a professional, you can achieve the goals for each and have lasting memories everyone will cherish for years to come!

 Here are the secret 1-2-3 steps to success...

1. Talk to your senior grad and affirm their desires for the portraits

2. See what they think of our grad guide with tons of tips, style, location, and clothing ideas (Get a PDF you can send to their phone)

3. Meet with us before you commit to anything, but let your grad drive the discussion (Remember, we know what you want too!)

Booking with an experienced photographer also means you avoid getting stuck for life with portraits that met only one person's goals, or worse, no one's goals.

Let's do this!

So, why not book a consultation with us today and let us help you capture this life milestone the right way? We guarantee we will create beautiful portraits that you will both be proud to show off. If you have doubts, ask us about our brand promise!

10 things to talk about now with your 2025 grad!

1. When is the yearbook image due at your school?

   • Don't count on the schools to get that information out to you in time! They are busy and overwhelmed and most fall short!

   • We track the yearbook deadlines for you here: YEARBOOK DEADLINES

   • Planning example: If yearbook submissions are due October 1st at your students school, you should have the grad's shoot completed by August 1st. (That is weeks away right now!)

2. Which photographer do you feel comfortable with?

   • Does your grad like and connect with the photographer?

   • Would their artistic style represent your grad and their personality? SEE OUR STYLE HERE

   • If these things click, you will have much better success with the final portraits. The only way to truly know is through an in-person meeting.

3. What is the budget?

   • Some parents choose to invest as much as $7000 and some invest less than $2000. Which is right for you?

   • When it comes to these memories, carefully weigh "the value" vs. "the cost."

   • Knowing your goals ahead of time can save you some frustration later. Not all photographers are created equal.

4. Where will the portraits take place?

   • Do you have access to any exclusive locations? If so, it might make the portraits extra unique!

   • Not sure where to start? Don't worry, we have countless ideas and can make some suggestions you will love once we get to know your grad!

5. How many outfit changes will you want?

   • There is no right or wrong answer. You need only consider that the more time spent changing clothes will result in less time photographing...or that more time will need to be added to cover the additional outfit changes.

   • We generally recommend 2-3 outfits in a 2-hour sitting.

6. Are we going to include family portraits at the same time?

   • Some senior grads want to make the portrait session all about them. I get it and they deserve it!

   • If your grad is open to family portraits, we'd love to accommodate that too! We would then recommend splitting the session 1.5 hours for the grad and 30 minutes for the family.

7. Will the photographer allow us to have custom control over the products we want?

   • I can't speak for all photographers, but our desire is for you to have full control. We have abandoned packages because we never want you to feel locked into something you don't like or want.

   • When it comes to our way of doing things, you only have to pay for the images you truly love on the products you want for your home.

8. What is our backup plan if the weather goes bad? (And sometimes it does!)

   • With us, we've already got your backup plan! Our business model is not to shoot on volume, cramming people into every possible time slot, which allows us lots of flexibility in a weather event!

9. But what about hair and makeup services?

   • If you have a hair and makeup artist, that's great!

   • If you don't have one, we can get you access to our hair and makeup artist! She is one of the best around and only works with professional photographers.

10. Is the photographer dependable?

    • If you have a photographer in mind, check out their reviews on Google. Read the good review. Read the bad reviews too and note how the photographer responded to the complaints to try and make things right. A little advanced research can save you from a costly pitfall!

    • Talk to them on the phone or meet with them in person. So much can be learned through a little relationship.

    • When it comes to our work, we guarantee it! (Who else does that these days?) It means, if you don't love the final portraits, you don't have to pay for them!

Does this feel like a lot to worry about? It is a lot. We know how much planning and preparation it takes to get your kid through the biggest year of their life, we do this all the time. If we can lift this one burden for you and make it easy, we are eager to help! Let's connect!!

Get the ball rolling early and ride the momentum across the finish line later!

Or call us on the phone

206.659.7468

(Remember to leave us a message, we might be out photographing!)

Father's Day gift ideas for dad enthusiasts only!

Hey there! Are you a fan of your dad?

Father's Day is just around the corner, and you're probably scratching your head about now trying to come up with the perfect gift for the dad, am I right? Fear not, we have your back yet again! We've custom-tailored a list of the best ideas for your dad and ranked them all from beginner giver to master giver! Let me explain...all you need to do is find the level of giver below that defines your personal giving style and give that gift, it is that easy!!

For the beginner giver...

The classic tie, but for a personal touch, pick up a tie-dye kit for that tie, tie it in knots, and go to town! Pro tip - use every color so it's guaranteed to match any shirt and jacket combination. This way, he never has an excuse not to wear it!

For intermediate giver...

A pair of socks with YOUR face on them! Who wouldn't want to wear socks adorned with your smiling mug? Think about it...if he's ever feeling discouraged or down and his eyes fall to the ground, he will see his feet and be reminded of you and your love for him. His spirits will again soar!

For the expert giver...

A "World's Okayest Dad" Trophy: Because let's face it, not every dad can be the best, but being in the top 40% is perfectly acceptable too! Plus, it'll look great on his desk next to his collection of random office supplies.

For the advanced giver...

BACON. SENTED. CANDLE. (Please send all thank you messages about this gem of an idea to jared@jaredmburns.com.)

For the master giver, (Let's face it, it is mom)...

Give yourself the gift of a portrait photography session and then gift it to Dad! We won't tell if you don't tell. That's right, it's a win-win situation. Mom gets some beautiful images to cherish forever, and Dad gets to bask in the glory of being the handsome subject of said photos. It's the gift that keeps on giving!

But seriously now...

Summer is about to zoom past us. Before we know it, the kids will be back in school, sporting new backpacks and talking about all the adventures they had over the break. You will look at them and wonder how they grew so fast in only a few months. Let's make this year one to remember. Let's make the most of these precious moments and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Happy Father's Day to all the amazing dads out there!

What's the worst month to schedule your portraits?

August. Why August? Because August has the very best weather. Everyone else wants the August dates for themselves!

Picture this...

There you are on a leisurely late July afternoon, lounging by the pool, sipping on lemonade, when it occurs that you still need to get your family portraits or senior grad portraits done within the next month...August.

You open your calendar while calling your photographer, and suddenly find yourself in the middle of a battlefield, with every available photography date fiercely contested. News flies in from the front. The 17th and 24th have fallen, and the 31st is missing in action. Victory over the 10th could be yours, but you can't rally the troops in time.

 It's a showdown of epic proportions as families, couples, and high school students scramble to secure that coveted slot amidst the August chaos. Who knew that the very month synonymous with end-of-the-season relaxation would become a battleground for portrait bookings?

Am I exaggerating? Okay, maybe a little...but not as much as you might think!

Here's the point: If you're planning to capture those precious memories against the backdrop of August's sun-kissed summer days, it's time to channel your inner strategist, rally the troops, and plan ahead. In the unpredictable world of portrait photography, timing truly is everything. 

Disclaimer: No clients were harmed in the making of this image. Never would we ask our clients to pose for a photograph with real dragons or deranged warrior elves. 

2023 year-in-review

Our deepest gratitude goes to all the wonderful clients who made our business dreams come true this past year. Thank you to everyone in Snohomish County and beyond who chose us for their business, family, and senior grad portraits!

Happy New Year! We do this for you!

This family did **what* during daughter's grad portrait session?

Once in a lifetime, there comes a moment when a family realizes the time they've spent together under one roof is coming to an end. For the Johnsons, that moment arrived when their eldest daughter, Emily, was about to graduate from high school. Determined to seize this last, unique opportunity, they decided to do something extraordinary - they combined their family portrait with Emily's graduation session. What they ended up with were portraits Emily was proud to post on Senior Sunday and personalized family wall art of those precious fleeting years that still live on in their home to this day.

** While the names in this story were changed, the story these families all share is true. **

In the midst of the chaos and excitement that often surrounds the final year for a high school student, we recognize that this is also a major life transition for a family that should never be overlooked. For some parents, it is the hint of the end coming as the firstborn leads the way out of the nest, knowing the other children will soon follow. For other parents, this is the youngest child finally stepping into their own and marking the final chapter in the greatest family adventure.

Any moment now, the lives of everyone in your family are about to change and diverge. Your lives will weave and intersect as you go, but they will never come back together as they are here and now.

• What will ground these beautiful connections you have shared? 

• What will remind each and every one of them about this special place and time?

• What will point them home?

We understand that graduation is not just about the individual; it's about celebrating the love, support, and togetherness that brought each graduate to this point...it is about the family too! This is why Jared M. Burns Photography offers complimentary portrait sessions to the families of senior grads! This means, that when you book with us for a senior grad portrait session, we welcome you to reserve a little time for your family to have a portrait. For most families, 20-30 minutes is all it takes and there is no extra cost.

Achievements, milestones, and memories go hand-in-hand. This is why we believe art is prestigious, but family art is preeminent.

Here are the TWO things we cannot do for you. We cannot stop the rain from coming in the next 4-5 weeks and we cannot stop the kids from growing up fast. However, we can help you preserve this special moment if you act before this season comes to a close.

This is a moment your family can never return to.

Don't miss it.

We can help you keep it!

Snohomish photographer cracks time barrier, seeing into the past

SNOHOMISH, WA - In a mind-bending discovery that could put H.G. Wells to shame, businessman and self-proclaimed Time Photographer, Jared M. Burns, has unveiled an astonishing breakthrough in the art of photography. Burns claims to have stumbled upon a peculiar contraption during one of his late-night eBay escapades - a $7000 piece of equipment from overseas that allegedly allows him to capture moments in the past.

"This ain't your grandma's camera," Burns quipped while adjusting his fedora and twirling an imaginary time-traveler's mustache. "I like to call it the 'TemporalSnapper.'"

According to Burns, the manual for the TemporalSnapper - translated from an ancient, obscure dialect only decipherable to multilingual parrots - outlines its use of time-flip technology, chrono-cogs, and quantum hamsters (don't ask) to create images that transcend the constraints of spacetime.

"It's all about nailing the 'when' as well as the 'what' in the exact same moment," Burns explained with a sly grin. "You know you've done it when the image starts whispering 'tick-tock'."

But here's the kicker that will excite most: Families who have their portraits made by Burns today will then in five, ten, or twenty years be able to revisit their yesteryears each and every time they view the mind-boggling time image.

Naturally, our skeptical minds couldn't resist probing deeper into this temporal enigma. We summoned the Jenkins family to be part of a live demonstration. As Burns snapped a portrait of the Jenkins, the beautiful family moment was converted into time art right before our very eyes. Within seconds, the family also reviewed the temporal image for themselves, and the youngest daughter, Emma, exclaimed, "Mom, Dad, that is me from just a moment ago!"

"It's like magic, but tangible magic we can hang on our wall!" muttered Mrs. Jenkins in a distant tone of wonder.

And if you think this all sounds too fantastical to be true, we've got the science to back it up. Documenting every single step, a team of researchers from MIT had Burns create a portrait of them using the TemporalSnapper. Just two hours later, when Burns revealed the results, the scientists confirmed they were indeed seeing two hours into the past.

Word is spreading fast about Burns' time-warping talents, and the quaint town of Snohomish is buzzing with newfound excitement. Client after client validates Burns' claims with similar stories of how he made it possible for each of them to jump the time barrier to the past.

All of our best attempts to get our hands on the TemporalSnapper were foiled. Further study and reverse engineering will not be possible. Burns never lets it out of his sight, nor will he provide any hints as to how it really works.

So there you have it, dear readers - a one-of-a-kind mechanical device that can whisk you away to the good ol' days in a snap, all for the price of a decent used car. Who needs a phone booth or a Tardis when you've got Jared M. Burns and his wonderous TemporalSnapper? He may not have a Ph.D. in theoretical physics, but he's definitely earned a degree in Temporal Imagery.

Now the past is only a pixel away!

Temporal results are 100% guaranteed or your money back!

Disclaimer: Time Travel is dangerous and The Snohomish Gazette urges readers to exercise extreme caution with any device claiming to be a TemporalSnapper. Previous owners of the TemporalSnapper who dared to use it on their own discovered they themselves were missing from the resulting family image.

But pets are family too!

Hey there, human buddy!

It's me, your furry family member, and I've got something important to say. When you gather around for those special family portraits, please don't forget to include me! Yep, I'm talking about your favorite pet with the wagging tail and the wet nose—the one who brings so much love, laughter, and endless cuddles into your lives. Trust me, including me in those family portraits is more than just a photo op; it's a way to celebrate the one-of-a-kind bond we share and the memories we've made together.

Picture this: **SQUIRREL!!**

Picture this: all of us, side by side, our faces beaming with joy and mischief. I'll be there, with my tail wagging a mile a minute, showcasing my best photogenic poses. I may not know where to set my backside down, but you can help me with that hard part! Maybe I'll even give a few sloppy kisses to make everyone laugh!

I'm not just a pet; I'm an irreplaceable member of this pack! From the moment you brought me home, I've been there through thick and thin. Remember the times when I cuddled up with you during movie nights or chased my tail in circles, providing endless entertainment? How about those moments when I licked away your tears or greeted you with enthusiastic tail wags after a long day? I loved being there for you.

So, when it's time to strike a pose, please don't forget to give me the spotlight I deserve. I already know this family revolves around me so let's just go with it and capture all the joy and love that I represent in this pack. Those moments captured in the portrait will forever remind us of the love, happiness, and crazy adventures we've shared as a family.

I will look amazing, dashing, lovable, and dare I say, simply paw-some in the wall portrait! Oh, yes, and you all will look nice too. 

 - Your favorite pet

P.S. I made a little packing list for you...

• ☑ Treats

• ☑ Food 

• ☑ Food made of treats 

• ☑ Extra treats, just in case

• ☑ A crinkly bag to store it all in so I know when it is time for treats

Top 10 Questions Parents of Senior Grads Ask

1. How far in advance should we book a session for our grad?

   • About 2+ months in advance during the busy summer season.

2. What should we consider when selecting a senior grad photographer?

   • Does your grad like and connect with the photographer? Would the style represent them? If these things click, you will have much better success with the final portraits. The only way to find out is through an in-person meeting.

3. How much?

   • How much for what? No, seriously. Everyone's goals for the end results are as different as their grad student is unique. Some parents invest around $1000 and some invest $7000 or more. Know your end goals. Know what these memories are worth to you. With further conversation and understanding, your photographer can guide you to an idea of what to expect cost-wise.

4. Can we request a specific location for the senior grad photo shoot and are there travel costs?

   • Yes, we love to work with you whenever we can! Travel to nearby locations is included. There will be normal expenses for places a little further out. Travel inside the US is included with our Epic Destination options.

5. How many outfit changes are typically allowed during the session?

   • It is not about "what is allowed" as much as it is about how much time you want in front of the camera versus time changing. We generally recommend 2-3 outfits for a 2-hour session.

6. Can we include family members or friends in some of the senior grad photos?

   • Yes! We now allow parents to designate a portion of their grad sitting for family or friends if they like. Typically that looks like 90 minutes dedicated to the grad and 30 minutes to the family or friend.

7. Can we customize our package with prints or albums from the photographer?

   • Yes, we abandoned traditional "set packages" a long time ago. We are a full-service provider, meaning prints, albums, and framed artwork, and are all available to you. It is all about complete solutions for our clients. We also provide other amazing products you may not have seen yet and cannot get access to anywhere else! Our goal is that you purchase the images you love on the products you truly want in your home.

8. Are digital copies of the photos included, or do we need to purchase them separately?

   • We are very proud of the fact that we are among the few "Full Service" portrait providers in our region, meaning people choose us for the amazing art pieces we create for their walls or as keepsakes. We do appreciate our client's desire to show how proud they are of their senior grad online so we always provide complimentary social media-sized files of every image you order. You can also purchase full-resolution, fully-edited digital images, however, if you are looking for all the digital images for free, that is not what we do here.

9. What happens if the weather is bad on the scheduled day of the senior grad photo shoot?

   • If the weather looks bad, we will reach out to you in advance with some backup options at no charge.

10. Do you provide hair and makeup services?

    • Absolutely! And we have access to TWO of the best makeup artist pros in the area!! They are highly sought-after among photographers for their knowledge of how makeup must integrate with lighting and camera. Makeup makes a difference!

Did we miss something you want to know more about? Ask us! We are happy to help answer any questions you have. One of our deepest desires is that you understand the process with us before making any decisions.

Call us at 206.659.7468

Why am I sharing a photo of my family?

You may be wondering why I am sharing a photo of my family. Well, I'm a father and I am proud of them, need I say more? Actually, there is more to the story behind this cherished image...

We just got back from a memorable trip to the breathtaking island of Maui! We soaked in the golden sunsets, embraced the warm ocean breeze, and created precious memories that will forever hold a special place in our hearts. Towards the end of our time there, we had the opportunity to capture this beautiful family portrait, an image that encapsulates the joy and love we experienced together. I don't say this to boast but to highlight why such an image represents everything truly wonderful about this 2023 summer for us.

Already, this portrait is a treasure to me. It reflects the bond we share and serves as a reminder of the laughter, the adventures, and the irreplaceable moments we spent as a family. Every time I look at it, I am transported back to those peaceful shores, reliving the magic of that vacation and feeling grateful for the blessings of my family.

Portraits hold immense significance for fathers too. These images represent our role as protectors, nurturers, and pillars of love in our families. Like time machines, they allow us to return to shared experiences and reminisce or reflect on the beautiful journey of fatherhood. The moments along the way may be fleeting, but memories never have to be.

It is simple. Fathers love portraits because fathers love their families. Maybe they don't have the emotional realization as quickly as moms, but I guarantee they will. We want you to carry all the same joys of fatherhood with you on your life journey!

When was your last family portrait? 😬

They sat on the couch and stared at each other in disbelief. They had just finished celebrating their youngest child's 16th birthday, and could not believe how fast time was flying by. It seemed like only yesterday they were holding their last baby in their arms.

Suddenly, the wife turned to her husband and asked, "When was our last family portrait?" The question caught the husband off guard, and he had to think for a moment. "It must have been when the kids were still little," he replied, "so much has happened since then."

As they reminisced about the past, they realized just how much their family had grown and changed, celebrating so many birthdays, two graduations, and even the birth of their first grandchild with their oldest. Their last baby had a few more years left in the home, and just like that, they would be empty-nesters.

The wife's eyes filled with tears as she spoke about what it would mean to her to have a current family portrait. It would represent everything they were together in this present stage and the life traveled with all the ups and downs, milestones, and memories. All their family dreams had come true, but so many little moments had slipped by unnoticed while life was busy. They had so much to be proud of and knew at least this moment could live with them forever in a portrait.

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While this is not a real story of any one client, it is a real story of all our clients and the things they've shared with us through 16 years of portrait work. We enrich family bonds through emotional, personalized art, a truly unique visual presentation on the wall that says to each member, you matter, you belong. The ultimate product is not the material itself, but the complete vision and customized experience we provide that led to the special moment in time you can always return to.

Can we make beautiful family portraits for you?

Surprising, new research about Mother's Day

For years, people had been struggling to find the perfect Mother's Day gift. Some went for flowers, others for chocolates, but nothing seemed to capture the true essence of motherhood. That is until millions of hours of research were conducted by countless teams sent to every country of the world leading to a breakthrough discovery: the most perfect gift for a mom on Mother's Day is a portrait of her family.

Researchers found that mothers cherish memories and the bond they share with their loved ones more than anything else. A family portrait is not just a picture but a symbol of the love and connection they share. The research was conclusive, and the world rejoiced at the discovery of the most perfect gift for mothers everywhere.

DISCLAIMER: While we cannot confirm the validity of this study, as it was conducted by sleep-deprived graduate students who were bribed with free pizza, we still feel the need to share their findings. Though family portraits for mom were indeed found to be the number one choice, it should be noted that a personalized rap song performed by the family pet was a close second.

Capture Your Love: Give Mom a Family Portrait

A family portrait is a timeless gift that always touches a mother's heart on Mother's Day. A portrait captures a moment in time and preserves memories that will last a lifetime. It represents a beautiful and enduring reminder of the bond between a mother and her children. When a mother sees a beautiful portrait of her family on the wall, it will evoke strong emotions and a sense of pride and joy that fill her heart. It is a powerful symbol of the love and connection that exists between all the ones she cares for the most and it serves as a tangible reminder of the happiest moments shared.

A family portrait is a gift that keeps on giving. It is a beautiful addition to any home and will be appreciated for years to come. As children grow and change, a portrait can serve as a reminder of their growth and development, and it can be passed down from generation to generation as a cherished family heirloom. It is a beautiful way to celebrate the unique bond between a mother and her children and to honor the role that she plays in the family. Overall, a family portrait is a heartfelt and thoughtful gift that will undoubtedly touch Mom's heart and serve as a cherished reminder of the love and connection that exists within her family.

Yes, portraits are the right gift for families with furry ones too!

We believe art is prestigious, but family art is preeminent. We say this because it is a message to each member saying, you matter, you belong, and you are loved in this home. What would it mean for Mom to have a moment like this she can always return to?

PRO TIP FOR GUYS!

Don't surprise Mom on Mother's Day with portraits or a gift card. Involve her in the process, because she is deeply invested in the outcome. Let her know this is your intention to celebrate her this year and contact us to set up a free consultation!