"No sitting fee" portraits for Mother's Day

We don't do specials often, but when we do...we redefine the meaning of extraordinary! Why? Because Moms are extraordinary!!

Wait, what?? 

Book your family session before Mother's Day (meaning May 10, 2025) at the latest, and we'll waive your sitting fee. Yes, you read that right! It is simple, give that wonderful mother in your life the gift of portraits with the ones she loves most, and there will be NO SITTING FEE!  

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TERMS APPLY: This offer expires on the Saturday before Mother's Day on May 10th, 2025. The date of the family portrait session must be scheduled any time between May 1st and June 30th, as available. A planning consultation must also be scheduled and completed before your desired shoot date can be chosen. The "Waved Sitting Fee" constitutes the portion of a session that would normally cover the artist's basic time and expenses. This offer only applies to our Standard (1-hour family session) sitting, which still requires you to pay for your portrait product credit amount upfront, however, the sitting fee portion will not be added. This means everything you pay toward this exclusive special is yours to spend on any full-service product, art, prints, or digitals we have available. This offer does not extend to our Extended Family, Epic, or Luxe sittings. Normal cancellation, rescheduling, or no-show policies apply. Normal taxes apply. 

Contact us today and mention "The Mother's Day" special!

(Seriously, no sitting fee, but hard expiration May 10, 2025)

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!

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

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.

Happy New Year - Something has changed...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

(but something has changed)

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Something has changed in the world. Have you noticed...

• Airbnbs are booked up solid across the nation?

• Airlines are overbooked?

• Concert tickets are gone 15 min. after release?

• People are being turned away from the best National Parks?

• You have to reserve a spot to go on the best hikes?

• Campsite and RV reservations have all been snatched up 6 to 12 months in advance?

• Your next available hair appointment is 6 weeks out?

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WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?! 

Likely, you have found yourself in one of two situations. (1) You aren't worried because you planned what you wanted WAY in advance or (2) you experience tremendous disappointment when you found out the people who planned in advance took the opportunity away.

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The same is true for on-demand creative services like photography. Half the people and businesses are planning ahead and taking the dates. The other half finds out that, when the idea pops into their head, it is already too late.

Here are 5 things you do to avoid disappointment in 2023

1. Do you have a senior Grad? Begin talking about the plan for grad portraits now. They need to happen the summer BEFORE the start of grade 12. Most parents don't know this and wait until the last week in August or the start of school. They miss out on the best weather, the best locations, and the best dates. April of the Junior year is not too early to start researching your grad photographer.

2. Is this the year for family portraits? Spring is when to plan for summer. Families who wait until school is out to think about their portrait plans may be lucky to even get a date in the fall. Some years, the best summer dates can book out 8-12 weeks in advance.

3. Going on a special vacation? Know that all photographers are busy during the most beautiful months of the year. Take your photographer plans as seriously as you would your flights and accommodations because other people are.

4. Needing business portraits? Plan now for Q1 or Q2 because where will your team be in Q3? On vacation, of course! So then it gets bumped to Q4, but everyone is too busy through the holidays and it gets bumped to Q1 of next year. Yikes!

5. Take a moment now to consider what your portrait goals are for this year. Bring it up at the next family meeting or business meeting. It is a quick and easy discussion you can have right now that has the power to change how you feel about 2023.

If we can be of service to you in 2023, we look forward to connecting! We know how to help you plan and prepare.

 Reach out to us at 206.659.7468 or info@jaredmburns.com

Don't Forget Your Camera

📷 ✅ 👍

It's just days away now - The most important holiday week of the entire year! ...And it is going to be a busy one with a flurry of family gatherings and special events. As you prepare for these festive occasions, don't forget to pack one important item: your camera!

 Here's a secret...

There is something unique about this Christmas, something that will never happen again. It could be the first Christmas as a new family of three or the last one with the family still at home. Maybe it is the first time a child sees Santa in wonder or the last year a child still believes. For some, it will be the first time the extended family has come back together in 10 years or the last shared with a special loved one.

When the season gets busy, we often forget to look toward these moments ahead, the ones we want to cherish most. Afterward, all the moments we missed will come to mind, but we can't go back.

Capturing memories with loved ones is an integral part of the holiday season, and having a camera in hand ensures that you won't miss a single special moment. Whether it's a group photo with all your relatives or a candid shot of all the little ones opening presents, these photos will become treasured keepsakes for years to come.

So as you gear up for the holiday season, make sure to remember to bring your camera along for the ride.

- JMB

Five COVID Reasons to Give Photography this Holiday

People are ordering photography more this year than we have seen in 12 previous years of business. The simple reason is, this COVID year has been hard on everyone and they are longing for connection like they never have before!

Here are the Top 5 Reasons to give the gift of photography…

1. Photography Brings Joy - In a year where people feel limited and stuck at home, the gift of portrait photography is a reason to get out and make some meaningful memories. It may be the brightest point of someone’s year!

2. 194 years later, photography is still the single best way to honor connections - Portraiture is far from dead because images keep alive the memories of bonds we share with one another. When you share the intrinsic value of love and belonging with someone you care about, it never wears out or gets tossed aside.

3. Photography is a Timemachine - This COVID year has stolen a lot from us, not the least of which is the wasted time that has slipped us by. People change and children grow fast, but photography is the one medium that allows you to return to a special moment again and again. There is no time like the present.

4. Photography Boosts Self-Esteem - Let’s be honest, we could all use a little pick-me-up this year, right? Studies show that families who raise kids in a home with portraits on the walls have healthier, more stable children. It was found that these children grew up with a strong sense of place, belonging, and understanding they were loved and special.

5. Supporting a Small Business - You can buy picture frames at Amazon and Walmart, but you can’t buy portraits. The online stores only know you as a credit card number. This is why small business is critical to our community! When you support a small business like ours, you are saying that personal relationships, your local community, and family values are what matter most!

As we like to say, “It’s about the finer things of life.” Giving the gift of photography is about giving love and connection to someone special.

10 things parents of Senior students wish they had known before the Senior year

We polled parents to learn the biggest things they wish they had known about their high school student’s senior year. Here is a compilation of the top 10 things they said...

1. The senior year really starts before the junior year has ended.

• Because the senior year moves at such an intense pace, parents must begin discussions and plans with students BEFORE the summer of their senior year!

2. Senior photos are one of the biggest portrait sessions of their life. It commemorates who they were, what they have achieved, and reveals a little on whom they will become.

• The best professional photographers are guaranteed to book up early, even BEFORE SCHOOL HAS STARTED!

• Research and choose a photographer no less than 3-6 months before the yearbook deadline.

• Summer has the best weather for portraits. Summer is when the best locations are available. You have more flexibility in your schedule during the summer. HOWEVER, summer gets busy and will slip by you in the blink of an eye. Plan ahead.

• Parents who wait until the last minute to schedule a photographer will often be turned away by the best photographer and have to settle for a low-budget or free friend photographer.

3. The deadline for the yearbook portrait submission is sooner than you think. Do you know when it is for your student’s school?

• Most area high schools have a yearbook deadline within the first two weeks of October.

• Most parents will wait until school starts to contact their photographer and will find it is ALREADY TOO LATE to book the photographer they wanted.

4. Start researching and applying for scholarships early or your student may miss out entirely.

• Your student must take the PSAT in their Junior year to be eligible for National Merit Scholarships in their senior year.

5. Service projects and tracking service hours are a graduation requirement for most high schools. The easiest way to get them is through existing programs like…

• Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts, or 4-H

• Local service clubs in the community like Kiwanis, Chamber of Commerce, Loins Club, Habitat for Humanity, and more.

• Look into local festivals, non-profits, or government interest groups who need volunteers at their big annual events.

• Missions work or service projects organized by your church or a local youth group

• Common High School Clubs like Key Club, DECA, Future Business Leaders of America, Lions Club, Civil Air Patrol, and Junior ROTC, and many more.

• Look into things that fit their passions like Adopt-a-Highway, Animal Rescue, Hospital Volunteering, Mentoring, Red Cross, Tutoring, Volunteer Fire Department, or the local community soup kitchen.

• Check what the high school offers and check which service organizations operate in your community.

6. Check-in regularly with your student on what credit items are required for graduation and where they are at with their progress.

• Senior year is a little different than the others and failing to stay on top of credits can effect a percentage of their grade or endanger graduation.

7. Plan ahead for the senior year costs...

• Senior Photographer

• Yearbook

• Senior grad portrait keepsakes for yourself and relatives

• Graduation items like cap/gown, grad card announcements, and graduation ceremony invites

• Senior party with the school and Senior party or BBQ hosted by you

8. Begin mapping out some of the next steps after high school

• Will they attend college, trade school, take a year off, travel, or do an internship? Don't necessarily try to choose their major now, but do have a working plan and timeline in place so key dates or application periods do not slip by.

• There is nothing wrong with taking a gap year before college. Most colleges recognize it as a good and healthy step in the educational journey. It will not count against them.

• Remember and be sensitive to the fact that they are beginning their life plan, not yours. It is okay if they want to do one thing before another. Your role is to guide them toward some assemblage of their own plan.

9. The big senior year goes by faster than you think.

• Be intentional about being present with them.

• Encourage them to reflect and savor the key moments and the activities. Remind them to take pictures, scrapbook, or journal if they are into any of these things.

• Grades are important, but in the grand scheme of life, they are not everything. Overpressure may affect a student's health, rest, confidence, or ability to cope or maintain motivation more than you may realize.

10. Think about what the coming change means to you and your family

• Are they moving out on their own? Are they going to attend a college out of state? The deeply bitter/sweet feelings you will experience cannot be overstated. This is last year you are all together under the same roof home as a family. What activities or vacations are left that you always wanted to do together?

• When was your last family portrait together? Most parents realize all too late they forgot to update the family portrait since the kids were all little. The best time for a family portrait is the summer or early fall before the senior year or late spring or early summer before they leave for college.

We can’t help you with PSAT’s or college plans, but we can photograph the memories. It’s about your student’s last year of high school, their unique personality, and their biggest transition captured in one epic photography experience!

Top 10 Gift-giving Concerns During the Holidays

We polled some people to find out what their biggest fears are when giving holiday gifts. Which of these top 10 can you relate to?

1. They won't like it or won't appreciate it

2. Won't make them happy or bring them joy

3. You never think of the right thing until it's too late

4. They don't want gifts or more stuff

5. They already have one

6. They will get tired of it after a short time

7. It won't make them feel loved or special

8. After a few weeks, they won't even remember who gave it

9. That they don't need/want it or will never use it

10. That it is unimaginative - It might not fit them, their style, or their personality

So how do you find the one perfect gift they will love and cherish?

...One that brings joy year after year?
...A gift they need and that won't add to the clutter?
...Something you can guarantee they don't have yet?
...One that increases in personal value over time?
...Something that communicates how special they truly are?
...A unique gift created with their style and personality in mind?
...One that will never be tossed aside or forgotten?
...Something that reminds them daily how much you cared?

If you haven't figured it out yet, the answer to all of these is the gift of portraits! It is the answer to every gift-giving concern. Everyone has wall space that needs a personal touch. Everyone deserves to be photographed and reminded how special they are.



Before you get your pumpkin spice latte

Did you notice the fog in the air this morning? Even though autumn technically does not start until Sept. 23rd, there's no question, the change in season is already here. Before you run out and get your pumpkin spice latte, this is a breakdown of what you need to know about portraits through the end of the year...

September 6th - Nearly all schools are back in session and people are getting desperate to squeeze in their last-minute family or senior grad portraits.

September 6th to 16th - Sunflowers are in full splendor at some of your local farms. It's a special opportunity to create remarkable portraits with a touch of warm, bright cheer!

September 7th to 20th - The weather is still glorious! There is still time to get the late summer look in beautiful outdoor settings. Many people find this is the most timeless look for portrait art that will hang on their walls all year round.

September 21st to October 15th - The ideal time for autumn color! The tree color season is always shorter than you think, just 2 to 3 weeks in all, so plan ahead!

October 1st to 16th - Most area high schools will have a hard deadline for senior grad yearbook portraits in the first half of the month. Don't wait until the last minute!

October 10th to 31st - Pumpkins and corn make a wonderful setting for family portraits, especially when young kids are involved!

October 21st to 31st - Every year a wind and rain storm sweeps through near the end of the month tearing all the beautiful fall color to the ground. The likelihood of bad weather increases with each passing week through the end of the year.

November 3rd - This marks the daylight savings change. The evening light is gone and sessions can only be scheduled on very limited Saturdays. November is also the rainiest month of the year.

November 15th to December 14th - We are wrapping up last of the season sessions and products needed as gifts for Christmas!

Were you planning to get family portraits in 2019? The time to schedule them is now!

Are you living like your house is burning down?

What if I told you your house just burnt down?

The good news is your family members and pets are all safe. You had a great insurance policy in place too. Yet, in that very moment, what is the only other thing in the world you wish you could still go back and save?

So here we are. You don’t need me to convince you of the intrinsic value of photography. Your mind already went there. It wasn't the car, a family heirloom, or a special collection. Am I right? The next thing you value most in life are those are memories of your family. They are irreplaceable. They are priceless.

People all around us are living like their house is burning down and they aren’t even aware. Let me explain. Every week I meet with portrait clients and ask them a very important question.

“When was your last family portrait?”

How would you answer that? How would you guess they answer? Nearly every family tells me the exact same thing…."Oh my goodness, it was back when the kids were really little!"

So what do they have to show for the in-between years? The kids are now grown and all memory saving opportunities since that last portrait are gone. When it comes to protecting their precious, personal moments, it is like their home has been burning for 15 continuous years unnoticed. There isn’t a single portrait from the mid-family stages in life.

You might tell me that this is partly due to photography turning digital; that in the last 15 years, we don't take, share, a enjoy images like we use to. You would be correct. This indeed is a contributing factor but…

…the house is still burning.

Be honest for a moment. When was the last time you printed one of your memories? When was the last time you put a portrait on the wall?

Today, only 1 in 50 people actually print a digital image and display it in their home. Those empty walls all around represent countless missed memories they will never get back. It is like they are willingly living in the home with photo memories that went up in smoke. More accurately, they never existed.

This is the reason we do business differently.

We protect the one-of-a-kind stages in life. We want our client’s memories to come to life, be revisited anytime, and compliment a household of love. This is why we are a full-service photography business that specializes in personalized, emotional art for your home. We are making heirlooms that matter, that enhance family bonds, and that are guaranteed to increase in personal value with each passing year.

Has some life slipped by for you?

Have you lost a few years in there somewhere? We can help! It's never too late to start preserving new memories, but you do have to act today. They will be gone tomorrow.

Email Survey Results: What did you do with your digital files?

Years ago, when we first did this poll, we discovered that 98% of people never printed a single digital image from their family portrait session.

This same percentage basically holds true today. Whether taking their own personal photos or downloading professional digitals from a photographer, only one in 50 people will ever bring life to their portraits by printing and displaying them in their home.

On that day, we realized we were providing a disservice to our portrait clients and, nearly overnight, our business model changed. Today, we are a full-service studio that creates beautiful, lasting memories for people who care about family. It is about creating emotional, personalized art in the home that says, "This is us. This is what matters. We belong."

If you are ready to make a statement about what is most important in your life, contact us today, or visit our Family Gallery.

Can Family Portraits Boost Mental Health?

Did you know displaying portraits in the home can improve the mental health of your family? I was surprised when I stumbled upon this article citing studies showing a direct connection between photography and a child's improved self-esteem or understanding of family worth. However, as I read on, it made a lot of sense!

David Krauss, a licensed psychologist from Cleveland and proponent of family health through meaningful photography explains,

"I think it is really important to show a family as a family unit. It is so helpful for children to see themselves as a valued and important part of that family unit."

Another psychologist named Judy Weiser in Vancouver who studies the effects of art and photography says,

 "It lets children learn who they are and where they fit...the uniqueness of their own family and its story."

Cathy Lander-Goldber, as a social worker in St. Louis found;

“Displaying photos prominently in the home sends the message that our family and those in it are important to one another, and we honor the memories we have experienced.“

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Simply put, family portraits communicate a powerful message that resonates to the core of every child's being. "I belong."

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In our experience as a photography business, we have found all this to be true! Often, past clients let us know how important the family portraits have become to them. Fathers admit when they get home from work and the first thing they see is the family in the big portrait above the couch, it puts their whole evening into perspective. Mother's have secretly caught glimpses of their children studying the family image. There is also nothing like the pride a mother feels when guests in her home notice the family art because they immediately understand what is most important in this household.

When was the last time you updated your family portraits?

What message are you sending to your family members?

We can't stop them from growing up, but we can preserve a special moment that will live forever! Bring home the family memories as art, it's time to make a statement about what is most precious in your life. Together we can create emotional memories that live on as personalized works of art on your wall.

Learn more about the psychology of portraits…

• Phototherapy: A First Attempt to Consider the use of Photographs in Art Therapy by Mark Wheeler

• What your home says about you by Dr. Linda Papadopoulos

Best Places to see Fall Color Around Washington State

Are you a leaf peeper looking for the most amazing fall color spots in and around Washington State? Here are some resources you might find helpful!

Our Leaf Locator Map

We’ve created our own leaf locator map on Google Maps so you can easily see where the hottest spots are for color near Washington. Do you know of a place that should be added to the map? Email it to us at info@jaredmburns.com.

Fall Foliage Prediction Map

Smokeymountians.com has created this interactive map that forecasts the fall color within every county of the US. Just move the slider to find the optimal date for the location you intend to go leaf-peeping.

Happy Leaf Peeping!

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!