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!)

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!

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

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

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!

2020 Senior Grad Guide

Are you a senior grad? Do you have a class of 2020 student? Do you know someone graduating from high school this year?

For the first time ever, we have put together a special senior grad guide packed with tons of helpful information. We want senior grads to get the dream look they always wanted in their portraits. This is our gift to you or someone you know!

Inside you will find...

• Many images for inspiration

• Learn the 5 big senior session mistakes to avoid

• Get creative with 12 fun photoshoot location ideas

• 6 outfits ideas you may not have considered

• And much more!

We'll help you design a session that is uniquely you, so click the button below to start your free download.

10 Mistakes Seniors Make with Portraits

You want your senior images to be amazing, right? We see mistakes happen often with seniors, many of which can totally ruin your shoot. One of the best way to avoid things you shouldn’t do is by going with a professional photographer who has experience and ability to walk you through the entire senior portrait process.

Here are the 10 biggies to avoid...

1. Failing to make a careful choice on your photographer: Not all senior photographers are equal. Many may have a style that doesn’t match yours so start by reviewing portfolios from several area photographers. Consider if the photographer has credibility in your community because there may be a reason people are going to them or avoiding them altogether. Meeting with your photographer in person beforehand is a must! There is no better way to learn if you truly click with them. When you feel the photographer fit is right and they understand your desires for the shoot, you will be able to collaborate together and create amazing images you will love! 

2. Not taking a little time to plan the photo session: This is another reason it is critical to have a planning session with your photographer in advance. Without preparation, the images will feature less of your personality. You might get some nice shots, but it is truly a shame when they do not capture anything about your senior or high school experience.

3. Not giving proper consideration to theme and location: The theme and location should fit your personality and interests. It should be an extension of who you are in the images. It is a key part of setting a unique tone and feel in portraits. Don’t just go to the local park or that same location you know all the other seniors are using. Work with your photographer to find something really special.

4. Choosing friend or family member to take your photos: Your senior photography session is likely the second most important photography event in your life (Your future wedding being #1). Risking your images to someone who is just learning the camera is too great. Professionals know how to guide you through the complete process, how to pose you in flattering ways, and create beautifully lit and composed images you are proud to display. Look back through last year’s yearbook and see if you can spot who skipped out on a real photographer.

5. Doing your own makeup: This is a time to trust your makeup to an artist, someone who is experienced and refined. Makeup for a photo shoot is different than what you wear every day. If the product or contouring is wrong, you may not like the way it looks in the final images

6. Leaving hair to the last minute: As you already know, hair can make or break your look. Most guys and girls look best about two weeks after a haircut when it doesn’t look too crisp. If you will be going to a stylist before the session, go with a look that is consistent with who you are, but with a little extra life. If you don’t normally wear your hair up, don’t go with up.

7. Not taking your portraits seriously: This most often applies to the guys who are just going along with portraits to appease mom. The truth is, these images will likely represent you for the next several years. What you put into your portrait experience is what you will get out of it. Well-seasoned photographers already know most guys feel a little uncomfortable getting their photos done, but it is their job to help put you at ease and forget your nerves so you look cool.

8. Taking your portrait too seriously: When you are trying too hard, it shows up in photos. Be flexible with your photographer and willing to try things that seem a little different. The more you relax and go with it, the more natural your images will look. You even have permission to be silly and have fun with it!

9. Choosing the wrong clothes: Sometimes what we feel looks good in the real world simply does not work in the 2D world of the camera. We have seen seniors go with clothes they thought they wanted (regardless of our recommendations) and later dismiss a whole selection of images because they didn’t like how they looked in that outfit. Your photographer should be able to guide you through clothing choices that helps you look your best while preserving your personal style.

10. Using the same photographer everyone else does: Each photographer has a distinct style. While the photographer that the other seniors are using might be good, your photos might start to look like everyone else’s. A different photographer can bring a new and unique look to your images that stands out among all the rest.

Jared M. Burns Photography is one of the best-recognized photography brands in Snohomish. We also provide portraits to seniors at Snohomish High School, Glacier Peak High School, Woodinville High School, Monroe High School, Marysville Getchell High School, Lake Stevens High School, and Henry M Jackson High School. See if our portfolio fits your style!

-JMB