"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)

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.

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!

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

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

1. Best Weather!

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

2. Best Creative Potential!

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

3. Best Flexibility!

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

4. Best Moments!

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

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

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

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

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

Kara - Snohomish Photographer

Kara's Personal Production Team:  Makeup:  Bethany J. Burns Makeup Artistry   |   Photographer:  Jared M. Burns

Production Notes:  Two light setup (one strobe in a bare bulb beauty dish, one strobe with a 1/4 inch grid and colored gel) / silver reflector under chin / black background /  5000K / ISO 400 / 50mm lens / f3.2 / 1/200 sec / no color correction / no Photoshop enhancement / very light retouching & sharpening

-JMB

Paisley - Snohomish Family Photographer

Meet the beautiful Paisley, a true miracle baby!  It is such a special to privilege to preserve these moments that mark her beginning and very first week of life.  Congratulations Angela and Dave!  Be sure to cherish every moment!

-JMB