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!

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?

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!

When was your last family portrait?

Summer is coming!

"Umm, no kidding, Jared, everyone knows this."

Well, fire season is coming too!

"Oh, yeah...I hadn't thought about that."

There just one EXTREMELY important thing you must know...

Waiting too long to book your family portraits could cost you. You might be trading the beautiful blue skies of Washington for a thick, brownish-red cloud of smog. While we hate to say it, the late-summer fires are a real thing around here now. 

How long has it been since your last family portrait?

If this summer is the one for you, be sure to plan your family session early! Everything we love about the beautiful Northwest is happening now. We want your family portraits to have that dream look you would be proud to display on your walls for years to come. 

Now is the time! Call us today to get started!

206.659.7468

What is the value of a photograph tomorrow?

Determining the personal value of a photograph is a complex issue. Initially, it seems like it shouldn't cost any more than the $0.13 developing fee, but consider the relative value to the one who holds the memories. People invest their wealth in lifestyle, homes, and vehicles, yet if presented with the choice to rescue only one belonging from a catastrophe, all choose their family's "Photography Memories" knowing these are the only belongings that can never be replaced.  

So what is the value of a photograph?

My wife and I on one of our first dates.

A Photograph is the only...

• way to stop time

• opportunity to see the world through another's eyes

• truly unique thing we can own

• way we can relive a moment

• thing that lasts after the wedding

• evidence our memory was real

My grandfather when he was young.

A Photograph is a tangible connection to...

• our past, present, and future

• the our life experiences that make us who we are

• the people, places, and things we care about most

• our heritage

• our greatest life moments

My wife holding our newborn son.

A Photograph can...

• never be replaced

• say more than words

• capture personality

• make us remember

• share life with others

• show moments we may have missed

• traverse time and space

• bring people together

• transcend language and culture

My sister and I a long time ago.

A Photograph has the power to...

• communicate knowledge, ideas, understanding, and love

• change the world or change our world view

• remind us of what is most important

• elicit the strongest of human emotion

• take us places we have never been

• show moments we may have missed

• strengthen the bonds we share with ones we love

• live forever

My daughter's first ride on a ferris wheel.

My friend and mentor, Skip Cohen of Skip Cohen University, always says, "With the exception of modern medicine, no career field has given society more than professional photography!

The strange thing about photographs is they always appreciate with age. So, what is the value of your photograph?

It's your story.

-JMB

Summer Activity Ideas Near Snohomish County - #1

Visit Skykomish for a Free Train Ride

If your crossing Steven's Pass, the kids will be thrilled if you make a point to stop off in Skykomish. Located just two blocks off Hwy 2, the Great Northern & Cascade Railway operates a Museum and miniature 1/8th scale train to celebrate the heritage and history of the rails. It's much larger than one would first think with nearly half a mile of rail that carries riders through realistic tunnels and over trestles.

Inside the museum, kids will learn about history through a touch-and-feel experience. They are encouraged to explore vintage items of technology like telegraphs, telephones, and typewriters.

Staffed by volunteers and model train enthusiasts, this non-profit organization is open every weekend of the summer through October. Kids and adults are welcome to ride as many times as they like. Donations are welcomed and will assist with future developments like expanded rail lines, small scale buildings, and other interesting pieces of history.

You might not have known it, but Skykomish also has charming diners and shops you can visit while in town.

- JMB

10 Tips to Improve Your Mother's Day Photos

This is the secret gift Mom REALLY wants for Mother’s Day!  It is so simple…photographs of the ones she loves and cares for most.  Unlike flowers, kitchen gadgets, home knickknacks, or even a card, photography is the one thing she is guaranteed to revisit for the rest of her life.  If you will be providing the photos for this years family Mother’s Day gathering, here are 10 excellent tips to make them shine!

1. Instead of asking everyone to look at the camera, let things flow naturally as though you are an observer documenting the visual story of her special day.

2. Don’t always try to get everything in one shot. By focusing in on the minor details or smaller groups of people at a time you will actually achieve a more complete “big picture” of the day.

3. Remember that heads usually don’t belong in the dead center of the frame. Instead, try and move the frame of the camera so the heads are a little off center and include just a little more of the environment.

4. Turn your camera on its side. We tend to default to landscape orientation because it’s what feels most natural with the way we hold the camera or view TV. To add new variety to your photos, try frequently turning the camera on its side for portrait orientation. This is especially great when photographing people.

5. Take a meaningful single portrait of each person Mom loves! Better yet, have each one take a picture individually with Mom!

6. Mom loves to feel emotionally connected to the photos, so move in even closer for the shot! Physically moving in closer reinforces a deeper, more personal connection with the photography subject.

7. Mom wants a shot of everyone together, but large groups take more care. One or two shots of whole group won’t cut it because someone always blinks. A pro secret is to take lots of photos, hoping one will turn out right. If it doesn’t, then simply use an editing program to paint Blinky’s eyes back in from another photo.

8. Avoid the in-camera flash whenever possible. Turn off your camera’s internal flash and turn up the available light in the room. This provides fuller, more natural lighting in your images.

9. Don’t get too caught up in trying to find the perfect photo. What matters most to Mom is that you were there and engaged as a meaningful part of her day!

10. If you are not the photographer type, consider giving Mom the gift of portrait photography. Whether it is an updated portrait of her dearest family, your own family, just the children, or all her grand-babies, she will cherish it forever!

-JMB

What is the Value of a Photograph?

Determining the personal value of a photograph is a complex issue.  Initially it seems like it shouldn't cost any more than the $0.09 developing fee at Costco, but consider the relative value to the one who holds the memory.  People invest their wealth in lifestyle, homes, and vehicles, yet if presented with the choice to rescue only one belonging from a catastrophic fire, all choose their family's "Photograph Memories" knowing they can never be replaced.  So, what is the value of a photograph?

A Photograph is the only...

• way we can stop time

• opportunity to truly see the world through another person's eyes

• thing that is still unique in this world

• way of going back in time and reliving a special moment

• thing that lasts after the wedding us over

• evidence those special memories have taken place

A Photograph will...

• instantly communicate knowledge, ideas, and understanding

• change our world view

• reflect what is most important in our lives

• say more than we can ever describe

• take people places they have never been

• allow you to see moments you have missed

• never fade away

• capture and preserve the intangible like a personality or feeling

• share our lives with others

• be more accurate than our own memory as the years go by

• strengthen the bonds we share with the ones we love

A Photograph is a tangible connection to...

• our past, present, and future

• the experiences that make us who we are today

• our individual artistic expression

• the people, places, and things you care about most

• our heritage

• our greatest life moments

A Photograph can...

• never be replaced

• elicit the strongest of human emotion

• make us remember

• traverse time and space

• bring people together

• transcend language and culture

• change the world

• live forever

If photographs are the memories that compliment the written pages of our personal life story, then the real question is, what is the value of a memory?

"It's your story."

-JMB