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

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