Series: Top 10 things that KILL Summer Photos #3

Your life and memories deserve to be amazing! This series focuses on the 10 biggest mistakes that kill your summer family photos and how you can fix them.

MISTAKE #3 - You didn't have a backup plan

Faulty memory cards and failed hard drives always happen to somebody else, right? Wrong. Data loss will happen to everyone at some point. In fact, it just happened to me on our vacation a few weeks ago and you can read all about it here.  

Here are some recent stories people have shared with me. Do any of these sound familiar to you?

  • Went swimming, but forgot the memory card was in my pocket

  • Put the camera and cards safely in the luggage, but the airline lost them

  • Backpack got stolen with the camera in it

  • Accidentally deleted all the photos

  • Had the camera with us on the boat, but that was the last time we remember seeing it

  • Left the camera at the restaurant, but it never made it to lost and found

  • Misplaced the memory cards at one of the hotels

  • Uploaded them to the computer, but the hard drive failed

  • Uploaded them to the laptop, but it was stolen from the hotel room

  • Random and unexplained data corruption

 

SOLUTION: Bring a mini backup hard drive

You would bring a backup copy of your passport, so why not a backup plan for your vacation photos? Tech today makes it so simple, anybody can do it. Here are four steps to ensure your photo memories can be safe and enjoyed long after you get home.

  1. WHILE VACATIONING: Back the photos up to a small travel drive every day or two. Here are some great ones: Buffalo 1 TB Portable Mini Drive ($70), Western Digital 500 GB Portable Mini Drive ($50), Wireless Mini Backup Hard Drive w/ Backup Battery & SD Card Reader ($40)

  2. WHEN YOU GET HOME: Back up your photo files on another external drive with all your other important back up data. I use and recommend WD My Book 4 TB USB 3.0 Hard Drive with Backup ($130).

  3. NEAR-TERM: Upload your favorite memories to an online photo storage or data site. I use Dropbox because it is free and so easy to drag and drop files. You can also use Google Drive, One Drive, Box, or countless other online services.

  4. LONG-TERM: Keep backups on your own mini server (Preferably not in your home). Check out the 4 TB My Cloud EX2 by Western Digital ($350).

Even if you can't do all four levels of protection, PLEASE start with at least one now and move to the next level when you are ready.

Have you been the victim of data loss? There still might be a chance to save the summer vacation photos, here is what you need to do.

 

Read about the other mistakes...

-JMB

Series: Top 10 things that KILL Summer Photos #4

Your life and memories deserve to be amazing! This series focuses on the 10 biggest mistakes that kill your summer family photos and how you can fix them.

MISTAKE #4 - Not Getting Close Enough to the Moment 

If your summer photos seem like a random collection of snapshots, it might just be because you are only making snapshots. Snapshots are effortless and usually taken from afar. They include too much in the frame with no clear subject. One is left struggling to understand why the photo was taken in the first place.

Fort Casey.jpg

SOLUTION:  Move in Even Closer

Zoom in tight with your lens or even physically use your legs to move yourself closer to the family action.  You will eliminate distractions outside of the image frame and put focus on what is most important to you.   One of the strangest things I have learned about photography is the more you focus on small details or single moments, the more complete the visual story. 

If you want to dig deeper, here is a fun book I found that can help improve personal photos no matter what kind of camera you use...

Better Photo Basics: The Absolute Beginner's Guide to Taking Photos Like a Pro ($12.75)

Snohomish Family Photographer - Family at a farm.jpg
Snohomish Family Photographer - Boy on a horse
Girl with a riding helmet.jpg
Snohomish Photographer - Parrot.jpg
Boy following ducks.jpg
Tired boy.jpg

Series: Top 10 things that KILL Summer Photos #5

Your life and memories deserve to be amazing! This series focuses on the 10 biggest mistakes that kill your summer family photos and how you can fix them.

MISTAKE #5 - Never appearing in your own family photos

In photography we say, "If it is not in the frame, it doesn't exist." Since you are the one reading this, much like me, you are are likely the one in the family with the passion for taking photos and making sure you appear in photos is easy to over look.

Family on a log.jpg

SOLUTION: Be intentional about getting in shots yourself!

You are a critical part of your family's stories. When these memories are passed down, you simply must be in them. No selfies or selfie sticks. This requires the assistance of another family member, friend, or dare I say, handing your camera to a passing stranger.

When no one else is available, use a tripod. They certainly don't have to be cumbersome. Here are a few affordable and cool tripods you will want to carry when you travel: Joby GorillaPod ($46), Pedco UltraPod ($12), or AmazonBasics 52-Inch Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod ($80).

Tel Dan, Israel thanks to my tripod.

Tel Dan, Israel thanks to my tripod.

Skagit Valley, WA thanks to my wife!

Skagit Valley, WA thanks to my wife!

Zion National Park, UT thanks to my brother!

Zion National Park, UT thanks to my brother!

Camping near Mountain Look Highway, Granite Falls, WA thanks to my tripod.

Camping near Mountain Look Highway, Granite Falls, WA thanks to my tripod.

North Creek Park, Mill Creek, WA thanks to my wife!

North Creek Park, Mill Creek, WA thanks to my wife!

Series: Top 10 things that KILL Summer Photos #6

Your life and memories deserve to be amazing! This series focuses on the 10 biggest mistakes that kill your summer family photos and how you can fix them.

MISTAKE #6:  Disregard For Your Own Children, Photographically Speaking

Parents often act as though their perspective is the only perspective...let me explain. Millions of vacation photos each year are ruined by adults taking photos from above, looking down the children.  No matter how special the moment was, there’s nothing significant about seeing the tops of heads.

Arches National Park Hike.jpg

SOLUTION:  Consider who you are photographing

Consider their perspective. How can you make a photo that tells their story? It is easy, just get down to their level and try to see the world as they view it when you take the picture.  There's nothing more special than seeing it through their eyes.

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Snohomish Family Photographer - Boy with jellyfish
Girl in window.jpg
Girl at the fair.jpg
Snohomish Family Photographer - Sister and Brother
Snohomish Family Photographer - Little Hiker.jpg

Series: Top 10 things that KILL Summer Photos #7

Your life and memories deserve to be amazing! This series focuses on the 10 biggest mistakes that kill your summer family photos and how you can fix them.

MISTAKE #7 - Leaving the camera in the hotel

Has this ever happened to you? We leave the hotel for a little outing saying, “No need to bring the camera for this one.” It really just means, "I just don't want to carry it around."  Inevitably something special happens and we catch ourselves exclaiming, “Ohh, I wish I brought the camera!”  It's because life always happens in the between moments.  The unplanned events often become some of the greatest stories to share, even the defining moments of your vacation.  No camera means no photo memories.

Camera with travel bag.jpg

SOLUTION:  Bring the camera anyway

Yes, bring the camera wherever you go, even when you don’t want to.  Don’t leave it in the hotel or the car.  Have it with you. Have it out.  Have it ready.  Think about all the unbelievable, amazing, and hilarious Youtube family videos that have only been made by people who remembered to bring the camera.  These unexpected moments are big part of your story and not to be missed!

Series: Top 10 things that KILL Summer Photos - #8

Your life and memories deserve to be amazing! This series focuses on the 10 biggest mistakes that kill your summer family photos and how you can fix them.

MISTAKE #8 - Using Those Faux-Filters in Apps

Unless you are posting a photo from the past, “fake vintage” is fake vintage. Just like the word “Rad” is associated with the 1980’s, before you know it, the Instagram-filter-look with lifeless desaturation and gritty-grime will be an outdated mark of the 2010’s.

Bad instagram filters.jpg

SOLUTION: For the love of all that is right in the world, just STOP!!

Just say "No" to faux-filters. You will one day wish to remember life events for what they were and not be distracted by the snazzy processing. The more trendy something is, the faster it will become dated. (If it isn't already a law, it sure should be.)

Snohomish Family Photographer - Canon Beach Family
Snohomish Family Photographer - Canon Beach Child Portrait
Snohomish Family Photographer - Canon Beach Baby Portrait

Series: Top 10 things that KILL Summer Photos - #9

Your life and memories deserve to be amazing! This series focuses on the 10 biggest mistakes that kill your summer family photos and how you can fix them.

MISTAKE #9 - Taking photos in direct sunlight

So often we vacation where it is sunny and beautiful. Sunlight creates bright highlights and deep shadows and our cameras don’t have ability to make sense of such dynamic range. Worst of all, people make squinchy-scrunchy faces. It’s not pretty.

In the sun.jpg

SOLUTION:  Find shade

Areas of shade are the best photo opportunities on a bright sunny day.  Look under trees and beside buildings or structures.  If none can be found, you can always make shade...just have your subjects turn their back to the sun. Their front side will no longer be exposed to the direct sun giving their faces less intense and better balanced light of their own shade.

Shade of a building

Shade of a building

Shade from bushes and trees

Shade from bushes and trees

Shade created when the subject's back is to the sun

Shade created when the subject's back is to the sun

Series: Top 10 things that KILL Summer Photos - #10

Your life and memories deserve to be amazing! This series focuses on the 10 biggest mistakes that kill your summer family photos and how you can fix them.

MISTAKE #10: Having everyone stand there and smile all the time

Forced, fake smiles are awkward...you and I both know it.  Yes, it seemed like a good idea at the time, but when we look at the image later, we wish it had been more natural.

Bad vacation photo.jpg

SOLUTION:  Think photojournalistic

Vacation is about life together so think like a photojournalist and document the real moments as they happen.  There are still times and a places for posed photos, but have fun with them.  Let people be themselves.  Catch a moment. Tell a joke and snap the photo when they laugh.  I have heard rumor of “certain noises” that can crack even the most stoic and uncooperative of children.

Keegan sits atop a sand dune - Bruneau Dunes State Park, ID

Keegan sits atop a sand dune - Bruneau Dunes State Park, ID

Ella hiking with her puppy at the Three Patriarchs, Zion National Park, UT

Ella hiking with her puppy at the Three Patriarchs, Zion National Park, UT

More sand than they know what to do with - Bruneau Dunes State Park, ID

More sand than they know what to do with - Bruneau Dunes State Park, ID

5 Things to Know About Your Family Photographer

Five things you should consider in your next Snohomish family portrait photographer...

1. Do they work with kids?  Not all photographers are created equal.  Not all work well with children.  You want a photographer who has proven portraits of young children because it shows they can actually get what you need.

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2. Can they pose people?  Posing can be the difference between frumpy and flattering.  The first time you see your photograph, your eyes will go straight to you to see how you look.  You may not understand posing, but when you see a great portfolio, you should notice normal people who look great and are well balanced.

3. Do they provide a customer service experience?  The best way to see if a photographer provides a high level of customer service is to learn what other people say.  Do you know someone who has worked with them?  Are there online reviews or positive comments on Facebook?  Even better, ask the photographer what you can expect from your experience and learn how much they care in how they answer.

4. What is their editing like?  There are some really weird practices circulating in some photography circles...glowing alien baby eyes, fake vintage filters, plastic skin, and selective coloring.  Photographs exist so you can one day look back and remember loved ones as they were.  You want a photographer who can make natural and complimentary enhancements, representing your family at their best and as who they really are.

5. What products are available?  Just between you and yourself, when was the last time you “actually” printed out digital photos?  Shopping for only digitals is shorting yourself .  If it lives on a disc, it doesn't exist.  Think about it, would you rather leave your favorite cell store with a smartphone or a quarter to go find a payphone yourself?  Its the same with photographs.  You want a full service photographer who offers beautiful possibilities, products, and services you actually desire...ones you will use.

-JMB

Sarahenna: Seattle Mehndi Artist - Seattle Wedding Photographer

It is my privilege to introduce you to our newest preferred vendor, Sarahenna!  Sarah, is a unique artisan who specializes in Mehndi and henna designs for the body.  Take a moment to compare her work with other henna artists around the web and one will immediately discover she brings unmatched quality to this craft in our Seattle community. This collaborative project was unlike any other I have done.  The photography that follows documents my exploration into a new world of beautiful Indian culture.

Mehndi is “henna” (an herb) applied as temporary body decoration during a traditional Indian wedding.   It begins with the preparation of the henna herb leaf which has been ground into fine powder.  As a notable distinction, Sarah only imports high quality, natural, earth friendly products directly from India.

Water, sugar, and exotic oils are mixed together to form the henna paste.  It is then injected into foil cones that will act as the drawing utensil.

Our model, Karishma Sharma, is required to sit patiently for the next 7 hours as Sarah applies the designs with meticulous care.  The drawings are primarily applied to the hand and foot regions as they will be the most receptive to the henna pigment.  Though it acts as a tattoo, its effects will only last around 2 weeks.

Because the process requires many hours to complete, the paste will begin to dry before the pigment has the opportunity to set.  Lemon juice and sugar water are dabbed regulary to keep it moist for as long as possible.  The bride will be wrapped in protective layers and asked to remain as still as possible overnight.

The following day, the paste has dried and can be  rubbed off to reveal the designs.  They appear faint at first, but as time passes the designs will become darker in color.  With moisturizer, the life of a design can be extended to about three weeks.

The Mehndi tradition is considered to be one of the most important preparation rituals for the Indian bride.  The time of application is meant to be shared with her family and friends, often its even accompanied with dancing and singing.

In some Indian communities, Mehndi also signifies a special time in a bride's life where she is waited on hand and foot, not being permitted to perform even the least amount of work until it has worn off.

Henna is not just for wedding Mehndi!  Sarah provides a wide range of services to enhance the body for any culture or any occasion!  When you contact her, also ask her to tell you about the exciting new clothing design!

If you have enjoyed the work of our preferred vendor and featured artist, please take a moment to show your appreciation by visiting Sarah's website at  www.sarahenna.com and like her on Facebook!

-JMB

Welcome Keegan

On January 25th we welcomed our new baby boy Keegan into the world!  We have created a special slide show to share with you of the experience! PLEASE NOTE: Jared M. Burns Photography will be open for bookings and consultations during our Paternity/Maternity Leave in the month of February, however photography sessions are on hold until March 1, 2012. Please contact us at (206) 659-7468 if you have an urgent photography need.

-JMB