Email Survey Results: What did you do with your digital files?

Years ago, when we first did this poll, we discovered that 98% of people never printed a single digital image from their family portrait session.

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This same percentage basically holds true today. Whether taking their own personal photos or downloading professional digitals from a photographer, only one in 50 people will ever bring life to their portraits by printing and displaying them in their home.

On that day, we realized we were providing a disservice to our portrait clients and, nearly overnight, our business model changed. Today, we are a full-service studio that creates beautiful, lasting memories for people who care about family. It is about creating emotional, personalized art in the home that says, "This is us. This is what matters. We belong."

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If you are ready to make a statement about what is most important in your life, contact us today, or visit our Family Gallery.

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."

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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. 

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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

Best Places to see Fall Color Around Washington State

Are you a leaf peeper looking for the most amazing fall color spots in and around Washington State? Here are some resources you might find helpful!

Our Leaf Locator Map

We’ve created our own leaf locator map on Google Maps so you can easily see where the hottest spots are for color near Washington. Do you know of a place that should be added to the map? Email it to us at info@jaredmburns.com.

Fall Foliage Prediction Map

Smokeymountians.com has created this interactive map that forecasts the fall color within every county of the US. Just move the slider to find the optimal date for the location you intend to go leaf-peeping.

Happy Leaf Peeping!

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

Snohomish Family Photographer, Jared M. Burns - Couples

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. 

Snohomish Family Photographer, Jared M. Burns - Northwest Family

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.

Snohomish Family Photographer, Jared M. Burns - Family with older kids

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.

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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!?" 

Holiday Special: Give one, get one

This only happens once a year during the special season of giving. Gift a $250 photography sitting to a friend or your family and get one for yourself free! This would normally be $500 for both. Giving one to you is our way of saying thank you for passing the gift of photography to someone you love!

Promotion ends 12/24/17. Certificates will be mailed. Photography products and digitals sold separately.

March 2017 Canvas Contest

It's Contest Time!!

You come up with a creative name for this image and post it in the comments on our Facebook Page. On March 20th, we'll review the name suggestions and the person we think has the most creative one will win this 30"x48" Gallery Wrap Canvas of Horseshoe Bend in Marble Canyon. (The photo doesn't do it justice...this canvas is beautiful!)

(The photo doesn't do it justice...this canvas of Horseshoe Bend at Marble Canyon Arizona is beautiful!)

(The photo doesn't do it justice...this canvas of Horseshoe Bend at Marble Canyon Arizona is beautiful!)

The RULES are simple:

  1. You can be a business or an individual to play, but no more than 2 posts per person

  2. You also must be local to Snohomish County or North King County, so I can deliver and install the canvas

  3. You must also respond within 7 days when we contact you about winning, or the prize goes to the next runner up

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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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.

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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.

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

- JMB

Series: Top 10 things that KILL Summer Photos #1

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 #1 - Using Only Your Smartphone Camera

Smartphones are indeed cool and convenient, but they have a ways to come yet.  Your family summer vacations are outside the normal routine and take you on many new adventures...meaning countless complex lighting situations phone cameras cannot deal with.  Have you ever tried to use your phone to make a photo in lava tube, attempted to capture the beautiful sunset at the beach resort, or got a blurry group shot around luau table after dark? Then you know what I 'm talking about and how your smartphone just couldn't keep up.  

Taken on an iPhone in a little morning shade. Not very good.

Taken on an iPhone in a little morning shade. Not very good.

Let's take a closer look. Really bad.

Let's take a closer look. Really bad.

iPhone trying to deal with low light in a tent.

iPhone trying to deal with low light in a tent.

SOLUTION:  At the risk of stating the obvious, use your real camera instead

Like you, I have been lulled into the iDevice age.  It takes considerable effort to remember the old digital-camera-thingy. Nearly all digital cameras are still better than nearly all smartphone cameras today, even the ones that boast 40 megapixels.  We can certainly argue that phone technology is getting better...but so are high definition displays. How will your phone images look on that 4K screen you have been eyeing?  Regardless which tech wins the race, I want to give my family memories the best possible chance which will never come from a built in camera smaller than a button.  In twenty years it will be irrelevant which device we made images on...no one remembers nor cares. In that day, the quality of the memory will be determined by whether or not the image even is worth viewing.

Taken on a 12 year old camera

Taken on a 12 year old camera

Taken on a 12 year old camera

Taken on a 12 year old camera

Taken on a 10 year old camera

Taken on a 10 year old camera

Taken on a 12 year old camera

Taken on a 12 year old camera

Taken on a 3 year old camera

Taken on a 3 year old camera

Taken on a 3 year old camera

Taken on a 3 year old camera

Series: Top 10 things that KILL Summer Photos #2

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.

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MISTAKE #2 - You didn't put much effort into it

We were excited to use the camera when we first got it, but remembering to always bring it soon feels like a burden.  For us, it usually goes down a little like this...

[Car is packed, kids are belted, and we just settled into our seats.]

  • [Wife]: "Did you get the camera?"

  • [Me]: "Nooo, I thought you were going to get it."

  • [Wife]: "But you're the one who takes all the pictures."

  • [Me]: "If you want me to take all the pictures, then can you go find the camera?"

  • [Wife]: "I don't want to go back and look for it."

  • [Me]: "If I have to go get it now, we are going to be late. Let's just go."

  • [Wife]: "I have my iPhone with me anyway."

Sometimes we are just camera lazy people. We don't feel motivated to be creative or intentional with the photos and opt for the path of least resistance. It results in thoughtless snapshots or absolutely no shots.

 

SOLUTION: Have a theme, make it fun

Bringing the camera is a discipline...You just have to do it. However, planning a summer photo theme is an easy way to help make it fun again. It encourages family participation toward a common photo goal. It boosts your own creative energy along the way.  Best of all, the vacation photos are much more fun to share with people when there are themes to tie everything together.

Here are some theme ideas you may steal...

  1. Take photos in a visual sequence to tell the vacation story

  2. Make at least one campfire portrait each year

  3. Hide a silly prop in shots as an Easter egg for other people to discover when they view photos later

  4. Include some fun repeating element, as many photos as you can

  5. Whoever takes the funniest photo wins a prize

  6. Look for objects in your travels that are weird/quirky to build a photo collection

  7. Make a quick group shot at every landmark

  8. Spot and photograph strange signs along the way

  9. Snap a quick photo of the heritage markers, then read about it in the car as you drive

  10. Make forced perspective pictures at all the tourist sites

  11. Document it every time someone gets to do something new or unusual

  12. *My Favorite* Shoot with the intention of making a family vacation album each year