Oh no, my senior grad and I do not agree on portraits....

Does this story sound a little familiar to you? Sasha, a junior in high school, is looking forward to the big 2023-2024 graduation year. A huge part of the year will be the grad portrait session and she is really excited about it! Her mom really is excited too but finds her ideas are shut down or met with opposition. Sasha believes her mom only wants a bunch of "the boring stuff." Mom thinks Sasha's ideas are "a bit much" and miss the point a little. Sasha only wants to post the images to social media for Senior Sunday, but Mom is thinking a little more long-term and wants something beautiful for the home. The discussions are going nowhere. 

 CONGRATULATIONS, you are officially the parent of a senior grad!!

 Although both are seeking to commemorate the upcoming milestone, the goals are distinctly separate. Let's compare...

MOM'S GOALS

• Capture the life milestone

• Look like the competent and capable young adult they are becoming

• Create a cohesive look that would fit in the home 

• Proud to represent them at their best

• A reminder of their belonging to this family

• Feel affirmed for all that went into raising them (fist-bump from me)

SENIOR GRAD'S GOALS

• Showcase individuality

• Look cool and different

• Highlight personal talents and interests

• Emphasize personal style

• Use props and outfits to reflect their personal brand

• Feel seen

Despite these differences, both the senior grad student and parent CAN achieve their own results with the help of a professional photographer who understands their unique needs. With 13 years of experience, and clients with diverse interests and from varying backgrounds, we know how to provide customized solutions to meet opposing desires.

We believe everyone deserves to have a portrait that represents them in the best possible way. We also know what it feels like to be a parent. We will work with you both to create the perfect portraits. With a professional, you can achieve the goals for each and have lasting memories everyone will cherish for years to come!

Here are the secret 1-2-3 steps to success...

1. Talk to your senior grad and affirm their desires for the portraits

2. See what they think of our grad guide with tons of tips, style, location, and clothing ideas (Get a PDF you can send to their phone)

3. Meet with us before you commit to anything, but let your grad drive the discussion (Remember, we know what you want too!)

Booking with an experienced photographer also means you avoid getting stuck for life with portraits that met only one person's goals, or worse, no one's goals.

Let's do this!

So, why not book a consultation with us today and let us help you capture this life milestone the right way? We guarantee we will create beautiful portraits that you will both be proud to show off. If you have doubts, ask us about our brand promise!

Six things to know as you prepare for a 2024 grad

You might have a high school junior right now, but planning for the senior grad year is already underway. Yes, we know there is a TON you will need to do over the next 15 months, but there are small, easy steps you can take now with high-level planning and preparation that will ensure a smoother journey ahead.

As one of the first things you'll need to worry about...

 Where are you at with your grad-year portrait plans?

1. Don't wait too long! Why do we say this? Because it happens every year. Parents don't think about portraits until summer comes, then realize they are too late to get a date. The best photographers book up solid first. The good weather does not last. 

2. This isn't just a photo or snapshot. If it was that easy, you could do that yourself, right? Really, this is about a right of passage that commemorates the biggest achievement and transition your son or daughter has ever experienced in their life.

3. Who is your son or daughter becoming? A "right fit" photographer is key for their style or personality. Even better, an expert photographer will take the time to understand who they are and design a vision for their portrait session that brings out the very best. We believe that amazing portraits people cherish for a lifetime show a little about who they were, feature who they are now, and hint at who they are becoming.

4. When is the yearbook deadline for your school? It might be far earlier than you think! Guess what? The schools are really bad at communicating this info to you. It is not that they mean to be, they just get busy. DON'T WORRY! We are tracking that for you here.

5. What are YOUR goals as a parent for the portraits? Are they a little different than what your grad had in mind? Don't worry, we've got your back! We know what it is like to be a parent and how much these portraits represent all the love and support you have poured into them to get them to this point. We know what they want your child wants too. We are really good at blending the goals on both sides in a way your grad may not even notice! (We are sneaky like that - they don't have to know!)

6. What are your son or daughter's goals for portraits? Let's be honest here, your grad probably thinks you are totally out to lunch with your portrait goals, right? (Shhh! remember, we've still got you covered here!) Your grad is most concerned about feeling seen as a special individual with unique passions, personalities, or qualities. They want to showcase their personal style/brand in a way that sets them apart through clothing, interests, and location that fits their identity. We've got things covered for them too!

Tomorrow is Saturday! Use the opportunity to have a high-level conversation with your upcoming grad about some of these points above and just see where they are at. What are you on the same page about? What things were you not expecting to differ so much on?

We know life is busy and overwhelming, but this piece really does not have to be. We know what to do. We are here to help. We've got this!

Is it too soon to plan your outdoor portraits?

Not at all, spring is right around the corner! It's always better to plan ahead to avoid last-minute stress. Spring is a season of renewal and fresh beginnings, making it an ideal time to capture beautiful moments in nature or with loved ones. With each passing day now, the days are getting longer and the temperatures a little warmer! Planning now for spring means making the most when it comes to the season ahead.

TRIVIA TIME! Do you know why SEPTEMBER is at the top of the weather clock? (Find the answer below)

5 FUN TIPS FOR SPRING!

1. LOCATION: Consider the location for your photo session carefully and how that completed portrait will fit in your home. Springtime is full of vibrant colors and beautiful landscapes, so look for a location that will complement your desired aesthetic. Think about parks, gardens, or even your own backyard. (...and we know the best spots!)

2. CLOTHING: Spring is a season of new beginnings, so consider incorporating new clothing with bright, fresh colors and light fabrics into your wardrobe choices. Dressing in layers is also a good idea since spring weather can be unpredictable. (...and we provide a clothing consult!)

3. LIGHTING: The lighting in your photos can make a big difference in the final product. Springtime is a great time to take advantage of the soft, diffused lighting that comes with overcast or partly sunny days. (... and we are lighting experts so you always look amazing!)

4. PROPS: Adding props to your spring portraits can help tell a story or add visual interest. Consider incorporating spring flowers, picnic blankets, or other items that evoke the feeling of the season. (...and we provide recommendations as we get to know you!)

5. MOOD: Think about the tone you want your portraits to convey. Spring is a season of joy and renewal, so consider incorporating elements that reflect those feelings. Laughter, movement, and playfulness can all help bring your spring portraits to life. (... and we will design your vision!)

So why is SEPTEMBER at the top of the weather clock?

It is because September is the single most desirable month of the year. Whether people intend to or not, life is going to get a lot busier over these next six months. The portraits people intended to have done in spring or summer, often get pushed all the way back until school starts. August is the 11th hour, don't wait until then to start! 

Let's get something on the calendar and solve one problem now!

I asked Chatgpt to write an ancient story about a photographer

I asked the ChatGPT AI to create a story about a photographer in the form of an ancient legend, and this is what it wrote...

The Photography Student

There once was a photography student who dreamed of becoming the greatest photographer in all the land. He had a natural talent for capturing the beauty of the world around him, but he knew that he still had much to learn.

One day, the student decided that he would seek out a great photography master in the hopes of gaining some valuable wisdom and guidance. He traveled far and wide, searching high and low, until he finally found the master in a remote village nestled in the mountains.

The student approached the master with great reverence and asked if he might be willing to share his knowledge. The master, who was known for his kindness and generosity, agreed and began to teach the student all that he knew about the art of photography.

The student listened attentively, taking in every word that the master said. He was fascinated by the master's insights and techniques, and he knew that he had found a true mentor.

But as the days passed, the student began to realize that he had no intention of using the wisdom that the master had imparted to him. He was content to simply listen and learn, but he had no desire to put the knowledge into practice.

When the master noticed this, he asked the student why he had sought him out if he did not plan to use what he had learned. The student was at a loss for words, and he realized that he had wasted the opportunity to learn from one of the greatest masters in the land.

"Wisdom is not just to know, but to act on what you know," the master said. From that day on, the student vowed to use the wisdom he had gained to become the greatest photographer that he could be.

😲😲😲

Okay, wow! I have been totally guilty of this! Does it resonate with you too?

- JMB

Happy New Year - Something has changed...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

(but something has changed)

.

Something has changed in the world. Have you noticed...

• Airbnbs are booked up solid across the nation?

• Airlines are overbooked?

• Concert tickets are gone 15 min. after release?

• People are being turned away from the best National Parks?

• You have to reserve a spot to go on the best hikes?

• Campsite and RV reservations have all been snatched up 6 to 12 months in advance?

• Your next available hair appointment is 6 weeks out?

---

WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?! 

Likely, you have found yourself in one of two situations. (1) You aren't worried because you planned what you wanted WAY in advance or (2) you experience tremendous disappointment when you found out the people who planned in advance took the opportunity away.

---

The same is true for on-demand creative services like photography. Half the people and businesses are planning ahead and taking the dates. The other half finds out that, when the idea pops into their head, it is already too late.

Here are 5 things you do to avoid disappointment in 2023

1. Do you have a senior Grad? Begin talking about the plan for grad portraits now. They need to happen the summer BEFORE the start of grade 12. Most parents don't know this and wait until the last week in August or the start of school. They miss out on the best weather, the best locations, and the best dates. April of the Junior year is not too early to start researching your grad photographer.

2. Is this the year for family portraits? Spring is when to plan for summer. Families who wait until school is out to think about their portrait plans may be lucky to even get a date in the fall. Some years, the best summer dates can book out 8-12 weeks in advance.

3. Going on a special vacation? Know that all photographers are busy during the most beautiful months of the year. Take your photographer plans as seriously as you would your flights and accommodations because other people are.

4. Needing business portraits? Plan now for Q1 or Q2 because where will your team be in Q3? On vacation, of course! So then it gets bumped to Q4, but everyone is too busy through the holidays and it gets bumped to Q1 of next year. Yikes!

5. Take a moment now to consider what your portrait goals are for this year. Bring it up at the next family meeting or business meeting. It is a quick and easy discussion you can have right now that has the power to change how you feel about 2023.

If we can be of service to you in 2023, we look forward to connecting! We know how to help you plan and prepare.

 Reach out to us at 206.659.7468 or info@jaredmburns.com

10 ways photographers can refocus their business priorities for a better 2023

Here we are at the end of 2022. For most photographers, we are looking ahead to a bit of a slow season in the first quarter. For some that might be scary, but I truly count this as one of my favorite times of the year! It is the opportunity to evaluate the good, the bad, and the ugly of last year and make a better plan for the coming one.

It is a “New year and a new you” as the saying goes, but there is one keyword people miss in the application…New. “New” means, not the same. “New” has an element of intentionality. “New” is simple. “New” means “Do differently.” Stop what you need to stop. Do what you know you need to do. Continue, but refine what is working well.

Prep: Before you begin refocusing your priorities, I recommend taking a moment to reflect. The S.W.O.T. Analysis is an easy and simple way to do this. Google it if you are not familiar. There are also free templates all over the internet to print.

Have you completed your S.W.O.T. Analysis? Great! With all those Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats in mind, let’s now dive into the ten most important ways you can refocus your business priorities and get NEW and BETTER results in 2023.

1. Diversify your income streams: Don't rely on just one source of income, such as one genre like weddings or family portraits. Consider offering additional services that have a similar business model as what you already know, such as commercial or product photography if you do headshots, or selling portrait products if you do families and seniors grads. Regardless of your current level of business, there is always another need you can fulfill for your client.

2. Build a strong online presence: This includes having a professional website, an active social media presence, and a solid email marketing strategy. Even if you are already on top of these, revisit them and make them stronger.

3. Focus on building your brand: Your brand should reflect your unique style and vision as a photographer. Develop a strong brand identity and consistently promote it across all of your marketing channels. A friend of mine named Levi Sim, once said, “If you want to be a better photographer, learn to be a better person.”

4. Network with other business professionals: Build relationships with the business leaders around you and add value to the local community. This will never be fruitless. All of your ideal client types are doing business with other kinds of businesses in your community. Their clients can become your clients.

5. Invest in education and training: Stay up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques in photography by investing in education and training. This can help you improve your skills and stand out in a crowded market. Pay more attention to “the boring training” about better business practices than the “photo tricks” that always feel more fun.

6. Build a stronger portfolio: I’m sure you know your portfolio is a key marketing tool that showcases your work and skills to potential clients who are searching for you. Make sure it is regularly updated with your best work and is easily accessible online. Do you have your contact details clearly displayed on every single page of your portfolio?

7. Focus on customer service: Providing excellent customer service can help you stand out in a crowded market and lead to repeat business and referrals. We are living in a time post-COVID where the bar for customer service has never been lower, meaning it takes next to no effort to show you care just a little more for people.

8. Learn how to effectively price your services: Properly pricing your services is crucial for the success of your business and now more than ever with current inflation rates. Research comparable rates in your area and consider more many factors than your Costs of Goods Sold such as your skills and experience, the value you provide to your clients, and your business expenses. If your pricing is off in any of these areas, the higher costs are secretly eating up your business from underneath.

9. Be proactive in marketing your business: Don't wait for business to come to you. Reach out to potential clients and promote your services through a variety of marketing channels. It is always harder to devote thought energy to what needs to be done in the moment, but so easy to make a marketing plan. A year has 12 months, so you only need to plan one activity per month. Consider the seasonality of your work and the goals you have for the year as you jot down your twelve items. Don’t forget, there is sophistication in simplicity. You are more likely to act if they are small, easy-to-understand items.

10. Stay organized and manage your time effectively: Good time management and organization are key to running a successful photography business. Develop systems for managing your workload, bookkeeping, scheduling, and other tasks to help you stay on top of things. Also, remember that most of the “effective work time” you lose in a day happens during distractions and transitions. Look for ways to work smarter, block your time, and limit intrusions.

Homework time! So sorry to break it to you…needed change is easy to identify, but not as easy to apply. Grab a notepad and work through this list again. Brainstorm all the unique things that are required to make your business better in 2023. I like using the Motive/Action Framework, again, because it keeps things simple.

For example, concerning time management…

• MOTIVE: Need to group similar types of work together on certain days.

• ACTION: Create blocks of time on the calendar for single-focusing on calls/emails, editing, photo shoots, and meeting appointments.

Congratulations, you are off to a great start for 2023! You’ve got this! Did any new thoughts come to you that were not considered before? Did you try something using this framework and find success? Let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear about it!

Don't Forget Your Camera

📷 ✅ 👍

It's just days away now - The most important holiday week of the entire year! ...And it is going to be a busy one with a flurry of family gatherings and special events. As you prepare for these festive occasions, don't forget to pack one important item: your camera!

 Here's a secret...

There is something unique about this Christmas, something that will never happen again. It could be the first Christmas as a new family of three or the last one with the family still at home. Maybe it is the first time a child sees Santa in wonder or the last year a child still believes. For some, it will be the first time the extended family has come back together in 10 years or the last shared with a special loved one.

When the season gets busy, we often forget to look toward these moments ahead, the ones we want to cherish most. Afterward, all the moments we missed will come to mind, but we can't go back.

Capturing memories with loved ones is an integral part of the holiday season, and having a camera in hand ensures that you won't miss a single special moment. Whether it's a group photo with all your relatives or a candid shot of all the little ones opening presents, these photos will become treasured keepsakes for years to come.

So as you gear up for the holiday season, make sure to remember to bring your camera along for the ride.

- JMB

Which is the best month for senior grad photos?

We often get the question “Which month is the best month for senior grad photos?” and we have some considerations here below to help you decide. The truth is that each senior grad has different goals for the location or season of their photo session. The key thing to know is summer is short. You need to talk about these goals with your senior grad in advance so you can book your portrait photographer at the correct time. The best senior grad portrait photographers always book up earlier than you might think, like weeks and months in advance.

We've been photographing since 2010 and this is the cycle we see year after year...

• April (Junior year) - Some 11th-grade students begin researching and booking their photographer in anticipation of the coming senior year in order to ensure they get the choice weather and locations. This is also the only time of year to feature the spring blooms.

• May (Junior year) - Many junior students will have their senior grad sessions before the end of their 11th year while sprig weather is at its best. May is usually cooler with fluffy clouds.

• June - School is ending and summer grad portraits are getting busier. Last year's parents who were late booking a photographer are trying to get any dates still available before the school year ends. Though June has beautiful moments, it is generally a rainy month and many senior photo sessions will get bumped to July or opt for indoor portraits.

• July - After the 4th of July, we begin receiving a steady stream of parents who are on top of their student’s portraits for summer. The weather is at its absolute best and things are really picking up with each passing day.

• August - The parents who had a late start on the summer season are now trying to get any remaining session times. The days are hotter and the grass has the golden dry look that many grads desire. It is now a matter of weeks until school starts again.

• September - Many parents of senior grads were not aware of the early yearbook deadline. and they just found out. They are now frantically calling to get any date they can. Dates are booked solid through the rest of the season.

• October - Students who wanted to feature fall color already booked their dates back in July/August. Any remaining availability is extremely limited to last-minute cancellations if at all.

• November - The yearbook deadlines have passed for all but a few remaining high schools. The first half of the month can still have the occasional nice weather day, but November generally is one of the rainiest months of the year.

• December / January / February - The weather is generally too rainy or too cold for outdoor portraits and these sessions are usually bumped out for months before there is good enough weather again.

  March - The weather starts getting nicer again, but the greenery has not yet returned to many plants. Students who missed the yearbook deadline are starting to book up spring dates.

• April - Parents are now trying to book late-season portraits before the big grad year comes to a close.

• May (End of senior year) - This is generally a stable weather month for outdoor portraits. Some parents missed the other milestones, but they still want images to remember the senior year. They are now frantic to book a portrait date before graduation. Also, next year’s seniors are already booking up those same dates.

• June (After the senior year) - Grads who were too late to book earlier in the year are now trying to get whatever dates they can before they leave for college.

We’d love to help you and your senior grad with the most important photography of their life. Contact us ASAP for availability. It never hurts to be ahead of the game!

Not waiting until the last minute to secure your photographer is key!

The single comment I hear most often from parents of senior grads is, "I had no idea yearbook portraits were due so early!" Yes, it is true!! The deadline for most area high schools falls somewhere between September 15th to October 15th.

Hiring Customer Service Associate

Would you consider yourself creatively brave? Do you have a heart for people and authentic interaction? Are you in need of a different kind of work that fits into your schedule? You want to keep your skills and experience alive and sharp, but you want it done on your terms. You want to manage your own time so you can be available and present in your family’s most important life moments or adventures.

Unless you intend to descend the rabbit hole, multi-level marketing is not dependable. Most part-time work has an inflexible, pre-determined schedule and zero opportunity to own, define, or improve it. Rest assured this opportunity is not like either of those! You will not be required to sell things to your friends and family. We are offering a real employment position with a fun and creative photography business that’s been around for 13+ years. We need someone like you who is ready to take charge of their role in just 2-3 hours per day as you see fit from home.

We sincerely hope you will do things a little differently here because we already do things a little differently! Success and development in a way that supports the life you want for your family are important to us. After all, we are in the business of preserving life and memories. We challenge ourselves to bring a Disney-World-like, customer service experience to our portrait clients. We believe it is life-changing when people see their uniqueness and value in a special image they can share. If this resonates with you, then we want you on our team!

On this team, you can explore your creative side at the pace you need. As a key contributing member, you will have opportunities to develop the role around your interests. You will share in guiding and growing the creative journey we are on. For the right fit person, there is a place where you can get better, flexible, and more dependable work than you will find anywhere else.

This isn't going to be your normal interview process. We are looking for people who can be leaders and owners of creative solutions. We are not as concerned about your past education and experience as much as we are interested in your desire to learn and ability to figure things out. People who aren't passionate about business growth that serves beautifully unique people and their stories need not apply.

If this sounds like an experience you are ready to own, we invite you to read the job summary and apply today by clicking the button!

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.

Coronavirus update from Jared M. Burns Photography

No one is untouched by the strange global situation. We hope you and your loved ones remain safe, healthy, and positive!

We are happy to report all is well here for the photography business and everything is moving forward as usual. We survived the recession 10 years ago and plan to be here through Coronavirus as well. Here below are a couple of quotes encouraging and guiding us through this time. 

““For God has NOT given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.”
- 2 Timothy 1:7

”Perfect love casts out all fear.”
- 1 John 4:18”

So what does Coronavirus mean for our clients?

1. It is still possible to photograph safely. We are maintaining health practices and monitoring the situation. At this time, we are still able to travel to our client's homes or business locations as needed. The number of people we work with at a given time is well under the social gathering limitations. We can maintain a safe distance while creating the amazing portraits our clients expect. We can also provide Zoom conferencing for anyone who needs it.

2. Branding imagery may be the only way for our business clients to connect with their customers for the foreseeable future. We have you covered there! Arguably, this may be the most ideal time for a branding photography project that would have otherwise been disruptive to daily work.

3. Does your company have an unusual media need at this time? While we have a few main areas of photography passion, there are many more services we are capable of providing or consulting on. We recognize that you will be looking for creative ways to keep the connection alive with your clients through video, imagery, social engagement, or other media and we are here to help! Let's chat about your needs.

4. We are capable of mobile headshots, meaning we can take our lighting and backdrop equipment to your remote workers and still guarantee a consistent and professional look for every employee that matches the level of your brand. When people see your team on the website, they will think you are operating as normal too! You still want to be in the best possible position when people are ready to move on with life, right?

5. We are mobile when it comes to family portraits. You don't have to venture far at these times if you aren't ready. We will come to you. We can help you locate stunning outdoor locations near your home while maintaining healthy social distancing. Guess, what!! All those popular and crowded places are wide open just for you! Let's make the best of your family being together so much!

6. We will honor the cancellation or postponing needs of our clients. We understand this is a situation unlike any other. We fault no one for being concerned. We will work with each of our clients to reschedule their session dates as we have spots available or refund retainers as needed. Please reach out to us at 206.659.7468 if you have questions.

7. This will not disrupt our senior grad portrait season, but you still have to be on top of your senior grad portraits! Remember how busy it was for you last year when school started up? Well, how busy do you think it will be at the end of this summer when we get the whole world started up again? The bottom line...it isn't too early to plan your senior grad portraits. Don't flirt with the yearbook deadlines at the start of the school year.

We are here to support your family, senior grad, and business imagery needs. Give us a call at 206.659.7468 or visit us online.

Sincerely,

- Jared

Free creative design programs for budding artists stuck at home

Are you worried about your budding artist’s creativity being limited while stuck at home from school? Check out these free programs as creative outlets that also teach design skills for their future.

For 3D Animation...

• Unreal Engine's Twinmotion 2020 - https://www.unrealengine.com/en-US/

• Pixar's Renderman - https://renderman.pixar.com/

• Blender - https://www.blender.org/

For 2D Cartooning and Animation...

• Pencil2D - https://www.pencil2d.org/

• Synfig - https://www.synfig.org/

• OpenToonz - https://opentoonz.github.io/e/

For Design & CAD...

• Sketchup - https://www.sketchup.com

• AutoDesk - https://www.autodesk.com/education/free-software/featured

For Drawing and Painting

• SketchBook - https://sketchbook.com/

• Krita - https://krita.org/en/

For Graphic Design...

• Gimp - https://www.gimp.org/

• Ink Skape - https://inkscape.org/

• Pixelmator Pro - https://www.pixelmator.com/pro/

For Video Creation and Editing...

• Black Magic's Designs Davinci Resolve - https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve

• Natron - https://natrongithub.github.io/

For Coding...

• Codecademy - https://www.codecademy.com/?cB

• Free Code Camp - https://www.freecodecamp.org/

• Khan Academy Coding - https://www.khanacademy.org/

For Photography...

• Dark Table - https://www.darktable.org/

• Raw Therapee - https://rawtherapee.com/

Coronavirus COVID-19 and Photographers

Enjoy this video recap from the meeting!

Has your photography business taken a hard hit from the emerging Coronavirus situation? I'm in Washington and near ground zero for the United State outbreak. In just the last few days, I’m hearing reports from many friends in the media industries who are hurting badly from the downturn in business and it breaks my heart.

On March 18, 2020 I had the honor of hosting a Google Hangout Round Table discussion with some nationally recognized photographers and veterans of the industry. A few photographers in Washington who are on the leading edge of the downturn were also on to give their perspective.

Skip Cohen

Scott Bourne

Bobbi Lane

Lee Varis

Brian David Casey

Levi Sim

Sherry Hagerman

Brent Watkins

Jared M. Burns

We chatted about the ways this unusual event is affecting our current businesses, but more importantly, we shared key tools and ideas to help your business weather this hard time.

We don’t need any other stories about photographers closing doors, so let see what we can do to ensure we all come out stronger on the other side of this.

How to participate:

• The live viewers will be limited to 150 people

• Recorded video will be posted here following the Hangout

• The live link will be posted at the top of this blog on Wednesday the 18th at 4:00 PM PDT / 5:00 PM MNT / 6:00 PM CNT / 7:00 PM EST

Google Hangouts is available for free to download...

• Computers: https://hangouts.google.com/

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10 things parents of Senior students wish they had known before the Senior year

We polled parents to learn the biggest things they wish they had known about their high school student’s senior year. Here is a compilation of the top 10 things they said...

1. The senior year really starts before the junior year has ended.

• Because the senior year moves at such an intense pace, parents must begin discussions and plans with students BEFORE the summer of their senior year!

2. Senior photos are one of the biggest portrait sessions of their life. It commemorates who they were, what they have achieved, and reveals a little on whom they will become.

• The best professional photographers are guaranteed to book up early, even BEFORE SCHOOL HAS STARTED!

• Research and choose a photographer no less than 3-6 months before the yearbook deadline.

• Summer has the best weather for portraits. Summer is when the best locations are available. You have more flexibility in your schedule during the summer. HOWEVER, summer gets busy and will slip by you in the blink of an eye. Plan ahead.

• Parents who wait until the last minute to schedule a photographer will often be turned away by the best photographer and have to settle for a low-budget or free friend photographer.

3. The deadline for the yearbook portrait submission is sooner than you think. Do you know when it is for your student’s school?

• Most area high schools have a yearbook deadline within the first two weeks of October.

• Most parents will wait until school starts to contact their photographer and will find it is ALREADY TOO LATE to book the photographer they wanted.

4. Start researching and applying for scholarships early or your student may miss out entirely.

• Your student must take the PSAT in their Junior year to be eligible for National Merit Scholarships in their senior year.

5. Service projects and tracking service hours are a graduation requirement for most high schools. The easiest way to get them is through existing programs like…

• Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts, or 4-H

• Local service clubs in the community like Kiwanis, Chamber of Commerce, Loins Club, Habitat for Humanity, and more.

• Look into local festivals, non-profits, or government interest groups who need volunteers at their big annual events.

• Missions work or service projects organized by your church or a local youth group

• Common High School Clubs like Key Club, DECA, Future Business Leaders of America, Lions Club, Civil Air Patrol, and Junior ROTC, and many more.

• Look into things that fit their passions like Adopt-a-Highway, Animal Rescue, Hospital Volunteering, Mentoring, Red Cross, Tutoring, Volunteer Fire Department, or the local community soup kitchen.

• Check what the high school offers and check which service organizations operate in your community.

6. Check-in regularly with your student on what credit items are required for graduation and where they are at with their progress.

• Senior year is a little different than the others and failing to stay on top of credits can effect a percentage of their grade or endanger graduation.

7. Plan ahead for the senior year costs...

• Senior Photographer

• Yearbook

• Senior grad portrait keepsakes for yourself and relatives

• Graduation items like cap/gown, grad card announcements, and graduation ceremony invites

• Senior party with the school and Senior party or BBQ hosted by you

8. Begin mapping out some of the next steps after high school

• Will they attend college, trade school, take a year off, travel, or do an internship? Don't necessarily try to choose their major now, but do have a working plan and timeline in place so key dates or application periods do not slip by.

• There is nothing wrong with taking a gap year before college. Most colleges recognize it as a good and healthy step in the educational journey. It will not count against them.

• Remember and be sensitive to the fact that they are beginning their life plan, not yours. It is okay if they want to do one thing before another. Your role is to guide them toward some assemblage of their own plan.

9. The big senior year goes by faster than you think.

• Be intentional about being present with them.

• Encourage them to reflect and savor the key moments and the activities. Remind them to take pictures, scrapbook, or journal if they are into any of these things.

• Grades are important, but in the grand scheme of life, they are not everything. Overpressure may affect a student's health, rest, confidence, or ability to cope or maintain motivation more than you may realize.

10. Think about what the coming change means to you and your family

• Are they moving out on their own? Are they going to attend a college out of state? The deeply bitter/sweet feelings you will experience cannot be overstated. This is last year you are all together under the same roof home as a family. What activities or vacations are left that you always wanted to do together?

• When was your last family portrait together? Most parents realize all too late they forgot to update the family portrait since the kids were all little. The best time for a family portrait is the summer or early fall before the senior year or late spring or early summer before they leave for college.

We can’t help you with PSAT’s or college plans, but we can photograph the memories. It’s about your student’s last year of high school, their unique personality, and their biggest transition captured in one epic photography experience!

Top 10 Gift-giving Concerns During the Holidays

We polled some people to find out what their biggest fears are when giving holiday gifts. Which of these top 10 can you relate to?

1. They won't like it or won't appreciate it

2. Won't make them happy or bring them joy

3. You never think of the right thing until it's too late

4. They don't want gifts or more stuff

5. They already have one

6. They will get tired of it after a short time

7. It won't make them feel loved or special

8. After a few weeks, they won't even remember who gave it

9. That they don't need/want it or will never use it

10. That it is unimaginative - It might not fit them, their style, or their personality

So how do you find the one perfect gift they will love and cherish?

...One that brings joy year after year?
...A gift they need and that won't add to the clutter?
...Something you can guarantee they don't have yet?
...One that increases in personal value over time?
...Something that communicates how special they truly are?
...A unique gift created with their style and personality in mind?
...One that will never be tossed aside or forgotten?
...Something that reminds them daily how much you cared?

If you haven't figured it out yet, the answer to all of these is the gift of portraits! It is the answer to every gift-giving concern. Everyone has wall space that needs a personal touch. Everyone deserves to be photographed and reminded how special they are.



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!

New Milestone: 800 Clients Served

So often I get wrapped up in the day-to-day work and forget to lift my head to just look around and see where we are. To day is a major milestone that deserves a moment to pause and reflect on how far we have come with this photography business. Really, it is because of all of you who have trusted us with your lifelong photo memories and for that we are deeply grateful beyond words!

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for joining us on this amazing journey! Here’s to many years yet to come!

Are you living like your house is burning down?

What if I told you your house just burnt down?

The good news is your family members and pets are all safe. You had a great insurance policy in place too. Yet, in that very moment, what is the only other thing in the world you wish you could still go back and save?

So here we are. You don’t need me to convince you of the intrinsic value of photography. Your mind already went there. It wasn't the car, a family heirloom, or a special collection. Am I right? The next thing you value most in life are those are memories of your family. They are irreplaceable. They are priceless.

People all around us are living like their house is burning down and they aren’t even aware. Let me explain. Every week I meet with portrait clients and ask them a very important question.

“When was your last family portrait?”

How would you answer that? How would you guess they answer? Nearly every family tells me the exact same thing…."Oh my goodness, it was back when the kids were really little!"

So what do they have to show for the in-between years? The kids are now grown and all memory saving opportunities since that last portrait are gone. When it comes to protecting their precious, personal moments, it is like their home has been burning for 15 continuous years unnoticed. There isn’t a single portrait from the mid-family stages in life.

You might tell me that this is partly due to photography turning digital; that in the last 15 years, we don't take, share, a enjoy images like we use to. You would be correct. This indeed is a contributing factor but…

…the house is still burning.

Be honest for a moment. When was the last time you printed one of your memories? When was the last time you put a portrait on the wall?

Today, only 1 in 50 people actually print a digital image and display it in their home. Those empty walls all around represent countless missed memories they will never get back. It is like they are willingly living in the home with photo memories that went up in smoke. More accurately, they never existed.

This is the reason we do business differently.

We protect the one-of-a-kind stages in life. We want our client’s memories to come to life, be revisited anytime, and compliment a household of love. This is why we are a full-service photography business that specializes in personalized, emotional art for your home. We are making heirlooms that matter, that enhance family bonds, and that are guaranteed to increase in personal value with each passing year.

Has some life slipped by for you?

Have you lost a few years in there somewhere? We can help! It's never too late to start preserving new memories, but you do have to act today. They will be gone tomorrow.