<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<!--Generated by Site-Server v@build.version@ (http://www.squarespace.com) on Fri, 03 Apr 2026 20:56:30 GMT
--><rss xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:media="http://www.rssboard.org/media-rss" version="2.0"><channel><title>Blog - Portrait Photographer | Snohomish, WA | Jared M. Burns</title><link>https://www.jaredmburns.com/blog/</link><lastBuildDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 19:41:24 +0000</lastBuildDate><language>en-US</language><generator>Site-Server v@build.version@ (http://www.squarespace.com)</generator><description><![CDATA[<p>This blog is all our musings related to our professional experience in senior grad portraits and family photography.</p>]]></description><item><title>Epic Destination Portraits - Colorado Springs</title><category>Family</category><category>Seniors</category><category>News &amp; Updates</category><dc:creator>Jared Burns</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 19:51:27 +0000</pubDate><link>https://www.jaredmburns.com/blog/2026/3/12/epic-destination-portraits-colorado-springs</link><guid isPermaLink="false">53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2:552c4567e4b0ff3eee9aa346:69b316e421867565217ddf8b</guid><description><![CDATA[If you aren't familiar with how our Epic Destination Portraits work, these 
are limited sessions where you have access to amazing locations no one else 
can have, but at our normal "at-home" rates.]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="
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  <h1>Epic Destination Portraits</h1><h2>Colorado Springs / April 23rd-30th 2026</h2><p class="">If you aren't familiar with how our <strong>Epic Destination Portraits</strong> work, these are limited sessions where you have access to amazing locations no one else can have, but at our normal "at-home" rates. That's right, no travel costs. How are we able to do this? We are already traveling to this area, meaning there is no reason to pass the travel costs on to you!</p><p data-rte-preserve-empty="true" class=""></p><h3><strong>The Backdrop: Colorado Springs Magic</strong></h3><p class="">We’re bringing this experience to the rugged, sun-drenched landscapes of Colorado Springs—a place where the earth literally rises up to meet you.</p><ul data-rte-list="default"><li><p class=""><strong>Red Rock Canyon Open Space:</strong> Picture yourself framed by towering crimson fins and weathered stone, where the deep burnt-orange hues provide a natural, glowing contrast that makes every portrait pop.</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Ute Valley Park:</strong> For those who want that "top of the world" feeling, we’ll utilize the high ridges and majestic mountain silhouettes, capturing your milestones as the sun dips behind Pikes Peak in a wash of golden light.</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Palmer Park:</strong> Here, the scenery gets wild and elevated. Think 360-degree overlooks, desert-like mesas, and twisted pines that perfectly capture the bold, adventurous spirit of a senior grad or the timeless bond of a family.</p></li></ul><p class="">These aren't just snapshots in a park; they are high-art portraits set against the most iconic vistas in the West—all without the "destination" price tag.</p><h3><br><strong>Claim Your Spot Under the Peaks!</strong></h3><p class=""><br>Because we are only in the Springs for a short window, <strong>we have a limited number of sunset and golden hour slots available.</strong> Once they’re gone, the "at-home" pricing goes with them!</p><p data-rte-preserve-empty="true" class=""></p><p class=""><strong>Epic Destination Portraits are bespoke sessions that take advanced planning.  Don't wait to capture your story against these legendary views!</strong></p>





















  
  








   
    <a href="https://book.usesession.com/t/gMVGq4a-A" class="sqs-block-button-element--medium sqs-button-element--primary sqs-block-button-element" data-sqsp-button target="_blank"
    >
      Reach out today to learn more!
    </a>]]></content:encoded><media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/5150dfa5-9bd7-4db5-b287-185620aefb7a/Colorado+%281%29.jpg?format=1500w" medium="image" isDefault="true" width="1500" height="750"><media:title type="plain">Epic Destination Portraits - Colorado Springs</media:title></media:content></item><item><title>But on a more serious note...</title><category>Family</category><category>Milestones</category><dc:creator>Jared Burns</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2026 20:56:33 +0000</pubDate><link>https://www.jaredmburns.com/blog/2026/1/23/but-on-a-more-serious-note</link><guid isPermaLink="false">53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2:552c4567e4b0ff3eee9aa346:6973dbc6d58af35909a622c8</guid><description><![CDATA[I’ve been catching up with a lot of families around Snohomish County 
lately, and the common thread is that 2025 was just... heavy. It wasn’t 
always a specific crisis, but more of a "mindset” crisis. Between the 
headlines and the economy, it felt like we were all collectively holding 
our breath…]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="
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  <h1>But on a more serious note...</h1><p class="">I’ve been catching up with a lot of families around Snohomish County lately, and the common thread is that 2025 was just... heavy. It wasn’t always a specific crisis, but more of a "mindset” crisis. Between the headlines and the economy, it felt like we were all collectively holding our breath, waiting for the world to settle down before it felt safe move forward with life again. While trapped in survival mode, the very things that add life to a family—the adventures, vacation, the photos, the shared dreams—often get pushed to the "we’ll worry about that later" pile.</p><p class="">Things happen, and it’s okay to admit that. Sometimes, the reasons we stall aren't just "excuses"—they are legitimate, external weights. <strong>But here is the hard truth: even when the big thing in your way isn’t your fault, it’s still your problem to solve.</strong> To be honest, my family felt this deeply last year, too. We had our moments of being overwhelmed by the "crazy." But eventually, you have to find a quiet moment, process the weight, and decide to get moving—because no one else is coming to do it for you.</p><p class="">In my recent conversations, I’m seeing a shift. People are finding the other side of "their big thing." The consensus is that they see 2025 as the dead-weight anchor holding them down. It's a fresh year, and now they're ready to cut the chain, cast it off the weight, and plot a course. Yes, these feelings are part of each New Year, but can we agree there is something unique about this particular transition from 2025 to 2026? Are you feeling it too?</p><p class="">If you spent 2025 just trying to keep your head above water, this is for you. If you realize you’ve neglected your family’s "visual legacy"—the portraits that tell your story and the milestones that deserve to be captured—I’d love to help you breathe some life back into those memories. Milestones mean more when they come on the heels challenging point in the journey. <strong>They aren't just markers of where you are, but proof of what you made it through.</strong></p><p class="">Family is about more than just surviving the latest news cycle; it’s about the thriving life you build together despite whatever may come. If 2025 took more than it gave, let’s change the narrative. I’d love to help your family reclaim your footing and story.</p><p class="">Message me when you’re ready to get moving!</p><h2>"We create luxury portraits that bring families closer."</h2>





















  
  








   
    <a href="https://www.jaredmburns.com/family" class="sqs-block-button-element--medium sqs-button-element--primary sqs-block-button-element" data-sqsp-button
      
    >
      Learn more about FAMILY portraits
    </a>]]></content:encoded><media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/e8559d98-4fb2-4d85-bd66-0afe384b0a3f/Snohomish+family+portrait+sitting+with+dog+at+county+farm+park+-+Everett+%26+Snohomish+Family+Portrait+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns+-+2066597468.jpg?format=1500w" medium="image" isDefault="true" width="1500" height="998"><media:title type="plain">But on a more serious note...</media:title></media:content></item><item><title>This year will be one full of "Last" moments</title><category>Seniors</category><dc:creator>Jared Burns</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 04 Sep 2025 21:27:46 +0000</pubDate><link>https://www.jaredmburns.com/blog/2025/9/4/this-year-will-be-one-full-of-last-moments</link><guid isPermaLink="false">53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2:552c4567e4b0ff3eee9aa346:68ba0457101a23240c8bb45c</guid><description><![CDATA[If you are the parent of a senior, you felt this firsthand yesterday as 
your child walked out the door for their last "first day" of school. It was 
bittersweet, the first of many final moments of their childhood experience.]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="
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  <p class="">If you are the parent of a senior, you felt this firsthand yesterday as your child walked out the door for their last "first day" of school. It was bittersweet, the first of many final moments of their childhood experience.</p><p class="">Your child's senior year is officially underway, and with it comes a flood of emotions and significant milestones. They'll never again feel that beginning-of-the-year mix of hopes, dreams, and jitters in those familiar hallways. In a couple of days, they'll take their last annual class picture. Then comes their last homecoming game, their last school dances, and their last season with the team. It's the final year they'll be on the same journey and in the same classrooms with their friend, sharing in all those day-to-day experiences.</p><p class="">For you, it's also the last year with the entire family under the same roof. The family dinners, game nights, and movie nights are now limited and precious. Soon, it will be the last time the family goes out for a theater production or awards ceremony. It all happens too quickly and culminates with their big graduation ceremony. If you're lucky, maybe there will be time for one more family vacation before they leave for college.</p><p class=""><strong>For all these reasons and more, we believe the best senior portraits show a little of who they were, who they are today, and hint at the amazing individual they are becoming.</strong></p><p class="">We can't stop all the last moments from coming and going, but we can create beautiful memories you can hold on to forever. Dates are limited and first-come, first-served. Contact us ASAP.</p><p data-rte-preserve-empty="true" class=""></p><h2>Two things you can do while there is still time...</h2>





















  
  








   
    <a href="https://jaredmburns.m-pages.com/sPqh0T/lead-form-get-our-free-senior-grad-guide" class="sqs-block-button-element--medium sqs-button-element--primary sqs-block-button-element" data-sqsp-button target="_blank"
    >
      GET OUR FREE GUIDE
    </a>
    


  







  <h2>Or</h2>





















  
  








   
    <a href="https://book.usesession.com/t/-OaSiQIpu" class="sqs-block-button-element--medium sqs-button-element--primary sqs-block-button-element" data-sqsp-button target="_blank"
    >
      CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
    </a>]]></content:encoded><media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/1716251463911-8FH6O9ZC1Y8GR4PK856R/Everett+Mariner+High+School+girl+graduate+in+field+with+ice+skates+-+Snohomish%2C+Mill+Creek%2C+Mukilteo+Girl+Grad+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns+-+2066597468.jpg?format=1500w" medium="image" isDefault="true" width="998" height="1500"><media:title type="plain">This year will be one full of "Last" moments</media:title></media:content></item><item><title>A Snohomish Family Portrait Session</title><category>Family</category><dc:creator>Jared M. Burns</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 29 Aug 2025 01:14:55 +0000</pubDate><link>https://www.jaredmburns.com/blog/2025/8/28/a-snohomish-family-portrait-session</link><guid isPermaLink="false">53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2:552c4567e4b0ff3eee9aa346:68b0ff144f898b746558a59d</guid><description><![CDATA[In the beautiful chaos of raising a family, the true moments of joy can 
feel like grains of sand slipping through your fingers. This Snohomish 
family of four knew that feeling.]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="
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  <h1>A Snohomish Family Portrait Session</h1><p class="">In the beautiful chaos of raising a family, the true moments of joy can feel like grains of sand slipping through your fingers. This Snohomish family of four knew that feeling.</p><p class="">Their portrait session at Tolt-MacDonald Park in Carnation wasn't about perfect poses; it was a tribute to their "right now." It was a once-in-a-lifetime summer evening with their 7-year-old girl and 6-year-old boy. The focus was on the simple connections that make them a family: a hand held, the silly giggles, a whispered joke, a spontaneous hug.</p><p class="">These aren't just photos. They are a tangible anchor, a way to hold on to the feeling of this season of life. The kids are changing, the world is shifting, life is crazy, but the warmth of these loving moments is forever.</p><h2>Where do you dream of going for your family portraits?</h2>





















  
  








   
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              <img class="thumb-image" elementtiming="system-gallery-block-stacked" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/1756430772137-RE7ZGVT84L064PTMRLVM/Family+Portrait+session+at+MacDonald+Park+in+Carnation%2C+a+together+moment+with+the+parents+-+Snohomish+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns.jpg" data-image-dimensions="1500x1000" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="Family Portrait session at MacDonald Park in Carnation, a together moment with the parents - Snohomish Photographer - Jared M. Burns.jpg" data-load="false" data-image-id="68b101b0dbf7a42c20873dae" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/1756430772137-RE7ZGVT84L064PTMRLVM/Family+Portrait+session+at+MacDonald+Park+in+Carnation%2C+a+together+moment+with+the+parents+-+Snohomish+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns.jpg?format=1000w" /><br>
            
          
        

        

        
          
        
      
        
          
            
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              <img class="thumb-image" elementtiming="system-gallery-block-stacked" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/1756430776808-HQQ7FHG43E1AOWBXV7JF/Family+Portrait+session+at+MacDonald+Park+in+Carnation%2C+girl+posing+with+dress++-+Snohomish+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns+%284%29.jpg" data-image-dimensions="1000x1500" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="Family Portrait session at MacDonald Park in Carnation, girl posing with dress  - Snohomish Photographer - Jared M. Burns (4).jpg" data-load="false" data-image-id="68b101b5448d29032290e123" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/1756430776808-HQQ7FHG43E1AOWBXV7JF/Family+Portrait+session+at+MacDonald+Park+in+Carnation%2C+girl+posing+with+dress++-+Snohomish+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns+%284%29.jpg?format=1000w" /><br>
            
          
        

        

        
          
        
      
        
          
            
              <img class="thumb-image" elementtiming="system-gallery-block-stacked" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/1756430777137-TG9KOQ3EO7UEBZNGTUTO/Family+Portrait+session+at+MacDonald+Park+in+Carnation%2C+holding+hand+and+walking+in+the+tall+grass+-+Snohomish+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns.jpg" data-image-dimensions="1500x1000" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="Family Portrait session at MacDonald Park in Carnation, holding hand and walking in the tall grass - Snohomish Photographer - Jared M. Burns.jpg" data-load="false" data-image-id="68b101b520ae620564851fd2" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/1756430777137-TG9KOQ3EO7UEBZNGTUTO/Family+Portrait+session+at+MacDonald+Park+in+Carnation%2C+holding+hand+and+walking+in+the+tall+grass+-+Snohomish+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns.jpg?format=1000w" /><br>
            
          
        

        

        
          
        
      
        
          
            
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              <img class="thumb-image" elementtiming="system-gallery-block-stacked" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/1756430784602-GNLLAJ5EAASHM6TCTWJQ/Family+Portrait+session+at+MacDonald+Park+in+Carnation%2C+sitting+on+river+rocks+on+a+warm+summer+evening++-+Snohomish+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns.jpg" data-image-dimensions="1500x1000" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="Family Portrait session at MacDonald Park in Carnation, sitting on river rocks on a warm summer evening  - Snohomish Photographer - Jared M. Burns.jpg" data-load="false" data-image-id="68b101be327bd057939df826" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/1756430784602-GNLLAJ5EAASHM6TCTWJQ/Family+Portrait+session+at+MacDonald+Park+in+Carnation%2C+sitting+on+river+rocks+on+a+warm+summer+evening++-+Snohomish+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns.jpg?format=1000w" /><br>
            
          
        

        

        
          
        
      
        
          
            
              <img class="thumb-image" elementtiming="system-gallery-block-stacked" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/1756430786002-QKE2NHASWZ20CJNSL5T5/Family+Portrait+session+at+MacDonald+Park+in+Carnation%2C+standing+together+on+a+rustic+bridge++-+Snohomish+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns.jpg" data-image-dimensions="1000x1500" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="Family Portrait session at MacDonald Park in Carnation, standing together on a rustic bridge  - Snohomish Photographer - Jared M. Burns.jpg" data-load="false" data-image-id="68b101bf4f898b746558fbdc" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/1756430786002-QKE2NHASWZ20CJNSL5T5/Family+Portrait+session+at+MacDonald+Park+in+Carnation%2C+standing+together+on+a+rustic+bridge++-+Snohomish+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns.jpg?format=1000w" /><br>]]></content:encoded><media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/cbb3043e-8e71-4f80-8d22-342e3428b864/Family+Portrait+session+at+MacDonald+Park+in+Carnation+walking+through+the+green+forest+trees++-+Snohomish+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns.jpg?format=1500w" medium="image" isDefault="true" width="1500" height="1000"><media:title type="plain">A Snohomish Family Portrait Session</media:title></media:content></item><item><title>STORY: A Mom Discovers Life's Best</title><category>Family</category><category>Milestones</category><dc:creator>Jared M. Burns</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 21 Aug 2025 20:24:38 +0000</pubDate><link>https://www.jaredmburns.com/blog/story-a-mom-discovers-lifes-best</link><guid isPermaLink="false">53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2:552c4567e4b0ff3eee9aa346:68a7808a05fbb03064776894</guid><description><![CDATA[Toys lay scattered like fallen soldiers, a half-empty sippy cup sat on the 
coffee table, and a fortress of blankets and pillows had been erected in 
the corner. Amidst this beautiful disarray, Sarah sat on the floor, a soft 
smile on her lips as she watched her two children, lost in a world of 
make-believe. A question, one she often asked herself, surfaced in her 
mind. What was the single best moment of her life?]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1>A Mom Discovers Life's Best</h1><p class="">The dust motes danced in the afternoon sunbeams that cut through the window, illuminating the small chaos of the living room. Toys lay scattered like fallen soldiers, a half-empty sippy cup sat on the coffee table, and a fortress of blankets and pillows had been erected in the corner. Amidst this beautiful disarray, Sarah sat on the floor, a soft smile on her lips as she watched her two children, lost in a world of make-believe.</p><p class="">&nbsp;A question, one she often asked herself, surfaced in her mind. </p><h2><strong>What was the single best moment of her life?</strong></h2><p class="">Was it the day she married Mark? The moment she walked down the aisle, her heart swelling with a love so pure and profound it felt like a song. The world had narrowed to just the two of them, his eyes full of a promise that she knew, with every fiber of her being, he would keep. It was a day of perfect beginnings, a foundation built on hope and commitment.</p><p class="">&nbsp;But then, the memory of her firstborn, Lily, came crashing in. The pain of labor had been a storm, but the moment she was placed on Sarah's chest, a tiny, warm, and wriggling bundle, the storm had vanished. The first cry, the perfect little fingers curling around her own, the overwhelming wave of protective love that washed over her. That feeling was so vast, so completely consuming, it made the joy of her wedding day seem like a flickering candle next to a bonfire. This was not just a beginning; this was a creation, a part of her own soul given life.</p><p class="">&nbsp;And then there was Leo, her son. His arrival brought a different kind of joy—a boisterous, chaotic, and loud happiness that filled the house with laughter. There wasn’t a single, solitary moment of perfection, but a thousand small ones stitched together. The first time he said "Mama," his chubby arms reaching for her; the way he would sneak into her bed at night for a cuddle; the sight of him and Lily giggling uncontrollably over some silly joke only they understood. It wasn't one event, but a continuous stream of small, perfect joys.</p>





















  
  














































  

    
  
    

      

      
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  <p class="">Her mind drifted further back, to a family vacation at the beach in Hawaii. The sun had been just right, the water a brilliant turquoise. The kids, sticky with sunscreen and sand, had spent the entire day building a sandcastle that a rogue wave unexpectedly claimed. Instead of tears, she and Mark over-dramatized that moment like a disaster movie, then everyone erupted into fits of laughter and returned to splashing in the water. The memory was so clear, she could almost feel the cool spray on her face and hear their uninhibited joy. It was a moment of perfect harmony, a bubble of time where everything felt right in the world.</p><p class="">&nbsp;As she considered these memories, a new thought dawned on her. Each one, a contender for "the best," had a successor, a moment that felt even more significant. The wedding led to the birth of her children. The births led to the small, daily joys of a family. The daily joys led to perfect family moments. The best memories weren't isolated peaks; they were a continuous, unfolding tapestry of joy.</p>





















  
  














































  

    
  
    

      

      
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  <p class="">She looked at her children again. Lily, now pretending to be a beautiful and valiant princess-knight, and Leo, her loyal, but slightly mischievous, glitter-breathing dragon. Life was a constant, unpredictable current. Jobs came and went, bills piled up, and worries often clouded her mind. The world outside was always full of uncertainty and hardship. But here, in this room, in this moment, there was a steady, unshakeable truth. The investment she had made in her family—the time, the love, the patience—was paying dividends in the form of these memories. They were a sanctuary she could return to, a wellspring of strength and happiness, their true fullness and wealth.</p>





















  
  














































  

    
  
    

      

      
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  <p class="">&nbsp;The best moments weren't in the past. They weren't singular events to be put on a pedestal. The best moments were now. It was the chaotic, imperfect, and beautiful present, watching her children play. Sarah knew this stage would pass all too soon, but they were always building the next best memory together, one smile, one laugh, one shared moment at a time. The real treasure wasn't a single memory, but the certainty that life's chaotic journey was always made richer by the memories they were creating, right now.</p><p class="">&nbsp;Amidst the noise, one place you can find peace...your family.</p><p data-rte-preserve-empty="true" class=""></p><h2><strong>Which stage are you in today?</strong></h2><h3><strong>Can we help you invest in your best family moments?</strong></h3>





















  
  








   
    <a href="https://book.usesession.com/t/ZBr_-D51y" class="sqs-block-button-element--small sqs-button-element--tertiary sqs-block-button-element" data-sqsp-button target="_blank"
    >
      I'm in the young family stage
    </a>
    


  









   
    <a href="https://book.usesession.com/t/-OaSiQIpu" class="sqs-block-button-element--small sqs-button-element--tertiary sqs-block-button-element" data-sqsp-button target="_blank"
    >
      I have kids about to graduate
    </a>]]></content:encoded><media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/1745536173453-2QSCSX75H2ICU3EOH96P/Maui+Hawaii+Family+Destination+portraits+of+siblings+kids+walking+on+beach+at+sunset+-+Everett+Seattle+%26+Hawaii+Family+Portrait+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns+-+2066597468.jpg?format=1500w" medium="image" isDefault="true" width="1500" height="1000"><media:title type="plain">STORY: A Mom Discovers Life's Best</media:title></media:content></item><item><title>How to Get the Most Engagement on Your Senior Grad Portraits</title><category>Seniors</category><category>Tip &amp; Secrets</category><dc:creator>Jared M. Burns</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 29 Jul 2025 01:29:43 +0000</pubDate><link>https://www.jaredmburns.com/blog/2025/7/28/how-to-get-the-most-engagement-on-your-senior-grad-portraits</link><guid isPermaLink="false">53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2:552c4567e4b0ff3eee9aa346:68881e1b6939a134cc74d4a0</guid><description><![CDATA[Congratulations, senior grads! You've got those amazing portraits, and now 
it's time to share them with the world and get all the love they deserve. 
Here are five ideas to help you maximize engagement…]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="
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  <p class="">Congratulations, senior grads! You've got those amazing portraits, and now it's time to share them with the world and get all the love they deserve. Here are five ideas to help you maximize engagement on your senior portraits when you post them on social media:</p><p data-rte-preserve-empty="true" class=""></p><h3>1. Strategize Your Rollout: Less is More (Initially)</h3><p class="">Instead of dropping all your incredible photos at once, try a more measured approach. Post <strong>one new photo at a time</strong>. This creates anticipation and gives each individual photo its moment to shine. When you post a single, stunning image, it's more likely to grab attention in people's feeds than a carousel of ten photos where only the first one or two might get a real look. This also gives you content to spread out over a few days or even weeks, keeping your followers engaged longer. Why does this work? Each time you post another, you will be utilizing the momentum of the previous one.</p><h3>2. Update Your Profile Picture and Let it Marinate</h3><p class="">Your <strong>profile picture</strong> is prime real estate! Select one of your absolute favorite new senior portraits and make it your profile photo. But here's the trick: <strong>keep it up for a month or two before changing it again.</strong> Every time you change your profile picture, most platforms send a notification to your followers, signaling new content. By keeping the same photo for a while, you ensure that anyone who sees your profile, new or old followers, is greeted with your fantastic new portrait, increasing its visibility and the likelihood of them checking out your other photos and posts.</p><h3>3. Master the Art of the Thoughtful Reply</h3><p class="">When someone takes the time to comment on your photo, don't just hit the "like" button and move on. First, <strong>write a personal thank-you note or response to their comment.</strong> Make it genuine and specific if possible. Then, <strong>go back and "like" or "heart" their original comment.</strong> This dual action ensures they see your thoughtful reply (which shows you appreciate their engagement) and then get a second notification from the like. This double-tap strategy significantly increases the chances they will come back for continued interaction and signals to the algorithm that your post is generating meaningful engagement, potentially boosting its reach.</p><h3>4. Craft Engaging Captions with a Call to Action</h3><p class="">Don't just post a photo with an emoji. <strong>Write captivating captions!</strong> Share a small story behind the photo, express how you feel about graduating, or ask a question to encourage comments. For example, "Can't believe this chapter is closing! What's your favorite memory from high school?" “Was [something specific in the photo] a good idea for me?” or "Which pose is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!" This little <strong>call to action</strong> directly prompts people to engage beyond just a like, leading to more comments and discussions.</p><h3>5. Tag and Collaborate for Wider Reach</h3><p class="">Think about who else might be interested in seeing your photos and <strong>tag them!</strong> This could be your high school, your senior class account, the photographer (definitely tag your photographer!), or even friends who were with you during the shoot. When you tag others, your post is often visible to their networks, significantly expanding your potential audience. You can also <strong>collaborate</strong> on the post with your photographer if they offer that feature on the platform, allowing the post to appear on both of your profiles and reach an even wider audience.</p><p class=""><strong>Pro-tip 1:</strong> Tag your parents, too! Seriously, they're super proud of you already, and it can actually give your post a little boost in the algorithm. When you tag people, your post often shows up in their networks, which means way more eyes on your photos.</p><p class=""><strong>Pro-Tip 2:</strong> If your photographer uses a <strong>collaboration feature</strong> on the platform, you can team up on the post so it appears on both your profiles. If their social influence circles are bigger than yours, this could be gold!</p><p data-rte-preserve-empty="true" class=""></p><p class="">This is your moment to shine and totally <strong>flex a little</strong>! By using these tips, you'll be on your way to getting <strong>mad traction</strong> on your senior portraits and having everyone celebrate this huge milestone with you. The only tough part, though? Deciding which tip to try first!</p>





















  
  














































  

    
  
    

      

      
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        </figure>]]></content:encoded><media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/0e6644a5-2e75-4942-82cf-13ee02291271/Lynnwood+Meadowdale+High+School+grad+girl+sitting+on+the+beach+with+a+white+summer+dress+at+sunset+-+Snohomish%2C+Mill+Creek%2C+Mukilteo+Guy+Grad+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns.jpg?format=1500w" medium="image" isDefault="true" width="1500" height="998"><media:title type="plain">How to Get the Most Engagement on Your Senior Grad Portraits</media:title></media:content></item><item><title>How to Choose a Destination Senior Grad Photographer</title><category>Seniors</category><dc:creator>Jared M. Burns</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 23 Jul 2025 17:37:00 +0000</pubDate><link>https://www.jaredmburns.com/blog/2025/7/22/how-to-choose-a-destination-senior-grad-photographer</link><guid isPermaLink="false">53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2:552c4567e4b0ff3eee9aa346:687fcc59dba7a0486cd3e10a</guid><description><![CDATA[For grads looking to do something truly different, destination senior 
portraits are more than just photos—they’re an adventure. Imagine trading 
the local park or studio backdrop for the dramatic peaks of the Grand 
Tetons, the surreal sands of the Mojave, or the red rocks of Sedona. A 
destination shoot creates not only stunning images but also a memory your 
grad will carry for life—one that sets them apart in every sense of the 
word. But how do you choose the right destination—and more importantly—the 
right photographer to bring that vision to life?]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="
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  <h1>How to Choose a Destination Senior Grad Photographer</h1><p class="">For grads looking to do something truly different, destination senior portraits are more than just photos—they’re an adventure. Imagine trading the local park or studio backdrop for the dramatic peaks of the Grand Tetons, the surreal sands of the Mojave, or the red rocks of Sedona. A destination shoot creates not only stunning images but also a memory your grad will carry for life—one that sets them apart in every sense of the word.</p><p class="">But how do you choose the <em>right</em> destination—and more importantly—the <em>right</em> photographer to bring that vision to life?</p><h2>Choose a Location with High-Impact Visual Appeal</h2><p class="">The best destination portraits happen where your personality and an epic align. You want a place that’s visually striking <em>and</em> meaningful. Some grads are drawn to natural landscapes. Others may want a retro vibe, a coastal breeze, or a modern city skyline. The continental U.S. is packed with photogenic gems that offer jaw-dropping backdrops.</p><h3>Here are <strong>21 stunning destination ideas</strong> to get you started:</h3><ol data-rte-list="default"><li><p class=""><strong>Grand Teton National Park, WY</strong> – Snowy peaks and alpine lakes.</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Joshua Tree, CA</strong> – Edgy desert vibes with funky trees and golden light.</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Bonneville Salt Flats, UT</strong> – A surreal white landscape that feels otherworldly.</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Sedona, AZ</strong> – Rich red rocks, desert trails, and mystical energy.</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Santa Fe, NM</strong> – Earth tones, adobe textures, and southwestern charm.</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Palm Springs, CA</strong> – Retro modernism with sunny poolside flair.</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Yosemite National Park, CA</strong> – Epic granite cliffs and waterfalls.</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Outer Banks, NC</strong> – The simplicity of the East Coast, wild beach dunes, and moody coastal skies.</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Big Sur, CA</strong> – Rugged coastlines and forested cliffs.</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Zion National Park, UT</strong> – Massive canyons and incredible colors.</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Miami’s Wynwood Walls, FL</strong> – Colorful street art and urban energy.</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Lake Tahoe, CA/NV</strong> – Crystal-clear waters and alpine serenity.</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>New York City, NY</strong> – Skyscraper drama and timeless city shots.</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>White Sands National Park, NM</strong> – Rolling gypsum dunes and endless horizons.</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Charleston, SC</strong> – Cobblestone charm with pastel historic homes.</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Malibu, CA</strong> – Iconic beaches, California sun, and street vibes made for movies.</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Death Valley, CA</strong> – Stark, cinematic beauty with vast open landscapes.</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Washington, D.C.</strong> – Monumental backdrops with historic gravitas.</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Tropical beaches of Hawaii</strong> – Lush palms, volcanic rock, and turquoise water.</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Great Sand Dunes, CO</strong> – Towering dunes with a desert-meets-mountains feel.</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Mount Tamalpais, CA</strong> – Rolling hill country of California as seen in the movies, with sweeping mountain and ocean panoramas</p></li></ol><h3>Destination locations can also be more personal:</h3><ol data-rte-list="default"><li><p class=""><strong>A Favorite Vacation Location </strong>– Cabin in the woods, hotel in the desert, an all-inclusive resort</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Western Wyoming Vacation Ranch</strong> – Dud ranch, horses, big skies, and rustic charm</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>A Beloved Family Camping Spot</strong> – Beautiful, peaceful vibes only nature can provide</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Your Favorite Theme Park</strong> – Disney World, Six Flags, Universal Studios, or even Knott's Berry Farm</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>A City You’ve Explored on Family Trips</strong> – Think of places with magical charm, like the French Quarter in New Orleans or the River Walk in San Antonio</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Your Grandparents’ Farm or Homestead</strong> - Show where you came from, your heritage, or your roots</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>A Favorite Road Trip Route</strong> – Consider all the iconic possibilities along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Route 66, or the Pacific Coast Highway</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>A World Renowned City Attraction you enjoyed</strong> – Think Central Park or  Prospect Park (New York), Millennium Park (Chicago), Golden Gate Park (San Francisco), Boston Common &amp; Public Gardens (Boston), Balboa Park Gardens (San Diego), The Getty or the Getty Villa (Los Angeles), The Palace of Fine Arts (San Fransico)</p></li></ol><h2>What to Look for in a Destination Photographer</h2><p class="">Choosing a destination photographer isn’t just about finding someone who’s <em>been there</em>. It's about finding someone who can bring the setting to life <em>with you in it</em>.</p><p class="">A high-end location isn’t enough. The photographer must know how to:</p><ul data-rte-list="default"><li><p class="">Use wide angles and composition to showcase the <strong>grandeur</strong> of the setting.</p></li><li><p class="">Craft tight, emotionally-rich <strong>close-up shots</strong> that still echo the location’s mood.</p></li><li><p class="">Balance light, setting, and subject so that <strong>you remain the focus</strong>, not just the landscape.</p></li><li><p class="">Adapt to unfamiliar terrain and conditions—because destination work requires <strong>more than luck</strong>.</p></li></ul><p class="">Look through their portfolio. Don’t just search for specific locations—look for consistency in how they use natural light, how they can modify the light, how they tell a story through an image, and whether their subjects <em>feel</em> like the heroes of their own portraits and are never overpowered by the setting.</p><h2>Timing Matters: Plan Around Availability and Climate</h2><p class="">Here’s a not-so-fun fact: many of the best senior photographers are <strong>fully booked months in advance</strong> during the summer. If a destination shoot is your dream, you’ll want to plan well ahead or explore the advantages of <em>off-season travel</em>.</p><h3>Peak Season Challenges:</h3><ul data-rte-list="default"><li><p class="">Photographers have limited travel windows.</p></li><li><p class="">Popular locations are crowded with tourists.</p></li><li><p class="">Hot-weather regions (e.g., Mojave, Arizona) can be nearly unbearable.</p></li></ul><h3>Off-Season Benefits:</h3><ul data-rte-list="default"><li><p class="">Cooler temps in desert or southern locations.</p></li><li><p class="">More photographer availability.</p></li><li><p class="">Better travel deals and fewer people in iconic spots.</p></li></ul><p class="">Ask your photographer <em>if and when they can travel</em> and <em>what recommendations they have</em> based on their experiences and knowledge of seasonal conditions.</p><h2>Ask the Right Questions</h2><p class="">A professional destination photographer will guide you through the planning process, but you should come to the table informed. Some smart questions include:</p><ul data-rte-list="default"><li><p class="">What’s your travel schedule, and how far in advance do we need to book?</p></li><li><p class="">Have you worked in unfamiliar destinations before?</p></li><li><p class="">What’s your process for scouting a new location if you haven’t been there yet?</p></li><li><p class="">Do you provide guidance on styling and wardrobe to match the setting?</p></li><li><p class="">How do you handle weather or lighting changes on the fly?</p></li><li><p class="">If our family is along, can we do family portraits too?</p></li></ul><p class="">Pro photographers will also ask <em>you</em> the right questions, like:</p><ul data-rte-list="default"><li><p class="">What kind of environment does your grad feel most confident in?</p></li><li><p class="">Do you want bold and dramatic, soft and natural, or something editorial?</p></li><li><p class="">Are there locations that hold personal meaning to your family?</p></li><li><p class="">Are you up for a little trekking around or adventure, or do you need more accessibility?</p></li></ul><p class="">Their curiosity is a good sign—they’re not just taking pictures, they’re <strong>crafting an experience</strong>.</p><h2>Five Red Flags to Watch For</h2><p class="">Not all photographers who <em>say</em> they shoot destination sessions are prepared for what it truly requires. Watch out for:</p><p class="">🚩 <strong>They only offer mini sessions at destinations.</strong> Doing a mini session after all that is required to feature such an important experience and location makes about as much sense as a toothpick taste test at a 3-star Michelin restaurant. This is not the time to cast aside all of your creative opportunities for a sampler photo shoot.</p><p class="">🚩 <strong>They seem daunted by the idea of travel.</strong> A seasoned travel pro is excited about the opportunities to explore new locations with you. They also know how to navigate the challenges of travel and are comfortable with the unexpected things that are part of a travel experience, the things other people fear about traveling.</p><p class="">🚩 <strong>Their portfolio is full of pretty places, but flat lighting or dull poses.</strong> Location is only half the magic. If the subject isn’t amazing, no one cares about the image or the setting.</p><p class="">🚩 <strong>They focus more on their travel experience than your story.</strong> You’re not booking a tourist, you’re booking a visual storyteller, someone who can make magic for you wherever you go.</p><p class="">🚩 <strong>They’re vague about contracts, travel fees, or cancellation policies.</strong> While contracts are never a fun thing to worry about, they are key for destination portraits. You need to know the photographer is committed and dependable, and you need to understand the expectations on both sides, so you want transparency from the start. You are investing more in this experience than the average person, so you can’t afford to end up with a photographer who can’t keep their schedule and details straight.</p><h2>Final Thoughts: Your Senior’s Story, Elevated</h2><p class=""><strong>One common mistake we see people make</strong> is that they invest $2000-$3000 on airfare for the whole family to make an event of it, and they pay for accommodations around $3000. Food costs $1500, plus the clothing for the portrait session was another $1500. Wow! Now they are in it for a total of 8-10k, and the very next thing they decide to do is book a $500 photographer. There are no redos on such an experience. If the value alignment is off, you are guaranteed to end up with what you paid for. </p><p class="">Make it unforgettable by choosing wisely. Destination senior portraits are about more than incredible backdrops—they’re about capturing a once-in-a-lifetime moment in a way no one else can replicate. The right photographer will make your grad feel confident, seen, and celebrated in a setting that speaks to their individuality.</p><p class="">It takes vision, planning, trust, and a little bit of adventure. But when it all comes together, you’ll have portraits that are as unforgettable as the journey itself.</p><p data-rte-preserve-empty="true" class=""></p><h2><strong>Want help planning your destination portrait session?</strong></h2><h3>Let’s talk about the places that light you up—and the story you want to tell.</h3>





















  
  








   
    <a href="https://www.jaredmburns.com/contact" class="sqs-block-button-element--medium sqs-button-element--primary sqs-block-button-element" data-sqsp-button
      
    >
      Tell us your destination idea
    </a>]]></content:encoded><media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/3a017d11-e18d-4135-9428-b1b19010c011/Destination+ideas.jpg?format=1500w" medium="image" isDefault="true" width="1500" height="1143"><media:title type="plain">How to Choose a Destination Senior Grad Photographer</media:title></media:content></item><item><title>How to choose and equestrian photographer</title><category>Seniors</category><dc:creator>Jared M. Burns</dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 21 Jul 2025 17:43:51 +0000</pubDate><link>https://www.jaredmburns.com/blog/2025/7/21/how-to-choose-and-equestrian-photographer</link><guid isPermaLink="false">53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2:552c4567e4b0ff3eee9aa346:687e7c5cd84c97313ddcc91c</guid><description><![CDATA[If you're a senior who loves horses, then you already know—this bond is 
different. Your horse isn't just a pet or a hobby. They're part of your 
heart, part of your story, and part of your growing up. So when it’s time 
to take your senior portraits, you don’t want just any photographer. You 
want someone who can celebrate that connection—not just capture a pretty 
picture.]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="
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  <h1>🐴 How to Choose the Right Photographer for Your Equestrian Senior Portraits</h1><p class=""><em>This is a very niche article for senior, grad girls and guys who want their horse in the spotlight, too</em></p><p class="">If you're a senior who loves horses, then you already know—this bond is different. Your horse isn't just a pet or a hobby. They're part of your heart, part of your story, and part of your growing up. So when it’s time to take your senior portraits, you don’t want just any photographer. You want someone who can celebrate that connection—not just capture a pretty picture.</p><p class="">As someone who photographs both high school seniors <em>and</em> has experience with equestrian sessions, I’ve learned what truly matters in planning a shoot like this. Whether you’ve had your horse since you were little or you just found your heart horse a year ago, your session should reflect the journey you’ve taken together.</p><p class="">Here’s a guide to help you find the right photographer who understands how meaningful this is—for both you and your horse.</p><h2>1. KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE TO WORK WITH Location-Wise</h2><p class="">Start by getting a feel for what’s possible near your home or barn. Ask:</p><ul data-rte-list="default"><li><p class="">Are there beautiful open areas nearby that allow horses?</p></li><li><p class="">Does your barn have great scenery or open fields?</p></li><li><p class="">Are there horse-friendly parks or trails worth exploring?</p></li></ul><p class="">If you’re in <strong>King or Snohomish County, Washington</strong>, some of my favorite natural spots for equestrian portraits include:</p><ul data-rte-list="default"><li><p class=""><strong>Bridle Trails State Park</strong></p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Farrel-McWhirter Park</strong></p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Saint Edward State Park</strong></p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Lord Hill Regional Park</strong></p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Paradise Valley Conservation Area</strong></p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Pilchuck Tree Farm</strong></p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Whitehorse Trail near Darrington</strong> if you’re up for a drive.</p></li></ul><p class="">And when it comes to charming, rural neighborhoods that often have beautiful private horse properties, look into:</p><p class=""><strong>Woodinville, Monroe, Snohomish, Stanwood, Arlington, Granite Falls</strong>, and specific communities like <strong>Lord Hill, Machias, Woods Creek, Lake Goodwin, Ben Howard, Echo Falls, Pilchuck Creek</strong>, and <strong>Union Hill</strong>.</p><p class="">If you’re unsure about locations, a good photographer should be willing to scout or provide some ideas ahead of time.</p><h2>2. Start Your Search in the Right Places</h2><p class="">The truth is, the horse world is pretty small—and the list of photographers who <em>really</em> know how to work with both horses and people is even smaller. Start by searching:</p><ul data-rte-list="default"><li><p class=""><strong>“Equestrian senior photographer”</strong></p></li><li><p class=""><strong>“Senior portraits with horse” + your city or state</strong></p></li></ul><p class="">Look through Instagram, Pinterest, or Google—then dig deeper. Just because a photo looks pretty in your feed doesn’t mean that the photographer knows how to pose people with horses or make seniors feel confident in front of the camera<strong>.</strong></p><p class=""><strong>💡 <em>Pro Tip:</em></strong> Look for photographers who feature <strong>multiple sessions</strong> with horses—not just one random shoot. Consistency matters.</p>





















  
  














































  

    
  
    

      

      
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  <h2>3. Know What Qualities to Look For</h2><h3>🎓 Experience with Seniors</h3><ul data-rte-list="default"><li><p class="">Do their senior portraits feel <strong>natural and confident</strong>?</p></li><li><p class="">Do they show variety in style, posing, and expression?</p></li><li><p class="">Do their photos capture <strong>who the person is</strong>, not just how they look?</p></li></ul><h3>🐎 Experience with Horses</h3><ul data-rte-list="default"><li><p class="">Do they seem <strong>comfortable and calm</strong> around horses?</p></li><li><p class="">Can they read a horse’s body language (ears, tension, energy)?</p></li><li><p class="">Are they aware of safety, patience, and how to work in unpredictable environments?</p></li></ul><p class=""><strong>💡 <em>Pro Tip:</em></strong> Horses should have ears forward in most images—this usually means the photographer has good timing, treats, or a gentle presence that puts the horse at ease.</p><h2>4. Ask the Right Questions</h2><p class="">When you reach out, don’t be shy. Ask important questions like:</p><ul data-rte-list="default"><li><p class="">“Have you photographed seniors with horses before?”</p><ul data-rte-list="default"><li><p class="">They should be able to give a confident yes and share stories.</p></li></ul></li><li><p class="">“Can you travel to my barn or a special location?”</p><ul data-rte-list="default"><li><p class="">This is key because understanding your horse’s comfort level is the most important piece.</p></li></ul></li><li><p class="">“How do you help keep horses relaxed during the session?”</p><ul data-rte-list="default"><li><p class="">They should have an awareness of slow and patient movements and the introduction of equipment around the horse. Having a calm and soft-spoken personality is a must.</p></li></ul></li><li><p class="">“What do you recommend I do to prep my horse ahead of time?”</p><ul data-rte-list="default"><li><p class="">They should be able to chat through, bathing, grooming, and trimming stray or unslightly long hair growth, as well as provide some key reminders like cleaning tack, oiling leathers, and making sure your bridals and rope don’t look too new or too old. If and when the location is known, they should advise you to take your horse there a few times, get comfortable.</p></li></ul></li></ul><p class="">And pay attention to the questions <strong>they</strong> ask you. A great photographer will want to know:</p><ul data-rte-list="default"><li><p class="">Your horse’s temperament</p></li><li><p class="">Your comfort level as a rider and handler</p></li><li><p class="">Rules around your barn or paddock</p></li><li><p class="">Whether your horse spooks at gear, reflectors, or flashes</p></li></ul><p class="">💡 <em>Pro Tip:</em> If possible, meet the photographer in person first. Let them meet your horse. You’ll know quickly if the vibe is right.</p>





















  
  














































  

    
  
    

      

      
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  <h2>5. Study Their Portfolio</h2><p class="">Don’t just scroll—study. Look for:</p><ul data-rte-list="default"><li><p class=""><strong>Natural posing</strong> of both you and your horse (not stiff or awkward)</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Good lighting and focus</strong> on both faces (yes, your horse’s expression matters!)</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Variety</strong>: wide scenic shots, intimate close-ups, fun candid moments</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Safety-conscious composition</strong>: halters edited out, calm energy, respectful handling</p></li></ul><p class="">The best photos are the ones that show how much you <em>feel</em>, not just how you <em>look</em>.</p><h2>6. A Few Extras That Matter</h2><ul data-rte-list="default"><li><p class=""><strong>Prints + Albums</strong> – This story deserves a place in your home. A wall portrait or keepsake album can bring back these memories long after graduation.</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Insurance</strong> – Not glamorous, but important when working with large animals on private property.</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Support Team</strong> – Will they bring an assistant or are they comfortable working with a parent, trainer, or barn friend to help manage your horse?</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Outfit &amp; Timing Help</strong> – Do they guide you on what to wear and when to shoot for the best light?</p></li></ul><h2>7. Red Flags to Watch Out For</h2><ul data-rte-list="default"><li><p class="">🚩 They only shoot horse shows—not portraits</p></li><li><p class="">🚩 They are great with the horse portraits, but not the senior grad</p></li><li><p class="">🚩 Their horse images look forced, stiff, or emotionless</p></li><li><p class="">🚩 They don’t ask about your horse’s personality or your comfort level, or they ask too few questions to prepare.</p></li><li><p class="">🚩 They rush through sessions or don’t seem confident around animals</p></li></ul><h2>8. Final Thoughts</h2><p class="">Equestrian senior portraits aren’t just about showing off your horse—they’re about honoring a bond that helped shape who you are. This isn’t just a milestone for you—it’s one you and your horse have reached <em>together.</em></p><p class="">Maybe they’ve been with you through heartbreaks and ribbon wins. Maybe they’ve taught you patience, grit, or how to show up when life gets tough. That deserves to be remembered.</p><p class="">Your senior portraits should feel <strong>authentic, brave, and full of heart</strong>—just like the way you love your horse.</p><p class="">If you’re ready to plan your equestrian session, I’d love to be the one who gets to tell that story. I’m not afraid to get dusty, step in mud, or chase golden light across a pasture. <a href="https://www.jaredmburns.com/contact"><strong>Let’s make something meaningful, together.</strong></a></p>





















  
  








   
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        </figure>]]></content:encoded><media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/1556657976671-8LP9RHQP9BUQGE0WM6V2/Snohomish+High+School+equestrian+senior+girl+graduate+with+horse+-+Snohomish%2C+Mill+Creek%2C+Mukilteo+Girl+Grad+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns+-+2066597468.jpg?format=1500w" medium="image" isDefault="true" width="1500" height="998"><media:title type="plain">How to choose and equestrian photographer</media:title></media:content></item><item><title>Our Commitment to a Full-Service Experience</title><category>Family</category><category>Seniors</category><dc:creator>Jared M. Burns</dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 14 Jul 2025 19:49:36 +0000</pubDate><link>https://www.jaredmburns.com/blog/2025/7/14/commitment-to-service</link><guid isPermaLink="false">53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2:552c4567e4b0ff3eee9aa346:68754540355ce71143cdaf94</guid><description><![CDATA[Are you looking for a photographer who will see your project through to the 
very end? We believe your story deserves to be told not just with a photo 
shoot, but with beautiful art pieces you can display in your home for years 
to come.]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="
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  <p class="">Are you looking for a photographer who will see your project through to the very end? We believe your story deserves to be told not just with a photo shoot, but with beautiful art pieces you can display in your home for years to come.</p><h2>Which Service Experience would you prefer?</h2><p class="">Imagine finding a photographer who understands every concern you have about capturing a milestone—whether it's your family's story or a senior's graduation year. They listen to you, solve challenges, and create a perfect plan for themes, clothing, and locations. They capture the most amazing memories you could ever wish for.</p><p class="">But then, when it's time to review the images, make selections, and decide how to display them, they say, <strong>"I'm tapping out. Here’s a digital gallery download—you figure it out."</strong></p><p class="">What if you want to hang a piece of art that represents your family, and you need to know how to make it fit with your home's decor? Or maybe you just aren't sure how to size it for your wall? And their response, “Thanks for the business! Hope to work with you again!”</p><p class=""><strong>How would you feel about that kind of service?</strong></p><p class="">Maybe you're the kind of person who enjoys DIYing the most important parts on your own. If so, the good news is, you'll have no trouble finding partial service providers.</p><p class="">However, consider this: there are two ways to get an amazing beef Wellington. (1) You could buy all the ingredients, watch a YouTube video, and hope it turns out right—while also handling all the cleanup. Or, (2) you could have Chef Nick DiGiovanni come and make it for you.</p><p class="">Similarly, there are two ways to get new flooring. (1) You can rip out the old floor yourself, research materials, watch a bunch of how-to videos, buy the materials and tools, haul everything, and spend weeks on the project. And if something goes wrong, the liability is all on you. Or, (2) you could hire a professional installer who does this every day for a living, complete the project in a day or two. If anything goes wrong, they're back in a flash to fix it, and the liability is on them.</p><p class="">One choice is okay, and one is great. Which would you choose?</p><h2>Our Commitment to a Full-Service Experience</h2><p class="">When you work with us, we're with you every step of the way. We see your project through to the end because we know we can do it better and faster. Our years of experience have given us access to professional product lines you can't find on your own. We can even use virtual software to create a mockup of exactly what your art will look like in your home, so it's done correctly the first time.</p><p class="">Most importantly, every home is different, and we know exactly which art mediums work best in certain situations. We can also advocate for you with the labs we work with, because they all make mistakes from time to time. We handle the fixes on the back end, so you never have to worry about a thing. Plus, we'll take care of the installation for you. We know the proper viewing height to hang art, how much negative space should be around it, and the best way to mount different art materials. We even have special tools for hanging larger pieces. We handle all the details so you can enjoy your new art.<br></p><p class="">Our goal is to ensure your cherished moments are not only captured but also beautifully brought to life as tangible art. We handle all the intricate details so you don't have to, ensuring that your art pieces are not just pictures but a true reflection of your family's unique story. From the first click of the camera to the final piece on your wall, we are committed to providing a seamless and satisfying experience you won't find anywhere else.</p>]]></content:encoded><media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/efdc142f-dc61-4764-a3e8-939c1ddd016e/Frameing+example+of+one+of+our+families+in+a+rustic+wood+frame+above+a+bench+in+the+entry+way.jpg.jpg?format=1500w" medium="image" isDefault="true" width="1500" height="1169"><media:title type="plain">Our Commitment to a Full-Service Experience</media:title></media:content></item><item><title>10 things to talk about now with your 2026 grad!</title><category>Seniors</category><dc:creator>Jared M. Burns</dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 07 Jul 2025 18:00:00 +0000</pubDate><link>https://www.jaredmburns.com/blog/2025/7/7/10-things-to-talk-about-now-with-your-2026-grad</link><guid isPermaLink="false">53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2:552c4567e4b0ff3eee9aa346:665fa6b00eb5017a8badf39f</guid><description><![CDATA[Planning and discussing your grad portraits in advance is essential because 
school yearbook deadlines often sneak up, and schools are typically too 
busy to provide timely reminders. Thinking ahead ensures you secure the 
right photographer whose style aligns with your grad's personality and that 
the portraits are completed well before any submission deadlines.]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="
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  <h1>10 things to talk about now with your 2026 grad!</h1><p class="">Planning and discussing your grad portraits in advance is essential because school yearbook deadlines often sneak up, and schools are typically too busy to provide timely reminders. Thinking ahead ensures you secure the right photographer whose style aligns with your grad's personality and that the portraits are completed well before any submission deadlines.</p><p data-rte-preserve-empty="true" class=""></p><h2><strong>When is the yearbook image due at your school?</strong></h2><ul data-rte-list="default"><li><p class="">Don't count on the schools to get the information out to you in time! They are busy and overwhelmed, and most fall short!</p></li><li><p class="">We track the yearbook deadlines for you here: <a href="https://www.jaredmburns.com/check-yearbook-deadline" title="Yearbook Deadlines" target="_blank"><strong>YEARBOOK DEADLINES</strong></a></p></li><li><p class="">Planning example: If yearbook submissions are due October 1st at your student’s school, you should have the grad's shoot completed by August 1st. <em>(That is weeks away right now!)</em></p></li></ul><h2><strong>Which photographer do you feel comfortable with?</strong></h2><ul data-rte-list="default"><li><p class="">Does your grad like and connect with the photographer?</p></li><li><p class="">Would their artistic style represent your grad and their personality? <a href="https://www.jaredmburns.com/seniors" target="_blank"><strong>SEE OUR STYLE HERE</strong></a></p></li><li><p class="">If these things click, you will have much better success with the final portraits. The only way to truly know is through an&nbsp;<a href="https://book.usesession.com/t/-OaSiQIpu" target="_blank"><strong>in-person meeting</strong></a>.</p></li></ul><h2><strong>What is the budget?</strong></h2><ul data-rte-list="default"><li><p class="">Some parents choose to invest as much as $7000, and some invest less than $2000. Which is right for you?</p></li><li><p class="">When it comes to these memories, carefully weigh "the value" vs. "the cost."</p></li><li><p class="">Knowing your goals ahead of time can save you some frustration later. Not all photographers are created equal.</p></li></ul><h2><strong>Where will the portraits take place?</strong></h2><ul data-rte-list="default"><li><p class="">Do you have access to any exclusive locations? If so, it might make the portraits extra unique!</p></li><li><p class="">Not sure where to start? Don't worry, we have countless ideas and <a href="https://www.jaredmburns.com/contact" target="_blank"><strong>can make some suggestions</strong></a> you will love once we get to know your grad!</p></li></ul><h2><strong>How many outfit changes will you want?</strong></h2><ul data-rte-list="default"><li><p class="">There is no right or wrong answer. You need only consider that the more time spent changing clothes will result in less time photographing...or that more time will need to be added to cover the additional outfit changes.</p></li><li><p class="">We generally recommend 2-3 outfits in a 2-hour sitting.</p></li></ul><h2><strong>Are we going to include family portraits at the same time?</strong></h2><ul data-rte-list="default"><li><p class="">Some senior grads want to make the portrait session all about them. I get it, and they deserve it!</p></li><li><p class="">If your grad is open to family portraits, we'd love to accommodate that too! We would then recommend splitting the session, 1.5 hours for the grad and 30 minutes for the family.</p></li></ul><h2><strong>Does the photographer allow custom input on the products we want?</strong></h2><ul data-rte-list="default"><li><p class="">I can't speak for all photographers, but our desire is for you to have full control. We have abandoned packages because we never want you to feel locked into something you don't like or want.</p></li><li><p class="">When it comes to our way of doing things, you only have to pay for the images you truly love on the products you want for your home.</p></li></ul><h2><strong>What is our backup plan if the weather goes bad? (And sometimes it does!)</strong></h2><ul data-rte-list="default"><li><p class="">With us, we've already got your backup plan! Our business model is not to shoot on volume, cramming people into every possible time slot, which allows us lots of flexibility in a weather event!</p></li></ul><h2><strong>But what about hair and makeup services?</strong></h2><ul data-rte-list="default"><li><p class="">If you have a hair and makeup artist, that's great!</p></li><li><p class="">If you don't have one, we can get you access to our hair and makeup artist! She is one of the best around and only works with professional photographers.</p></li></ul><h2><strong>Is the photographer dependable?</strong></h2><ul data-rte-list="default"><li><p class="">If you have a photographer in mind, check out their reviews on Google. Read the good review. Read the bad reviews too, and note how the photographer responded to the complaints to try and make things right. A little advanced research can save you from a costly pitfall!</p></li><li><p class="">Talk to them on the phone or meet with them in person. So much can be learned through a little relationship.</p></li><li><p class="">When it comes to <a href="https://www.jaredmburns.com/" target="_blank"><strong>our work</strong></a>, <strong>we guarantee it!</strong> (Who else does that these days?) It means, if you don't love the final portraits enough to buy, you get your money back - All of it!</p></li></ul><p data-rte-preserve-empty="true" class=""></p><p class="">Does this feel like a lot to worry about? It is a lot. We know how much planning and preparation it takes to get your kid through the biggest year of their life, and we do this all the time. If we can lift this one burden for you and make it easy, we are&nbsp;eager to help! <a href="https://www.jaredmburns.com/contact" target="_blank"><strong>Let's connect!!</strong></a></p><p class="">&nbsp;</p>





















  
  








   
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  <h2>Get the ball rolling early and ride the momentum across the finish line later!</h2>





















  
  






  <h2>Or call us on the phone</h2><h2><a href="tel:2066597468" target="_blank">206.659.7468</a></h2><p class="">(Remember to leave us a message, we might be out photographing!)</p>





















  
  














































  

    
  
    

      

      
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                <img data-stretch="false" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/1715993263758-Y2WHQAM8JPJU5MJNZF5N/Seattle+Bellevue+Sammamish+Eastside+Catholic+High+School+senior+guy+graduate+holding+basketball+-+Snohomish%2C+Mill+Creek%2C+Mukilteo+Guy+Grad+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns+-+2066597468.jpg" data-image-dimensions="1500x998" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="" data-load="false" elementtiming="system-image-block" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/1715993263758-Y2WHQAM8JPJU5MJNZF5N/Seattle+Bellevue+Sammamish+Eastside+Catholic+High+School+senior+guy+graduate+holding+basketball+-+Snohomish%2C+Mill+Creek%2C+Mukilteo+Guy+Grad+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns+-+2066597468.jpg?format=1000w" width="1500" height="998" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, (max-width: 767px) 100vw, 100vw" onload="this.classList.add(&quot;loaded&quot;)" srcset="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/1715993263758-Y2WHQAM8JPJU5MJNZF5N/Seattle+Bellevue+Sammamish+Eastside+Catholic+High+School+senior+guy+graduate+holding+basketball+-+Snohomish%2C+Mill+Creek%2C+Mukilteo+Guy+Grad+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns+-+2066597468.jpg?format=100w 100w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/1715993263758-Y2WHQAM8JPJU5MJNZF5N/Seattle+Bellevue+Sammamish+Eastside+Catholic+High+School+senior+guy+graduate+holding+basketball+-+Snohomish%2C+Mill+Creek%2C+Mukilteo+Guy+Grad+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns+-+2066597468.jpg?format=300w 300w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/1715993263758-Y2WHQAM8JPJU5MJNZF5N/Seattle+Bellevue+Sammamish+Eastside+Catholic+High+School+senior+guy+graduate+holding+basketball+-+Snohomish%2C+Mill+Creek%2C+Mukilteo+Guy+Grad+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns+-+2066597468.jpg?format=500w 500w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/1715993263758-Y2WHQAM8JPJU5MJNZF5N/Seattle+Bellevue+Sammamish+Eastside+Catholic+High+School+senior+guy+graduate+holding+basketball+-+Snohomish%2C+Mill+Creek%2C+Mukilteo+Guy+Grad+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns+-+2066597468.jpg?format=750w 750w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/1715993263758-Y2WHQAM8JPJU5MJNZF5N/Seattle+Bellevue+Sammamish+Eastside+Catholic+High+School+senior+guy+graduate+holding+basketball+-+Snohomish%2C+Mill+Creek%2C+Mukilteo+Guy+Grad+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns+-+2066597468.jpg?format=1000w 1000w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/1715993263758-Y2WHQAM8JPJU5MJNZF5N/Seattle+Bellevue+Sammamish+Eastside+Catholic+High+School+senior+guy+graduate+holding+basketball+-+Snohomish%2C+Mill+Creek%2C+Mukilteo+Guy+Grad+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns+-+2066597468.jpg?format=1500w 1500w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/1715993263758-Y2WHQAM8JPJU5MJNZF5N/Seattle+Bellevue+Sammamish+Eastside+Catholic+High+School+senior+guy+graduate+holding+basketball+-+Snohomish%2C+Mill+Creek%2C+Mukilteo+Guy+Grad+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns+-+2066597468.jpg?format=2500w 2500w" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-loader="sqs">

            
          
        
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        </figure>]]></content:encoded><media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/1a9a6c25-b14e-4b04-9133-013f65451edc/Echo+Falls+Woodinville+High+School+Equestrian+girl+graduate+looking+out+the+window+of+a++classic+truck+-+Snohomish%2C+Mill+Creek%2C+Mukilteo+Girl+Grad+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns+-+2066597468.jpg?format=1500w" medium="image" isDefault="true" width="1500" height="998"><media:title type="plain">10 things to talk about now with your 2026 grad!</media:title></media:content></item><item><title>10 Makeup Tips for Photography</title><category>Tip &amp; Secrets</category><category>Women</category><category>Family</category><category>Seniors</category><dc:creator>Jared M. Burns</dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 21 Jun 2025 22:06:16 +0000</pubDate><link>https://www.jaredmburns.com/blog/2019/3/20/10-makeup-tips-for-photography</link><guid isPermaLink="false">53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2:552c4567e4b0ff3eee9aa346:67d0b38f6068af413c71daf4</guid><description><![CDATA[Portraits can be intimidating if you aren't proficient in makeup. There are 
some easy pitfalls to avoid when applying makeup for a photo shoot, we went 
to a local professional who has worked in weddings and portraits for 8 
years. Here are some of her top suggestions…]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="
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  <h2><strong>Mastering Your Photo Shoot Makeup: Expert Tips for a Radiant Portrait</strong></h2><p class="">Portraits can be intimidating if you aren't proficient in makeup. There are some easy pitfalls to avoid when applying makeup for a photo shoot. We went to a local professional who has worked in weddings and portraits for 8 years. Here are her top suggestions to ensure your makeup enhances your natural beauty and truly pops in your portraits:</p><ol data-rte-list="default"><li><p class=""><strong>Don't Overdo the Highlight:</strong> While a little shimmer can be lovely in everyday life, remember that the photographer's lights are designed to create beautiful highlights naturally. Adding too much of your own can make your skin appear oily or overly shiny under the bright studio lights, rather than glowing.</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Find Your Perfect Match:</strong> This is crucial! Your <strong>foundation</strong> should seamlessly blend with your skin tone. Many people test foundation on the back of their hand, but beware – the skin tone there often differs significantly from your face. Under professional, balanced lighting, any mismatch will be glaringly obvious. For the most harmonious look, always match your foundation to your jawline or neck.</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Matte is Your Friend (Especially Over 30):</strong> For women over 30, it's generally best to steer clear of makeup with a lot of shimmer. Matte finishes tend to be far more flattering in photographs, offering a sophisticated and timeless look that won't emphasize fine lines or texture.</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Lighten Up on Mascara:</strong> When mascara is applied too thickly, it can actually create a barrier that blocks light from reaching your eyes, casting shadows that leave them looking dull and lifeless. To achieve bright, sparkling eyes, focus on an eyelash curler first! Then, apply no more than 2-3 coats of a light, clump-free mascara. Our pro recommends <strong>CoverGirl's Clump Crusher</strong>.</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Eyeliner: Less is More for a Polished Look:</strong> Heavy, thick eyeliner can look harsh and unprofessional in a portrait. For a beautifully defined eye, keep your line thinner near the inner corner and gradually thicken it as you move towards the outer corner. To soften the look, use a dark eyeshadow powder and a detail brush to gently blend the line into your lash roots.</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Consider Your Complexion When Choosing Eye Makeup:</strong> Believe it or not, black isn't the best choice for everyone when it comes to mascara and eyeliner. If you're a natural blonde or redhead, opting for a <strong>brown mascara</strong> can define your lashes and lids without overpowering your delicate features, creating a softer, more harmonious look.</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Embrace Natural Contours, Skip the Heavy Foundation:</strong> The current trend of applying multiple layers of foundation can be perplexing. We've all seen tutorials where beautiful faces with natural contours are hidden under 5-7 layers of makeup, only for the contour to be re-created artificially. For portraits, simplicity is key. Stick to a moisturizer suited for your skin type, followed by a thin application of <strong>BB Cream</strong> in areas where you need it. Then, apply a light layer of foundation where necessary, spot-conceal any imperfections, and set it all with a light powder.</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Stick to Your Signature Style:</strong> A headshot or portrait is not the time to experiment with a drastic new look you haven't quite mastered. The goal is to capture the authentic you! Opt for a clean, classic makeup style that you feel comfortable and confident in. Trendy looks can quickly become dated, but timeless elegance never goes out of style.</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Ditch the Shiny Lip Gloss:</strong> Professional lighting is all about sculpting light and shadow to create dimension. Super shiny lip gloss can reflect too much light, creating an unflattering glare. Instead, reach for a <strong>tinted lip balm</strong>. It will moisturize your lips beautifully while adding a subtle wash of color, enhancing your natural pout without distracting from your overall look.</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Eyebrows Frame Your Face:</strong> Your eyebrows are incredibly important for framing your face and adding expression. Resist the urge to over-pluck, and when filling them in, be meticulous about matching your natural hair color. If you're unsure, a consultation with a brow expert is a fantastic idea. When it comes to brows, it's always better to be conservative with both plucking and filling.</p></li></ol><p class="">Ultimately, makeup should serve to <strong>accentuate your natural beauty</strong>, not mask it. When you embrace who you are, you'll radiate an undeniable confidence that truly shines through in every photograph – and that, our expert says, is a photographer's dream!</p><p class=""><br></p>]]></content:encoded><media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/b299765a-8eff-43f4-92bd-de2950cfb475/Black+and+white+edgy+branding+image+of+an+artist+band+musician+singer+Jared+M.+Burns.jpg?format=1500w" medium="image" isDefault="true" width="1500" height="1004"><media:title type="plain">10 Makeup Tips for Photography</media:title></media:content></item><item><title>What is the Value of a Photograph?</title><category>Family</category><dc:creator>Jared M. Burns</dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 21 Jun 2025 19:04:24 +0000</pubDate><link>https://www.jaredmburns.com/blog/what-is-the-value-of-a-photograph</link><guid isPermaLink="false">53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2:552c4567e4b0ff3eee9aa346:552c458fe4b0ff3eee9aabec</guid><description><![CDATA[Determining the true value of a photograph is so much more than just the 
cost of printing it. As a mom, you know firsthand that your family's 
memories are priceless.]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="
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  <p class="">Determining the true value of a photograph is so much more than just the cost of printing it. As a mom, you know firsthand that your family's memories are priceless. We invest so much in our homes, our cars, and creating a wonderful life, but if we faced the unthinkable choice of saving only one possession from a fire, without hesitation, we'd all grab those <strong>"Photograph Memories."</strong> Why? Because they're irreplaceable; they're the tangible pieces of your family's story that you can never get back.</p><p class="">So, what <em>is</em> the value of a photograph?</p><h2>A Photograph Is the Only...</h2><ul data-rte-list="default"><li><p class="">way we can stop time.</p></li><li><p class="">opportunity to truly see the world through another person's eyes.</p></li><li><p class="">thing that is still unique in this world.</p></li><li><p class="">way of going back in time and reliving a special moment.</p></li><li><p class="">thing that lasts after the wedding is over.</p></li><li><p class="">evidence that those special memories have taken place.</p></li></ul><h2>A Photograph Will...</h2><ul data-rte-list="default"><li><p class="">instantly communicate knowledge, ideas, and understanding.</p></li><li><p class="">change our worldview.</p></li><li><p class="">reflect what is most important in our lives.</p></li><li><p class="">say more than we can ever describe.</p></li><li><p class="">take people places they have never been.</p></li><li><p class="">allow you to see moments you have missed.</p></li><li><p class="">never fade away.</p></li><li><p class="">capture and preserve the intangible, like a personality or feeling.</p></li><li><p class="">share our lives with others.</p></li><li><p class="">be more accurate than our own memory as the years go by.</p></li><li><p class="">strengthen the bonds we share with the ones we love.</p></li></ul><h2>A Photograph Is a Tangible Connection to...</h2><ul data-rte-list="default"><li><p class="">our past, present, and future.</p></li><li><p class="">the experiences that make us who we are today.</p></li><li><p class="">our individual artistic expression.</p></li><li><p class="">the people, places, and things you care about most.</p></li><li><p class="">our heritage.</p></li><li><p class="">our greatest life moments.</p></li></ul><h2>A Photograph Can...</h2><ul data-rte-list="default"><li><p class="">never be replaced.</p></li><li><p class="">elicit the strongest of human emotions.</p></li><li><p class="">make us remember.</p></li><li><p class="">traverse time and space.</p></li><li><p class="">bring people together.</p></li><li><p class="">transcend language and culture.</p></li><li><p class="">change the world.</p></li><li><p class="">live forever.</p></li></ul><p class="">If photographs are the memories that fill the written pages of our personal life story, then the real question isn't about the cost of a print, but rather, <strong>what is the value of a memory?</strong></p><p class="">"It's your family's story."</p>]]></content:encoded><media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/629e1908-d120-4378-9830-68cca751d59a/Maui+Hawaii+Extended+Family+Destination+portraits+on+beach+at+sunset+-+Everett+Seattle+%26+Hawaii+Family+Portrait+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns+-+2066597468.jpg?format=1500w" medium="image" isDefault="true" width="1500" height="844"><media:title type="plain">What is the Value of a Photograph?</media:title></media:content></item><item><title>When was your last family portrait? </title><category>Family</category><dc:creator>Jared M. Burns</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 17 Jun 2025 16:24:00 +0000</pubDate><link>https://www.jaredmburns.com/blog/when-was-your-last-family-portrait</link><guid isPermaLink="false">53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2:552c4567e4b0ff3eee9aa346:645e83a4fd04230104b9bac9</guid><description><![CDATA[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.]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="
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  <p class="">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.</p><p class="">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."</p><p class="">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.</p><p class="">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 they 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 that at least this moment could live with them forever in a portrait.<br><br>While this is not a real story of any one client, it is a real story of all our clients and the things our clients have 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.</p><h2><strong>Can we make beautiful family portraits for you?</strong></h2>





















  
  








   
    <a href="https://www.jaredmburns.com/contact" class="sqs-block-button-element--small sqs-button-element--tertiary sqs-block-button-element" data-sqsp-button
      
    >
      BOOK SUMMER PORTRAITS NOW
    </a>]]></content:encoded><media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/3dd91eed-a2f9-40d3-b018-d5a6dca9b7f5/Carnation+family+portraits+standing+in+field+at+sunset++-+Everett+%26+Snohomish+Family+Portrait+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns+-+2066597468.jpg?format=1500w" medium="image" isDefault="true" width="1500" height="998"><media:title type="plain">When was your last family portrait? </media:title></media:content></item><item><title>Grads: The ONE thing schools won't tell you</title><category>Seniors</category><dc:creator>Jared M. Burns</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 06 Jun 2025 23:39:24 +0000</pubDate><link>https://www.jaredmburns.com/blog/2025/6/6/grads-the-one-thing-schools-wont-tell-you</link><guid isPermaLink="false">53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2:552c4567e4b0ff3eee9aa346:68437aa5a4c5726eb43c2ab5</guid><description><![CDATA[If there was only one thing you should know about the upcoming grad year, 
this is it...Yearbook deadlines are sooner than you think. Seriously!]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="
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  <p class="">If there was only one thing you should know about the upcoming grad year, this is it...</p><h2>&nbsp;<strong>Yearbook deadlines are sooner than you think.</strong></h2><p class=""><strong>Seriously!</strong></p><p class="">I know, I know, back in ancient times, when you and I graduated, the yearbook wasn't something we had to worry about until late fall or winter.&nbsp;</p><p class="">Hear me say, "It isn't like that anymore...It hasn't been for&nbsp;<em>years</em>." Please don't be that parent who waits until school starts to find out.</p><p class="">This is what your high school won't tell you...<strong>Most yearbook due dates are in October, some even on the </strong><span><strong>first day of October</strong></span>. The school staff had good intentions about giving you a heads up, but the truth is, they are busy teachers, emails get lost, paper notices always go out far later than intended, and we all have the "short-timers" for summer now.</p><p class="">The good news is...we're here to help! We'd never want you to find this out all too late, which is why we are already <a href="https://www.jaredmburns.com/check-yearbook-deadline" target="_blank">tracking the due dates</a> for you.</p><p class=""><strong>The bottom line: </strong>No girl or guy wants to be known as the only one with the cheesy ID&nbsp;photo in the 12th year. This is an easy problem to avoid.</p><h2><strong>Check the Yearbook Deadline Now</strong></h2><p class="">It takes 10 seconds to learn the timeframe you have to work with.</p>





















  
  








   
    <a href="https://www.jaredmburns.com/check-yearbook-deadline" class="sqs-block-button-element--medium sqs-button-element--primary sqs-block-button-element" data-sqsp-button
      
    >
      SEE DEADLINE NOW
    </a>
    


  







  <p class="">Once you know your due date, the next step is to <a href="https://www.jaredmburns.com/seniors" title="Visit us online" target="_blank">reach out to a photographer</a>. The top-rated grad photographers in the area can book up 6-8 weeks in advance, so plan accordingly.</p><p class=""><strong>❤️ Friends don't let friends miss yearbook!</strong> Email or text this to a first-time-grad-parent you know, or <a href="https://www.jaredmburns.com/check-yearbook-deadline" target="_blank"><strong>Share the Yearbook Deadline Link</strong></a> in your parent groups. Most of the other parents haven't heard this yet. You could save the day for someone with this valuable info!</p>]]></content:encoded><media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/1cf9d0c0-d753-4866-b7cd-3bbacaddcd1c/No+one+wants+to+be+the+one+who+missed+the+yearbook+deadline+-+Grad+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns+-+2066597468.jpg?format=1500w" medium="image" isDefault="true" width="900" height="1180"><media:title type="plain">Grads: The ONE thing schools won't tell you</media:title></media:content></item><item><title>Which is the best month for senior grad photos?</title><category>Seniors</category><dc:creator>Jared M. Burns</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 06 Jun 2025 21:09:00 +0000</pubDate><link>https://www.jaredmburns.com/blog/2025/6/6/which-is-the-best-month-for-senior-grad-photos</link><guid isPermaLink="false">53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2:552c4567e4b0ff3eee9aa346:62c5f2406891b740a256038f</guid><description><![CDATA[We often get the question “Which month is the best month for senior grad 
photos?” and we have some considerations 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...]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="
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  <p class="">We often get the question “<strong>Which month is the best month for senior grad photos?”</strong> and we have some considerations 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 that summer is short. To have an opportunity with the best photographer in your area, you need to talk with your grad about plans and goals in advance. The best senior grad portrait photographers always book up earlier than you might think, meaning weeks and months in advance.</p>





















  
  








   
    <a href="https://www.jaredmburns.com/contact" class="sqs-block-button-element--small sqs-button-element--tertiary sqs-block-button-element" data-sqsp-button
      
    >
      Learn how to book Jared
    </a>
    


  







  <h2>We've been photographing since 2010 and this is the cycle we see year after year...</h2><ul data-rte-list="default"><li><h3><strong>APRIL of the junior year</strong></h3><p class="">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.</p></li><li><h3><strong>MAY of the junior year</strong></h3><p class="">Many junior students will have their senior grad sessions before the end of their 11th year, while spring weather is at its best. May is usually cooler with fluffy clouds.</p></li><li><h3><strong>JUNE, before the senior year</strong></h3><p class="">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. </p></li><li><h3><strong>JULY, before the senior year starts getting busy</strong></h3><p class="">After the 4th of July, we begin receiving a steady stream of parents who are on top of the portrait plan for their soon-to-be grad. The weather is at its absolute best, and things are picking up with each passing day. </p></li><li><h3><strong>AUGUST is an urgent portrait month</strong></h3><p class="">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.</p></li><li><h3><strong>SEPTEMBER is emergency portrait month</strong></h3><p class="">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.</p></li><li><h3><strong>OCTOBER is when the weather begins to change</strong></h3><p class="">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.</p></li><li><h3><strong>NOVEMBER is too late for most of the yearbook deadlines</strong></h3><p class="">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.</p></li><li><h3><strong>DECEMBER, JANUARY, and FEBRUARY are the dead of winter months</strong></h3><p class="">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.</p></li><li><h3><strong>MARCH is when the weather starts to change again</strong></h3><p class="">The weather is 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.</p></li><li><h3><strong>APRIL is the last chance month</strong></h3><p class="">Parents are now trying to book late-season portraits before the big grad year comes to a close. </p></li><li><h3><strong>MAY is when next year’s grads start booking </strong></h3><p class="">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.</p></li><li><h3><strong>JUNE is great if you don’t mind being late</strong></h3><p class="">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.</p></li></ul><p class=""><a href="https://www.jaredmburns.com/contact" target=""><span>We’d love to help you and your senior grad</span></a> with the most important photography of their life. Contact us ASAP for availability. It never hurts to be ahead of the game!</p>





















  
  








   
    <a href="https://www.jaredmburns.com/contact" class="sqs-block-button-element--medium sqs-button-element--primary sqs-block-button-element" data-sqsp-button
      
    >
      Book grad photos now
    </a>
    


  







  <h2><strong>Not waiting until the last minute to secure your photographer is key!</strong></h2><p class="">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 <span>somewhere between September 15th to October 15th.</span></p>





















  
  








   
    <a href="https://www.jaredmburns.com/contact" class="sqs-block-button-element--medium sqs-button-element--primary sqs-block-button-element" data-sqsp-button
      
    >
      Check availability ASAP
    </a>]]></content:encoded><media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/1460570277244-R6NRSY21KLRSQD5N6BZ7/Juanita+High+School+senior+girl+graduate+lying+in+field+next+to+vintage+classic+truck+-+Snohomish%2C+Mill+Creek%2C+Mukilteo+Girl+Grad+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns+-+2066597468.jpg?format=1500w" medium="image" isDefault="true" width="1500" height="998"><media:title type="plain">Which is the best month for senior grad photos?</media:title></media:content></item><item><title>Our new guide for 2026 senior grads is out!</title><category>Seniors</category><category>News &amp; Updates</category><dc:creator>Jared M. Burns</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 27 Feb 2025 22:41:12 +0000</pubDate><link>https://www.jaredmburns.com/blog/2025/2/27/our-new-guide-for-2026-senior-grads-is-out</link><guid isPermaLink="false">53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2:552c4567e4b0ff3eee9aa346:67c0e7ddabe9926709aec920</guid><description><![CDATA[Our new guide for 2026 senior grads is out! Have you booked your grad 
portraits? Before your senior photo shoot, you will want to do some 
planning to ensure your images are everything you want them to be.]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="
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                <img data-stretch="false" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/5591fa38-6973-4f97-9bf5-cdd9b175ef4a/Magazine+Mockup+on+White+%28Small%29.jpg" data-image-dimensions="7000x4642" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="" data-load="false" elementtiming="system-image-block" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/5591fa38-6973-4f97-9bf5-cdd9b175ef4a/Magazine+Mockup+on+White+%28Small%29.jpg?format=1000w" width="7000" height="4642" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, (max-width: 767px) 100vw, 100vw" onload="this.classList.add(&quot;loaded&quot;)" srcset="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/5591fa38-6973-4f97-9bf5-cdd9b175ef4a/Magazine+Mockup+on+White+%28Small%29.jpg?format=100w 100w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/5591fa38-6973-4f97-9bf5-cdd9b175ef4a/Magazine+Mockup+on+White+%28Small%29.jpg?format=300w 300w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/5591fa38-6973-4f97-9bf5-cdd9b175ef4a/Magazine+Mockup+on+White+%28Small%29.jpg?format=500w 500w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/5591fa38-6973-4f97-9bf5-cdd9b175ef4a/Magazine+Mockup+on+White+%28Small%29.jpg?format=750w 750w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/5591fa38-6973-4f97-9bf5-cdd9b175ef4a/Magazine+Mockup+on+White+%28Small%29.jpg?format=1000w 1000w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/5591fa38-6973-4f97-9bf5-cdd9b175ef4a/Magazine+Mockup+on+White+%28Small%29.jpg?format=1500w 1500w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/5591fa38-6973-4f97-9bf5-cdd9b175ef4a/Magazine+Mockup+on+White+%28Small%29.jpg?format=2500w 2500w" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-loader="sqs">

            
          
        
          
        

        
      
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  <p class="">Our new guide for 2026 senior grads is out! Have you booked your grad portraits? Before your senior photo shoot, you will want to do some planning to ensure your images are everything you want them to be. Find over 26 secrets inside and get the best senior girl or most epic senior guy portraits around! Click the button and let us know which version you need.</p>





















  
  








   
    <a href="https://jaredmburns.m-pages.com/sPqh0T/lead-form-get-our-free-senior-grad-guide" class="sqs-block-button-element--medium sqs-button-element--primary sqs-block-button-element" data-sqsp-button
      
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      Get your free guide
    </a>
    


  







  <p class="">Don't worry - we are here to help you through the whole process! Summer/fall dates are limited. Start planning now with this free guide!</p>





















  
  



<p><a href="https://www.jaredmburns.com/blog/2025/2/27/our-new-guide-for-2026-senior-grads-is-out">Permalink</a><p>]]></content:encoded><media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/1740696045561-526IC85I1YOG847X0Q8V/Magazine+Mockup+on+White+%28Social+Media%29.jpg?format=1500w" medium="image" isDefault="true" width="1500" height="1125"><media:title type="plain">Our new guide for 2026 senior grads is out!</media:title></media:content></item><item><title>A Campus Love Story: From First Glance to Forever</title><category>Couples</category><dc:creator>Jared M. Burns</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 09 Oct 2024 15:31:00 +0000</pubDate><link>https://www.jaredmburns.com/blog/a-campus-love-story-from-first-glance-to-forever</link><guid isPermaLink="false">53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2:552c4567e4b0ff3eee9aa346:552c4589e4b0ff3eee9aaaa2</guid><description><![CDATA[There's a unique magic in returning to the place where your love story 
began, especially when it's time to capture those once-in-a-lifetime 
engagement portraits. For Ryan and Kara, their journey started on the 
beautiful campus of Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington.]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="
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  <h1>A Campus Love Story: From First Glance to Forever</h1><p class="">There's a unique magic in returning to the place where your love story began, especially when it's time to capture those once-in-a-lifetime engagement portraits. For Ryan and Kara, their journey started on the beautiful campus of Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington. They met there, fell in love amidst the academic bustle, the shared late-night study sessions, and the easy camaraderie that university life fosters. As their connection deepened, every corner of the campus became imbued with special meaning – from the library where they'd steal glances across textbooks to the pathways they walked, dreaming of their future. It was only natural, then, that when it was time to celebrate their upcoming marriage, they knew they wanted to come back to the very place their love story truly blossomed for their couples portrait session.</p><p class="">As their couple’s photographer, I had the privilege of traveling from Snohomish to Tacoma to meet them, ready to document this significant chapter. The timing was perfect; the vibrant fall colors and classic brick textures of PLU provided an absolutely breathtaking backdrop. This wasn't just about taking pictures; it was about capturing their lifestyle as a couple, authentically showcasing the joy and deep connection they share. We revisited the very coffee shop where they had their first date, a place now steeped in sweet nostalgia. These aren't just poses; they are genuine moments – a whispered secret, a shared laugh, a tender handhold – all telling the story of who they are together, right where their "best life" began.</p><p class="">For any woman, the desire to capture the essence of her unique bond with her significant other is profound. These engagement portraits are more than just photographs; they are a tangible celebration of a shared history and a beautiful glimpse into the exciting future ahead. Seeing Ryan and Kara in their element, so comfortable and deeply in love in the very place their journey started, was truly inspiring. As a couples photographer, my goal is always to freeze these fleeting, precious moments in time, allowing every couple to look back and relive the emotional resonance of their love story, beautifully preserved for a lifetime.</p>





















  
  














































  

    
  
    

      

      
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        </figure>]]></content:encoded><media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/1428338543937-VCZ6W572O9MFRK77XJ1G/Tacoma+Pacific+Lutheran+University+Couples+portrait+in+the+yellow+fall+leaves+-+Everett+%26+Snohomish+Couples+Portrait+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns+-+2066597468.jpg?format=1500w" medium="image" isDefault="true" width="1500" height="1004"><media:title type="plain">A Campus Love Story: From First Glance to Forever</media:title></media:content></item><item><title>5 Smart Things Parents Can Do Now for Their 2025 Grad</title><category>Seniors</category><dc:creator>Jared M. Burns</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 25 Sep 2024 17:39:51 +0000</pubDate><link>https://www.jaredmburns.com/blog/2024/9/25/5-smart-things-parents-can-do-now-for-their-2025-grad</link><guid isPermaLink="false">53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2:552c4567e4b0ff3eee9aa346:66f449b4b81cc4683b8744c1</guid><description><![CDATA[Senior yearbook deadlines are coming like a freight train. Don't allow the 
hectic pace of life to steal the special opportunity from you and your 
grad. There's no two ways about it; we are at the end of the season and the 
the smartest things a parent can do when it comes to portraits are...]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="
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                <img data-stretch="false" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/a0a0f67d-c4ca-49b9-bbf4-e67df6902b7b/Snohomish+Glacier+Peak+High+School+senior+graduate+girl+at+a+farm+in+the+sun+flower+fields+on+-+Snohomish%2C+Mill+Creek%2C+Mukilteo+Guy+Grad+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns+-+2066597468.jpg" data-image-dimensions="1500x998" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="" data-load="false" elementtiming="system-image-block" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/a0a0f67d-c4ca-49b9-bbf4-e67df6902b7b/Snohomish+Glacier+Peak+High+School+senior+graduate+girl+at+a+farm+in+the+sun+flower+fields+on+-+Snohomish%2C+Mill+Creek%2C+Mukilteo+Guy+Grad+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns+-+2066597468.jpg?format=1000w" width="1500" height="998" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, (max-width: 767px) 100vw, 100vw" onload="this.classList.add(&quot;loaded&quot;)" srcset="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/a0a0f67d-c4ca-49b9-bbf4-e67df6902b7b/Snohomish+Glacier+Peak+High+School+senior+graduate+girl+at+a+farm+in+the+sun+flower+fields+on+-+Snohomish%2C+Mill+Creek%2C+Mukilteo+Guy+Grad+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns+-+2066597468.jpg?format=100w 100w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/a0a0f67d-c4ca-49b9-bbf4-e67df6902b7b/Snohomish+Glacier+Peak+High+School+senior+graduate+girl+at+a+farm+in+the+sun+flower+fields+on+-+Snohomish%2C+Mill+Creek%2C+Mukilteo+Guy+Grad+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns+-+2066597468.jpg?format=300w 300w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/a0a0f67d-c4ca-49b9-bbf4-e67df6902b7b/Snohomish+Glacier+Peak+High+School+senior+graduate+girl+at+a+farm+in+the+sun+flower+fields+on+-+Snohomish%2C+Mill+Creek%2C+Mukilteo+Guy+Grad+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns+-+2066597468.jpg?format=500w 500w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/a0a0f67d-c4ca-49b9-bbf4-e67df6902b7b/Snohomish+Glacier+Peak+High+School+senior+graduate+girl+at+a+farm+in+the+sun+flower+fields+on+-+Snohomish%2C+Mill+Creek%2C+Mukilteo+Guy+Grad+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns+-+2066597468.jpg?format=750w 750w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/a0a0f67d-c4ca-49b9-bbf4-e67df6902b7b/Snohomish+Glacier+Peak+High+School+senior+graduate+girl+at+a+farm+in+the+sun+flower+fields+on+-+Snohomish%2C+Mill+Creek%2C+Mukilteo+Guy+Grad+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns+-+2066597468.jpg?format=1000w 1000w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/a0a0f67d-c4ca-49b9-bbf4-e67df6902b7b/Snohomish+Glacier+Peak+High+School+senior+graduate+girl+at+a+farm+in+the+sun+flower+fields+on+-+Snohomish%2C+Mill+Creek%2C+Mukilteo+Guy+Grad+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns+-+2066597468.jpg?format=1500w 1500w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/a0a0f67d-c4ca-49b9-bbf4-e67df6902b7b/Snohomish+Glacier+Peak+High+School+senior+graduate+girl+at+a+farm+in+the+sun+flower+fields+on+-+Snohomish%2C+Mill+Creek%2C+Mukilteo+Guy+Grad+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns+-+2066597468.jpg?format=2500w 2500w" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-loader="sqs">

            
          
        
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  <h1>5 Smart Things Parents Can Do Now for Their 2025 Grad</h1><p class="">Senior yearbook deadlines are coming like a freight train. Don't allow the hectic pace of life to steal the special opportunity from you and your grad. There's no two ways about it; we are at the end of the season and the smartest things a parent can do when it comes to portraits are...</p><h2>1. Book Now: Time is Running Out</h2><p class="">Daylight Saving Time ends soon. The rainy season will start any week now. Time is of the essence for senior portraits. Don't delay any longer in securing a grad session with your photographer.</p><h2>2. Be Transparent About Your Timeline</h2><p class="">Communicate your timeline upfront, especially if the yearbook submission deadline is a factor. This will help your photographer prioritize you accordingly. When this late in the game, phrases like "I'm only price shopping" communicate to a photographer, "This is not urgent, I'm not ready to make a decision." That's great if you have time, but photographers cannot plan for what you don't tell them.</p><h2>3. Invest in a Professional Photographer</h2><p class="">While beginner photographers offer lower rates, their lack of experience can compromise the quality of your senior portraits. A professional photographer with years of experience will provide full-service solutions and capture lasting memories you can count on. Remember, any photographer can capture a few good memories, but professionals deliver exceptional portrait memories on luxury products that retain their value over the years. They won't waste your time with redos.</p><h2>4. Include the Family</h2><p class="">Your senior's graduation marks a significant milestone for your entire family. Consider scheduling a family portrait session alongside their senior photos. This is your last stage together with everyone under the same roof. It is always easier to kill two birds with one stone.</p><h2>5. Embrace the Seasonality</h2><p class="">If you missed the summer look you desperately wanted, that's okay! Rather than asking your photographer to seek out locations and ways to recreate it, embrace the beauty of the fall season and cooler temperatures. School starts in the fall. They are approaching the end of their K-12 experience. It fits, just go with it while there is still time.</p><p class="">Five slots remain in October. Contact us while there is still time to claim yours, and we will do everything we can to help make this stress-free!</p>





















  
  








   
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      Learn how to get started
    </a>]]></content:encoded><media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/a0a0f67d-c4ca-49b9-bbf4-e67df6902b7b/Snohomish+Glacier+Peak+High+School+senior+graduate+girl+at+a+farm+in+the+sun+flower+fields+on+-+Snohomish%2C+Mill+Creek%2C+Mukilteo+Guy+Grad+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns+-+2066597468.jpg?format=1500w" medium="image" isDefault="true" width="1500" height="998"><media:title type="plain">5 Smart Things Parents Can Do Now for Their 2025 Grad</media:title></media:content></item><item><title>Can you skip the summer portrait stress?</title><category>Family</category><category>Seniors</category><dc:creator>Jared M. Burns</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 11 Jul 2024 15:00:00 +0000</pubDate><link>https://www.jaredmburns.com/blog/2024/7/11/can-you-skip-the-summer-portrait-stress</link><guid isPermaLink="false">53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2:552c4567e4b0ff3eee9aa346:667c57ff35ced7074689f734</guid><description><![CDATA[Sun's out, fun's out... but wait, are the senior or family portraits you 
have yet to do stressing you out? This summer, skip the scramble and let us 
handle the hassle. We'll guide you through every step, from beginning to 
end, ensuring a successful, easy portrait experience you will love!]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="
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  <p class="">Sun's out, fun's out... but wait, are the <a href="https://www.jaredmburns.com/seniors">senior</a> or <a href="https://www.jaredmburns.com/family">family</a> portraits you have yet to do stressing you out? This summer, skip the scramble and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jaredmburns.com/contact" target="_blank">let us handle the hassle</a>. We'll guide you through every step, from beginning to end, ensuring a successful, easy portrait experience you will love!</p><p class="">&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Here's our process and why we do it...</strong></h2><ul data-rte-list="default"><li><p class=""><strong>Initial Consult</strong> - We want you to have all the information upfront about what to expect and how to prepare so you can make the best decision for you before you ever have to commit. This is also a key piece to knowing and understanding who you are, so we can guide and shape your custom session. (<a href="https://www.jaredmburns.com/contact" target="_blank">Start the process here!</a>)</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Prep for success</strong> - We'll guide you on a clothing plan and show you the "Why" about what works and what does not.</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>The portrait session</strong> - You don't have to know how to arrange your family or where to put your hands. We will guide and direct everyone through a variety of poses.&nbsp;</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Order Consultation</strong> - Online galleries take weeks or months to review carefully. We don't do that. Instead, we come to you and personally help complete selections in less than 30 minutes. All you have to worry about is the fun part of creating the personal works of art you want in your home.</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Editing &amp; Retouching</strong> - Any product we offer includes master-level retouching so your images will look their best no matter how big or small you choose to display them.</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Labs</strong> - We use only the highest quality labs in the nation; ones that the general public does not have access to. We're also your advocate through the whole process. It is a complicated process you should never have to worry about. If something goes wrong during production, we are on it until it's done right.&nbsp;</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Delivery </strong>- All art deliveries come to us first so we can personally review each item for accuracy and quality. Once it meets our approval, we hand-deliver the items to your home. With larger artwork that can be difficult to hang, we'll handle that for you, too!</p></li><li><p class=""><strong>Top-rated</strong> - We are very proud of the 5-star reviews people leave for us and believe it's because of our commitment to our "We aren't happy until you are happy!" philosophy.</p></li></ul><p class="">&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>PRO TIP: WHILE IT IS STILL GRAD SEASON!</strong></h2><p class=""><a href="https://book.usesession.com/t/-OaSiQIpu">Book senior grad portraits</a> with us, and we'll include time for family portraits at no extra cost! Think of it like...</p><ul data-rte-list="default"><li><p class="">Killing two birds with one stone!</p></li><li><p class="">Win-win!</p></li><li><p class="">Stroke of Mom genius!</p></li><li><p class="">Two bull’s-eyes, one arrow!</p></li><li><p class="">Double-double with a milkshake!</p></li><li><p class="">Two birds in the hand are worth three in the bush...</p></li></ul><p class="">Okay, maybe these got away from me a little there, but <strong>don't let summer get away from you!</strong></p><p class="">&nbsp;</p><h1><strong><em>Psst! Only 52 days of summer left!</em></strong></h1><p class="">&nbsp;</p><p class="">We've got this! It can be stress-free, but <a href="https://www.jaredmburns.com/contact" target="_blank">first, you have to call!</a></p>





















  
  








   
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            <p class=""><em>Kids in a golden field at the end of summer</em></p>
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        </figure>]]></content:encoded><media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/53160d98-6fe9-43c5-9b21-dee6a1468743/Snohomish+Mill+Creek+family+portrait+on+bridge+in+Carnation+park++-+Everett+%26+Snohomish+Family+Portrait+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns+-+2066597468.jpg?format=1500w" medium="image" isDefault="true" width="1500" height="999"><media:title type="plain">Can you skip the summer portrait stress?</media:title></media:content></item><item><title>So why hire a pro for senior grad portraits?</title><category>Seniors</category><dc:creator>Jared M. Burns</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 05 Jul 2024 15:45:00 +0000</pubDate><link>https://www.jaredmburns.com/blog/2024/7/5/so-why-hire-a-pro-for-senior-grad-portraits</link><guid isPermaLink="false">53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2:552c4567e4b0ff3eee9aa346:667c53c850d5da026ed559a0</guid><description><![CDATA[This isn't just any senior year; it's THEIR year. It's the culmination of 
experiences that have shaped your child into the incredible young person 
they are today! It's a year filled with hopes, dreams, and the promise of a 
bright future.]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="
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            <p class="">Professional Girl Senior Grad Portrait - Can you spot how we applied our knowledge of the color wheel to make her pop?</p>
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  <h1>This isn't just any senior year; it's <strong>THEIR </strong>year.</h1><p class="">It's the culmination of experiences that have shaped your child into the incredible young person they are today! It's a year filled with hopes, dreams, and the promise of a bright future. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and capturing it properly isn't just about a few good photos – it's about creating a timeless heirloom, a tangible piece of their extraordinary life event.</p><p class="">&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Sure, a friend or family member could snap a few pictures, but will they truly capture the essence of this special time?</strong></h2><p class="">A professional photographer brings years of experience to the table, ensuring every shot is a masterpiece. Imagine them weaving magic with natural light, finding that perfect location, and composing images that tell your senior's story, even fixing the light when conditions go awry.</p><p class="">&nbsp;</p><p class="">Pro photographers aren't just picture-takers; we're master artisans with a camera, we are pose-correctors and expression coaches. We'll prep your grad to look their best before shooting ever begins. We'll observe and learn what stances and poses work best for them during the shoot and avoid competing image elements between the background, clothing, and lighting as we go. Our minds are always turning, always analyzing, and always improving everything about the scene inside the frame...even when we don't show it.</p><p class="">&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>But it doesn't stop there.</strong></h2><p class="">We'll be by your side during the selection process, helping you choose the perfect photographs for albums, graduation cards, and more. There are many mistakes to avoid after the fact that the "digital-only photographers" don't know how to look out for. Our expertise extends far beyond the click of a shutter. We understand the art of printing, ensuring you receive stunning, high-quality keepsakes that will grace your walls and social media for years to come. Full-service experience means we are working to create amazing art for you from the first phone call through the relationship building along the way, and to the very last product delivery.&nbsp;</p><p class="">&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment.</strong></h2><p class="">Don't settle for anything less than extraordinary.</p><p class="">&nbsp;</p><p class="">More times than I can count now, the phone rings, and the parent of a senior grad student starts the conversation with, <strong><em>"So we went with the $500 photographer for my daughter's portraits..."</em></strong> and you can guess the rest of the story.</p><p class="">&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>There are NO un-dos.</strong></h2><h2>&nbsp;<strong>You CAN avoid the cost of reshoots.</strong></h2><h2>&nbsp;<strong>WE CAN HELP!</strong></h2>





















  
  








   
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                <img data-stretch="false" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/687c37a3-f88d-4b2c-bba4-b336036c84e1/Snohomish+High+School+senior+guy+graduate+sitting+in+urban+parking+lot+-+Snohomish%2C+Mill+Creek%2C+Mukilteo+Guy+Grad+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns+-+2066597468.jpg" data-image-dimensions="1500x998" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="" data-load="false" elementtiming="system-image-block" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/687c37a3-f88d-4b2c-bba4-b336036c84e1/Snohomish+High+School+senior+guy+graduate+sitting+in+urban+parking+lot+-+Snohomish%2C+Mill+Creek%2C+Mukilteo+Guy+Grad+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns+-+2066597468.jpg?format=1000w" width="1500" height="998" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, (max-width: 767px) 100vw, 100vw" onload="this.classList.add(&quot;loaded&quot;)" srcset="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/687c37a3-f88d-4b2c-bba4-b336036c84e1/Snohomish+High+School+senior+guy+graduate+sitting+in+urban+parking+lot+-+Snohomish%2C+Mill+Creek%2C+Mukilteo+Guy+Grad+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns+-+2066597468.jpg?format=100w 100w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/687c37a3-f88d-4b2c-bba4-b336036c84e1/Snohomish+High+School+senior+guy+graduate+sitting+in+urban+parking+lot+-+Snohomish%2C+Mill+Creek%2C+Mukilteo+Guy+Grad+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns+-+2066597468.jpg?format=300w 300w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/687c37a3-f88d-4b2c-bba4-b336036c84e1/Snohomish+High+School+senior+guy+graduate+sitting+in+urban+parking+lot+-+Snohomish%2C+Mill+Creek%2C+Mukilteo+Guy+Grad+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns+-+2066597468.jpg?format=500w 500w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/687c37a3-f88d-4b2c-bba4-b336036c84e1/Snohomish+High+School+senior+guy+graduate+sitting+in+urban+parking+lot+-+Snohomish%2C+Mill+Creek%2C+Mukilteo+Guy+Grad+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns+-+2066597468.jpg?format=750w 750w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/687c37a3-f88d-4b2c-bba4-b336036c84e1/Snohomish+High+School+senior+guy+graduate+sitting+in+urban+parking+lot+-+Snohomish%2C+Mill+Creek%2C+Mukilteo+Guy+Grad+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns+-+2066597468.jpg?format=1000w 1000w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/687c37a3-f88d-4b2c-bba4-b336036c84e1/Snohomish+High+School+senior+guy+graduate+sitting+in+urban+parking+lot+-+Snohomish%2C+Mill+Creek%2C+Mukilteo+Guy+Grad+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns+-+2066597468.jpg?format=1500w 1500w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/687c37a3-f88d-4b2c-bba4-b336036c84e1/Snohomish+High+School+senior+guy+graduate+sitting+in+urban+parking+lot+-+Snohomish%2C+Mill+Creek%2C+Mukilteo+Guy+Grad+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns+-+2066597468.jpg?format=2500w 2500w" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-loader="sqs">

            
          
        
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          <figcaption class="image-caption-wrapper">
            <p class="">Professional GuySenior Grad Portrait - Can you spot how we applied our knowledge of the color wheel to make him pop?</p>
          </figcaption>
        
      
        </figure>]]></content:encoded><media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53aa5722e4b0ada1a70119f2/1716250994968-0MW12J0PVLXPDNGF9EZD/Everett+Mill+Creek+Archbishop+Murphy+High+School+senior+girl+graduate+standing+in+tall+grass+-+Snohomish%2C+Mill+Creek%2C+Mukilteo+Girl+Grad+Photographer+-+Jared+M.+Burns+-+2066597468.jpg?format=1500w" medium="image" isDefault="true" width="998" height="1500"><media:title type="plain">So why hire a pro for senior grad portraits?</media:title></media:content></item></channel></rss>