5 Reasons Summer is the Best Time to Get Your Family Portraits

When was your last family portrait? If you are like most people, you did it when the kids were little, but now years have passed and important stages have been missed. You don't have to let that happen again this summer! Here are 5 reasons that prove this summer is the BEST time for your family portraits!

Jared M Burns Snohomish Summer Photography with kids.jpg

1. Best Weather!

This is when the Northwest is at its very best with the lush green of the land and vibrant blue skies and water.  You don't have to worry about the winds and rain that can ruin hair and clothes any other time of year.

Snohomish Family Photographer, Jared M. Burns - Couples

2. Best Creative Potential!

When the weather is so good, you have options for more diverse locations. You get to take advantage of the amazing outdoor lighting. You can build sessions around summer themes or activities your family identifies with. From the mountains to the water, all the parks and natural areas have been manicured and are waiting for you. 

Snohomish Family Photographer, Jared M. Burns - Northwest Family

3. Best Flexibility!

You already know it's hard to get the family together the rest of the year, but summer is a time when everyone's schedules open up and life slows down just a little. It's easier to take time off work during the week. The days are longer meaning families can still do portraits after work in the beautiful golden light of evening.

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

4. Best Moments!

Yes, the best moments happen in summer. Everyone is more relaxed, the days come a little easier. The family is together more and creating quality memories that last a lifetime. Portraits can persevere and commemorate this unique stage in your family.

Snohomish Family Photographer, Jared M. Burns - Destination Family Portrait.jpg

5. Best time is before it's too late!

One thing I have learned in photography is that summer is the easiest season to let slip past you. People start with dreams like "This will be the year we finally get the family portrait done!" but, year after year the summer BBQ's, kids sports, travel, yard projects, and big work events steal every last bit of your time...and the family is yet another year older with nothing to show.

The best time is now. Once summer slips away everyone else will be calling us frantically, saying, "Oh my goodness, where did the season go? Is there any way you can STILL fit me in!?" 

© 2018 Jared M. Burns Photography
Snohomish Family Portrait Photographer
www.jaredmburns.com | 206.659.7468 | info@jaredmburns.com

Series: Top 10 things that KILL Summer Photos #6

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

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

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

Arches National Park Hike.jpg

SOLUTION:  Consider who you are photographing

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

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

© 2015 Jared M. Burns Photography
Snohomish Family Photographer
www.jaredmburns.com | 206.659.7468 | info@jaredmburns.com

Five Holiday Gift Ideas for Advanced Photographers

PART 3: Five of the hottest 2010 Holiday Gift ideas for the Advanced photographers in your life. Keyboard Shortcut Skins ($30 - $40)

Keyboard short cuts save time and increase efficiency.  Of course everyone already knows all the short cuts for all the unique commands in all the highly specialized editing programs, right??  Now owners of Mac Commuters can with an overlay cheat sheet on the keyboard.  Skins are available for Photoshop, Aperture, Final Cut, Pro Tools, After Effects, Logic Pro, and Lightroom.

Datacolor Spyder3 Monitor Calibrator

Do you think all monitors look the same?  Think again!  What is your standard for color checking?  If you think you can judge it by your monitor, then you are in for a world of color heartache.  The only way you can get consistent color is to calibrate your monitor to an industry standard with the Spyder3.

Spyder3 Express ($70)    |     Spyder3 Pro ($130)

Honl Flash Modifiers ($9 – $30)

For anyone who is excited about off camera flash and expanding their creative options, this is the perfect Modifier accessory system.  Each piece can be bought separately at an average of $30.  There are many options including Gogos, Snoots, Grids, Reflectors, and Diffusers

WACOM Bamboo Pen & Touch Tablet ($62)

Bring the fine touch and technique of drawing and painting into the editing process.  This tool is ideal for programs like Photoshop, Lightroom, or Aperture that are very dependent on organic movements which can sometime be limiting by mouse.  It is such an improvement; some have even been known to ditch their mouse altogether!

Black Rapid Camera Strap ($55)

The camera strap of all camera straps!  This is ideal for any photographer who is on the move and likes to feel free.  Its sling design is not only great for comfort and but most notable for its speed and ease of use.  It is also an expandable system that can be adapted to fit most any shooting style.

-JMB

© 2010 Jared M. Burns Photography
Seattle Wedding Photographer & Snohomish Family Photographer
www.jaredmburns.com | 206.659.7468 | info@jaredmburns.com

A 2010 Holiday Gift Guide for Beginner Photographers

PART 2: A holiday gift guide of creative ideas in 2010 that are sure to please the beginner photographers.

 

Joby Gorillapod Flexible Tripod with Ball Head ($55)

This is the most portable tripod ever created and perfect for the active, high paced photographer.  This little monster will cling, grip, or wrap itself to almost anything, anywhere!  It provides strong stabilization, yet is small enough to fit in almost any bag.

Kata E

Kata E Camera Strap ($17)

Any photographer knows the easiest way to spot a “newbie” is by the manufacturer strap they are sporting.  The strap that came with the camera was designed for a 4’ tall hunchback who likes hosting free advertising around his neck.  Its also made of slipperiest material ensuring the camera will find the quickest, most efficient route to the ground.  Save the photographer, save the camera, and save the strain on their neck and back…buy them a real strap.  The Kata E Camera Strap is so affordable, yet solves so many problems that the photographer will thank you for years to come!

5-in-1

5-in-1 Collapsible Disc Reflector ($28)

This is a photographer’s “go-to” light modifier for almost any situation.  Made of Translucent, White, Black, Silver, and Gold materials, its design yields many creative solutions to almost any lighting challenge.  It is ideal for any photographer who enjoys taking portraits.

50mm

50 mm 1.8 Prime Lens ($90-$109)

This is one of the best lenses you can buy at this price point.  It seems is a low cost item, but that is only because  it has fewer high quality glass elements.  This it a great lens for capturing the indoor family moments and overcoming challenges of many low light situations.

Canon 50mm ($94)     |     Nikon 50mm ($109)

iPad Camera Connection Kit ($29)

This one is for the Apple buffs out there!  Use your iPad as, not only an instant way to share and view photos you have just taken, but also as a portable backup device.  This is the answer to one of the iPad’s short sights and wonderful way to let the camera tap into the beauty of iPad’s interactive display capability.

Brando Lighting Kit ($88)

The coolness factor and versatility of this light modification kit is indescribable!  Used by many professionals, this is a complete and innovative arsenal of creative lighting power.  It is a great way to begin to explore light and almost all the solutions a portrait photographer would ever need.

-JMB

© 2010 Jared M. Burns Photography
Seattle Wedding Photographer & Snohomish Family Photographer
www.jaredmburns.com | 206.659.7468 | info@jaredmburns.com

Top 8 Hottest Photo Gifts for Any Photographer

PART 1: A holiday gift guide of creative ideas in 2010 that are sure to please any hard-to-shop-for photography enthusiast in your life.

Canon / Nikon Lens Mug ($24 - $30)

Not limited to just coffee, this mug is ideal for anyone who is an avid beverage drinker, very loyal to their camera brand, and likes to be a little different around the office.  It is so realistic people will look twice when they see beverages poured into this lens.

What the Duck: A W.T. Duck Collection

“What the Duck” Comics by Aaron Johnson ($12 - $25)

Brilliantly crafted strips full of inside jokes and wit photographers of all ages will understand and throughly enjoy.

What the Duck: Rule of Nerds What the Duck: A W.T. Duck Collection

Book Ends

Vintage Camera Bookends ($45 - $50)

Photographers love their books so what could be better than bookends that add a retro, yet sophisticated touch.  Perfect for the home, office, or studio.

Eye-Fi

Eye-Fi Wireless SD Flash Memory Card

Eye-Fi SD Cards work with almost any digital camera that uses SD flash media.  It takes all the work out of uploading your photos.  Simply turn on you camera when in range of a wireless network and all content is automatically transmitted to your computer, socal networks, or where ever you choose.

Available in:     2 GB SD Card ($37)  |  4 GB SD Card ($45)  |  8 GB SD Card ($90)

Digital Frame

Digital Photography Frames ($30 - $200)

Some have said this is the least desirable gift in 2010, but NOT so for photographers.  What was last year's hot novelty item has now dropped significantly in price, meaning larger digital frames are now accessible to all without breaking the bank.  If you thought these cost too much for what you get, take another look because 8" frames start around $30!

photoopoly

Photo-opoly ($30)

"Your Life.  Your Photos.  Your Game"

The perfect way for a photographer to refine their family and business skills at the same time!  Adding your own photos will add a unique touch the who family will enjoy for years to come.  What a great way to create family memories!

iamakey

iamaKey USB Key Flash Drive ($18 - $43)

Photographers are always on the move and always need ways to store and transfer digital media.  They don't want another electronic device in their pocket so here is a solution that will blend in with a key ring.

Available in: 4 GB, 8 GB, and 16 GB

Magnetic Polaroid Frames ($15)

A fun an trendy way to show photographs around the home or office.  Best of all they can easily be swapped out to keep up with your high paced digital life.   The dry erase pen makes it easy to add a personal touch or caption.

-JMB

© 2010 Jared M. Burns Photography
Seattle Wedding Photographer & Snohomish Family Photographer
www.jaredmburns.com | 206.659.7468 | info@jaredmburns.com

Jessica + Ben: Lake Washington, Kenmore Wedding - Seattle Wedding Photographer

This was one of those truly rare times when the photography was done on the fly and somehow turned out perfectly!  Jessica and Ben are a great couple who found themselves in the midst of a log string of unfortunately events in the weeks prior to their wedding.  To top it off, they discovered their photographer could not get a flight out of Europe due to a local volcano of all things!  Jessica was able to contact us at the last minute and we were so pleased that we could help save a major piece of her wedding!  If there was one day where they deserved to have things go right, this was it and miracles happened!

-JMB

© 2010 Jared M. Burns Photography
Seattle Wedding Photographer & Snohomish Wedding Photographer
www.jaredmburns.com | 206.659.7468 | info@jaredmburns.com