3 Fundamental Things to Know About Your Wedding Photography

Weddings are often the first major investment a new couple will make.  Time and time again, people approach me after their wedding with stories of memories lost.  You know the ones...

• "We hired a photographer who really didn't know how to shoot a wedding."

• "Our friend had a nice camera and offered to shoot it for practice."

• "It has been a year now and we still haven't seen our photos."

• "We got what we paid for...wish we knew then what we know now."

I know these regrets all too well because my wife and I made some of our own wedding mistakes!  If we could go back to our younger selves and tell them to make better choices, here is what we would say...

ONE

10 years later, photography is the only thing that doesn't fade away:  Grandparents have passed, friends have moved on, decorations were lost in the move, the food is forgotten, the church no longer exists, but the images of our day have the power to bring everything right back!   We don't mean to say this as self-serving wedding professionals, but as a once young bride and groom who genuinely wish we had made photography the very highest priority.  This is a truth other vendors will never tell you...do everything you can to get the best memories you can possibly afford, even if it means sacrificing in some less important areas.

TWO

Look at the portfolio:  Not all photographers are created equal.  A good shot of their kid and a pretty picture of a flower or waterfall landscape doesn't prove someone is capable of creating beautiful, emotional art under pressure. Your photographer's wedding portfolio is the only evidence they can achieve your vision for the day.

THREE

Digital is not the real thing:  As embarrassing as it is to say now, my wife and I once said, "the digitals are all we need." Ten years later we finally got around to printing them.  Like us, everyone genuinely intends to print things later for their home, but almost no one ever does.  (Think about it, when was the last time you got around to printing photos?) Photographers who really care about their work have access to beautiful art and album products drug store kiosks will never match.  We didn't want to spring for the album then, but today we would gladly pay 5 times more.

Future-you wants you to know that if you don’t understand now, you will regret not making these important choices.  One day your four year old daughter may say the very same words mine said to me..."Daddy, was mommy a princess in her wedding dress??  Can I see!!"

-JMB

© 2014 Jared M. Burns Photography
Seattle Wedding Photographer & Snohomish Wedding Photographer
www.jaredmburns.com | 206.659.7468 | info@jaredmburns.com

5 Things to Know About Your Family Photographer

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

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

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

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

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

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

-JMB

© 2014 Jared M. Burns Photography
Snohomish Family Portrait Photographer
www.jaredmburns.com | 206.659.7468 | info@jaredmburns.com

I Believe...

The following piece was written by my friend and mentor, Michele Celentano.  With her permission, I have taken and adapted it because it perfectly articulates exactly what I have come to believe in photography.  Our clients who know us well would attest they have seen our business model changed over the last couple years as we have come to understand the true value of what we provide.

I Believe...

I believe in photography - but more than that, I believe in photographs.  Printed photographs are tangible. We can hold on to them, pass them around, frame them and hang them on a wall.  We can make albums to be treasured and looked through by children for years to come.

We can’t touch a file and the truth is we don’t know the longevity of a file or if we will even be able to find it someday.  A digital file is a bit of a mystery - if it’s lost, where did it go.  If a drive is damaged what happens to the files?  How many people truly back up all their images?

What happened to disc cameras, eight track tapes, Walkman's and other technology we thought would last forever?   What will our children be looking at in 20 or 30 years?  Photographs are special - files are not!

I believe in printing my work professionally. I believe my work is more than a screen saver. Years of studying and perfecting my craft comes down to more than sending files via the internet.

The photographs I create for my clients are not only precious to my clients but they are precious to me.  It is my work, a lifetime of work that deserves to be printed.

Photographs are passed on to children and grandchildren.  Can you imagine a floppy disk, a DVD or a flash drive sitting in a frame representing your family portraits?

Like many photographers I have struggled with bending to the needs or wants of a clientele that is looking for files.  But this is what I discovered over the last year - It makes me uncomfortable in the center of my gut to hand over digital files no matter the price.  Clients have told me that the DVD is still sitting on a desk and they should have had me make the prints in the first place because they never have time to get to it.

I wonder about those files that were sold.... How were they printed?  Did the client crop it too tight? Is the color correct?  Did they attempt to alter the image?  It troubles me because I put so much of myself into my work.   And, I have to wonder... am I really acting as a professional and serving my client the best way I know how to by simply selling intangible files that may never be printed?

For some, it’s easy...take some photos, edit them, burn them on a disk or flash-drive and make a few bucks.  I don’t and can’t operate that way - I care too much about my work, my clients and future generations that might have no photographs because I wanted to make fast and easy money selling files.

I’m taking a stand!  I am a photographer! I am without a doubt passionate about creating photographs - real pictures - printed on professional papers - and made into beautiful albums.  I want your children, their children, my children and future grandchildren looking at and holding onto photographs not the latest greatest gadget.

It has taken deep soul searching, a lot of thought and time to define the value of my work. I am taking a stand against selling files and taking a strong stand for printing my photographs.

If being a business owner and photographer today means the current market will force me to sell files not photographs and to compromise my work and my values - well then, I’m out.

But, that won’t happen!  I know it won’t because I know there are people and clients who value my work, understand and respect the value I have placed on my work and actually want photographs.

I am Jared M. Burns, a professional photographer - I believe in and value photography and the images we leave for our children.  My work and your portraits will be professionally printed to my standards, they will be available to frame and look at in albums...

The portraits I create for you will not become a part of your screen saver slide show.  I have worked too hard and taken too much pride in my work for that to happen.  I will not take the risk that in 20 years we will be a generation of lost photographs.

There I stand!

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

Lynn + Doug: Belle Chapel, Snohomish - Seattle Wedding Photographer

Lynn and Doug wanted a quiet little hometown wedding.  Belle Wedding Chapel located in the heart of downtown Snohomish was the perfect choice.  With Snohomish being one of Washington State's premier wedding destinations, all the wedding vendors they needed were local and easy to find on www.mysnohomishwedding.com.  Caring most for their family and closest friends, Lynn and Doug chose to host a smaller wedding on a sunny Sunday afternoon which provided wonderful portrait moments inside as well as beautiful photography outside.

Lynn's Personal Team:  

Venue:  Belle Chapel, Snohomish Wedding Venue   |   Wedding Dress:  Nordstrom      |   Photographer:  Jared M. Burns, Seattle Wedding Photographer   |   Catering:  Emory's on Silver Lake    |   Suit:  Nordstrom      |   Officiator:  Sharon St.Marie, Belle Chapel   |   Makeup:  Friend   |   Floral Design:  Snohomish Flower Co   |   Cake Design:  Family

-JMB

© 2013 Jared M. Burns Photography
Seattle Wedding Photographer & Snohomish Wedding Photographer
www.jaredmburns.com | 206.659.7468 | info@jaredmburns.com

Anna + Chad: Snohomish Wedding - Seattle Wedding Photographer

Anna  and Chad were simply a joy to work with at their Snohomish wedding.  Knowing their priorities and purpose in life, right from the start they understood that photography was the greatest investment they could make at the beginning of their story.  One of the most exciting things about being a photographer is building relationships that often begin at the engagement session as was the case with these two.  It then grows as I join them on the journey toward the wedding.  Not only am I pleased to welcome them into our photography family, I am proud to call them friends!

Anna's Personal Team:Venue: Hope Foursquare Church - Snohomish, WA | Wedding Planners:  Megan Ferguson & Mother of the Bride  |  Wedding Dress: David's Bridal  |   Photographer: Jared M. Burns Photography - Seattle Wedding Photographer   |   Catering: Java Haus Cafe & Catering - Snohomish Wedding Vendor  |   Officiator: Neil Kelly (Family)  |   Makeup: Bethany J. Burns Makeup Artistry - Snohomish Makeup Artist  |   Floral Design: Mary Davis (Friend)  |   Cake Design: Happy Cakes & Events

-JMB

© 2013 Jared M. Burns Photography
Seattle Wedding Photographer & Snohomish Wedding Photographer
www.jaredmburns.com | 206.659.7468 | info@jaredmburns.com

Top 7 Things You Need To Consider in Your Seattle Wedding Photographer

1. Wedding Photography is an Investment It's your special day so the highest priority is to shop by confidence and quality. If you are shopping by price...well, you already know what you will get. Brides come to me every year with stories of paying between $2000 and $5000 for the perfect venue, $1000 to $2000 for beautiful flowers, and a stunning $700 to $1500 dress. Unfortunately, they only paid $499.99 for their photographer to capture it all. They were left with so-so snapshots, blurry/underexposed guest photos, family formals with feet cut-off, and worst of all...so many missed memories. You have probably even heard this someone you know, but it doesn't have to be your story. Approach your photography with the same care you would when choosing a diamond because you are investing in photographic memories that will last forever!

2. Beware the "Natural Light Photographer" The truth is, some self proclaimed "Natural Light Photographers" are afraid of using artificial light because they haven't yet learned how. Natural light is a beautiful thing and works wonders when enough is available. However, most churches and indoor venues are simply not well lit. Light is the language of photography, so you need someone who can communicate proficiently, making beautiful photographs using every natural and light shaping tool available.

3. Remember the Engagement Session Not only is the engagement session an exciting and unique way of commemorating your desire to be together, but also a valuable chance to know your photographer. You will experience the care they take, see if they fit your style, and, most importantly, have the confidence they can deliver. If you find they aren't your cup of tea, then the value of having a chance to change photographers in time to save your wedding far exceeds the loss of one small session fee. When they are the perfect fit, then it is one less thing you have to worry about on your special day, knowing your biggest moments are in good hands.

4. Remember What You are Paying for It is not the about the number of photos, but the quality of the service. Many photographers offer "deals" where they will come and shoot thousands of pictures, leaving you with all the unedited images on CD. Shooting a wedding is only half the job and there is no value in leaving you with the responsibility of finishing the rest. Wedding Photography is about capturing the key, quality memories that will bring life to your home. A good photographer is a service professional who understands you deserve the finest quality, taking complete care of your photographic needs from beginning to end!

5. Is the Photographer Prepared? You don't have to be an expert in photo gear, but it is important you ask about what equipment they are using so you can judge by the thoroughness of their answer if they are well prepared. Your wedding is different from others so you should expect them to be able to give a thoughtful response to how they would make plans for your unique situation. Also, don't hesitate to ask questions about their preparation, experience, backup up plans, and education.

6. Look at the Portfolio This is the most important part of your research. A great landscape, pet, or child portrait photographer does NOT equal a great wedding photographer. Often I hear people tell me "My friend has a nice camera" or "Uncle Fred said he'd do it for free." But I question, "What will Uncle Fred do under pressure?" or "How will your friend be able to take care of you when plans change, or if something goes wrong?" It is the single biggest moment of your life and far too important to take an unnecessary risk. Invest time in finding a photographer who gives you confidence. You need to see great examples of exactly the kind of wedding photography you desire and that they can still deliver exceptional images regardless of circumstances!

7. Be Ready to Ask Questions You have every right to ask your photographer every question that comes to mind. That is what we are here for, meaning no question is insignificant. It gets the answers you need and communicates to the photographer what is most important to you. Write a list in advance of whatever you can think: How many weddings have you photographed? What is your photographic style? What is in the agreement? How do you do your post processing? You aren't working under the table, are you? Can I get references? When will I get my photographs?

The best wedding photographers always book up early, especially in the peak months like July, August, and October, so know your budget and begin researching as soon as possible. Life together is a story and your wedding is the cover!

-JMB

© 2012 Jared M. Burns Photography
Seattle Wedding Photographer & Snohomish Wedding Photographer
www.jaredmburns.com | 206.659.7468 | info@jaredmburns.com

Proud to be Supporting Help Portrait 2012

Help Portrait 2011 Community Video

Do you know of a family in need that would like a beautiful portrait??

Jared M. Burns Photography is proud to be participating this year in Help-Portrait, a worldwide movement of photographers and volunteers back to their communities by providing free portraits to those in need. The purpose is simple...

1. Find someone in need

2. Take their Portrait

3. Print their Portrait

4. Deliver them

This year’s event is December 8, 2012, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM and is taking place at Mountain View Christian Fellowship, 211 6th St,  Sultan, WA 98294 in addition to cities all over the world.

Our Progress To-Date:

• 169,523 portraits given

• 15,558 photographers

• 21,447 volunteers

• 1,520 locations

• 56 countries

You can find more information about Help-Portrait and its outreach at www.help-portrait.com.

-JMB

© 2012 Jared M. Burns Photography
Snohomish Family Photographer
www.jaredmburns.com | 206.659.7468 | info@jaredmburns.com

Why They Get It!

Summer has come to a close, vacations have ended, and a new stage of life is settling upon us with the new school year. It is a good time to pause and consider all the milestones that are worth commemorating.

Very recently during a consultation with a new member of our photography family, we were discussing this very thing! It had been five years since their last family session so I asked, "What did those portraits mean to you so many years ago?" Far beyond the paper picture, they shared stories about the new stages of a young family, the significance of their favorite location by the sea, a major life change, and a fresh start in a new home halfway across the country. Not only that, the photography experience itself became a memorable family activity they all were able to share in the midst of this special time.

(Now, did you notice 90% of their answer had nothing to do with a photograph?)

As I listened to their story, I realized this family really gets it! I learned that the new portraits we would be creating together this October will represent their sense of home in the Northwest and the milestone of one child becoming a young woman while the other is immersed in boyhood adventures. It will be a connection to all the new experiences they are currently sharing in as a family.

They understand that these aren’t just photos, but emotional connections to meaningful life events that exist as the center of their family’s identity. They are a visual representation of the bonds they have with one another. Each one is a story told on the walls throughout their home and shared with anyone who will stop and listen.

If this is the photography experience you are looking for, this is what we are passionate about doing. In the digital age, anyone can take nice pictures, but not everyone can provide genuine care. We know the responsibility we have in telling people's stories which is why we are about focusing on the personal connection and understanding we have with each person we photograph. When we provide photography, we are creating emotional anchor points to memories you can always return to. We are telling your personal story.

-JMB

© 2012 Jared M. Burns Photography
Snohomish Family Portrait Photographer
www.jaredmburns.com | 206.659.7468 | info@jaredmburns.com

Going to CreativeLIVE

June 8th-9th I have the privilege of attending the live audience at CreativeLIVE for Skip Cohen's "Marketing for Photographers" workshop!  Among the photographic community, Skip is recognized as the godfather of photography and marketing from is long and successful career in the industry.  His more notable experience includes WPPI, Hasselblad, Rangefinder Magazine, Skip's Summer School, Skip's Photo Network, and his most recent publication Going Pro.

This workshop is designed for the professional photographer who has already refined their craft and quality, yet is still struggling to connect with the right audience.  Skip will get into the nitty-gritty details of networking, marketing plans, web portfolios, and creating brand awareness.  Being that I recognize my own need for for development  in these areas, I see this class as a critical piece to reaching the viable business dream.

You can join us online June 8th-9th at www.creativelive.com/live from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.  Best of all, enrolling in this class is free!

I can't wait to learn!  I can't wait to be challenged!  I especially can't wait to see where Skip is going to take me next!

(My video application)

-JMB

© 2012 Jared M. Burns Photography
Seattle Photographer & Snohomish Photographer
www.jaredmburns.com | 206.659.7468 | info@jaredmburns.com

Anna + Chad: Seattle Engagements - Seattle Wedding Photographer

One of the best things about engagement photography is discovering new places and why they are unique to the couple.  Anna & Chad are a wonderful couple and I was privileged to learn their story as they walked the beach of Howarth Park in Everett, Washington.  Just being there to have fun and capture a moment like this is what it is all about.  I can't wait to work with them again at the big wedding this August!   Congratulation Anna & Chad!

-JMB

© 2012 Jared M. Burns Photography
Seattle Wedding Photographer & Snohomish Wedding Photographer
www.jaredmburns.com | 206.659.7468 | info@jaredmburns.com

10 Tips to Improve Your Mother's Day Photos

This is the secret gift Mom REALLY wants for Mother’s Day!  It is so simple…photographs of the ones she loves and cares for most.  Unlike flowers, kitchen gadgets, home knickknacks, or even a card, photography is the one thing she is guaranteed to revisit for the rest of her life.  If you will be providing the photos for this years family Mother’s Day gathering, here are 10 excellent tips to make them shine!

1. Instead of asking everyone to look at the camera, let things flow naturally as though you are an observer documenting the visual story of her special day.

2. Don’t always try to get everything in one shot. By focusing in on the minor details or smaller groups of people at a time you will actually achieve a more complete “big picture” of the day.

3. Remember that heads usually don’t belong in the dead center of the frame. Instead, try and move the frame of the camera so the heads are a little off center and include just a little more of the environment.

4. Turn your camera on its side. We tend to default to landscape orientation because it’s what feels most natural with the way we hold the camera or view TV. To add new variety to your photos, try frequently turning the camera on its side for portrait orientation. This is especially great when photographing people.

5. Take a meaningful single portrait of each person Mom loves! Better yet, have each one take a picture individually with Mom!

6. Mom loves to feel emotionally connected to the photos, so move in even closer for the shot! Physically moving in closer reinforces a deeper, more personal connection with the photography subject.

7. Mom wants a shot of everyone together, but large groups take more care. One or two shots of whole group won’t cut it because someone always blinks. A pro secret is to take lots of photos, hoping one will turn out right. If it doesn’t, then simply use an editing program to paint Blinky’s eyes back in from another photo.

8. Avoid the in-camera flash whenever possible. Turn off your camera’s internal flash and turn up the available light in the room. This provides fuller, more natural lighting in your images.

9. Don’t get too caught up in trying to find the perfect photo. What matters most to Mom is that you were there and engaged as a meaningful part of her day!

10. If you are not the photographer type, consider giving Mom the gift of portrait photography. Whether it is an updated portrait of her dearest family, your own family, just the children, or all her grand-babies, she will cherish it forever!

-JMB

© 2012 Jared M. Burns Photography
Snohomish Family Photographer
www.jaredmburns.com | 206.659.7468 | info@jaredmburns.com

Sarahenna: Seattle Mehndi Artist - Seattle Wedding Photographer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-JMB

© 2012 Jared M. Burns Photography
Seattle & Snohomish Business Photographer
www.jaredmburns.com | 206.659.7468 | info@jaredmburns.com

Welcome Keegan

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

-JMB

© 2012 Jared M. Burns Photography
Snohomish Family Portrait Photographer
www.jaredmburns.com | 206.659.7468 | info@jaredmburns.com

Bellevue Park Portrait - Snohomish Family Photographer

Location:  Downtown Park, Bellevue, WA | Photographer:  Jared M. Burns 

-JMB

© 2012 Jared M. Burns Photography
Snohomish Family Portrait Photographer
www.jaredmburns.com | 206.659.7468 | info@jaredmburns.com

Jennifer - Snohomish Photographer

Jennifer's Personal Production Team:  Makeup:  Bethany J. Burns Makeup Artistry | Photographer:  Jared M. Burns

Production Notes:  Two light setup (one strobe in a bare bulb beauty dish, one strobe with a 1/4 inch grid and colored gel) / silver reflector under chin / black background /  5000K / ISO 400 / 50mm lens / f3.2 / 1/200 sec / no color correction / no Photoshop enhancement / very light retouching & sharpening

-JMB

© 2011 Jared M. Burns Photography
Seattle and Snohomish Professional Business Headshot Photographer
www.jaredmburns.com | 206.659.7468 | info@jaredmburns.com

Rachelle + Nick: Everett Wedding Photographer

When Rachelle and Nick came to me about their October 8th wedding at Immanuel Lutheran Church, I learned all about their plans to begin their lives together living on their carefully restored sailboat.  I knew right away they would be some of the more interesting people I have been given the opportunity to photograph.  As I got to know them, I learned how wonderful they were for each other with the infectious positive attitudes and sense of humor they share.  Despite the rain forecasted, the clouds above Everett opened up just for their special day and they had the beautiful reception they dreamed of held in the historic atmosphere of Premier Ballroom.

Rachelle's Personal Team:  Ceremony:   Immanuel Lutheran Church | Reception Venue:  Premier Ballroom | Wedding Planner:  Mrs. Heck | Wedding Dress:  Jana Stockton (Family) | Photographer:  Jared M. Burns | Catering:  Papa John's | Tux:  Men's Warehouse | Officiator:  Pastor Kyle Heck | Salon:  Santana Salon, Bellevue | Floral Design:  Janae Frisch | Cake Design:  QFC | DJ:  Nathan Fontes

-JMB

© 2011 Jared M. Burns Photography
Seattle Wedding Photographer & Snohomish Wedding Photographer
www.jaredmburns.com | 206.659.7468 | info@jaredmburns.com

15 Tips for Better Holiday Photos - Snohomish Family Photographer

1. Plan ahead! Before you leave for the holiday celebrations, replace your batteries, clear your memory cards, clean your lens, and at least make a mental check list of the events for which you would like to be most prepared. The only reason we ever miss the once-in-a-lifetime moment is because we simply weren't ready when it came.

2. The secret to taking uncomfortable, contrived photos is always saying, "Look over here!" or "Smile for the camera!" Instead, let things flow naturally as though you are an observer documenting a visual story and true reactions. If you desire to see more of your subject's face in the photo, move yourself and get in front of them.

3. Get down on the ground and take the photos of kids opening or playing with new gifts at eye level. You will cherish a photo at their level because it allows you to better relate to how they see and feel the moment. A photo taken at your comfortable standing position of the tops of their heads is one that will never receive a second look.

4. Rather than trying to always get everything in the shot, simplify and seek out the little moments, the minor details, and smaller groups of people at a time. The wonderful irony in focusing on the smaller pieces is that you end up with a more complete picture.

5. Photograph every gift being opened. You never know which gift will have a profound impact on a child’s development until years later. It will be a great family moment someday to rediscover the photo with that one forgotten gift and be flooded with memories of how significant it was.

6. Give the kids a camera and say, "Go take some pictures for me." It will be raw and many could be a waste, but there is something special about finding those glimpses of Christmas moments as seen through a child's own eyes.

7. Don't forget to photograph the preparations. The preparations and traditions we sometimes take for granted are made with great care and help set the scene of for these special memories.

8. Watch the Heads. Unless you are creating a photo dart board, heads usually don’t belong in the dead center of the frame. Instead, try and move the frame of the camera so the heads are a little off center.

9. Turn your camera on its side. We tend to default to landscape orientation because it’s what feels most natural with the way we hold the camera. To add new variety to your photos, try frequently turning the camera on its side for portrait orientation. This is especially great when photographing people.

10. Take a meaningful single portraits of every person celebrating the holidays like it is the last one you will ever take, because you never know how long you have with the ones you love.

11. Move in even closer, but not by using the zoom. I mean, when you think you are close, physically move in even closer for the shot to reinforce a deeper, more personal connection.

12. Large groups take more care. One or two shots of a large group won’t cut it because someone always blinks. A pro secret is to take lots of photos, hoping one will turn out right. If it doesn’t, then simply use an editing program to paint Blinky’s eyes back in from another photo.

13. Overexpose in the snow. This seems weird, but snow scenes trick the camera and make the images appear too dull and dark. Most cameras have a built in snow scene mode you can use. If yours does not, this can also be done by adjusting the exposure compensation settings up to take brighter photos.

14. Avoid the in camera flash whenever possible. Turn off your camera’s internal flash and turn up the available light in the room. This provides fuller, more natural lighting in your images.

15. Don't get too caught up in trying to find the perfect photo. Photography is really about the bonds we share with the ones we love at key moments in our lives. What matters most is that you were there, engaged, and part of the story.

What holiday photo tips do you have?  Leave a comment and tell us about them!

-JMB

© 2011 Jared M. Burns Photography
Snohomish Family Portrait Photographer
www.jaredmburns.com | 206.659.7468 | info@jaredmburns.com

Janette + Scott: A Country Location Wedding, Arlington - Seattle Wedding Photographer

Janette and Scott's wedding at A Country Location in Alrington, WA was the first one I shot after attending a three day wedding and portrait photography training program held Las Vegas, NV.  Naturally I was more than a little excited to begin implementing many new techniques I had so recently gained.  Together with their relaxed personalities and willingness to step outside of the comfort zone, we were able to create some amazing photographic moments that were so much fun and characteristic of who they were.  They chose "A Country Location" for the acres of wonderful outdoor, northwest scenery it provides and ability to accommodate lager gatherings of family and friends.

Janette's Personal Team: Venue:  A Country Location | Wedding Planner:  Elliott Gustavson | Wedding Dress:  David's Bridal | Photographer: Jared M. Burns | Officiator:  Aaron Damron (Friend) |  Tux:  Men's Warehouse | Hair:  Debbie Homes | Shoes:  Nordstrom | Floral Design:  Puget Sound Floral | Cake Design:  Mary Hopkins (Friend) | Music:  Austin Jenckes | Videographer:  Dan Burns

-JMB

© 2011 Jared M. Burns Photography
Seattle Wedding Photographer & Snohomish Wedding Photographer
www.jaredmburns.com | 206.659.7468 | info@jaredmburns.com

Jenna - Snohomish Family Photographer

Jenna's Personal Production Team:  Location:  Historic Downtown Snohomish | Photographer:  Jared M. Burns | Rental Equipment:  Glazer's Camera

-JMB

© 2011 Jared M. Burns Photography
Snohomish Family Portrait Photographer
www.jaredmburns.com | 206.659.7468 | info@jaredmburns.com

Hilary + Michael: Medina on Lake Washington Wedding, Bellevue - Seattle Wedding Photographer

There is no finer place in Western Washington for an outdoor wedding celebration than a private Medina estate on Lake Washington.  Hilary and Michael were blessed on their day with clear skies and a warm evening which was a rare gift in 2011.  This perfect location captured the timeless and sophisticated, yet simple and romantic feelings that are characteristic of their relationship. 

Hilary's Personal Team: Ceremony:  Church of the Asumption, Seattle | Venue:  A Medina Estate on Lake Washington | Wedding Planner:  Mary Schwed | Wedding Dress:  Amanda's Bridal | Photographer:  Jared M. Burns | Officiator:  Fr. Dean W. Kouldukis | Tux:  Nordstrom | Hair:  Salon Bella Bellevue | Floral Design:  Bellevue Farmers Market | Cake Design:  Whole Foods, Bellevue | DJ:  Beldj Enterprise

-JMB

© 2011 Jared M. Burns Photography
Seattle Wedding Photographer & Snohomish Wedding Photographer
www.jaredmburns.com | 206.659.7468 | info@jaredmburns.com