Is it too soon to plan your outdoor portraits?

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

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

5 FUN TIPS FOR SPRING!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2022 Year in Review - Branding & Headshots

Over the past year, we've had the privilege of working with countless clients on their business branding portraits, and it's been nothing short of epic! From solopreneurs to larger businesses, we've loved helping our clients stand out in their industry and make a powerful first impression with professional, dynamic photos. It's been amazing to witness the transformation that occurs when our clients see themselves through a new lens and start to truly embody the confidence and success they deserve. We can't wait to see what 2023 holds and continue empowering our clients through the art of business branding portraits!

THANK YOU!

JMB

I asked Chatgpt to write an ancient story about a photographer

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

The Photography Student

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

😲😲😲

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

- JMB

Happy New Year - Something has changed...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

(but something has changed)

.

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

• Airbnbs are booked up solid across the nation?

• Airlines are overbooked?

• Concert tickets are gone 15 min. after release?

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

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

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

• Your next available hair appointment is 6 weeks out?

---

WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?! 

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

---

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

Here are 5 things you do to avoid disappointment in 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For example, concerning time management…

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

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

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

Don't Forget Your Camera

📷 ✅ 👍

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

 Here's a secret...

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

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

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

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

• JMB

Which is the best month for senior grad photos?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hiring Customer Service Associate

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

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

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

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

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

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

Five COVID Reasons to Give Photography this Holiday

People are ordering photography more this year than we have seen in 12 previous years of business. The simple reason is, this COVID year has been hard on everyone and they are longing for connection like they never have before!

Here are the Top 5 Reasons to give the gift of photography…

1. Photography Brings Joy - In a year where people feel limited and stuck at home, the gift of portrait photography is a reason to get out and make some meaningful memories. It may be the brightest point of someone’s year!

2. 194 years later, photography is still the single best way to honor connections - Portraiture is far from dead because images keep alive the memories of bonds we share with one another. When you share the intrinsic value of love and belonging with someone you care about, it never wears out or gets tossed aside.

3. Photography is a Timemachine - This COVID year has stolen a lot from us, not the least of which is the wasted time that has slipped us by. People change and children grow fast, but photography is the one medium that allows you to return to a special moment again and again. There is no time like the present.

4. Photography Boosts Self-Esteem - Let’s be honest, we could all use a little pick-me-up this year, right? Studies show that families who raise kids in a home with portraits on the walls have healthier, more stable children. It was found that these children grew up with a strong sense of place, belonging, and understanding they were loved and special.

5. Supporting a Small Business - You can buy picture frames at Amazon and Walmart, but you can’t buy portraits. The online stores only know you as a credit card number. This is why small business is critical to our community! When you support a small business like ours, you are saying that personal relationships, your local community, and family values are what matter most!

As we like to say, “It’s about the finer things of life.” Giving the gift of photography is about giving love and connection to someone special.

Coronavirus update from Jared M. Burns Photography

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

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

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

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

So what does Coronavirus mean for our clients?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sincerely,

Free creative design programs for budding artists stuck at home

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

For 3D Animation...

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

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

• Blender - https://www.blender.org/

For 2D Cartooning and Animation...

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

• Synfig - https://www.synfig.org/

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

For Design & CAD...

• Sketchup - https://www.sketchup.com

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

For Drawing and Painting

• SketchBook - https://sketchbook.com/

• Krita - https://krita.org/en/

For Graphic Design...

• Gimp - https://www.gimp.org/

• Ink Skape - https://inkscape.org/

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

For Video Creation and Editing...

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

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

For Coding...

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

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

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

For Photography...

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

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

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© 2020 Jared M. Burns Photography
Snohomish County based Business Branding, Family, and Senior Grad Photographer
www.jaredmburns.com | 206.659.7468 | info@jaredmburns.com

Coronavirus COVID-19 and Photographers

Enjoy this video recap from the meeting!

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

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

Skip Cohen

Scott Bourne

Bobbi Lane

Lee Varis

Brian David Casey

Levi Sim

Sherry Hagerman

Brent Watkins

Jared M. Burns

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

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

How to participate:

• The live viewers will be limited to 150 people

• Recorded video will be posted here following the Hangout

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

Google Hangouts is available for free to download...

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

• Apple iTunes: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/hangouts/id643496868

• Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.talk&hl=en

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© 2020 Jared M. Burns Photography
Snohomish County based Business Branding, Family, and Senior Grad Photographer
www.jaredmburns.com | 206.659.7468 | info@jaredmburns.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Senior Photographer

• Yearbook

• Senior grad portrait keepsakes for yourself and relatives

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Be intentional about being present with them.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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© 2020 Jared M. Burns Photography
Snohomish County Senior Grad Photographer
www.jaredmburns.com | 206.659.7468 | info@jaredmburns.com

8 questions to see if your business needs branding imagery

Does your business need branding imagery? We have eight questions here to ask yourself, but first…do you identify with any of these common problems many businesses are facing today?

• Their primary customer base is aging and leaving a big hole that qualified millennials are not filling

• They know imagery is social currency, but just don't have any idea how to tap into it

• They tried to manage their own visual content and can't escape the fact that it is falling short or costing them money and time

Just between you and yourself, here are some questions to assess where your branding imagery is currently at...

1. Does the imagery you present match the caliber of your business, product, or service?

2. Is it in-line with your branding, messaging, or philosophy?

3. Do the images have a cohesive style that shows you've got it all together, you know what you are doing?

4. Are the team members on your about page represented as experts in what they do? Do they look like a team?

5. Have you been sharing the behind-the-scenes or on-site expertise your client needs to see?

6. Does each image tell a story your client will easily understand?

7. When clients land on your website, does the imagery build connections that lead to sales?

8. Are viewers invited into your unique experience?

Bottom line: Are your visuals, or lack thereof, costing you business? Do they reinforce a brand story your client would want to be a part of?

The greatest barrier to effective branding imagery usually isn't the cost. It is a lack of vision that costs the company dearly. Let me explain. Most business leaders tell me, in an effort to save money, they tried to DIY their own photos for years and received little or no results. When I ask them to quantify the time their team spent “figuring it out on their own” instead of focusing on their expertise, they tell me the loss equates to tens of thousands of dollars.

How much further along would your business be today had your team members focused on the work they do best?

What would your business development look like right now were you already implementing amazing brand imagery over the past few years?

Moving forward, what if you had access to a system that guaranteed the images you need?

We have a process we call the Story Imagery System. It is a systematic approach to identifying exactly what kind of branding imagery you need and how to create it in a way that connects with the heart of the message. It is about using the right imagery to sell the emotional destination your clients what to buy.

Our Story Imagery approach is different in that it...

• Saves you and your team personally time and allows you to focus on what you do best

• Simplifies the plan for creating your custom imagery

• Makes you money when clients see you have what they want to buy

• Takes away the risk of underperforming websites or social content

• Builds connections to more qualified customers

• Shows prospects in a glance what you do and how you can do it for them

• Reduces your effort leaping forward on the brand story

• Get's comprehensive variety, yet cohesive images that will draw people into the unique experience you provide

• Avoids the hassle of you needing to find all the different media professionals and playing middle man to get them on the same page or chasing them down to deliver in a reasonable time frame

• Conveys an overall high-quality message you could not have reached on your own

If you know something is lacking in your presentation or have that feeling your online content may be falling short, give us a call today. In 15 minutes we will be able to determine if we can help and share how we would do it.

© 2020 Jared M. Burns Photography
Snohomish County Business Branding and Headshot Photographer
www.jaredmburns.com | 206.659.7468 | info@jaredmburns.com

Choosing the Right Tylpe of Business Photos to Build Your Brand

Feeling like your business website isn't quite cutting it? You might be right! While headshots are a good start, they're just one piece of the puzzle. We all know that great messaging always answers the six key questions of marketing….Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How.

Let’s get real for a moment - Are your marketing images answering these six key questions?

So, what kind of photos are best for your business?

Think about the questions your customers might ask: Who are you? What do you do? Where do you work? Why and how can you help me? Great business photos answer all these questions!

Here's a breakdown of different photo styles:

• Selling Stuff (Product or Commercial Photography): This is your online catalog! Think of those high-quality product images you see when shopping online. Good photos are essential to grab attention and make sales. (Answers What and Why)

• Showing Your Team in Action (Environmental Portraits): These are NOT product shots! They show real people (your team!) doing their jobs in real places or interacting with the product. This helps customers see you as the expert and builds trust. (Answers Who, Where, and How)

• Headshots - Your Team's Faces: These are clean, professional close-up shots of your team members. They show confidence and keep your brand image consistent. (Answers Who)

• Executive Portraits - Your Leaders: These are different from regular headshots. They give a glimpse into the leader's personality and story, often in their work environment. (Answers the high-level Who, What, and Where)

• Building Your Brand (Branding Imagery): This is the big picture! It's all the photos that work together to tell your brand story. They should be consistent, high-quality, and create a feeling that draws in your ideal customer. (Answers Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How on a large scale)

• Events You Do (Corporate Event Photography): Great for service providers! These photos show the results of your work - happy clients enjoying the final product. They can also show your team in action. (Answers How and When)

• Lifestyle Photos: These sell the feeling your product or service creates. Think of a travel company showing happy vacationers instead of just airplanes. (Answers When, How, and Why)

• Your ‘Personal’ Brand (Personal Branding): Similar to lifestyle and branding photos, but focused on YOU. They show your approach and how you personally guide clients to their goals. (Answers Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How on a smaller scale)

Is your visual brand message on point? We can help you identify the perfect photos to showcase your company in the best light. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation today to see how our photography services can elevate your brand!

10 Signs Your Headshot is Dated

Is it time to update your headshot? Here are 10 telltale signs the world sees.

1. It doesn't look like you. The hair, look, or the way you projected yourself then does not resemble who you are now.

2. Your headshot was done on a marbly-blue JC Portrait/Lifetouch background. That's isn't the style anymore.

3. What were you wearing? Trends in fashion have come a little way since then.

4. You are still rocking the old-school poses. Cliche power poses were all the rage back then, but now it is about connecting with potential clients.

5. You notice more often people are asking if you can send them a new or different image.

6. You feel a little embarrassed about sending that headshot out for press releases or marketing.

7. No one has commented on your headshot in years.

8. It looks like a school portrait, or even worse, you are still using an image from your senior grad portrait session.

9. It was taken 3-5 years ago...wait no, 10 years ago.

10. You are still holding on to the hair that left you out in the cold years ago. Men, it's time to show that hair you don't need it anymore because today you are a better, stronger, and more confident person without it. Get a new headshot!

Is it time to update your personal branding?

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© 2020 Jared M. Burns Photography
Snohomish County Business Branding Photographer
www.jaredmburns.com | 206.659.7468 | info@jaredmburns.com

Have a new headshot? Here's what to do with it next.

You’ve got your new headshot and that’s fantastic! It shows you as the confident, approachable person you are, but also signals you genuinely care about what you do and are competent in your craft. Now it is time to let the world know it!

Top 20 places you need to upload your headshot…

SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS

1. Linkedin.com - This is certainly the first place you want to show off your professional side to get the B2B recognition. Hey, while you are changing images on Linkedin, that generic meshy blue thing in the banner image could be replaced with something cooler. Something a little more you!

2. Facebook.com - Facebook does a good job promoting your new image to friends when you upload it as a profile photo. Do you have a business Facebook page? Remember to update it there as well

3. Alignable.com - If you are not using Alignable, you should be! Pro tip: Upload your new profile photo and complete your full profile within the first few hours of signing up to get the best local traction and recognition.

4. Twitter.com - People love to see and know who they are following and bantering with.

5. Instagram.com - If you didn’t already know, this is the fastest growing social media platform. When people are interested in what you share, they will check out your profile and headshot.

6. Meetup.com - This is a powerful tool for anyone who values networking, so put your best foot forward and make the right first impression with your new image.

7. Pinterest.com - People on this platform love to see who the idea generators and content creators are.

COMMUNICATION CHANNELS

8. Your email client - Your profile image will often show up next to your name when you send an email. People are more likely to open an email from someone they recognize.

9. Your email signature - People who don’t interact with you face to face on a regular basis will appreciate the visual reminder of who you are.

10. Gravatar.com - Do you interact with industry blogs or forums? Gravitar is a global avatar that follows you across many sites when you interact.

PUBLICATIONS

11. Editorial Columns - Do you write for any news publications? Make sure they have an updated image of you.

12. Trade Publications or Magazines - Are you featured regularly in any magazines? Be sure to let the editor know about your new headshot.

WEBSITE

13. Update your about page or team page

14. Update your home page or landing pages

15. Update your blog image

16. Share it on your Google Business Profile

17. Don’t forget all your different agent listing sites

PRINT

18. Update your business card

19. Revise and reprint key marketing materials

20. Print your face large on 1000 T-shirts & give to everyone you know - Okay, maybe not that one!

Image consistency across all the different platforms matters. People want to feel like they know a little bit about the person they are doing business with, so sharing your headshot in all the right places goes a long way to building rapport and all-around likability.

Did I miss anything? Are their other place you would update your profile? Share it in the comments below!

Top 10 Gift-giving Concerns During the Holidays

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

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

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

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

4. They don't want gifts or more stuff

5. They already have one

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For a limited time and limited number of customers

Buy one $300 gift card for portraits & get one for yourself (Limit 2 per customer)