Frequently asked questions

Service & Philosoply

What types of photography do you specialize in?

We specialize in family portraits and high school senior graduation portraits throughout Snohomish and King County. Our focus is on capturing deep family connections and celebrating the unique spirits of young adults starting their next chapter.

What is your creative philosophy?

Our priority is authenticity; we use professional coaching and retouching to highlight your true personality without making you look like someone else. We believe our job isn't done until you are completely confident and happy with your experience.

What does “full-service” mean?

Full-service means we handle every detail from the initial planning to the final delivery of physical art. We act as your personal guide, helping you choose, design, and display portraits as custom works of art in your home.

Logistics & Booking

What is the recommended lead time for booking?

For summer and fall sessions, we recommend booking 4–6 weeks in advance. To ensure your preferred date, please schedule your initial consultation as early as possible before the seasonal rush.

How do I book a session?

Contact us to share your goals and ask any initial questions. If we are a good fit, we will schedule a no-obligation in-person consultation to begin planning your custom portrait experience.

What is the cancellation or rescheduling policy?

We require at least 72 hours' notice to reschedule your session. Please note that while we accommodate major life events, subsequent reschedules may incur an additional fee to cover studio time and expenses.

How long does a typical session last?

Family sessions typically last 1–2 hours, while senior portrait sessions run 2–3 hours. This ensures we have plenty of time for creative variety and outfit changes without feeling rushed.

The Experience

What is the experience with Jared M. Burns Photography like?

Our process includes an in-person consultation, a fun and coached portrait sitting, and a guided ordering appointment. We handle everything from posing to product design, finishing with the personal delivery of your custom artwork.

Why an in-person consultation first?

A consultation allows us to understand your story, plan your wardrobe, and scout your home’s wall space before the shoot. This preparation ensures your final artwork is personalized, intentional, and exactly what you envisioned.

Where do we shoot?

We shoot at diverse locations across the Northwest, from nature and mountains to urban and architectural settings. We’ll help you select the perfect spot based on your family’s identity or the senior’s unique personality.

What if it rains?

We monitor Northwest weather patterns closely leading up to your session. If bad weather is likely for an outdoor shoot, we will proactively contact you 1–2 days in advance with flexible rescheduling options.

Preparation & Style

Can you help me pose?

Yes! Jared is an expert in posture coaching and will guide you through every movement to ensure you feel comfortable. We’ll laugh and joke along the way so you look natural and confident in every frame.

What should we wear?

Wardrobe is a key part of our initial consultation. We provide a styling guide and walk you through visual examples of colors and textures that best complement your chosen location and home decor.

Are pets welcome?

Well-mannered, socialized pets are always encouraged as they are part of the family! Come prepared with a short leash, extra treats, and maybe an extra friend to help manage them during the shoot. This way, you don’t have to worry about what Fido is up to at all times.

Do you offer Hair and Makeup services?

Yes, we partner with an exclusive professional artist skilled in techniques for high-end portrait lighting. Her services enhance your natural beauty and boost your confidence for a flawless final look. We always say, “Never underestimate the confidence boost of great makeup!”

Products & Files

How many IMAGES will we receive?

The number of portraits you receive is entirely up to you; you only purchase the images you truly adore. Every session includes a product credit to get you started, and we’ll guide you through selecting your favorites to ensure you get exactly what you want for your home.

What packages do you offer?

We offer "however you like it" options rather than rigid package bundles. This gives you full control to purchase only the specific images and products you adore, ensuring you never pay for items you don’t want.

How long does it take to receive our PORTRAITS?

Finished portraits are typically ready for your ordering appointment within one to two weeks. Handcrafted items like custom albums may take additional time to ensure museum-quality perfection.

Can I purchase the digitals or RAW files?

High-resolution "Archival Collections" are available for purchase, and we gift-match social media files with any art purchase. We do not release unedited RAW files, as we only deliver complete, finished works of art.

Do you offer prints and products?

We specialize in museum-quality physical art, including framed prints, canvas, metals, and luxury albums. Every purchase includes master-level retouching to ensure your portraits are gallery-ready before they are delivered to your door.

Can you send me the online gallery?

Instead of leaving you to navigate a gallery alone, we host a guided ordering appointment to help you select your favorites. As a full-service studio, we act as your personal guide to ensure your portraits are perfectly tailored for the products and art pieces you’ll display in your home.

Do you offer retouching or editing services?

Yes, master-level retouching is included with every product we provide. We handle everything from skin blemishes and stray hairs to clothing lint, ensuring your portraits are polished, professional works of art before they go to final production.

Miscellaneous Policies

Are you available for travel?

Yes, we travel throughout Washington and the Northwest for select sessions, with limited availability for US destinations. Contact us early to discuss travel options, as these dates book up well in advance.

Can you provide a guarantee?

If you aren't delighted with any of your images during the ordering consultation, we will refund your sitting fee and product credit in full. We carry all the risk so you can book with total confidence!

Do you offer mini-sessions?

We generally don't offer traditional mini-sessions for the public, as our focus is on providing a relaxed, full-service experience that can't be rushed. However, we occasionally host exclusive portrait events for our existing clients; feel free to inquire about our upcoming calendar.

Does Jared do events or birthday parties?

To ensure the highest quality for my clients, I specialize exclusively in portraiture and do not accept bookings for events or birthday parties. I’ve dedicated my schedule to providing a full-service portrait experience, but I’m happy to recommend local event photographers if you need suggestions!

Can I get a passport or biometric photo here?

We are not set up for biometric or passport photography, as our studio is dedicated to custom portrait art. For those specific needs, we recommend contacting your local post office or a specialized shipping center, which can typically assist you for a small fee.

What kind of equipment do you use?

We use professional Nikon mirrorless systems, high-end Z-mount lenses, and advanced studio lighting. Images are edited on custom-built workstations and printed through exclusive labs with luxury items unavailable to the general public.