Where do you get your portraits taken?

[dewoman81]

I did JCPenny this time and I am not completely satisfied. I thought they were awfully expensive for what I got (about $150 for 14 sheets of pictures). I went in with a coupon for a free 8x10 and a $8.99 family portrait package - I thought I would spend $50.00 but enhancements are extra. and the CD is $99.00 extra. and the membership is $30.00 extra. and viewing online is extra and...

I recently hear that Sears is better, but I think that they are probably the same deal. Just wondering what good and what bad experiences moms have had with portrait studios.

[klynnw]

We've always done JC penney, although I went to a pro photographer, the same guy who did our wedding with ds1 when he was 18 months. Those pics were beautiful! But very expensive. I've never bought that many from Penneys so I haven't been disappointed. I usually get out of there for about $30 with a coupon. But like I said, I don't buy that many, just enough for us and the grandparents.

[ashtonsmom]

I go to sears. The latest 15 months pics cost me about $170 for the package (less the framed wall portrait). I got 13 sheets, 1 10x13 , 2 collages and the CD and the pics were awesome. I also am a smile saver member so no sitting fee.

[mommy2e]

We always did Sears, but for DS first bday we went to JCPenney b/c he was a huge Elmo fan and they had the Sesame Street backgrounds. I was not impressed. The pictures, especially the enlargemetns, were kinda grainy looking, not as clear as Sears.

With Sears, I usually have a coupon for free sitting or free 8x10. I don't think I have spent more than $60-70 for pictures, I usually don't get a package. I just pick what I want, then Rite Aid lets me scan it and print out as many as I want. (I know, it's illegal, but they let me, who am I to argue).

Also, once when I went to pick up my pictures days later from Sears, they offered me all the specials they had done, the calendar, the 10x13, the sepia, the CD with all the pics from that session, PLUS the rights to make as many copies as I want from the CD at stores like Rite Aid, CVS, etc for $20! I wish that deal was offered to us all the time, but it never hurts to ask.

[Jacksmommy]

I go to JC Penney, but we always have a coupon, so it's never very expensive. I don't think we've ever spent more that $35.

[whitnessforhim]

Wow this thread really did help. I have a coupon from both JCPenny's and Sears and am planning on taking DD soon for pics I just couldn't decide which place to go. I think I might do the sears one and see how that pans out. Thx :)

[TheNewMogey]

Yes Sears does a good job

[StElmosFire]

I also have gone to Sears and I have loved their photo's but I prefer the photo studio at BRU. They do an awesome job!

[carterandcalliesmom]

Another option is to find someone in the practicing stages of photography and you can get some awesome pics even CHEAPER than a studio- not to mention more personalized! (you can check Craigslist or on the photographing your family forum on BBC) Honestly, (well, depending on where you live) you could have gotten professional pictures done for that kind of money! I feel bad for you and it makes me glad I took up photography so I don't have to spend hundreds of dollars on pictures each year anymore.

[Peanut1207]

We did The Picture People and they were horrible! They told us they'd e-mail the pictures to us and never did (so I have basically 1 picture of my son at 3 months). I could go back in but I'm so mad at them I refuse to spend any more money (my parents and in-laws all wanted pictures too). Next time I'm going to the company that did my wedding...I'll pay wayyyyyyy more but they have great customer service, private/local company.

[Beautifuldisaster2003]

i have gone to sears. most of ds first yr is at sears. i did the member ship card so no sitting fee. i paid 15 for 2 yrs. :)
then i always got the 9.99 package. when i had the extra money i would get more. but since i went there all the time and they loved ds we got alot of free pictures. he is in there studio book.
now we go to the picture people and kiddie kandids. i just use there free add.

[Beautifuldisaster2003]

We did The Picture People and they were horrible! They told us they'd e-mail the pictures to us and never did (so I have basically 1 picture of my son at 3 months). I could go back in but I'm so mad at them I refuse to spend any more money (my parents and in-laws all wanted pictures too). Next time I'm going to the company that did my wedding...I'll pay wayyyyyyy more but they have great customer service, private/local company.

i have had that happen to me a few times. just talk to the management and let them know your experience. when i was back east and got ds pics taken. they told me that i can order in ca in store so i didnt have to travel with them. so i did that and when i went to order they said they couldnt find out case file. so we got a free setting and package.

[KatieLou]

At my house. *giggle*

[whitnessforhim]

At my house. *giggle*


Ur not in Tx are u?!?! :hugegrin:

[Stephanie]

We go to Target, with the 3.99 per sheet coupon. They always seem to turn out well. Even if you were to get 1 sheet of every pose it would still be less than $50. No sitting fees, so that is nice.

Try going outside at sunset or on an overcast day and taking some pictures, with no flash. The usually end up looking just as nice.

[kohlby]

Wal-Mart - terrible picture sharpness/lighting but the photographer actually took her time
Sears - So-so picture sharpness/lighting, so-so photographer
Olan Mills - Great sharpness/lighting, photographer was a bit rushed but always got some great pics out of it
Picture People - Great sharpness/lighting, photographer sucked. He had no idea how to work with kids, over priced, far from the photo experience I had expected. (A friend likes PP but went to a different one than me).

So, next time, it's back to Olan Mills.

[jgassa]

I take my own until he's old enough to cooperate with a photographer. I liked Olan Mills for my older kids.