For me, commencement was on May 20th, 2013. In less than 3 months, grad images is offering deep discounts. Wait it out. They will threaten you with implied deletion of your photos, but it's a false flag.
I was floored by the price they wanted to charge, so I didn't buy. I have excellent photographs from my family anyway.
However, it is now August 2013 and Grad Images is getting desperate to generate some revenue. Here are some of the promotions I've gotten from Grad Images simply by waiting:
Aug 19th: "Special Offer - Premium Digital Download of all your Graduation Images and Ceremony Highlights PLUS a free Shutterfly Photo Book* - a combined value of $104.95 - all for only $29.95!"
July 17th: "For the next 48 hours, GradImages is offering 25% off ANY ORDER + Free SHIPPING. Take advantage of these great discounts by entering Promotion Code: JULYSAVE during checkout. "
July 12th: "Don't miss this opportunity to remember your graduation forever! We've added a new discount package to make it easier for you to share your accomplishment. For a limited time, get 1 8x10, 1 5x7 and 8 wallets for only $29.95! Order online today to take advantage of this special offer. This offer is only available until July 31, 2013!"
July 1st: "Use Coupon Code: JULY4FREE at Checkout for Free SHIPPING on any order for 72 hours!"
May 30th: "Give your father a gift he'll cherish for years to come - our Combo Print and Frame - celebrating your recent accomplishment. This beautiful framed print is complete with two 5x7 pictures of your choice, mounted in a contemporary black frame.
Order today! Use Coupon Code FDay13 to receive this special price! Orders received after June 7, 2013 may not be received in time for Fathers Day" --this one resulted in some worthless discounts on the most expensive tiers they offered, no discount on the digital download.
They used dirty tactics to compel me to buy their photos at the full retail price. They even robo-called me threatening me with a deadline. I've informed my former dean, the alumni association, and filed a BBB complaint against Grad Images. I hope they choose someone else next time, grad images is new for my institution. Here is a sample that I received by mail and email:
"Don't let the memory of your accomplishment fade away. Act now to order your photos before it's too late! Your order deadline is tomorrow.
Click below to view and order all your pictures from the ceremony.
Click Here!
Act now! Order deadline is 06/09/2013."
Wait it out.