Baby Portraits-Where to go?

[kerrynic78]

My DD is almost 7 months old and I really want to get some nice pictures taken of her. We have a JC Penney, Sears and a Picture People near us and I have no idea which one to go to.

Are some better than others? Did you have a good experience with any of these?

Thanks for any help!

 

[ilovejack02]

I would do Picture People or if you have a Target near you. I have been very happy with both, did Sears and hated it. Of course my real choice is a professional private photographer, but since i have pics taken of DS at least 3 times a yr I cant always drop quite that much money... so Ill hit Target at least once a yr.

 

[Nanu57v]

We've done Olan Mills (K-mart) and Sears. We were not happy with OM, mainly because they stamp Olan Mills in the corner of the pic, and that bothers me. Sears has been fine, but for real special occasions I'd go to a local photography studio, which of course is more expensive.

 

[WDWorBUST]

I like JC Penneys studio - and Just FYI....the target studios are the same behind the scenes as Penneys. Life Studios (or something like that). In our area Target was easier to get in without waiting forever after your appointment time when they first opened (not so much anymore) but of course the staff at the other were more experienced. Target actually has the better prices though for some reason. You should be able to get $3.99/sheet coupons for JC Penney or Target - you will see those for Sears but make sure you read the fine print - they usually have a minimum order at regular price before the coupon is valid. I had my DD's picture done every month the first year and then since then at least 4 or 5 times a month so this was a very affordable option for me and I've been very happy with them.

 

[Honeymooner04]

I've taken my daughter to The Picture People, JC Penney's, Sears and Wal-mart and I've both good and bad experiences at each place since the pictures you end up with basically depend on the type of photographer you get. The Picture People is nice because you get your pictures that day although they are a little pricier than the others. Penney's is good because you can always find a coupon for no sitting fee and $3.99 a sheet which is a great price. Sear's to me is a little pricier also but I've had good luck there. And of course there's Wal-mart which I don't prefer since their package price is only for the FIRST accepted picture and if a picture is taken later that you like better you have to spend a lot more. But I've gone in there several times just to get the package and have good results - I normally don't spend more than $10 at Wal-mart. Hope this helps!

 

[jenb1023]

It depends on the photographers mostly. Here is my opinion on the other stuff. . .

We had a bad experience at one Sears in the area but went to another one and it is great! We get all of DD's pics done there. They have a nice variety of backgrounds and props and the prices are reasonable. Good options on the types of sheets you can buy.

Picture People - expensive and they do not have a photo size that I like. Plus, the photographers were nothing special for the price.

JCpenney's - was ok. They only used a white background in our shots and I like a variety of backgrounds. Also give you lots of those dumb mini-photos that are useless on your sheets. Price was fine.

WalMart - great if you don't need a lot of photos or a large variety and if you are patient. Mine is always running late! Nice variety of background and props. If you want a lot of different poses or need a lot of photos, then the value is not as good.

So if you can find a good photographer, I recommend Sears.

 

[MrsPooh]

With my older girls I did Sears but they don't offer the same deals they used to so I have been taking my youngest to JCPenney and Picture People.

Our JCPenney studio does a great job because they've got several good photograpers. We had one great Picture People photograper, one ok one and one absolutely terrible one. I usually just got the one free pic I had a coupon for. Their prices were a bit high for my current budget.

Professionals usually do a great job but I just can't afford it right now.

I have found a great alternative - craigslist. In my area there are constantly photograpers needing to build a portfolio who will do photos much more cheaply than the pros but will do them whereever you want (pack, home, etc). I contacted one of these and had him take my dd's senior portraits. He met us at a park, took photos for nearly 90 mintues (three outfit changes) and charged us a $30 sitting fee. He worked with the photos and then uploaded them to a local photo shop's website. We ordered as many as we wanted in the sizes we wanted - all really cheap. Wallets were like five for a dollar, 8x10s were $3.99. Certainly beat the $300 minimum offered by the "official" photograper.

 

[TinkerValkyrie]

We've used Sears and Walmart so far.

Walmart has taken the absolute best and the absolute worst pictures. It all depends on the photographer. The very first time we took my older son there the photographer was amazing. She got these shots of him in a diaper and a santa hat that were priceless. They were on par with the expensive photo studios. The last time we went the photographer was HORRID!!! We were having a group photo taken of an almost 3 year old, and almost 1 year old, and a 2 year old(my sons and their cousin). She kept trying to get the perfect shot and rather than keep shooting and trying for the best we weren't able to get any decent shots. There were plenty of times they all had pleasant looks, but she kept missing them. We ended up with my older son having a wacky smile, my younger one was trying to eat an xmas ball, and their cousin was screaming and crying. Granted, it's cute in a way, but not what we were wanting for a picture to give to family.

When we went to Sears they did a good job. They are pricey compared to Walmart, but they do a decent job and have competent photographers. If you work with them you can get some nice creative shots.

 

[moparop]

IMO, at any of the places, it really depends on the photographer you get. I had one that I absolutely loved at our local JCPenney's and she left. We went there again and I wasn't happy at all with our pics. If you can talk to anyone in the area and find out names of photographers at the studio people liked, you are best off.

 

[SnowWhite12]

Our best pics have been at Walmart! And cheapest, too. But Picture People are good, although not that many backdrops or props. If I were you, sign up through the Pic People website with your e-mail, and you'll get coupons for free 8X10's for birthdays and other holidays. That way you could go on and get pics done now somewhere cheaper, and by the 1st B-day, you can get a free one at Picture People.

 

[MSSANDRA]

I agree with a lot that has been said. We have used most of them when DS was little and now with our DB. We have had good and bad at all locations but over all came out better with Sears than any other place. What we did here was to learn one of the girls that did well with DS and then make an appointment when she was working. Also we would always book the first appointment of the day to avoid longs waits. Also be very aware that the advertisted special is just the tip of the iceberg. Yes you will get the posted pictures for 4 or 5 dollars BUT there are going to take a zillion cuter pictures you are going to find hard not to buy!!!!!


Now my most favorite thing is a professional but I waited till DS was 1 and I am doing the same for DB. WE have an amazing lady in our area that can get anything out of a child. She has the neatest set up and encouarges animals too. I would not take anything for these photos but they are unreal expensive. 200.00 setting fee just to get started. We used another less expensive guy once or twice as well and got good pictures but I had to be very proactive about what I did and did not want. Good luck. Oh, for a professional, book WAY ahead. Our lady you have to book at least 6 mo ahead.

 

[MrsPMC00]

We have used JCP since our oldest (now almost 5) was 4 weeks old. We have used them in Cincinnati, OH and now in Suburban Chicago, and have never had a problem. They are a great quality for the price. I have heard they are now all digital since we were there 6 months ago. I can tell you more about that after this Sat when we take other DD for her 18 mo pictures. I agree with other posters about a "professional" studio being the best, and we have done that for each of our girls for their 1st b-day. For the in between stuff, you can't beat JCP imho. If you join their portrait club, you don't pay sitting fees for 2 yrs, and you get a free 8x10 everytime among other "perks". You can always find coupons at their website and in the SUnday paper too! Good luck with your decision...hope you get GREAT pics!!!

 

[MickeyMamma]

We have done Picture People and JC Penny. I like both of them for different reasons.

PP is very nice and efficiently run and you get your pictures handed to you at the end of your session. Very nicely done. Just make sure you have a coupon with you. They can get kind of expensive compared to some of the others.

JCP does a nice job too. Not quite as professional as PP, but much less expensive and you get some nice pictures. You will have to come back in about 2 weeks to pick up your pictures. Also, we have had some really long waits for pictures, even with appointments. There are lots of coupons for them too.

I think with alot of the studios, it also depends on how your local place is run. Some places are understaffed and others are much more warm and friendly. Also there may be a specific photographer to request when you go so make sure to ask around.

 

[alloyd1170]

Ive used Walmart, Sears and Picture People. After Walmart screwed upa Christmas order and I didnt get them until after Christmas I went to Picture People. Ive been using them since 2004 or so. If you want cutesy backgrounds, then dont bother since PP only use black, white, green, and blue. They have some props too. There is no sitting fee, you can buy just the sheets (or packages) and Im always getting coupons online, in the mail and in magazines. I just had my newly 2 yr old daughter in there last week. They worked so hard for 30 mins to try to get her to have her picture taken, but she hid behind me (and she loves having her pic taken).

alison

 

[flipflop]

I'd go with Picture People. We took our kids to Sears as infants and really disliked the photos (of course, presumably, you would not have the same photographer as us). I like the clean back-drops at picture people and the props.

 

[ChrisAlli]

I've had good luck with Kiddie Kandids, they are usually in Babies R Us. I think there pictures come out great and you don't need an appointment, so you can go when your child is the most cooperative. Plus they then put them on-line and you can order more, and they usually offer a discount when ordering on-line. SO I take some with me and get the rest with the discount.

You get the pictures then as well

 

[Disney Pal]

There is a new place that I just discovered tonight at the Palisades Center Mall in Nyack, NY. It's called Sadie's and the website is www.sadiesonline.com
The pictures are just darling but very pricey. Good Luck! I've also had much success with Picture People and Kandid Kids out of Babies r us.

 

[lgncd]

I thought I liked Picture People until I tried Portrait Innovations. Wow, I think they are the best. They use hand held cams instead of tripods. They are very annimated and get right in there with your child. Love them. will use them for now on

 

[minniebeth]

We have Flash Photography in our malls which is like an upscale Picture People, but their prices are not all that different. They have a photo club like all the other places and send coupons once you are on their mailing list. They are digital and you can see your photos soon after they are taken. They do such cool stuff with the photos, traditional and unique. They are just as good as a professional photographer, maybe even better in my opinion. I've had several important events done there, such as my DD's First Communion and I was so wowed by what they did. I don't know where they are all located, but I would recommend them!

 

[1Prince3Princesses]

I second Sadie's. We LOVE their photos. If you get the chance to visit one of their stores, I highly doubt that you will be disappointed. When my sister lived in MI, she would drive to Chicago to have her daughter's portraits done. Around that holidays when she would be home in PA, she would go to the Whitehall store. Right after she moved from MI, they put one pretty close to where she lived in MI. She is now in MN and only lives about an hour from the Mall of America and goes to the Sadie's there. They are too cute, and the Professional Portraits are done in about an hour. I always hate having to wait weeks for them to come back. I hope this helps.