Does anyone have something good to say about Portrait Innovations?

[aprilfoolwed]

We have used PI for years.

The Good:

The photographers take the time to get great shots. They are usually pretty patient with the kids. The photos usually look great (as in you want to buy them all! LOL). The photos are done the same day you buy them. The prices aren't too bad (I have never bought just the package as I usually get photos taken of all 3 kids plus group shots). I find you get a lot for your money.

The Bad:

Even on days when there is no crowd, they are running late. And by late I mean you will go in 30-90 minutes AFTER your appointment time. This is by far the most annoying thing about PI!!!! I have requested the first appointment of the day and they are still LATE! I have felt pressure in the post-shoot, but not about buying photos. It's more about time. I have felt that they rush me a bit when I am selecting my photos. They run late getting photos printed. it's almost never an hour. And I have had some quality issues with the photos as well (we found scratches on photos, and they would not reprint them at that moment, so I had to come back the next day to get the reprints).

This year we opted to use a private photographer instead of PI. I haven't gotten my photos back yet (we shot a week ago) and I am waiting to see them. The whole experience was so much nicer than being in the PI studio.

I would go back to PI again without hesitation, but be sure to go early in the season (or on a weekday morning/afternoon) and be prepared to wait a bit. I don't think you'll be disappointed with your photos (I always have trouble choosing which ones to get because so many are nice).

 

[Priorityonecb]

We love them! We have always loved our pictures, and have never felt pressured to buy more than we needed. Highly recommend, at least for our location! Cary, NC!

 

[cm8]

We've used Portrait Innovations for the last 5 or so years and completely them!!

I've never felt any pressure to buy more than the $9.95 deal -- but I always do buy more! They've been so good in the past that I've several times bought photo cards of the whole family (and I typically NEVER want pictures of myself in the hands of others ) IMHO, they are far superior to WalMart, Target, etc -- for many reasons, but one being - they will take 100 poses of you before making you choose the $9.95 deal ... whereas WalMart stops at the first good you want and forces you to pay more if they later snap a better shot.

I 2nd the advice to GO EARLY in the season!!!!! In fact, we were scheduled to go tomorrow night, but my boys got an unexpected opportunity for a camping adventure to complete some requirements for Boy Scout advancement -- so I rescheduled the photos for the next week or two.

I would never go between Thanksgiving and Christmas, if I could at all avoid it. Of course, that goes for Penneys, Olan Mills, etc. Been there, done that! learned my lesson!!

That is my families experience as well

 

[Disney_Freak56]

My granddaughter is 2-1/2 and PI has taken most of her pictures through her '"short" life. We've never been anything but happy with her pictures. If we have to go on the weekend, I try to book the first appointment of the day, if at all possible. As others have said, the later in the day you go, especially on a Saturday, the further behind the photographers get.

I'd like to say that I go with the intent of buying only the $9.95 special, but i know it's not going to happen. They take so many photos and almost every single one of them is so darn cute or great that if I can leave for under $100, then I'm happy. I don't remember what the "get the CD for free" price is, but we've always gotten it.

I do work for an attorney who is strong enough to only buy the $9.95 pkg, but that's not me. She buys this package and then scans the photo and then shares them via e-mail with friends and relatives. She says most just want to see what her kids look like, not get an additional photo that they don't know what to do with. I can see her point.

Anyhow, when I couldn't get an appt. at PI, I have gone to Target and it was a totally different experience. They chose which photos I would see -- did not show me every single photo they took. Of the photos that they did take, I said I wanted a 5 x 7 of every single one, and then found out through a later e-mail that I did not get every single photo. And I believe they wanted $100 just for the CD.

Bottom line -- Yes. i would recommend PI and if you decide go that route, I hope you have a great experience!

 

[Disneys#1fan]

I think if you go in with the right expectations you won't be disappointed. Expect them to be running behind, expect to buy more than the $9.95 deal and expect to be there for about 1.5.- 2 hours.

I took my two kids there on Veteran's Day. They were busy and we didn't get into the studio until 45 minutes after our appointment but the pictures were beautiful! The kids were able to change outfits so I don't just have "Christmas Pictures".

I spent around $120 which included the $9.95 package and 3 sheets of 6 different poses plus the CD. The only reason I like the CD is that it is easy to store and I have all the pictures they took.

I don't buy school portraits and instead take my kids to PI. I can get a ton more pictures for about the same prices as the most popular package from the school photographer (x2). I know the school is not getting the fundraising dollars this way but for us, PI makes more sense.

I was pleased with the experience and will go back next year.

 

[Brer Shay]

Another satisfied customer here! My guess is that it depends on the photographer that you're working with, but we've always gotten very good pictures. As to the $9.95 special, some photographers are more pushy than others. I expect them to try to talk me into buying more - that is their job, but when I've given a firm no, I've never felt pushed. That's probably somewhat of a personality thing though.

 

[RooRach0906]

We went last saturday for our DD 6 month pictures and family christmas pictures. We had very memorable experience (Our DD fell and hit her head/ DH fault/ she is fine). We enjoyed the whole experience.
Our appt was at 1pm and they took us back at 1:10. I was expecting to wait a little longer tho. Our DD was in a good mood and we got some awesome pictures. The one in my signature is one of them.
We spent $120 w/tax and for that we got the $9.95 package, 4 additional poses with 3 sheets per pose (12 sheets), the cd, deluxe cameo, and 25 christmas cards.
Today at 4:10, we will be going back with my 3 sisters, 2 BIL, and 4 nieces(ages 2 mons, 5, 7, 10) to get pictures of all of us together for Mom and Dads Christmas present.(Just tell me if you want to let you know how that goes)

 

[starann]

I must say I have REALLY liked the picts I have had done there. The price is comparable to Sears/J C Penny and other studios, depending on what you want.

I usually end up with a package with the CD and have ordered my own Xmas cards from winkflash. This year we will be doing a Disney Xmas card as we have our Photopass CD.

The most TERRIBLE part is the waiting. We waited 2 hours after our appt time to get the kids picts done, then the printer was broke, then when I was able to pick them up the next day the pictures were too dark.....they ended up fixing it and gave me extra Xmas cards for my 'time' (of course I complained!).

I will have to try the 1st appt or so of the day, but anything after school or in the evening or weekend will be a MAD HOUSE.

Which reminds me, I need to schedule an appt!

 

[Minniemouse07]

We have been very happy with Picture People for the last 8yrs (started going when dd was 1.5yo). Tried a few others but they didn't come close to the quality we have seen from PP over the years.

We are actually going back tomorrow for our annual family photo!

 

[ILoveDisney&Cruising]

Today at 4:10, we will be going back with my 3 sisters, 2 BIL, and 4 nieces(ages 2 mons, 5, 7, 10) to get pictures of all of us together for Mom and Dads Christmas present.(Just tell me if you want to let you know how that goes)

I DO, I DO!!!!!!!

I've actually considered that MANY times, although I know my BILs & SILs would never go for it. Sadly. Wanna swap families? There was just a thread on here a day or two about that ....

 

[ktlm]

Just so everyone knows, the picture disk isn't as great as it's cracked up to be. All it does is back up your photo session onto a CD so THEY can reprint more later (at their usual high prices). It won't allow you to take them anywhere else to have photos reprinted or to print them yourself.

It did come in handy since I needed another copy of my daughter's 1 year old composite picture two years after the pictures were taken, but that is the only time I've ever used it. I think it cost me $30 to reprint that one thing.

If anyone knows how to make those photos on the CD into something I can use, I would appreciate the info.

We absolutely LOVE Portrait Innovations!! We have been going there for 4 years with DD (since she was 9 months old). We have gotten fantastic pictures there! At age 6 months, we took DD to Picture People, and it was the worst experience we have ever had at a photographer. They shoved DD down on a background that we didn't like, ignored us when we said we didn't like it; rushed everything; took 5 pictures and said that was all they would take; did not use any props; and the pictures were horrible- and they were not even busy at the time. I'm mad I bought them. I'm also wish that I had immediately taken DD over to Portrait innovations then instead of waiting 3 months, as now we have no decent 6 month pictures. The Picture People prices were ridiculous compared to Portrait Innovations too. I will never set foot in a Picture People again.

Also, if there is any way you can do it, go on a weekday. The Portrait Innovations here is so popular that the weekends are crazy. We go on weekdays, and it is a ton better!

The only problem we have with Portrait Innovations is there are so many good pictures!! I always wind up spending too much money. The good thing is that even if you do not buy a pose in prints, it will be on the CD (you have to buy whatever the minimum is to get the CD, which I can't recall). You can load them on your computer, E-mail them, print them etc.

Mickeymaker, as far as the CD, you should be able to do all of the above including print from it and they are a pretty decent quality too if you use photo paper in your printer. Your CD should have 2 full sets of the pictures. One is a regular quality which is what you are allowed to use freely. I'm not sure if you would be allowed to send them to Wal-mart or somewhere to print them, but I know you can print them at home as my SIL does that all the time. The other set is the very high quality resolution and it is "locked"- that is the set that only Portrait Innovations can use. We have never had any problems printing from the unlocked set on the Portrait Innovations CD. (In fact, my SIL usually prints all the ones she gives to family off the CD.) Either you are not trying to open the right set on your CD, or Portrait Innovations messed up your CD.

 

[ICF]

We've used them a few times and always been happy with them, for the most part. We've never had more than a 5 minute wait to get our pics taken after we've gotten there.

The last time we were there the guy was friendly up until we told him we didnt want any of the high price packages and only wanted the $9.95 package. At that point, his whole mood seemed to change.

The pictures were good every time though and you cant beat the price.

 

[harleyquinn]

We've taken my DD twice. I LOVE them. The second photog wasn't super friendly, but she got GREAT shots even though DD was super crabby.

Definitely go early and avoid weekends if you can. Here are a few of my favs:
4 mos

 

[Marshay]

Today at 4:10, we will be going back with my 3 sisters, 2 BIL, and 4 nieces(ages 2 mons, 5, 7, 10) to get pictures of all of us together for Mom and Dads Christmas present.(Just tell me if you want to let you know how that goes)

Me, too! I'm curious how they do with large groups.

I'm a Picture People person...have gone there for the past 5 years. But I'd like to try PI for the $10 deal. Thanks for the advice about "pressure" to purchase more. If the photos are outstanding, I will. Otherwise, I'll stick to the $10 deal.

 

[RooRach0906]

I DO, I DO!!!!!!!

I've actually considered that MANY times, although I know my BILs & SILs would never go for it. Sadly. Wanna swap families? There was just a thread on here a day or two about that ....

At times I might want to trade. I read that thread. Thankfully for me I have all sisters and we make our husbands play along. LOL

Me, too! I'm curious how they do with large groups.

I'm a Picture People person...have gone there for the past 5 years. But I'd like to try PI for the $10 deal. Thanks for the advice about "pressure" to purchase more. If the photos are outstanding, I will. Otherwise, I'll stick to the $10 deal.

DH and I used Picture People for our engagement pics with the Snowflakes. I loved the pictures and everything. We however do not have a Picture People where we live anymore, it closed.

We got there at 4:05 (4:10 appt) and they thought they didnt have our appt because they had my last name misspelled, that happens alot, they found it under my phone number. They told us they were running 10-15 minutes behind. We ended up going back at 4:40. We had a party of 12 (7 adults, 3 kids, and 2 babies). We took pictures of the whole family then just the grandgirls(we only have girls) then some indiviual kids. We did the Christmas room and then the other room which when we moved rooms there was another 10 minute wait. They did a great job getting the babies to smile esp since my baby is supposed to get a bottle at 5 and it was around that time so grouchy. We ended up getting a lot of good group shots. We sat down and went through them and narrowed them down to 2 good group shots and 2 good grandgirl shots then we picked 1 group shot as the $9.95 package then we did the pose option (where you get 3 sheets) (by the way you can add extra sheets to those pose options for what ever it says the sheet price is at the top) we got 2 8x10, 4 5x7, and a page of wallets (so 5 sheets) of 1 pose of the grandgirls. We did not feel pressured to buy but we did feel like the girl was annoyed and she forgot to give us the cards with the package(just found out now). We were all done and check out by 5:45. We had discussed what we wanted to buy before hand and stuck to it. Overall it was a good experience and would go back again.

We called Sunday about not getting the 9 free photo cards and they apologived and gave us 15 for free instead and we told them over the phone what we wanted and had them printed and waiting for pick up.

 

[JB2K]

I give them a thumbs-up in the St. Louis (Metro East) area.

Matter of fact, we just had our annual family portrait done, yesterday and given the fact my 4 yo son didn't give our photographer a whole lot of smiles to work with, she still managed to get some great shots.

My son has been a regular at Portrait Innovations since he was an infant -- we started the family portraits, last year (in years prior to 2009, we had them done @ Sears).

 

[Keke]

We absolutely LOVE Portrait Innovations!! We have been going there for 4 years with DD (since she was 9 months old). We have gotten fantastic pictures there! At age 6 months, we took DD to Picture People, and it was the worst experience we have ever had at a photographer. They shoved DD down on a background that we didn't like, ignored us when we said we didn't like it; rushed everything; took 5 pictures and said that was all they would take; did not use any props; and the pictures were horrible- and they were not even busy at the time. I'm mad I bought them. I'm also wish that I had immediately taken DD over to Portrait innovations then instead of waiting 3 months, as now we have no decent 6 month pictures. The Picture People prices were ridiculous compared to Portrait Innovations too. I will never set foot in a Picture People again.

Also, if there is any way you can do it, go on a weekday. The Portrait Innovations here is so popular that the weekends are crazy. We go on weekdays, and it is a ton better!

The only problem we have with Portrait Innovations is there are so many good pictures!! I always wind up spending too much money. The good thing is that even if you do not buy a pose in prints, it will be on the CD (you have to buy whatever the minimum is to get the CD, which I can't recall). You can load them on your computer, E-mail them, print them etc.

Mickeymaker, as far as the CD, you should be able to do all of the above including print from it and they are a pretty decent quality too if you use photo paper in your printer. Your CD should have 2 full sets of the pictures. One is a regular quality which is what you are allowed to use freely. I'm not sure if you would be allowed to send them to Wal-mart or somewhere to print them, but I know you can print them at home as my SIL does that all the time. The other set is the very high quality resolution and it is "locked"- that is the set that only Portrait Innovations can use. We have never had any problems printing from the unlocked set on the Portrait Innovations CD. (In fact, my SIL usually prints all the ones she gives to family off the CD.) Either you are not trying to open the right set on your CD, or Portrait Innovations messed up your CD.

I agree with Mickeymaker. There is no way I could print decent photos off the CD that they give me. I have been there twice and it's the same both times. I can not even use them as the desktop photo on my computer w/out some distortion. I use them to post to Facebook and that's about it.

 

[leadfootlevi]

Oh no... we have an appointment and I was only planning on buying the package. Now I'm nervous...

 

[RooRach0906]

Oh no... we have an appointment and I was only planning on buying the package. Now I'm nervous...

Just go through all the picture and keep narrowing them down and then be like I really like them all but I think I am just gonna get this one as 9.95 package today.

 

[Minniemouse07]

We visited Picture People yesterday and again had an absolutely wonderful experience.

Took family shots as well as the kids together and individually. Got lots of great prints and ponied up for the high res CD (haven't looked at them on the computer yet) so we can make even more.

Ds (almost 5yo) wasn't cooperative during our sitting time so they told us to go have lunch, then come back. He was a different kid when we returned...and they took us right away w/o a second appointment. The photographer was great and we got about 50 shots (all great) between the first sitting (dd did her picts then) and the second.

Well worth it and the staff was wonderful! I highly recommend them.

Once I break out the CD and upload some picts I'll post them here.