Have you used The Picture People for photos?

[fairestoneofall]

I've only been once, and I wasn't really thrilled. They took pictures of my then three-month old son that I could've taken myself with my P&S. Then, he did not take any of my DD by herself, which I asked for (DS was a little fussy after his pics and I was distracted by that). They did get a decent family picture of us, but that was it.

I had much better experiences at JCPenney, and even our WalMart. I totally agree that it depends on the photographer though.

Of course, now I take my kids' pictures myself.

 

[tadamom]

I have used them before but I don't use them for special photos. I always go when they have the free 8x10 or 10x13. I use them for cutesy things!

 

[flyerud]

We had two PP locations here and they both unexpectedly closed their doors last week. There was no warning, so anyone with plans or appointments was out of luck. Just an FYI - I don't know if things are fine elsewhere, but thought you might want to know.

 

[rt2dz]

I've used picture people. The one by my house, isn't very good, but my sister (in a different state) gets great pictures there.

What my complaints are: The photographers aren't very experienced. They have no pose suggestions--know it yourself or don't expect much. The photos are pretty standard. They take a very limited amount of poses. Some of the pictures are almost the same mug shots you get in school pictures. I can get those photos almost anywhere and for much less money; they are expensive for what you get (and they are very pushy on the upsell). If I go there it is to get "pictures with personality"--the prop thing.

They also don't always come out very well. Yes, they "fix" them, but I can do a better job on my home computer.

They say about one hour--which at holidays seems to be much closer to two hours or more. And then sometimes, the order isn't right, which means another 2 hours.

Their backgrounds are limited in each room. Frequently, you get something that won't match the outfits--or only one will. And they won't switch rooms to get different background shots. And speaking of the rooms, they store their props at ours in the middle room--which means if we get that room, my littler kids only want to play and won't work with us (me) at all. And the older kids are busy asking to use this or that. And then you have people coming in and out all the time to get the different props which is a distraction and stops everything. Not good at all!!

I'm also left waiting until way after my appointment time to get the pictures taken. I schedule them around naps and other activities to get the best time for the kids to cooperate, but they don't help with that. I'll even call the day of to double check the time, see if I can come in late if they're running behind and it's always no. And this is even during the slow times of the year.

What I like: They are good if you are in a time crunch. I mean, if you need photos in a day or two, great. If not, we've had much better luck with JC Pennies, Sears, and even Target!! Heck, last time I was in a time crunch, I used our own digital and got great prints.

They also have good coupons. You get free sitting fees all the time (without buying into the club).