OT: Where do you get your Kids Xmas Pics done?

[SalandJeff]

We've used JC Penney for the past 2 years for dd's Christmas picture. The pictures came out fine. But it is a zoo in there. They overbook and by the time we get our turn, dd is so tired and cranky.

Where have you had your pics taken that is reasonably priced and that you've been happy with?

 

[cissy]

I take them myself. I start taking a camera with me everywhere in the beginning of November. Then I find one I love, upload it to Snapfish, pick a frame and add text and finally pick them up at Walgreens within 48 hours.

Easy, professional looking and less than half the cost.

LOVE IT!!

 

[ntengwall]

I take them myself and then use Snapfish to make cards. I actually did one of those cards that lets you use 3 different pics and make a little collage. Got tons of compliments on it.

 

[HeatherSue]

We go to Olan Mills for professional pictures. They usually have packages for around $10.

You're right, JCPenney is always a zoo! The one time we used them, we had to wait an hour past our appointment time. Nothing like taking cranky kids in to get their picture taken! I've heard the same story over and over again!

I also take our Christmas photos ourself and add a different background or whatever with a photo program.

 

[Along4theRide]

We usually use JC Penney too, but won't be this year!! Going to avoid the crowds, I'm also going to take them myself. I'll either use Snapfish or Walmart to print them out and make them into cards.

 

[lyzziesmom]

I've been very happy with the quality of pictures from Target's photo studio. If you get them done early, they are not too busy and take great pictures, some different poses than the standard ones I've had at Penney's and Sears. Cheap too!

 

[jenrein]

I take my own. Actually there have been a couple of times they almost refused to develop mine saying they were professionals. lol

 

[coolbeans]

I love Picture People!! We just had them done and the studio has gone digital, which makes the process much faster and they take tons of shots, so you have lots to choose from. We spent $170 and got a frame with 3 different shots matted and framed, and 5 sheets (one 8x10, 2 5x7, and three sheets of wallets...all different poses)

 

[kat3668]

My sister has had my neices done for the past 3 years at kiddiekandids.
they do a great job and the pics are really cute!
http://www.kiddiekandids.com/

 

[tweedlemom]

We take our own as well.

 

[rk5798]

We go to Portrait Innovations. They have a $9.99 pkg. and they take tons of pictures to choose from(I think last time I had over 50 to choose from). They also have you bring a couple of different outfits and any props if you want. After the pkg. the sheets are $15 but they also have other pkg deals. We usually do one where you get to pick three different pictures, three sheets of each(you choose if you want 8x10, wallets, whatever sizes you want) and a CD of all the pictures taken during your session. I usually get that and the $9.99 pkg and it costs about $80. It is expensive but I usuaaly split the cost and pictures with my Mom. They do a really nice job and it is the only place we go. I do recommend trying to get the 1st appt in the morning b/c like anyplace, especially before the holidays, it too can get crazy. So if there is a Portrait Innovations anywhere near you, I highlt recommend it. You can look them up online.

 

[PA Princess]

We usually take are own pic of the kids for Christmas. We used to use JC Penney, but ds #2 when he was small was terrified of the photo studio - such an odd fear he luckily outgrew. We had a horrific expereince with him just freaking, so we came home and got out the tripod and camera and took our own pic...so much easier.

We did that for years as we added 2 more kiddos to the first two Then last year I just opted to use a pic from our disney photopass CD - man was that easy! In fact, I had no idea how stressful the whole Christmas photo pic was until we skipped a year. I seriously may never go back to worrying about getting a Christmas pic again!

Course, it helps that we travel in September, so it is a fairly recent pic. Last year we used a shot on Main St with the castle in the background and wrote...From our castle to yours, Merry Christmas!

 

[TheDizMom]

We have usually used one of our local photo places like Proex and Great Photo. Last year we used on of those digital places for a picture of all the grandkids (it was a gift for their great aunt) , and though they turned out great and I liked that you could personalize the pictures a bit more, they were kind of expensive. Last year I tried something different. We had gotten a family picture taken for our church directory so I had my dad scan that and several pictures taken of the kids throughout the year that showed some of the major things that had happened for them, like my DD at her recital, my DS right after breaking his first board in karate, and our new cat and dog. He then turned it into a 2 sided pictoral card and on the inside I did a newsletter explaining all the things in the pictures. It was really great and everyone loved having all the pictures of the kids. I just felt it made the card so much more fun and personal. This year we got a new camera with a timer and a tripod so I think we are going to try and take on ourselves with it in front of the tree.

 

[ntink]

We do them ourselves and then order the pictures from www.kodakgallery.com - I think you can have them sent to a local CVS for reduced or free shipping.

 

[Nikel]

I take them myself. Then I design a photo card myself in photoshop and order them through my lab.

 

[MaryKLady]

We do JC Penneys too. I get a really good coupon every year. To avoid the crowds we make the appointment early for the last week in October or the first in November. We also make sure we get the very first appointment in the morning. It's worked well for us.

 

[2poohbears]

We've been really happy with Olan Mills. I also take a lot of pics with my digital camera --- I say take a LOT because I have to take around 50 pics to get ONE nice shot!
The worst place we've ever taken pics was at SEARS - now THAT place is a zoo!

 

[SalandJeff]

I also take a lot of pics with my digital camera --- I say take a LOT because I have to take around 50 pics to get ONE nice shot!

I am with you on this! My dd doesn't sit still and hates to sit and look at the camera. This is why I don'd do them myself. Plus I like to have the one formal picture in her Christmas dress each year.

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions. I checked all the studios mentioned and unfortunately most do not have locations in my state. I'll check out Target.

 

[BrenG]

I second the vote for Portrait Innovations. They are similar to Picture People in that you get your pictures within about 20 minutes. Ours had a place for the kids to play when we were looking at the proofs on a huge computer screen. I was pretty impressed.

 

[M&MMommy]

We use The Picture People. They are great and use very simple backdrops which I like. If you sign up on their website they will email you coupons for free sheets every 2 to 3 months and there is no sitting fee.

April