Sear's Portraits for kids - anyone go there?

[ntburns22]

I just went again yesterday to Sears. They took 6 different poses, I did get to see them as she took the pics, I had a coupon and she disn't push other options. Some now have the service to get your pictures on the same day for an extra fee. Oh, I got to pick any pose for my package. I did not have to use the first pose selected.

 

[pixelpixie]

I can't say for sure, but I suspect that the quality from a Sears Portrait Studio is going to be similar to what you'll get at Target, Walmart, or JC Penney's. It's all very dependant on the individual (and likely minimally trained) photographer.

I totally agree with this statement. But because of my personal experiences, if I had a friend who was looking for "budget" portraits, I would tell them to go to Wal-Mart.

I echo the sentiment that using a local photographer will produce the best results, but if you don't have the luxury of spending that kind of money -- as they are usually more pricey... you'll have to try the other places. They aren't horrible, you just never know what you're going to get and if you go with that in mind, you'll be best prepared. Good Luck!

Very well said!

Anyway, with the Kodak machines nowadays, if you ever take a great pic of your child, it's easy to make reprints of them.

I do this very often. I also have Photoshop and have been able to manipulate some pics and they have turned out quite nicely. Sometimes I think the more candid snaps I take of my dd capture her real spirit better anyway and I like blowing those images up and framing them because of that.

 

[mum4jenn]

I used to use Sears when dd was younger. We always had some GREAT pics come out of the sessions. Of course we were lucky and had picture takers with good personalities......that helps. It also helped that dd was at an age where she was cute as a button no matter what she did!! LOL!!! We have not used them for a few years since she is in school and they take their pics three times a year.

 

[DebMcDonald]

I've got three girls, 11, 4, and 2, and have always gotten my kids pictures done there. Sometimes you can find coupons for not sitting fees and we have always bought the saver card (not sure of the name) and with that have gotten no sitting fees x 3 years or something.

Always been satisfied, never any complaints.

 

[funcinderella]

Bad experiences with Sears; good ones with JCpenney. I think for babies you need to go toa professional (I have twins, and trying to get both to smile at the same time is not easy!!) Once they hit 3 or 4, you can go for the cheaper ones.

 

[missypie]

My SIL gets great portraits from JC Penneys. Lots of folks like our local Target.

At least once in infancy, and at least once in "toddlerhood", pay the moeny for a good, professional photograph. You won't regret it.

 

[HeatherinVT]

Sears is our only option in my area too and i have been happy.

Sitting fee is 15.00 or buy the smilesavers for 29.99 and its good for 2 years entitling you to free sitting fees in that time so if you have a baby and plan on going every 3-6 months its worth it.

The sheets arre 6.99 each or buy a package for like 10.00

I just got my daughters done there and they came out great!

good luck

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I used them when they were small--I liked that you got your proof sheet with the 6 session poses. I didn't like the cookie cutter must have child pose this way mentality. When my 2nd daughter was born we did Penney's. I like the pics better--but always seemed to spend a lot more money.

I'm not a fan of "cheap" aka inexpensive photos b/c they remind me too much of school pictures--I like the look of a pricey studio but for less money.

We did picture people for a while--but it was quite a commute. We will do the Picture place in the mall. I love having a whole floor space to work with instead of just a carpet block.

 

[Doodlebug939]

I have used Sears for my kids portraits for many years and I have always liked the end result. I wont let others push me into things I dont need. I always have an idea of what I want before I go in so I dont end up with too much. I like that they have changed it to where you can pick which pose will be your package. I ALWAYS go in there with a coupon that I searched for online. (Buying by the sheet is just too much) I joined the smile savers and do it at a time when I can get the most use out of it.

I found that the most important thing is that I just tell them what I want. I let them get creative and have fun but I dont want tacky props so I just say no thanks. Or I let my kids bring in their own prop (Like the little mermaid) for my daughters spring pictures. Or at christmas we come up with other props from home so the pictures are unique and not repeats of everyone else's.

Lastly, Sears gives Military Discounts with your ID. Sometimes it is free sitting fee or free pictures. In the spring we got 10% or 15% off our pictures. And I am all about the discounts.

 

[lynetteSC]

we LOVE our sears ... now, this being said the mgr there is great! however, she is leaving and so is the other girl we love... so, I am not sure what will happen. she takes plenty of time ... doesn't pressure you to buy ... usually doesn't schedule too many apts at same time (or maybe we just happen to get really lucky!). prices can't be beat and so far we have had good experince. In fact, we got a new product called the "photo study" of ds at 6 months and it is my most prized possession now! Even more so that the professional pictures we had done of ds at 6 days old. if you think you will use them, def get the smilesavers club with free sittings.