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the Price of Christmas Portraits

Price 
Location 
Submitted by  
Description
$ 195
Nov 2007
Marysville, WA
Two families plus Santa for Christmas portraits  more... close row
$ 45
Nov 2008
Rochester, NY
Rush photos of son for Christmas  more... close row
$ 120
Nov 2008
Kansas City Mo
Family portraits for Christmas presents  more... close row
$ 20
Nov 2008
Tempe, AZ
Christmas photo package  more... close row
$ 50
Oct 2008
Farmingdale, NY
Formal family Christmas portrait  more... close row
$ 140
Dec 2008
Kansas City, MO
Total for sitting fee and photo package  more... close row
$ 45
Dec 2008
Kingston, NY
Family Christmas picture taken at the mall  more... close row
$ 450
Dec 2008
Los Angeles, CA
Portraits package complete with airbrushing  more... close row
$ 245
Aug 2009
Seattle, Washington
Photography session and box of photo cards  more... close row
$ 60
Dec 2007
Everett, WA
Waiting in line was part of the fun of Christmas photos  more... close row
$ 90
Nov 2007
Bridgewater, New Jersey
Rushed family portrait sitting  more... close row

Description of service

My mother has been telling us for years that all she wants is a nice family picture to send out during Christmas. We called a portrait studio in the local mall to set up a time and date. All we wanted was a few pictures to choose from, and for them to print the cards. We went there that day in outfits that we chose, and the photographer had us sit in the back room while he prepared the stage area. When he was ready for us, he directed us into different poses that he thought would be acceptable for a Christmas card. Once he took about 20-30 photos he brought us near the computer where we browsed through the pictures he took. We got to look through the pictures a few times before we had to choose which one we wanted to be on the card. After making a decision, they fixed it up a little bit in one of the computer programs, and showed us a few background choices. They had some nice things to choose from. We made the decision and they printed us a sample of what the final product would look like. They then gave us the option of waiting for the rest of the cards to print or to come back tomorrow to get them. We waited and got to leave with the cards that night.


Review of Service

It was a little silly and awkward going into this place to pose for pictures. We had never done anything like that before so we were all a little uneasy to begin with. The photographer was a young guy, and right after he started taking our pictures he told us that it was his last day, and he was thrilled that we were his last clients. This made us all a little unhappy because we thought he really wasn't giving it his all. He somewhat rushed us out of there. He also made us do some corny poses, and didn't give us a chance to tell him what we really wanted. I think it would have been a much better experience had we gotten a more committed photographer. We knew this guy was not into it at all. The thing that was really good about the service was being able to look at the pictures immediately after, because if they were really awful we would have been able to take more. I also thought it was great that we got to get the prints that night. I guess this is possible with new technology, but it was really convenient and made the whole process pretty easy. I don't think I would go to a portrait place again, just because the poses were corny, but at least it was not too expensive for what we got.


Tips

If we were going to do this again, I think we would do a little research on what to wear and where to go. We ended up wearing these dorky matching outfits that just looked bad against a white background. If we knew what the background was going to be we would have possibly changed into something else. I think the portrait taking altogether is something that is more fitting for children, instead of a family full of adults. We looked a little cheesy making those silly poses. Next time I think we will just get a friend to photograph us in a natural setting. If matching outfits and silly poses are what you are looking for, make sure to look at samples of a portrait places work before you waste time going over there. Also, be specific about the type of photographer you want so you don't end up with someone who a disinterested in producing quality photos, and is just trying to finish his last day at work. If you are dissatisfied, don't be afraid to demand that they re-take some photographs. I know $90 is not that much, but you still deserve to get the best for your money.


$ 5
Nov 2008
Portsmouth, Oh
Special on portrait photography for daughter's Christmas picture  more... close row
$ 80
Nov 2007
Everett, WA
Extended family of 14 had Christmas portraits taken  more... close row
$ 30
Sep 2009
Covington, TN
Christmas portraits in September are a great value  more... close row
$ 80
Oct 2008
Brighton, CO
Christmas photographer was wonderful  more... close row
$ 200
Oct 2008
Derby, KS
First Chrismas portraits in a while  more... close row
$ 5
Dec 2008
Dallas, Texas
Christmas photo with two year old daughter  more... close row
$ 100
Nov 2007
Wesley Chapel, Fl
Basic portrait package  more... close row
$ 60
Oct 2008
grove city, oh
Family portrait package for Christmas  more... close row
$ 288
Dec 2008
Milwaukee, Wi
Christmas pictures with nieces and nephew  more... close row
$ 85
Nov 2008
Wichita, KS
Family portrait with discount  more... close row
$ 35
Nov 2007
Garden City, NY
Cliche but fun Santa pictures  more... close row
$ 22
Nov 2008
Chicago, IL
Two packages of Christmas pictures  more... close row
$ 71
Oct 2008
Pocatello, Idaho
Package included surprise photos  more... close row
$ 50
Nov 2008
Cookeville, Tennessee
Photographer shot four rolls of film  more... close row
$ 200
Aug 2009
Tampa, FL
Family and baby Christmas pictures  more... close row