I'd like to have pictures of my 4 year old daughter and active 18 month old son, without breaking the bank. Just wondering if anyone could share experiences with Picture People at Oak Brook. Is there a particular photographer you would recommend there? How do they do with kids who will not sit still?
Other ideas welcome!
Hi and thanks to everyone who responded to my request about the Picture People at Oak Brook. I ended up taking the kids there and wanted to share our experience, which was overall positive. The pictures themselves were so good that I ended up going over my budget a bit, so I am planning to try Penneys or Target a la your suggestions for next time. I will post a review with more details about our experience. Thanks again to everyone, your responses really helped!
In the same mall there is a Sears and we have had nothing but an excellent experience with their photographers. Prices aren't that bad either. Good luck!
Check out Portrait Innovations in Orland Park. They do a good job and the cost can be relatively cheap depending on how many poses and pictures that you want. They also print the pictures right there and you go home with them in about 15 minutes.
The PP at Oak Brook is the only good one in the area. They have alot of turnover, but the manager (Blond woman) is very good. My son used to drool and she always managed to clean up his pictures so you couldn't see the drool. I don't know if they are allowed to do that anymore, but they were always pretty nice about cleaning up the pictures (they might charge for that now). The PP in Yorktown is the worst one.
I also just tried the JCPenny in Woodridge and they were really good (I can't remember the lady's name), but they have a Sesame Street background that was really cute.
Personally I don't like Picture People. I get a lot of free 8x10 coupons for various places, and have been to a lot of different picture places. Kiddie Kandids is my favorite, they always take best pictures and print them right there on the spot after taking the pictures. They are kind of expensive.
Cheapest way to go is Sears or JC Penney. A lot of times they have 3.99 sheets, comparing to $16.00 per sheet at Kiddie Kandids. As far as the picture takers, it varies. Some are good, others are not, just depends on where you go.
It all depends on the children's mood and sometimes you just have to walk away without buying any pictures...
I love the JC Penny at Yorktown. I just took my 9 month old there and when I show people the pictures they all ask if I had them done at a local independant and very expensive photographer here in Oak Park. You can't beat the 3.99/sheet coupon either. I would NOT rec. the one in North Riverside, as a previous poster said, but I have had nothing but wonderful experiences at the Yorktown location.
We were completely thrilled with our experience there this spring. A few years ago, it was just ok. In fact, we once left with no photos because we didn't like a single shot, and I didn't go back again until this year. But they've improved in every way. I decided to give them another try after seeing a friend's great photos of her toddler.
My older son is hard to photograph (he's at the self-conscious faces age) and we weren't happy with the first set of pictures they took of him during our visit (the pictures of both kids and my preschooler were great.) They immediately got another photographer (I can't remember her name) who really took time getting him comfortable and using different types of photos, getting down on the floor, etc. The photos are really good, some of the best we've ever had of the kids. And it didn't take that long at all, even though it was a weekend day. It's amazing to walk out with your photos 10 minutes after you select them.
Hi T.,
I think you'll be pleased with Oak Brook's Pic. People; I've been taking my three kids there for the past 5 yrs. from the time my second son was just 10 mos. old. They've always worked around the kids moods. I suggest that you visit their website which gives you tips on how to make the best out of your session plus if you don't have one yet check for a coupon. We've always had different photographers.
I've tried different studios most recently JCPenney @ N. Riverside which offered very good prices ($3.99 + free sheet)but I had an awful experience, the girl was rude & careless & my pics weren't the best either. I even called the Co. about it, I won't go back. I don't have a nearby Target photo studio anymore but before I moved I visited the Elston location & they were great the picture paper wasn't cheap & the staff was nice too I think the one in Yorktown has a studio in it. Kiddie Kandids I've tried once & didn't go back only because they're printing pic paper was too computerized looking to me, it's been 3 years so I'm not sure if they've updated since.
I hope my info helps good luck.
I love PP at OB way better than the rushed teenagers at the Fox Valley Mall. In April we had the best photographer ever there and she took the best pictures of my kids. My 3 year old is usually really shy with strangers but she loved this girl even let her pick her up and move her around it was great smiles in every shot :) I will see if I can find the folder and see if I can get you a name.
Jules
My son has special needs and taking pictures can turn into a disaster. We had gone elsewhere with not much luck. Then, just over a year ago we headed to PP and they have been GREAT!!!! We have had a different photographer each time, they have been patient with my son and understands that he won't look when they call his name, so they are very creative in getting him to smile. We won't go anywhere else.
I've always had good pictures at a great price at Target. Go to their web site and print out the coupon for the best deal. I think the Yorktown Target has a Portrait Studio.
