Inexpensive Portraits

Hello...JCPenney in Coral Ridge Mall did a great job w/ my sons pics, have been to other JCP, was not happy. Hope that helped, good luck!

We have had great luck with Studio One to One in Westshore Plaza. i got my maternity photos done there and had such a great experience, we got all my son's photos done there and are going for newborn photos with the newest addition in the next couple weeks. They are always running some sort of photo package and their photo prices are reasonable outside of any specials or packages they have.

I have had a great experience with Sears portraits. The trick to it is.. look at the professional poses that you like and try to replicate them, I also used solid backgrounds like black or white. I dont recommend too much color or a background that looks too fake. Finally, dont settle, I made them take several photos until I got the perfect ones! I got a lot of compliments on the photos of my boys and people could not believe that I had them taken at Sears.

Good Luck!!!

I have never try either one of this stores photo services; however, I use olan mills. If you check online they have coupons that really are worth then photos. You can normally get 8 sheets for $7.99 a sheet then $1.99 for each after. But I have found you can also buy the photos on CD for about $39.99 then print off ones you like from any photo re-print place. The license agreement is on the CD given you right to the pictures. IF you have a big family I would suggest theat option. Good luck in finding photos that will help you remember and enjoy the baby years they go so fast!!!

Portrait Innovations in the CLearwater Mall is AWESOME!!! They are very inexpensive but the best part is that they have LOTS of staff to help....so while one person is taking the photographs, they have a 2nd 'play person' that is making noises, using toys and distractions and helping put things back that fall, etc....it really makes a difference when the photographer isn't working all alone trying to do all that while also trying to get great shots of your little one! It goes so much smoother and quicker and the kids don't get fussy. They also have a TON of backgrounds and props. They ALWAYS have a special for $9.95 where you get a HUGE package of pics (more than you would need to send to every family member)....the hard part is limiting yourself to buying only the package! But,even if you do pick a few extras, the prices are not high. You also get the disk to share with family and save. The place is LARGE,not cramped and has toys for the kids while you view the proofs on LARGE flat screen monitors! I only go there now unless getting just a sheet or 2 of photos for Halloween or something - then I go to JC Penneys and use the $3.99 per sheet coupons and just get what I need. There is usually at least one shot that turns out,but for me the entire experience is more stressful there due to it not being very kid-friendly, small, less staff and you stand and view photos on a tiny monitor....I have gotten priceless shots though there, so I do use them on occassion, and the prices are good.

I've worked with these companies. They take a picture at the hospital and then come to your house. The photos are fabulous...and very expensive.
You must weigh the consequences of packing the diaper bag, waking up the baby, changing its' diaper, wiping up spit up and then waiting in the room for your turn when you go to a studio.
Best advice, after being there and done that is get a camera and take snaps of your child when he/she is giggling and absolutely the cuteness...
Years later you will remember those moments that you were both happy; and not stressed just to get a portrait.
Again, I worked for one of these companies. It's a shame they charge so much for so little.

I've used Target and have had GREAT pictures from them. They have great specials and the studio by me has wonderful photographers. Good luck!

Hi A.. I too spent a lot of money on those first pics. It was definitely worth it. BUT, since then, I've regularly gone to Sears (about every 3-4 months) and had photos taken. To me, the staging isn't as good, but they definitely capture my daughter's smile and personality. If I can decide on only one pose, I can actually get out of there with more than 30 pics (one pose) for $9.99. But, most of the time, I can't choose, so I have quite a few.... mostly running me about $25. Not bad at all. We still do the xmas photos at the expense place, but it's really nice to be able to afford pics a few times a year so we can update extended family. I'd definitely give it a try!

C.'

The best place I've found to get children's pictures is Olan Mills. I've heard it depends on the studio but the one I used to go to back home did an awesome job! They cost more than others places such as Wal-Mart but you get much better pictures and you get to pick which ones you want instead of getting stuck with a package that includes ones you're not crazy about. This is what I found out with when I tried Wal-Mart once. They choose for the package the "okay" pictures to make you want to spend more money on the "really good" ones. And you end up with a lot of really small ones that end up going to waste. I haven't tried Sears but I've heard other who have give them praise.

Honey you can go to Wal-mart and get them done. The company that is in the wal-mart stores is also online and pictures can be bought cheap. And they have all kinds of programs and deals going on. I did it for my grandson and did the cheap and when all in the family wanted pictures they could buy them online for themselves.

Hi,
I took my kids to JC Penny's and I got the worst portraits ever. It is the quality that is bad. They do not have updated equipment- They couldn't edit anything or create backgrounds and the quality of the printing looked really cheap. I personally will never go to JC Penny portraits again. When I want inexpensive portraits I go to Sears. They have great equipment and they do a great job.
Good luck!

I did Sears twice - neither time was I impressed so we are not going back. JCP doesn't do photos at our mall so I haven't tried that. We did try Olan Mills at Belk and that was good once and not good once. I also thought the print quality at OM was better than Sears, which seemed grainy. Then again, it could totally depend on the photographer the days I am there... so maybe another reader has a specific opinion of a good photographer at one of the more affordable photo centers.

My favorites are Sears and Picture People.

I have used both Sears and JCPEnney. We loved Sears for 3 years but we always requested the same manager to take the pictures and then she moved and after that the pictures did not come out well. JCPenney is OK but I again sometimes got great pictures and other times got horrible ones. It really depends on the photographer. We now go to Portrait Innovations in Sanford and love them. The pictures are not badly priced and they have a great package for only $9.95. We like them because they use free standing cameras so the kids are able to move and you still get good pictures, and they also take around 100 shots each session.

A.-

The first pictures we had professionally taken of our son (he was 3 months old) were done at JC Penney (in Gulf Coast Town Center). The lady there was wonderful with him, probably b/c she had 4 at home! We took many different poses, and also had some outfit changes. I think we ended up buying 10 different poses and a number of pictures for around $40. I would definitley use them again.

For his 1st birthday, we tried Portrait Innovations (also at Gulf Coast), and the photographer was great, but I do not think I would use them again. We had to wait 45 mins before it was our turn (and we had an appt), and then after buying all the poses I wanted, I spent $170!! For the amount of money you save, I would definitley go with JC Penney!

I don't know where you live, but the JCPenney's in Jacksonville at the Regency Square Mall took GREAT pics of my kids. I went to one in Dallas, TX that did not do that great of a job. I guess it depends where you live. The JCP in Jax were miracle workers, because I had a 2 yr old and a 6 mo. old that were non stop. I thought that there couldn't possible be one good picture, but they were all so great!

Sears has always done a great job over the many years that I have used them. Currently they have a special with Family Portraits with 20% discount and you get entered into a contest.

I have had portraits done at both Sears and JcPenney for my son on multiple occasions (he turned 2 in April). I have had great experiences and not so great experiences at both. A lot will depend on the skill/experience of the photographer, there can be a wide variety among employees at the same location. Once you have found a photographer you like you can schedule future appointments with them.

To have a good session I recommend the following: 1) Have a clear idea of the photo poses that you want 2) Select the background you want ahead of time and coordinate the clothing appropriately 3) Bring one or two of your own props if desired (example: a special blanket, silver cup and spoon, etc) 4) Definitely schedule your appointment ahead of time vs walking in (it helps if you ask what times of day tend to be the least busy and if it works with your little ones schedule pick one of those times - you'll be less likely to have a rushed session that way)

Good luck! And like you said, you don't have to purchase the photos if you don't like them.

I have a friend that does amazing portrait work and he is very inexpensive. Plus he is great with kids which is a plus. He will take as many photos as you like then edit them and put them on a disc for you to print so it works out great. He did this for my family and they were magnificant. His email is ____@____.com and his phone number is ###-###-####. I do know that my family in Ohio used Sears and had good luck with it... but said all of them looked the same.

When my daughter was just weeks old I took her to SEARS (Boynton Mall). To make it short and sweet ... we had a young kid photographer who didn't know anything about babies! I bought a big package of the pics and still have everyone of them! I've had much better luck at walmart and they are better priced. In the end it just depends on your photographer .... and if your not feeling it ... don't be afraid to walk away. Good Luck!

We have had great success at Portrait Innovations. We go to the one in Sanford (near the mall) but I'm guessing there are other locations you could research online. They take a bunch of pictures & do try to sell you lots for much$$- but they always offer a package that contains lots of different sizes of 1 pose for $10. It is a great deal if you don't mind sitting through the process of them trying to talk you into spending more.

We've done Target Portrait Studio several times & had great experiences w/them. I'm always getting coupons for them...$3.99/sheet unlimited & no sitting fee. Can't beat that! Not every Target has a portrait studio, but you can check the store locator on the Target website. GL!

You should consider Walmart's Picture Me studios. I have been going there for years. They always have specials for like $8 and usually that is all I need. I specifically like the one on Bruce B Downs - the staff there is really good with young kids.

never used Sears/JCP, but you'll probably get those posed pics for cheap.
Portrait Innovations (dot com) is awesome b/c they print the pics right there while you wait. I took a humungus pot of spaghetti, sauce and meat balls and a plastic table cloth to sit it and my boys on and we had a fun time making a mess. they'll let you do that or birthday cake mess for the 1yr old party, just call ahead and ask. I use them when i need a better back ground and studio lighting for what I'm picturing. Also, good for last minute father's day gifts b/c they print right then and there.

I'd strongly suggest you find a family photographer though who will go to a fun location or to your house. my aunt is a photographer, but mainly for herself, but she's starting to branch out and do others b/c of so many requests. she doesn't have a website, but i can send you samples. she just charges $50-75 and you'll get the edited digital files. i can tell you good professional labs.

if only my cousin were in Florida. this is what you're dreaming of though i'm sure: www.aCherryOnTopPhotography.com she's in Oklahoma:( do more research.

I have taken my 3 children to Sears for the past 9 years and I am very happy with the pictures. They are digital images, you can find coupons on their website, if you don't like them, you don't buy them, there are nice backgrounds to choose from, and different size pictures to choose from. I'm very happy with Sears portraits.

we go to walmart to have pictures made the most reasonable place i know.and they are not bad for the price either.they have specials going most of the time.you can make appt or just walk in either way.you may have to wait if you dont have appt.good luck.C.

I have had better luck with Sears than with Penneys. I always try and get the first appt in the morning and that way they aren't back up and can spend more time with you. Good Luck - I have had to learn don't get upset if the baby doesn't cooperate - just go back again:)

We use Wal-mart Portrait Studio for inexpensive options all the time. They've improved and now have all kinds of digital enhancements. You can still rack up a bill if you don't have willpower. I have to go in with a mission to 'just get the package,' but with coupons you can find on-line or their club membership you can usually get a couple more poses for a good price.

I have used the JCPenney Portrait Services for 11 years (with my 3 kids) and I love the pics. They are still in exccellent condition no complaints. Hope this helps!

Hi, I have used them both and they are great. The quality of the pictures is just like that of a professional for a fraction of the price.

When my son was 3, 6, and 9 months old we used JcPenney portraits. The pictures always came out wonderful. Most of the pictures that they take are more traditional posed portraits. So if you are looking for more spontaneous pictures, JcPenney may not be what you are looking for. Also, JcPenney pictures take about 10 days to get back. We have gone to Picture People and Portrait Innovations as well and had great success. Portrait Innovations was probably the cheapest for the quality of pictures we received. I hope that this helps.

they are good but walmart also does great pics! my daughter is also 9 months and we got them done for easter and they were beautiful. they were inexpensive and my husband and i were very pleased. here is my email if you would like to see how they turned out: ____@____.com!!

I have used JCPenney's Portrait Studio in Westshore Plaza for 15 years and have been pleased with their work. You can get a lot for your money.

I have used both but I prefer Kiddie Kandids which is located in most babies r us. They are not to expensive. http://www.kiddiekandids.com/ They do have different packages.

I've used Sears. When you schedule the appointment, ask for the manager. You're more likely to get an experienced photographer.

Hi A.,

I really love the JCP pictures. Sometimes I use the $7.99 coupon package and others the $3.99 per sheet. One major word of advice: Before you go, write down the names of the people you plan to give photos to and the size you want. That way, when you are looking at all of the adorable photos you don't overbuy because you don't know how many you need.

Also, when you go to pick up the pictures, they will try to sell you some that you didn't already buy. Just say NO!!

The JCP "portrait club" is worth it if you plan to take pictures more than once per year or if you plan to have more than one person in the portrait.

I only did Sears once and wasn't happy with their prices. I liked Olan Mills (KMart) but they are hard for me to get an appt with. Good luck!

Wow - it sounds like you had a lot of good advice! Here goes my 2 cents worth. I'm not where you live, I'm in Winter Haven - our Sears has a studio, but JCP does not. When my daughter was a baby - we went to the Lakeland JCP for pictures, and they were ok - nothing stunning, nothing offensive. I bought the "card" for discounts etc. Definately worth the $. They email discounts to you, and the card is good for no sitting fee, and discounts also. Up to age 2 I was having the pictures taken every 3 months since they change so fast at those young ages. I timed it with 4th of July, Halloween, Christmas & birthday. I always bring stuff that is important to her for the photo session - and of course her costume @ halloween. (36" Mickey & Minnie mouse, 1st birthday rocking horse, our family dog etc. Santa hat w/ holly leaves - her name is Holly) When I have used JCP in Lakeland, I've noticed that "Star" is a big fan of "head shots" - even @ 1 year old - all of my daughter's pictures looked like school pictures. I keep telling her during the shoot (because you see a digital preview) that I didn't want "school pictures" because there would be years of those to come, but regardless that's all that she would take. I was so disappointed with the result that when I went to pick them up, I mentioned it to the manager and she re-took the photos for n/c and they were alot better. RE: to person who said that they had to wait forever @ JCP - that has NEVER been a problem for us. I always make my appointments mid day during the week - most people are @ work, school etc. so there was never a wait, and there was never anyone waiting and rushing our session. (she always had a belly full of lunch and napped in the car on the way over and was good to go!)The one time that I brought the dog, the only place that would allow him was Olan Mills,(inside K-mart) but the caveat was that we had to be there 1st thing in the morning when they opened and be the first appointment for the day.The idea about bringing a list of who you are giving the pictures to is a good one, it really helps. @ the my daughter's birthday parties, I always have a "goodie bag" for the grandparents - with the current birthday pictures. By bringing some of our own props from home, and using mostly solid backgrounds I think that the pictures look a little more like they came from a more expensive studio. I just used Sears in April for her 5th birthday pictures because they had a fairy background, that when the child was posed just so - would look like the fairy was on her hand. He birthday party was a fairy theme, and I made fairy skirts, halos, wings and wands for all 17 girls @ the party - naturally this year's photos incorporated the outfit. The problem with Sears (@ Eagle Ridge Mall) - after the pictures were taken, the girl told me that it was her lunch hour, and I couldn't preview/select & buy the pictures until after her lunch. That was a crazy busy week for us, and that day was the craziest - I had a jammed schedule, and there was no way that I could linger @ the mall for over an hour. So...for me, that meant a 2nd trip back to the mall, and when I came back, the place was a zoo and I had to wait over an hour to be put in front of a computer to make my selections, that was the bad part, the good part was - that she was too busy to sit on me and appply her high pressure techniques for trying to upsell me, and I still managed to spend $90!
Good luck, I hope that my suggestions give you some help!

I had my daughters 3 month pictures (we are doing 3, 6, 9 and 12 months) taken at Sears and are going next week for her 6 month. We liked the three month ones so much that we bought the membership card (it was like $10) so that we can do her pictures there this year. It was worth it!
We also just had one done at Picture People at the Mall of Milenia in Orlando. We only had it done to enter the photo contest (let me know if you want details!) and the pictures were amazing!!! They can be a little pricey but we got a free 10 X 13 just for entering.

As long as you know what you need when you walk in, and you can resist the cute pictures, both Penny's and Sears are great with the coupons. I have had good experiences with Sears. I think it depends on who you get (luck of the draw).

Usually the portrait sheets are the best deal, but that depends on what you need.

Good luck!

have had them made at sears and they done a good job but it was a long time ago. yeah I'd go for it and like you said if you do not like them do not buy them.

I took my daughter for her 3, 6, 9, and 12 month pictures to JCPenney. We were very pleased with all of the pictures and backgrounds. They will take ideas from you to help make pictures you like. You can also bring a change of clothes for different pictures. They are very professional and know what they are doing. We also got coupons in the mail for the following visits which really helped! Our experiences were always pleasant and I would recommend trying them out. Hope this helps.

My uncle is a photographer. Terry Parker is his name and her is his website.www.terryparkerphotography.com He is not expensive and will come to you. Are you in the Tallahassee area.

Sears is also a good place too.

We used JC Penny's and were pleased with the outcome. Some friends used Sears also and were happy. If you don't like the pictures, don't purchase them. I thought the same thing and always melted when I saw my son's pictures. Good Luck!

I have had both done. Brandiimagestudios.com is the pro I use. She is amazing and gets the child's personality. Great at improv. and great with kids. The sears in Bradenton does pretty well. I have always gone to the manager Kristy. But it probably will not compare to the professional. Plus they try and push you into lots of pictures. Go in there with exactly what you need.

We went to Sears for a couple of years, and the pictures aren't bad, but it really depends on the photographer. Many of the ones we had weren't very good at getting smiles out of our children.

We actually started going to Portrait Innovations (look them up online). They have a $9.95 deal for your favorite pose. If you're not looking to get too much of a variety, they're great, although you can definitely spend tons there if you want lots of different poses! They also print your pictures in 15-20 minutes, with excellent quality. We've been extremely happy with them.

We went to JC Penney and I wasn't impressed really, and still spent a small fortune. We use Portrait Innovations at the Town Center and LOVE them and they have good package pricing too :)

Hi A.,

I have used both Kiddie Kandids (photo studio in Babies R Us) as well as the JCPenney portrait studio. They were both pretty good but if I had to choose my favorite, it'd be Kiddie Kandids; the wait at JcPenney's was too big and because I was late by 5 minutes (in rain, mind you), I was forced to wait another 1.5 hours with a squeamish, moody toddler that was long overdue for her nap. The photo shoot felt rushed, and they didn't make as big an effort to get my daughter to look at the camera as Kiddie Kandids did. I guess Kiddie Kandids has so many kids, they have more experience in getting a child to look at the camera and smile. They really go out of their way to make an effort and will recruit other people in aiding to get the baby to smile by tickling or squeaking a rubber ducky. They also have props already there, like angel wings, park benches, and flower bouquets, JCPenney apparently expected you to bring your own props (!) Maybe JcPenney's is a good choice if you have the entire family or if your child's not too young, if not, I recommend Kiddie Kandids. In terms of quality, I'd say it is comparable, although maybe Kiddie Kandids was more true in color (they have editing and can lighten photos that would otherwise be dark), whereas the JCPenney portraits were a bit darker. This wasn't what bothered me, it was the fact that 60% of the JCPenney photos had my daughter looking at the ground or elsewhere so I didn't have a lot of wiggle room in terms of selecting the best portraits, whereas with Kiddie Kandids I'd say only 30% of the shots were lousy, so it gave me more choices to pick from. Of course, JCPenney's is cheaper, so you pretty much get what you pay for. I have not tried Olan Mills, Glamour Shots (not even for myself!) nor Sears but given the choice between JCP and KK, I would choose KK if money's not an issue. Good luck.

have used both, and I have to say, Sears is almost 100% better than JC Penneys. They are creative, with lots of oprions for props and backgrounds. They don't do just the traditional porttraits. They are awesome, and always have good deals. Definitely stay away from Walmart. They are chep, and the pictures look it.

A.,
I havent ever used JC Penney's or Sears b/c I have heard that it looks like a good deal, but they only have packages that allow you to purchase one pose. If you want more, you have to buy more packages, which ends up costing a fortune. The other reason I havent ever used them is b/c my husband is a photographer. We are in the Orlando area if you are interested in him....
Here is his website if you want to contact him:

www.didpix.com

Brian: ###-###-####

H.

I would forget Sears and JcPenny. They are both so not worth it. Walmart does great work for a lot better price. Also private photographers are very reasonable. My friend does all of their own photo's. She purchases the backgrounds at Walmarts and hangs them up and takes her own pics. People don't realize that it's not the photographer that makes the pictures look professional but the paper they are printed on. That is why there are so many different photo papers available. The pictures you treasure the most will be the ones you take with you own camera. One of my favorites of my girls is when the oldest one was in her little rocker holding her sister and hugging her and rocking her. And the surprise kisses and hugs they would give each other. I caught a lot of them. Take lots of pics at home. Like I said those are the ones you will treasure the most.

Hi, A.. I see you have gotten a lot of good advice and I just wanted to add that I, too, have had good experiences at both Sears and JC Penney. I think a lot of it has to do with the photographer and their level of experience. I am not sure where you live, but if you are in Tampa, I highly recommend Lindsay at the Citrus Park JC Penney. She is the manager in the photo studio there and did an excellent job with my daughter who was 5 months old at the time. My daughter is now 10 months old and we are planning to go back soon and then again at 12 months. I also like Sears at Citrus Park mall and have gone there for years when my older daughter was just two months old (she will be 6 years old in a couple of weeks). At the Citrus Park Sears, we like Melissa (I am not sure if she is stil there since we haven't been to the Sears portrait studio in about a year). The quality of the photos is very good and you do get a lot for your money if you go with coupons. I find the coupons in magazines such as American Baby, Baby Talk, Parenting, etc and also online. Definitely check it out! Hope it works out for you.

I did the SAME thing when my daughter was 6 months! For her 1 yr pictures I went to Sears and was thrilled - I got a LOT more copies of pictures for family and it cost me half as much. The photographer was fast and nice, the studio was clean. (I heard terrible things about the wal-mart studio) And since I hadn't been there before I signed up for their Sears card and got a very nice discount on the order. But yeah, you DO have to know what you want ahead of time, because they will try to talk you into bigger and more beautiful pictures of your little angel. The only thing I didn't like was the sneaky "oh and the printer also made these pictures that you didn't request, would you like to buy them?" when I went to pick them up - other than that though I got exactly what I wanted and I got it quickly (2 weeks).

Portrait Innovations is very inexpensive and you get tons of pictures. It can get pricey if you get different poses.

I use the JCPenneys in Spring Hill. I think they are awesome. They take great pics and have great props. If you use the coupon you can get 24 pics (I think) for $8. They are very crafty with upgrades, just stay strong and say no. You can also get sheets for $4 but I think they charge a $10 sitting fee per person, I am a portrait club member $30 for 2 years and they don't charge a sitting fee as long as a member of my fam is in the pics. Let me know if you have any more questions

make a promise to yourself TO ONLY GET THE PACKAGE SPECIAL. then go to other store and.....ONLY GET THE PACKAGE SPECIAL. you will get loads of pics, also, you can get a feel for which store photographer you prefer. my daughter worked for sears portrait studios for 6 years. she had to talk you into "those one of a kind poses" and they're only small once ! they always put different back grounds and certain poses for the "EXTRA". and yes they are the best....usually. continue to always get the package specials and you will be more satisified with more pics at a affordable price !!!

I second Melissa at Sears in Citrus Park Mall:). My son is 3 yo now and we have been going to Sears there practically since he was born. I tend to buy various poses so I usually get the pictures by the sheet. There are always coupons floating around in magazines, etc. Melissa is awesome and there usually is always someone to help her. Christy is great. She will usually snap the picture while Melissa interacts with my son. I got my son's very first newborn pictures done at JC Penney at Wiregrass. BAD EXPERIENCE!!! Aside from the non-kid friendly environment, I wasn't happy with their lack of options. At Sears, you can crop the picture at no extra charge so that your kid can be more centered, etc. At JC Penney, this is not an option (at least it used to not be). Also, 3 yrs ago, there wasn't an option at JCP to get just a sheet of wallets. You were forced to buy a combo sheet of 5x7's with wallets. Many more choices available at Sears. I can say that when a coupon arises, I do take my son to Picture People and they do excellent pictures, but are very expensive. So, I usually go when I have a goal in mind like Valentine's Day cards, Father's Day gifts, etc. This way I have more will power and leave with just one pose and just enough sheets for myself (not family).

i go to walmart catch the specials and stick to it i get a huge package and for like 5-6 dollars. then i buy the extra pics they send they took total 20 dollars. if someone wants a copy of the others we scan and print at home.