*Edit -updated at end Posts on the FB that you can "win" a session. This is a high priced photo - be prepared. I won a session to have a photo shoot for an art portrait with our fur baby. Dahlberg website shows nice fancy photos. Here is part 1 of the review. 1. You get contacted to discuss if you are interested in photo shoot for your win. 2. You get a phone call and the discussion goes very fast. If you take on the session, you need to book and reserve your spot right away. 3. You need to hold your spot with a $200 deposit. It's nerve racking going that fast, but that is a business model that gets people in the door. There is pressure. However I knew that I understood this business strategy. I put down the deposit and immediately had a receipt and an email shortly after confirming everything we had discussed. A few days before they gave me a call and touched base and reviewed what was sent in the email. The day of the photo we got dressed up and headed to the location in Ames. There is a waiting room. It's simple with a couch and nice sign asking you to wait. There are giant photos of families. A nice assistant came out and talked with us, met our fur baby. We made our way into the photo room where we got to work with her and the photographer. They made us feel really comfortable. We shared with them that we were low key and easy to get along with. This was our first official family photo since our wedding photo. They had lots of experience getting our fur baby to pay attention and get some great photos. After the photos you are taken to a waiting room while they pull the best of the photos together for viewing. Then they come get you again and take you into another room where the wall is a full screen viewing for the photos. They throw and lot of information at you. Don't be afraid to ask questions. The next business tactic is that you need to make up your mind about what you want before you leave. Once you leave the photos are gone. Its a old sale way... "don't let them leave without the sale." Claire is a sale women, she also has family who owns the flower shop across the street, but she knows her pitch. Again, be prepared for the higher priced product. They offer financing if you need it. You get to go through all your favorite photos and what your thoughts are. Broke down the prices, broke down each type of print, sizes, ect. She left the room to allow us time to discuss what we could and could not do. The ladies were all nice. The pressure to get average people in the door is not awesome. The experience was unique and fun... so Im holding at a 3 until I see the final product. We made our decisions and now it's just waiting. 8 weeks. The photos are touched up and make their art elsewhere and then mailed to us. Everyone treated us professionally and we had a good time. I will update when we get the art. **Art arrived! YAY! It arrived around the promised time. The delivery box was in tact and everything was well packaged. The photos looked good and then they did send us digital to share on the social media. I'm excited to get the photos up on wall to display. The even called to check in recently to make sure everything went well with the photos. Just be prepared to purchase if you want a "free" photo session. I will hold my rating at the 3 and share that if you don't happen to have the $$$ for photos, no matter what the size, don't go expecting to walk out the door with photos to share. It's a business, it not finished in house and if you're not prepared its a sticker shock. read more

Won a free give away, honestly the only reason I went. Their photographers were very nice and tried to help provide alternatives when I forgot my tights in a short dress and was not comfortable without them. Not a big fan of some of the poses my infants were put in, but they did great at getting my babies and dog to look at the camera and get some smiles. Not ideal for normal pictures as the smallest family "print" is $1000 for a 14" but if you have money to blow the people are at least nice and you will get a good quality photo. Highly recommend looking at their work before going as it is a very upscale professional looking shoot. read more

Worked amazing with my son and was very understanding with last minute changes. I was very happy with my experience

Their scripts are manipulative and prey on others with money. My sister is a recovering addict of 15+ years and has been clean for 3+ years and they denied her. I applied to "test" this theory and they approved me immediately. Then they want this large deposit of $200 just to secure a date (fine) but when Ames flooded, they would not refund. VERY PREDATORY - DO NOT RECOMMEND. ANDREA DAHLBERG IS NOT EVEN THE ONE TAKING YOUR IMAGES. read more

" NO FREE" photos! These people are misleading and are trying to trap you coming in so that way you have to pay a ton of money for photos. WAY OVER PRICED! read more

Dahlberg Portraits - Not good - Session Photography Near Me - Ames, Iowa

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Getting our portraits taken at Dahlberg was such a special experience. From the moment we walked in, the waiting area was warm and inviting and the photography assistant who greeted us was so sweet. At the start of our appointment, we were welcomed into a professional, clean studio by a bubbly, charming professional photographer who posed us and guided us through the process with ease. Our portraits came out beautifully, and the time we spent viewing them was highly personalized to us as a couple. Overall, this process was something we will remember and look back on fondly for years to come, every time we gaze on the beautiful portrait Dahlberg took for us. read more

Amazing! Everything about this experience has been wonderful. They allowed us to bring even our furry family members, created amazing portraits and went beyond the extra mile to fit into our budget. Dahlberg will have our business for life!! Thank you Andrea and team! read more

This place is very misleading and a complete rip off. The studio was absolutely hot and my hair got completely ruined. I cried when I left. I was aware of the 11×14 frame was the only free photo you can get but I did not realize that for a 5x7 was $1,000!! I was not pressured into buying anything (although she tried) but I'm deeply hurt. I cried after our session to pick our photos because I couldn't believe that I had to give up those photos because I cannot simply afford $1,000 for two 5×7. This is definitely a preppy Rich folk place that they're trying to get low income people to come into and pressure into buying and putting themselves in debt. I don't see this place lasting very long. Our first experience 3 years back was amazing but sadly they fired that amazing photographer. The photographer who did ours this time coming around needs to go back to school for posing because I hated the poses I looked fat as hell in the face. I hope they edit that fr and my messed up hair. You guys seriously need to get a fan in that building people are coming there for a professional photos and don't need to be worrying about or getting upset over their hair and makeup melting when you're already charging thousands and thousands of dollars for the photos!! read more

Recently, my son and I were able to go through the entire experience at Dahlberg Portraits. I won a 14" portrait and photography session through a social media giveaway. The entire experience was smooth, Megan called me and made sure I knew everything that was expected beforehand, and they emailed me with information and a link to make sure that everything was communicated clearly and that I would be prepared for the session. The day of, we arrived and spent a few minutes in their waiting room. The waiting room was simple, elegant, and adorned with portraits of other families. There is plenty of space to get ready for any size of family with seating for up to5 people. The session with the photographer Shae and assistant Erica was phenomenal. They made my son and I feel comfortable and made the photography session go by in the blink of an eye, and got some magical moments spurred by their great work, and personalities. After the photography session, we went back to the waiting room and relaxed a bit while they got ready to show me photos from the session. Once they were ready, they came and got me and my son. My son went into a room with Claire who watched over my son while I was shown photos from our session. Claire did a wonderful job with my son, providing him attention, and making sure he had a good time while I was occupied. She even went above and beyond keeping an eye on him briefly after the session while I had some additional questions. I then was walked through the best photos from the session, as well as educated on what makes a fine art portrait, well, fine art. They then helped me visualize what each size of portrait would look like and helped me choose my favorite photos from the session. They broke down the prices of each portrait size, as well as other things that come with each portrait size. They did a masterful job of helping me understand what came with each size, as well as working with my budget and where I was coming from while helping me feel comfortable throughout the entire process. I look forward to receiving my portrait and having it as a cherished memory for myself and my son in the future! I am already planning on a return in the future to capture a snapshot of my family, and how it looks then after this experience. If there is anyone I have forgotten in this, I apologize. You all were amazing and it was not just a highlight of my day, it was a highlight of my son's day as well. read more

won a free session with a 1000 doller certificate we were expecting like a normal photo session payment 300-400 plus's photos .... as a family of four barely making ends meet we were horified at the end of the session we felt trapped and oblighted to purchase the photos and were in debt of 3k the photos we received from there "professional artist " were horrific not to mention people are able to point out exactly where the photo shopping was at I'm just deeply disappointed in the company for pulling such a scam on family's I've heard more horror stories about this place just needed to share mine read more

They're very nice and professional but fail to discuss prices until the very end and most of the time is very expensive and not affordable for the average family.. most 12k the least 250$... for the smallest photo you can get read more

Nice studio but subtle tactics to guilt you into buying an expensive heirloom. How can someone justify a $15000 picture? Won't use them again! read more

Entered a couples portrait contest, won a free session & $1000 credit towards the print. Called to schedule an appointment, didn't allow us time to think on it, required a card payment over the phone immediately. Called the number back after seeing negative reviews and the phone line was disconnected. Called the number on their website, were very kind until we asked to cancel our appointment then became very short with us. Never said when we'd receive our "fully refundable" deposit so we called that number back, no one answered for over a day. I had to blow up their email, phone & social media to get my refund. Ridiculous and a total scam despite looking like a real business. NOT BBB ACCREDITED read more

Andrea Dahlberg is an upscale photographer in the heart of downtown Ames who does both indoor and outdoor photography for clients seeking a high class photo. She is a caring professional, takes beautiful photos in mere minutes, and she frequently gives back to the community. For those who are discerning with their dollars, she does attend Cornerstone Church of Ames and from my understanding adheres to all aspects of their ideology. Take that what you will. But in regards to her talent, product, and professionalism - you get what you pay for. read more

after our session, I reached out via email and text to express my sadness and embarrassment. this review has been their only reply. while the offer was expressed at initial booking, it was NOT discussed when we sat down to order, not until I told them (twice) I can't afford this and I can not go further into debt for a photo. A photo. After that, it was hurry to sign the non use of photo disclaimer and all other photos are not saved. (meaning, you didn't purchase a print, we don't save it.) I felt very taken advantage of read more

They give an illusion of luxury with a bad business model. Coupons and giveaways that promise a discount but after the long process thats mostly waiting in different rooms and less time in the fancy studio, offering drinks and compliments, they make a big presentation to choose the picture and size, while selling you on how important a memory is, they then reveal the prices and your deal is almost nothing. The portrait is nice, but a bit bland. The photographers and assistants are young and tend to only know or do what Dahlberg has trained. So if you don't look like their promotional work, the pictures kinda look like nicer school pictures. read more

Andrea did my senior pictures and she was so amazing to work with then, a month ago I got the opportunity to come back and do a photoshoot with her one of her other photographers and she was absolutely amazing to work with. Andrea is so easy to talk to and literally has made be feel beautiful in each and every picture. I can't thank her enough and hope to get more photos done with her in the future !!!! read more

I entered in a Fur Family Giveaway and ended up winning! I was so excited for the opportunity to take pictures of my recently adopted dog. Picture session went well and the studio operated seamlessly, however, I was disappointed in the end. With the giveaway I received a $1,000 credit which only applied to one specific photo in a 14" size. This was not my preferred photo but it was a stipulation of the giveaway (that I was unaware of). Therefore, I was forced to purchase another item to even get the print that I originally wanted. Minimum price of a print is $500. I went in expecting to participate in a giveaway and have a fun morning with my dog- and left spending $500 on something I didn't necessarily want. I honestly felt scammed. There needs to be price transparency and better explanation prior to your session. Giveaways should be a way to help bring positive advertisement to your company, not a way to force people into spending money they may not have. This may be an experience for some, but not for me. I will be actively NOT recommending this to friends or any one in the community. read more

You want to feel like a million bucks when you get your photo taken, don't you? You do. And you want to look amazing too, right? Of course you do. Otherwise, why would you get your photo taken? Andrea Dahlberg specializes in high end studio wall portraiture for homes, offices, etc. Prior to your appointment she will ask you to send images of your attire and the wall(s) where you are considering placing your portrait. This helps her get a feel for who you are and what you would like to attain. Her shop, located on Main Street in Ames, is comfortable and intimate. Andrea gives you her full attention when you're there and treats you like a valuable client, because you are. Andrea is exceptionally easy to work with. She gives instant feedback on what is and isn't working and will show you exactly how to pose to look your best. She gives great encouragement throughout the shoot and helps you loosen up. She knows that whether or not you buy the extra large portrait is determined by how awesome she makes you look and she goes the extra mile to get it right including retouching the images. She even swapped our baby's head between two images to ensure we got a family portrait where we were all looking at the camera and looking awesome. I've honestly never looked so good in a photo. After your shoot, Andrea invites you into a theatre room where you can see lovely examples of printed portraits on the walls and get a feel for the different image sizes. Andrea projects the best images from the shoot onto the wall and you work to narrow down the images to your favorites. Think 3-5 favorites that you just can't live without. Then, the ordering begins. Andrea has lots of frame options to choose from and depending upon the size of the portrait it may be printed on canvas or board and delivered a few weeks later. She knows people love to share their images on social media so she will include digital copies of those images that are good for social media but not large format print quality (if you could print them elsewhere you wouldn't buy Andrea's high quality prints, would you?) We loved our experience with Andrea and she even got my husband, who swore he didn't want to be in the image, into the photo. We will cherish our portrait and the time we spent with Andrea for years to come. read more

Getting our family pictures taken by Andrea was not just a quick in-and-out photo session, it was an entire experience! I have never had pictures taken that captured the true personality of each of us just by a photo but Andrea is truly amazing at what she does. She really is a true artist! I can't wait to give our portraits as gifts this Christmas. Our families are going to be in awe! They are magical! I can't thank Andrea enough. Our time with her was wonderful, she made us feel so comfortable and she was super sweet with our fur babies. These portraits are a true piece of art we will cherish forever. I would highly recommend everyone go see Andrea for a truly unique experience that you won't regret! read more

Such an amazing experience for our entire family, even our giant fur baby! Andrea knows how to create an amazing piece of art to cherish for ages. So excited to get our portraits! Highly recommend read more

Had an appointment set to do a fun, ridiculous themed photo, which i was originally told was fine and that the staff was excited cause they don't usually get requests like that. Owner left me a voicemail saying that decided not to go with -my- idea for -my- portrait. When i called to speak to her about it, she said that "it's just not something we do, we're more focused on doing legacy and heirloom portraits". I asked why it was an issue, when it was specifically requesting to do more of a funny themed portrait. She kept skirting around the explaination as to the specific reason she didn't want to do it and when i asked her why she wouldn't give me a specific reason, she told me that she didn't feel like she had to tell me. She accused me of being abbrasive when i stated that her vague explaination of "we just don't do that" wasn't really a specific reason as to why she wouldn't do my idea for a portrait and immediately went towards cancelling my session. I was careful to moderate my tone even though i was annoyed with her attitude, she kept talking over me, and never gave me the real reason as to why she denied my idea and cancelled my session. read more

From the moment we walked into the studio we felt welcome! Such a beautiful studio with such professional setting and staff! We loved our experience which was smooth and easy! Andrea and staff are absolutely amazing! We cannot wait to see our beautiful family portraits! A very family friendly atmosphere with people who care! Highly highly recommend! read more

Had such an amazing experience with the whole team at Dahlberg Portraits, from scheduling, actively taking photos, to selecting photos. We felt included in the process, had an amazing time, and resulted in FANTASTIC memories and pictures. We would definitely recommend this whole team to create artwork for your home!!! read more

I cannot be more grateful of the gift from Dahlberg Photography. It was definitely a very interesting experience. I was honestly not pleased. While looking through the photos taken, it was a hard decision to decide on. First off I will say my toddler was very patient, so there is no excuse on that. The photo I ended up with, iam the only one grinning, my daughter looks disgusted, and other daughter looks like she is just there. I feel like there could have been a better click of the cam to get us all in the same state. My daughter says she had said " it to smile", yet I had a slight grin. So what was really happening? The photographer was very pompous. As we went I to the room to see the photos she stated the marketing person what not there that day, as she gave me her spiel, I continued to think, if I was not gifted such an opportunity for this "amazing" family photo l, I would most likely not tier up and purchase another. The only great picture was one that my oldest and I's face wasnt even in. After I told her I was not interested in purchasing a tiered photo, that appearantly last "80 to 200 years" (eyeroll) she prompted me to get online to rate her. I handed her my phone, as she wanted to show me where to rate my experience and automatically rated 4 stars, as if that were my own opinion, she had even mentioned if I went elsewhere I would basically regret it, because her photos are SO amazing. My overall experience, it is really nice and professionally set up, individual waiting rooms, even. "Nanny suite" while you are going over the photos. Her assistant was the sweetest, I wish I could remember her name. If this is the type of place you enjoy great, I'm sure she is amazing. I just didnt get that experience. Iam not too pleased with the shots, or style.... read more

Dont waste your time!!! We "won" a "free" sitting! Please Please Please, if you "win" something from Andrea, please ask about full pricing BEFORE you take the day off of work to get photos taken!!! Save your money and take your family on a trip and take memorable pics with your family with a fun vacation on top of it!! read more

We were really excited to try out this place for family portraits, we have had portraits done before but thought it's be fun to try a new place because we "won a giveaway". We went to get photographed and were told the session would be an hour and it was maybe 15 minutes and we were waiting about 15 minutes to get started past the time we were scheduled (30 minutes of wait total to even start since asked to arrive 15 minutes early). the photographer did just 2 poses and then my husband had to go to the restroom and they said "we don't allow that". I am very glad I didn't bring the kids considering bathroom breaks aren't allowed. We were then placed in a waiting room for an hour. When we got to see the photos they were not finalized and we were expected to make a purchase before we even see the final photos. When we asked about price Andrea was not upfront and made us choose a size before giving prices. Then did the guilt trip of your dogs will die someday here is something to remember them forever, weird angle in my opinion. The photo packages aren't great and for the quality of the photos (edited to the point it is creepy and just not unique and fun) it isn't worth it. I have been through lots of photography sessions and packages here as well as photo options are just not good. 10,000 dollars for a gaudy photo not even framed is quite literally crazy. I am used to paying 500-1500 max 3000 for photos of MUCH BETTER quality that is printed in the states. They ship them to be developed overseas. Andrea also made comments about my husband "not looking smart" and what not, he is successful vet and owns two companies so I am sorry he didn't meet your standard of smart looking?? So the environment was off putting and classist. read more

Definitely do not recommend. Clearly only caters to the rich. I won the supposedly "free" Thanksgiving giveaway, in which they requested information on why you wanted to get your portrait taken there. I feel I fully portrayed the status of our financial situation and let them know this was something we'd never be able to afford on our own. After I received the call to book the appointment I was informed they did not read the information they had requested I provide, and that there was no flexibility on a $200 deposit. If I had $200 to spend I could have gotten a full photography session and prints for $200 somewhere else. When I informed them, again, of the financial situation and that I was willing to put down a deposit that I could actually afford they refused to work with me on the amount. So much for a local company being Iowa nice. I expected better from an Ames business and this was extremely frustrating and disappointing. read more