READ TO FIND OUT WHAT YOU HAVE WON !! All the negative reviews are absolutely TRUE!!! Avoid like the plague,unless you have more money than sense you will ENJOY !! So much for WINNING its a total scam. Who has ever WON anything that you have to pay a deposit(non refundable I hasten to add) Sounds great ,BUCKS FIZZ, PROFESSIONAL HAIR & MAKE UP,HAND MASSAGE ? (what hand massage?!!)£50 POUND VOUCHER towards photo's (THAT'S OFF A PACKAGE,they don't mention that bit) etc SOUNDS GREAT who wouldn't like all this ? You've won the PRIZE and you can even bring a FRIEND,what a great GIRLY day out. NOTHING is further from the TRUTH!! What you have WON is make up done by albeit friendly people BUT they are not interested in you but all the latest GOSSIP with the other staff and OH YES, they are supposed to be INTERESTED in your HAIR & MAKE UP not treating you as a THIRD PARTY who happens to be there!! Photo shoot is THE BEST PART if you like getting CHANGED IN A CUPBOARD then having endless photos taken that your smile starts being forced and it get rather MONOTONOUS. Mind you this is the BEST BIT,but why all the photo's gosh you MUST LOOK GOOD through a camera,such FLATTERY!!!!! With such a CONFIDENCE BOOST you get changed again in your cupboard and are asked to wait to be shown your photo's,oh the ANTICIPATION !! Gradually over time waiting and being totally IGNORED by this time a COFFEE would be just the thing.Who you do you try to ASK,the gossiping make up people?,no one at the desk she's gone out for a cig!!!. 30 mins on FRUSTRATION sets in,going to miss the train been here for ages whats going on Ah the receptionist is getting herself a coffee"could we have one please?" "oh yea, sorry " she replies. Could you tell us how LONG we have to WAIT we will miss the train we inquire. shouldn't be much longer EVENTUALLY you are invited to view your photo's and shown into a room with a colleague who proceeds to show you all of your photo's (EVEN the BAD ones !!) and praises them immensely,but you are not that keen on most!!! The BIG SELL commences and the £1000 PRICE is mentioned,reeling in SHOCK you say you didn't think they would be that much. Oh,did you not look at our PRICE LIST before you booked?,did you just come here for the FREE MAKE UP and HAIR ? you are asked. EMBARRASSED, HARASSED and the need to GET OUT and GET HOME you are eventually BROW BEATEN into parting with money.(That is after LONG negotiations and shown the FREE photo which is TERRIBLE and should have been BINNED!!) EVENTUALLY after you have SUCCUMBED to part with MONEY you get out feeling DEFLATED,EXHAUSTED, FOOLISH and SCAMMED, BECAUSE YOU HAVE!! PS.Take some make up WIPES with you if you wish to remove the MAKE UP as it is put on HEAVILY FOR THE CAMERA'S as they don't have any!!! read more

General Atmosphere (1/5) Although they seemed extremely friendly and welcoming on the phone, there was too much of an unwelcoming atmosphere once in the building. Of course, they offered me a drink and kept me updated on waiting times, but the staff often spoke amongst themselves and seemed extremely cliquey and closed. And this caused me to feel slightly uncomfortable. Also, the atmosphere was confused by a high number of staff who seemed to simply mill around doing absolutely nothing but talking with the receptionist and popping in and out for fag breaks. The whole thing seemed very unprofessional and more like a girl's bathroom at a secondary school rather than a studio. Performance (4/5) The makeup artist/hair stylist was excellent in making me look very handsome. She was extremely friendly and understood exactly what I wanted with some guidance. The photographers were good in setting up sets and getting me to pose really well. The actual photographs turned out absolutely amazing and I looked like someone out of a catalogue when really I'm just an average looking person. However, I felt that some of my photos could have been of a higher quality if one of the photographers had been more outspoken and provided more guidance on poses (e.g. told me when I wasn't supposed to smile). Cost (1/5) Prepare to have a heart attack! Before going, talk about cost of photographs on the phone, or go to the studio and bravely attempt to adopt a similar approach you would use with a car sales man. I did not accept the ridiculous figures they were waving at me (600 quid for 15 photos). Instead I managed to get the lady down to 250 quid for 8 photos. The price was still painful, but the photos were almost irresistible. Furthermore, don't allow them to be vague when discussing cost prior to your visit. They know that if they told you the truth with concrete figures you would never go. Tips -Take control of every situation and be pushy. Don't allow them to make you feel unwelcome or subject to their ridiculous prices. -Take something to do. Waiting times between stations can be long so perhaps take a book. -Make conversation and be confident otherwise you may feel like an outsider. -Be firm and confident when negotiating price. Claim that you really want to buy more photos but you just don't have enough (e.g. oh maybe I can throw in an extra 50 quid but I would expect at least X amount more of photos and not the shoddy amount that you're offering me). read more

My partner has been to them today, they called her up trying to sell her the photo shoot session deal, pay £5 deposit get the make-up and hair done then have some shots and promised on the call a free photo and money off further photo's sounds good. My partner asked for a date we could certainly make but then the call turned to high pressure sales tactics, we are in the middle of moving home and its our daughters 3rd birthday next week needless to say a busy time, they refused to let her book it for next month it had to be a certain time that suited them or she couldn't have the offer or free photo etc. She ended up accepting it and did regret it as she was stressed enough without having to goto the shoot but then when she wanted to cancel they they would charge £75 for each person which we could ill afford at this time of year with everything going on. Anyway she went and had a horrible experience, this free photo and with no obligation was a lie, no free photo, no discount to other photo's etc. So my partner said ok then we wont have any they then threatened charging etc she explained she didnt have the money to buy multiple photos at their price, they kept quoting the whole verbal contract thing (even when we pointed out that the verbal contract should also obligate them to provide what they promised, and if they had the call recorded they should listen to it and make good on their word). All said and done she ended up getting some photo's for £20 per shot but they are not above piling on pressure and threats to get money out of you. They didn't even give a receipt for those pictures. We just called the bank and cancelled the card so they are issuing another one, they wont be taking any money that we have not agreed to. If you do deal with them then tread carefully, be aware of their charges and record any call's where anything is agreed. Personally I would steer clear of this company as they don't seam interested in anything than trying to milk you for everything they can and to be damned with customer service. To the fusion staff that do seam to be on this site yes I did sign up to this site today purely to express our views on the bad experience we have had. If you want our details to contact us if you want to investigate the poor service you have given then feel free to email me at drefsab (at) gmail.com and I will be happy to give them to you and look forward any explanation to the treatment my partner received read more

I got a phone call from Fusion Studios saying I had won a competition for me and a friend to have a style makeover and fashion shoot worth £250. They also said we would get one free picture each plus a £50 voucher each towards others. Although the photo shoot itself was good, once we came into the other room to look at the photos, the girl started trying to sell us a package worth £950, where we could pay by installments. I explained to her that my friend owed $90,000 in student fees (she is from the US) and I was saving up to pay for a holiday, so we couldn't afford it. She kept on trying with various other packages, and was very pushy and hard faced. In the end I said we would just take our free photo and leave, as we both felt really uncomfortable. That was when she said we couldnt choose which picture we got for free, we could only have the very first photo the photographer shot (which had clearly been taken badly for this purpose). In the end, we ended up both paying £50 for two photos each (and the second photo we chose had to be the same one, we weren't allowed to pick to four different ones?!). The £50 vouchers we both had could only be used if we got a package, which obviously they failed to mention on the phone!Although I like the photos, I feel lucky to have got out of these just paying £50, which is still a lot of money to me and my friend.To be honest, the service was shocking from the beginning. When they rang me to say i had won the competition ( I do enter online comps so it seemed plausible), they only gave me a five day window in which to book it, so my friend and I had to pull a few strings to get time off at such short notice. Two days later my aunty passed away, so I rang to rearrange, and they insisted that either my friend still come along on that original date with another friend, or that I pay £75. It was only when I really lost my rag over the phone, and they went back and forth to the manager, that they agreed to rearrange. read more

I read all these reviews before going to our appointment on Saturday 23rd March, I took my 19yr old daughter too. I was a little apprehensive after some of the comments. I have to say we had a great day!! We were treated great, the hair and makeup ladies made us feel and look goodyes they chatted between themselves but they also included us in their conversations! The photoshoot was cool, the lady was so patient especially when you consider I'd never posed like that ever! The receptionist chatted lots with us and made us feel welcome. Now comes the best bit..I was very worried about viewing our photos after reading on here! I needn't have worried, there was no hard sell and we got lots of time to look at them. I did buy some in the end but not because I felt I had to, it was because the pictures were great and I wanted them to remind me of such a great day. She also gave us a great deal! I do think some of the people who have written some of the negative reviews maybe need to look at the bigger picture.how much would it cost to have your hair and makeup done professionally? How much would the photographer cost? Yes there are cheaper places around but I think you get what you pay for and if you don't want the pictures learn to be more assertive and say NO! read more

I've had a phonecall from Fusion today had all the usual spiel no obligation to buy, she pushed me for a name but said i cud change who accompanies me free of charge right upto the morning of my appointmen. One free airbrushed photograph. Sounds too good to be true right?? BUTTTT I've gone ahead and booked it for next week!! I've done a similiar thing before and all in all found it not that bad go into it with an open mind its fun to get your hair n make-up done n strike poses with a mate or partner LOL :-) Yes at the end you get the hard sell but just keep telling them you cant afford any of the extortionate packages and walk away with the free photo. All in all i dont think thats bad for 2p !! I think they make their money from the people who agree over the phone and then dont go and get stung with the no show/cancelleation charge of £70!!! That said, iv just given my details for a 2p booking fee so if any more money than that goes from my account i will be SERIOUSLY angry! I asked over and over again about hidden charges! I will let you know how it goes! Fingers crossed! read more

Avoid like the plague. Total rip off. To buy one photo was £99 plus copy right cost on top if no copy right photo was on a disc for £120 each. The whole set of photos (about 50) was £2999. The promise of a free 108 photo is on a disc so you have to pay yourself to print it out. The photos were taken in a grotty studio where you have to clime over wires and props. The changing room was a dirty cupboard, there was two of us so I had to get changed in the studio. Some of the photos are taken outside, you are asked to sit on filthy steps full of cigarette ends when you are in your best clothes. We were told we could change our hair stiles for different shots but the photographer was having non of this, We were rushed. After insisting on having my hair re-curled as it had dropped, the photographer said for god sake its only for a few photos. My opinion stay clear of this place. I have also read on reviews that they take money from your bank without your permission so I will be keeping a sharp eye out. read more

I went to fusion studios 28th jan 2012 and got TWO free photos signed some forms and now a year later after no contact with fusion they have deposited £371.25 out of my account without my knowledge or permission ACCUSING me of cancelling the direct debit last year which is also UNTRUE as the bank has informed no such direct debit had been set up I have this in black and white and still the refuse to give my money back i am a single mum on benifts and they have cleared my entire bank account without my knowledge. As for the managing directer Mike Hannah what a joke!! has basically laughed it off and STOLEN from not just me but my daughter!! DO NOT USE THESE PEOPLE OR GIVE YOUR BANK DETAILS THEY WILL CLEAR YOUR BANK ACCOUNT!! And i am not the first see link below. http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/fusion-studios-england-greater-manchester-c300239.html read more

Why all the negative comments? I had such a good time! The photos came out really professional, airbrushed and very clear! I took my daughter too and she really ahd a good time I agree the waiting time is very long. But I did get a good result and the pictures that I bought are even on canvases in my lounge. If you go to any other photo place with lower prices, you ll the difference. i attended a different photo studio, a much cheaper one. and the resullt was horrid. i could have done it myself. They just smudged it so it looked cloudy. Looked very homemade! So, thats why I guess here the prices are high. The result is quite good I dont think this place is for those on a budget. But I had a good time and I got pics to prove it! Its Good for aspiring models and portfolios. Anyway, Seeya read more

Entered a competition online (had been 6 yrs earlier and price was ok for the quality of the photos) and recieved a telephone call saying I had won! Was so excited. Then I went today and what a let down. Left for hours waiting with no explanation, myself and my sister made to get changed in a changing room no bigger than a cupboard with no light, told I couldn't wear some of my clothes because they didn't have time. Told I would recieve a disc with my choice of free pic, had to have the very first photo that was taken which was awful so i told them to keep it!She wanted me to have it though but I didn't get my own disc it was on my sisters with her prints and prices were more than double for less prints than I got before. read more

Great confidence boost..must admit I was dragged along by a friend who had entered the online draw feeling very self conscious and awkward about the thought of having a photo makeover but had an amazing day. Really surprised myself how much I actually enjoyed the whole experience (testament to how lovely all the staff were and how comfortable and special they made us feel). Was the best day out me & my mate have had in ages and brought out the sexy confident woman I used to be and have been hiding for some time-not an easy feat! All that and it was an absolute bargain £10 each for the day and they even gave us vouchers off the photos we wanted so I now have a reminder of the real me : ) read more

I went to fusion studios with my wife to celebrate our anniversay; We were impressed from the start of the day, when we were met by the friendly staff, who gave us a free glass of bucks fizz to relax; throughout the time we were at the studios, from the make up session (which my wife loved!) through to the photo shoot, we had a lot of fun with the staff; everyone was very professional and really wanted to ensure that our own ideas were incorporated into the pictures; the result were fantastic, a set of photos that we can look back on, with great memories of a great day out i would thoroughly recommend fusion to anyone who wants to be treated like celebs for the day! read more

Sadly there is no zero star rating. Cheap, rude, nasty unprofessional make up artists delivering a cheap nasty unprofessional service. No client interaction and more small print and hidden 'extras' than an Easter Bunny on crack. A totally horrendous and unenjoyable 'experience. If you're thinking of buying this on a Groupon or Wowcher deal DON'T!!!!!! SERIOUSLY DO NOT!!!!! Research other companies in Manchester first as I guarantee from personal experience that ANY other company ANYWHERE will deliver a better deal and better customer service than these clowns!!!! read more

Im sat looking at some of these reviews and im not sure if we went to the same place, I mean sure the prices r high but u pay for quality, the staff were great, the make up n hair stylists were fantastic, my fiance looked absolutly stunning, not only was I offered drinks several times I must have ended up having a full bottle of bucks fizz, the studio is fine im not sure wat ppl expected , id like to thank fusion studios for a great day read more

Kept us waiting for 3 hours after the shoot was done and then dropped the bomb shell that the photos would cost £2000 (we would have walked out well before if we had known that). We are now struggling to get our £50 deposit back because we didn't purchase the photos. A bunch of unprofessional morans! If you do go be prepared that if you wish to purchase all the photos, you will be expected to pay 4 figures.. read more

Please beware, the company is appalling! Takes more money out of your account than original authorised. If you have given them your card/bank details then report to your bank immediately to prevent payment from being authorised. I have reported them to Trading Standards and hope that more people do the same. The company is criminal. read more

I went to Fusion Studios at the weekend with my best friend for her 30th birthday, I want to say a massive THANKYOU to all the staff who made us feel so welcome. The makeup looked gorgeous and the pictures were fantastic. A really special occassion made even more so. Great day out. read more

Well I was there with my boyfriend and the service we received was excellent. We were treated really well, my make up perfect and it was everything we thought it was gonna be. Can't fault the service read more