So years ago we had our kids' photos done here back when they were at their larger location on N Main St in Victoria Gardens. So we decided it was time for some professional family photos so we went opted to go to Picture People. We learned they were in a new smaller location but didn't think much of it. We set an appointment, bought formal outfits for the kids, my wife had her make up professionally done, etc.
Apparently the Picture People business model has changed. The employees were polite enough. The photographer - a young female with an average digital camera took us back to the studio and proceeded to set us up for photos. My wife and I told her that we and the two kids, 7 and 10, should all be smiling...First background/pose, she snaps one photo, she glances at her camera screen..."looks good" she says. Moves on to second background, same thing...one snap, "great" she says and proceeds to do about 10 backgrounds total, taking no more than 1-2 snaps per background. I'm thinking "wow, we must be a photogenic family." We finish our 20 min session and proceed to the front to preview these awesome photos....wrong!
In nearly every photo, 3 of us are smiling, but my son has the most serious face I've ever seen! We were clearly disappointed and literally did not have one usable photo. After some negotiation, they agreed to allow to pick our favorite background/pose and try again. This time we coach our kids, and she takes maybe 3 photos and proclaims to be done. I'm thinking why can't she take more snaps...the digital snap doesn't cost them anything. This time I ask to see the photos to ensure we got a decent one this time before ending the session. She explains that she can't let us see them cause if they did that with every customer it would take way too long. So we go back to the front to see the photos and at least this time we're all smiling. However, my wife had a weird shadow on her face caused by a strand of hair. Again, how did the photographer not notice this, let alone not notice my son not smiling in the previous pics?? The gentleman up front (possible a manager) said he would photoshop the shadow out for $35. They charge $35 per face BTW. Begrudgingly we agreed only because we had already spent so much time and money prepping for this.
When it came time to select a package there did not appear to be any clear packages or pricing...just pricing per different sized prints and/or digital. We agreed to buy just a few, only because of the time and money already spent. So finally, we go a couple days later to pick up the prints. I kid you not I've printed better photos from my HP ink jet!!
All in all this was a big waste of time and money. We ultimately went home, set up my iPhone, and did some photos in our living room. No lie, these came out better than what we got at Picture People. read more
