Recommendations on a Good Children's Photographer

[Rhonda Dunaway]

I want to get some spring phototgraphs taken of my son. Does anyone have any recommendations on good children's photographers? I'd like to find someone that isn't too horribly expensive. I've heard good things about Portrait Innovations. Has anyone used them? What did you think?

[wigington01]

We love 'Portrait Innovations', but of course you do get what you pay for. They are expensive and we always seem to spend more then what we planned, and yet they are still worth it. We regularly have sessions at JC Penny’s for our kids’ monthly photos, but at times we have opted for P.I. for more special occasions, holidays, family portraits, etc.

What we love most is that they were the first ones we used that used true digital photography. We were able to see instantly and clearly our pictures and manipulate them to get some great ending photos. But the best part of digital photography is that while we may not get print-outs of each pose, we can and have always purchased the CD option so we can have a copy of all the photos/poses they took that day. (It can be an expensive option to purchase the CD, but it is very well worth the cost.)

We have not yet had a bad session with them, unlike some others. But they always seem to be busy when we make our appointments. We have been to both the Village Pointe and Shadow Lake offices. The Shadow Lake office seems smaller, but that could merely be special arrangements.

We were hoping we could have found time to go to a friend’s fundraiser, whom was having a Photo Party hosted by a local Glenwood photographer, Ashley Lund, so that I could give you first hand knowledge, but alas it was not to be.
http://www.freewebs.com/thedyerbaby/fundraisers.htm

In conclusion, 'Portrait Innovations' is great, but way too expensive for regular photos. JC Penny’s (Shadow Lake and the new Council Bluffs location) are great so far. And so far Sears and K-Mart have been disasters. I do not need to detail any Picture People stories, because no love lost, they have all disappeared.

[Rhonda Dunaway]

Thanks so much for your reply, wigington01! You gave me all the information I need to know. I think I will book Portrait Innovations this time because what with moving and everything that's been happening in the last year, we haven't had any photographs of our son taken in awhile, and I want something special. Thanks for the tip on J.C. Penney. I'll have to give them a try, as well, maybe for the next photo session.

I have to agree with you about The Picture People - no big loss. They took some of the worst pictures I have ever seen. They regularly chopped off parts of my son's face in photos. They could never seem to center anything either.

Believe it or not, Glamour Shots took some of the best pictures of my son to date. Two Easters ago, they took some wonderful photos of him holding a real bunny, wearing a leather motorcycle jacket and riding a miniature Harley, wearing a football uniform. They may, in fact, be the best photos I'll ever have, but they were extremely expensive. They were well worth it, but it's just not an option I can use with any frequency.

[Moderator]

I checked around and couldn't find any current coupons for Portrait Innovations, but they have a "Portrait Package Special Offer" for $9.99 listed on their website that they usually run:

http://www.portraitinnovations.com/special_offers.html

Not a bad price for everything you get, so just ask for this deal when you make your appointment.

[krisepps]

My friend is a photographer and she is awesome, She will come to you for next to nothing and her pictures are not only awesome they are very reasonable check out her website. She did my engagment, bridal and family photos.
http://www.atsphotos.com/
Just tell her Epps gave you her name....which is Amy by the way.


Good luck
Kris

[bethany]

My recommendation: http://www.makimages.com/

[mama2riley]

kelleyryden.com
ellabellaphotography.com
I've used both of them and have had wonderful experiences and fantastic photos.

A friend used Laurie and Charles and they do nice portraits as well.