I've never been to one, but am thinking of taking my 4-month-old to the Target portrait studio. Is that too young? Will she be scared? Are they good with kids, or are they like the young, rude, surly cashiers up front? :)
2007-03-22 06:38:21 · 12 answers · asked by clueless: please be kind 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
LOL I took my little girl to our portrait studio at 4 DAYS old. She's now 7 months old and has had her pictures done 4 times since then. She's practically a pro. We go to a semi-expensive studio in a mall (Flash Digital Portraits) and they do a wonderful job every time. They consult me over the phone when I make the appointment, give suggestions on outfits/colors and such. Then on the day of the pictures they put in a good 45 minutes to photograph her, get a variety of expressions and poses and make sure that they get some great shots. They have always been very wonderful to her and take great care to make sure she's happy and comfortable. If you aren't comfortable with the people at Target try checking out other studios in your area...I'm sure you'll find one you love! My picture on my profile is one I had done of my little girl a few weeks ago, I think it's adorable, but then again, I'm a little biased :)
2007-03-22 06:55:15 · answer #1 · answered by totspotathome 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I worked in a portrait studio and I can tell you that people take their babies there as early as conception (mom's pregnancy pics). I don't think that 4 months is too young...trust me, 4 years will be way more difficult! You might as well get your child comfortable with the studio experience now if you want any good pictures of her as a toddler. Some of the photographers will be great with your baby and others will likely be rude, like those cashiers. The important thing is to ask for exactly what you want. Make sure that you ask for a photographer that specializes in infants. We (photographers) all have our different strengths and some photographers are just better at getting good pics of infants than others. Also, make sure that you do not go during a busy time. Infants and toddlers cannot wait very long to have their picture taken. They get fussy and if there is a long waiting time you and your baby will grow to hate the whole experience. Trust me, there are almost always backed up lines in the portrait studio...you can imagine that parents will not leave until they get the perfect pic of their child...as it should be! If you can't get in during a time that's slow, book two sittings. It will be worth it, trust me. Just make sure that you're baby is comfortable and the photographer will handle all the rest! Good luck!
2007-03-22 12:35:35 · answer #2 · answered by ? 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I've only been to Sears studio, but they are great with the kids there. They have signs up all over the place reminding people that they work on "baby time."
My biggest complaint would be that they absolutely insist on taking a minimum of 6 pictures so that they can try to upsell you all sorts of things. There have been times that near the end there is just no way my baby is going to stay how they want or give a smile so I've really had to insist that they just take the friggin picture and be done with it.
You know your baby's best time of day, so just make sure that you get an appointment that corresponds to that, and try not to ever go on a weekend to get pics taken because they're a bit more rushed because they're busier.
2007-03-22 06:50:08 · answer #3 · answered by Heather Y 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a portrait studio photographer ! I have learned most people in these superstore studios only do it to collect a check . My only concern any where would be that you make sure that you child is in safe poses and that you are right next to them at all times. Most studios practice a saftey method where you have your hand on your infant at all times ( incognito of course). So if you go in and feel during the session that your childs safty is in jepordy say someting! I have had week old babies in my stuido before, But usually at one month is a great time to start photos in studio's. and then every 3 months as they change soo much. Enjoy that baby..ps make sure it is not nap or feeding time when the appointment is scheduled
2007-03-23 08:53:41 · answer #4 · answered by kristy M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We started going when she was 3 months old. I've been to JCPenney's, Sears, and the Portrait People. I like the Portrait People the best but they are the most expensive of the three. Your experience really does depend on the photographer's skills/experience, and the mood your baby is in that day. I have had really good pictures taken and not so good pictures taken.
2007-03-22 07:24:46 · answer #5 · answered by Megan J 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I took my daughter when she was about 4 mons. as well and it was so nerve-wracking! We went to the mall (Picture People) on a weekday and it wasn't very busy, but I don't think they were very friendly. Everyone was just doing their job while I was worried that she might be getting tired/fussy and not smiling. You need to time it right so the baby's in a good mood and not worry if the pics don't turn out well (they're not smiling, etc.) b/c they are just babies. I think next time I will try Sears or JC Penney.
2007-03-23 05:44:32 · answer #6 · answered by audrey_ariana 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the people working there that day. I had a great experience at the JCPenney portrait studio, but my friend had such a horrible experience at the same location that she refused to go back.
2007-03-22 06:48:37 · answer #7 · answered by Cindy J 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Check around with friends and family to see what studios they have been to and see what they say.
My sister-in-law wanted to have the whole family's picture taken for my mother-in-law's birthday, she took a recommendation from my other sister-in-law about some lady she met in a Mexican restaurant restroom (there were margaritas involved). The lady photographer showed up for our session drunk. It was her birthday, but still it wasn't very professional. I wish the first sister-in-law would have been a little more choosy. Most of the photographs were sub par from that session and the photographer wouldn't work with us on prices even though we didn't like most of them. Do your research.
2007-03-22 08:15:02 · answer #8 · answered by smoothie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe you should try a more baby friendly place like Kiddie Kandids or Babies"R"Us studio. And if the photographers there do their job they should be able to get a smile out of her not a sob.
2007-03-22 17:06:09 · answer #9 · answered by ♡ kalila♡ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've been to 2. They try to move quickly and keep the young ones occupied and happy. Doesn't always work. Good luck
2007-03-22 08:48:37 · answer #10 · answered by biscuitperifrank 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋