the Price of Christmas Portraits

My mother has been telling us for years that all she wants is a nice family picture to send out during Christmas. We called a portrait studio in the local mall to set up a time and date. All we wanted was a few pictures to choose from, and for them to print the cards. We went there that day in outfits that we chose, and the photographer had us sit in the back room while he prepared the stage area. When he was ready for us, he directed us into different poses that he thought would be acceptable for a Christmas card. Once he took about 20-30 photos he brought us near the computer where we browsed through the pictures he took. We got to look through the pictures a few times before we had to choose which one we wanted to be on the card. After making a decision, they fixed it up a little bit in one of the computer programs, and showed us a few background choices. They had some nice things to choose from. We made the decision and they printed us a sample of what the final product would look like. They then gave us the option of waiting for the rest of the cards to print or to come back tomorrow to get them. We waited and got to leave with the cards that night.

It was a little silly and awkward going into this place to pose for pictures. We had never done anything like that before so we were all a little uneasy to begin with. The photographer was a young guy, and right after he started taking our pictures he told us that it was his last day, and he was thrilled that we were his last clients. This made us all a little unhappy because we thought he really wasn't giving it his all. He somewhat rushed us out of there. He also made us do some corny poses, and didn't give us a chance to tell him what we really wanted. I think it would have been a much better experience had we gotten a more committed photographer. We knew this guy was not into it at all. The thing that was really good about the service was being able to look at the pictures immediately after, because if they were really awful we would have been able to take more. I also thought it was great that we got to get the prints that night. I guess this is possible with new technology, but it was really convenient and made the whole process pretty easy. I don't think I would go to a portrait place again, just because the poses were corny, but at least it was not too expensive for what we got.

If we were going to do this again, I think we would do a little research on what to wear and where to go. We ended up wearing these dorky matching outfits that just looked bad against a white background. If we knew what the background was going to be we would have possibly changed into something else. I think the portrait taking altogether is something that is more fitting for children, instead of a family full of adults. We looked a little cheesy making those silly poses. Next time I think we will just get a friend to photograph us in a natural setting. If matching outfits and silly poses are what you are looking for, make sure to look at samples of a portrait places work before you waste time going over there. Also, be specific about the type of photographer you want so you don't end up with someone who a disinterested in producing quality photos, and is just trying to finish his last day at work. If you are dissatisfied, don't be afraid to demand that they re-take some photographs. I know $90 is not that much, but you still deserve to get the best for your money.