REVIEW: Portrait Studios (Target, Portrait Innovations & Picture People)

Submitted by Urbandale Mom

I had my daughter's picture taken every month during her first year (crazy - I know...and a LOT of work). But we had a chance to try out a few places.

We've used Target, Portrait Innovations and The Picture People. I've had the best luck with Portrait Innovations and The Picture People.

Of course it depends on the day, your child's mood and the photographer you get...but for not-so-professional/affordable pics, Portrait Innovations and The Picture People are my top picks.

Target is so hit or miss (Will they be on schedule? Will the photographer have a clue?)

The Picture People at Merle Hay and at Jordan Creek both have limited sets and limited poses, which means you really have to tell them what you want or they will just stick to the same five poses/sets they always do. They also give a bigger sales pitch here than Portrait Innovations. But there is never a sitting fee and you can bank on a free 8x10 or 10x16 coupon. I joined their Smile Club, which paid for itself the very first time I ordered.

The only downfalls at Portrait Innovations are a) the studios are open to the waiting area (so my daughter was always more interested in wanting to go play with the kids out there - or look at them instead of smiling at the camera); and b) they offer a great deal if you only pick one pose (but they take so many pictures you are bound to fall in love with lots more than one). If you can't help yourself and buy a bunch of poses, it's still pretty reasonable. And when you get to a certain amount they give you a CD with every pose on it!