Image via WikipediaWith Christmas here we are in the buying season for family portraits to share with others. Before you dash off the to "Big Box" retail outlet in the department or discount store. There are a few tips and tricks to look for, so here goes (By the way I used to be a studio manager at one of these places).TOP 10 WAYS TO GET THE MOST OUT OF THE DEPARTMENT OR DISCOUNT STORE PORTRAIT STUDIO.
10. Have a coupon in hand. There are plenty of deals out there. Go online and register and some will come your way via email.
9. If it's what you want, stick to the coupon. They really have some super coupon offers that just can't be beat.
8. Be careful of "The Pitch". The sales associate will do their best to get you to spend at least $100, especially since their goal is $100 per person. If they think you are a sucker they'll go higher because they have to make up for the person who only uses the coupon.
7. Now compared to private portrait photography companies, even if you spend $200+ with the big box studio, it's still a tremendous deal.
6. However, if you compare photography and photographers with the private studios, you'll see a huge difference in the quality. The 18 year old young person at the big box studio just doesn't have the experience level.
6. If you can (and you usually can't especially if they are busy. ) pick which photographer you want to photograph your family. Ask other customers which one they like the best and come back some weeknight when they are the only one working.
5. Find the photographer with the most experience. It's hard to do because nine out of 10 times you will probably have just as much experience as your photographer. One company in particular mainly hires anyone whom they think can sell portraits, no matter how bad the portraits may be.
4. Be very careful of the smooth talking low experienced photographer. They get by because they are so good at sales they are able to make you think their photography is very good.
5. Know that they expect to spend 10 minutes in the camera room and 20 minutes upselling you.
4. Know that they schedule their "sits" every 10 minutes on Saturday and Sunday.
3. This time of year, be prepared to wait your turn. They are going as fast as they can but not every photo session will be 10 minutes.
2. Stay away from specialty items or photo events. It's just a way to get you to spend more
1. If you can put up with all the inconvenience and have the patience of Job and get an experienced photographer who will not badger you with high pressure sales tactics, the Big Box Discount and Department Store Portrait Studios are a great deal. Bottom line: YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.
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