Choosing Portrait Studios
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10 Things to Consider when selecting a Portrait Studio
1. Portrait Creativity
Does the portrait studio have the standard backgrounds that you can find anywhere, or do they go out of their way to make a scene memorable by creating a realistic looking scene? Is their scene and/or background well maintained? A lot of things can be fixed in PhotoShop, but it's better, and usually cheaper, if the picture turns out without the extra work of hiding nicks and scratches in the background and props.
While all studios expect you to come ready for your portraits, some will also provide costumes to take an extra special photograph. Look for things like fairy, princess, and knight costumes, tuxedos, and western garb.
Props can add a lot to a photograph. Many children's photography studios have a selection of props available. A good studio will swap them out regularly to keep people wanting to come back.
2. Guarantee
Does the portrait studio guarantee their work? What happens if you are unhappy with your photos? Will they offer to reshoot your pictures or in the worst case, be willing to refund your money without giving you a hassle?
3. Delivery Time
One of the biggest advantages of digital versus film photography is the amount of time it takes to get your prints back. If a studio is digital and they have the necessary printer, they can usually get your photos back to you within an hour. It actually only takes 15-20 minutes to print your photos, but based on the volume that they are doing, your pictures might be waiting for a few others to finish before your's can be started. If they are still using film, or if they don't have a mini lab onsite, then you'll probably have to wait a few weeks to get your photos back. In this case, ask them if they can give you a proof sheet sooner. A proof sheet is usually an 8x10 sheet of paper with all of your photos on them. Each photo is about the size of a negative.
4. Customer Service
How is their customer service? Did they greet you and make you feel welcome from the moment you set foot into their studio until you left? How did they handle any issues you might have had? Did your photographer interact with everyone, especially the people actually being photographed?
5. Special Effects
What special effects can they do? Special effects might be things like adding fireflies to a photo that your child tries to touch, adding a ripple to a pond prop, showing a front and profile view of the subject being photographed, and many other things. The sky is the limit, especially when digital cameras are used.
6. Online Portrait Gallery
Do they have an online portrait gallery? This is often a convenient way to see what they can do for you without the hassle of talking to a salesman. Is their website friendly and easy to use? If so, then chances are that they will be friendly and easy to use.
7. Frames
Not all portrait studios sell frames. If you are planning on framing a few of your pictures, then it's convenient if you can buy both at the same store. Also, the photography studio will probably put your pictures in the frame for you. Many will also give you a discount if you buy the frames along with the photos to go in them.
8. Novelty Products
Do they offer novelty products such as mugs and mouse pads with you or your child's picture on them? These are usually outsource to another company so it will tend to take several weeks to get them back. If they do it themselves, they can usually get it to you much quicker. These types of products work great for presents for parents and grandparents.
9. Special Borders and Cards
Are they able to add a custom border to your pictures to add that extra unique touch? Can they create a holiday, birthday, or birth announcement card with your pictures? If they shoot digitally, they probably can, and you might save a little money by not having to buy a bunch of Hallmark cards plus the photos.
10. Price
Usually, you get what you pay for. Special effects, props, fancy backdrops and scenes will increase your price a little. Depending on what you're looking for, it may well be worth it. If all you need is a picture for your travel visa, then any studio will do. If you're looking for something special for your family or children, then you should consider the more creative studios, which might cost more but will be worth it in the long run.
About the Author
Brian Broderick (http://www.brianbroderick.com) is a semi-pro nature photographer and the creator of The Lens Flare. His hobbies include hiking, skiing, and computer graphics, and is currently a web programmer.
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