Baby Land

My husband and I often chuckle when we realize that we've already taken more photos of our daughter than exist of us for an entire childhood. Thanks to the advances of digital photography, it's easy to snap photo after photo of our children. We decided that not only would we take lots of photos ourselves, but that we would take her to be photographed professionally every three months for the "milestone" photos - 3, 6, 9 months and so on. We also snuck in an extra Easter session recently at a studio that we don't normally use. Now that I've had experiences with multiple studios (some great, some less than stellar), it got me thinking about all the options and extras that are available.

What should you look for in a professional studio? Here are a few ideas of things to consider...

Availability of appointments - Most photo studios are open from mid-morning (10ish) to early evening (7ish) to accommodate most any schedule. It was easy to make an appointment at both Studio #1 and Studio #2. With Studio #2, I was able to make my appointment online - very easy and convenient. I also received an e-mail reminder of my session. I did not have a problem getting the time I wanted at either location, but Studio #2 only made appointments on the hour, while Studio #1 had them in 15 minute increments.

Clothing changes - Both studios allowed us to bring a change of clothing for the session, two if we'd like.

Number of employees on hand - When children are involved, you have a limited window of opportunity for great photos. What you don't want is a break in the session for an employee to have to tend to other customers - for appointment scheduling, pick-ups, etc. We experienced this twice during our visit to Studio #2 - there was only one employee working that day. We also had to wait to place our order while she did another shoot. They did have two studio rooms, but only one was in use. I could feel my blood pressure rising by the minute... Studio #1 also had two studio rooms, but each time we've been there they have had a minimum of four photographers on hand. They rotate - one shoots while the other works with the family they have just taken photos of to help them select their prints. This keeps things moving without making anyone feel rushed or neglected.

Viewing photos - At Studio #1, we viewed our photos on a big screen TV immediately following the session. We were able to see all of the shots that were taken, to view poses side by side and electronically select and mark off favorites and bad shots. We could view special effects with the click of a mouse... very easy! At Studio #2, we had to wait about 10-15 minutes for our photographer to "prepare" the photos for our viewing. We only saw the "good" poses she had selected for us and the effects that she had added. It was on a smaller screen and selection/ordering was done on paper.

Packages - Most studios lure you in with the promise of a large photo package for a cheap price - $4.99 to $9.99. In that one pose package, you get a variety of sizes. At the first studio I used, the $9.99 package got me a 10x13, two 8x10s, four 5x7s, four 3x5s and 32 wallets. Great deal! Each additional sheet was a set price after that depending upon the total purchase amount. I was able to select any number of poses and in every instance was able to get the "special effects" - softened edges, black & white, etc. - included in the price. Easy as pie and I walked out feeling like I had tons of photos for a great price, plus a photo CD free of charge! The second studio's $4.99 package included one 8x10, one 5x7, four 3x5s, four wallets and 16 "minis". My first problem with this package is that it isn't very many photos and several are in sizes that aren't typical in 2009 - minis and 3x5s? My second problem was that this "special offer" could not be combined with any other deal. If you took the special, all additional sheets were $20/each, no matter how many you purchased (plus special effects and the cost for a photo CD).

Availability of Photo CD - While I always end up purchasing way too many prints, I also want to make sure I have the images electronically - to e-mail to friends, to post on Facebook and to update my baby website. Studio #1 makes it very easy to "earn" a free photo CD - understanding this is a popular option. Studio #2 made me feel like it would take an act of congress to get the price down to $30. $30! If I spent $200+, I could buy it for $30. Gee, thanks. I would check into the photo CD option prior to selecting a studio.

Same-day photos - Some of the local photo studios offer same-day printing of your photos. Other studios offer this service for an additional charge per sheet, and still others take the traditional 10 business days. If you need your photos for a special occasion or just can't wait to have them in-hand, be sure you know the studio's policy going in to avoid disappointment. Studio #1 offered 20 minute service - we had lunch then swung back by to pick up. Studio #2 offered same-day service for an extra $3 per sheet - otherwise the order was sent off and could be picked up two weeks later.

Ability to reach by phone - I do not consider myself a high maintenance customer. I do expect to be able to reach the studio by phone at least half of the time without going through to an answering machine. I had to call Studio #2 back several times - to retrieve my online viewing information (their connection was down while we were there), to order additional sheets and to pay for my additional order. I called several times and reached the machine (which you can hear people leaving messages on in the waiting area - so watch what you say!). I decided to try their 1-800 number to ask a question, and I was on hold for 15 minutes before being told that I did indeed have to speak with someone local - "let me give you their number...". Thanks, buddy. Studio #1 has had a person that answered the phone every time I've tried to call to make an appointment or to inquire about reprints.

There is a lot to consider when seeking that "perfect" photo experience... the right time (schedule around naps!), the right outfit, the right mood. You can help make things easier on yourself by choosing a photo studio you feel comfortable with - one less thing to worry about!