So I want to get a first year professional photoshoot for the girls (hubby thinks its soo fobby but hes just a debbiedowner hehe) and I want to know what actually happens and does anyone have any exp with sears or jcpenny (which one is better?). Obviously I don’t want something uberexpensive because its more for the sake of memory than anything. Props ideas or any info u can share would be amazing.
Thanks 
Re: Professional Baby pics
I get my sons shots taken at Sears. They turn out really well which is why I keep going back there.
What happens is that they take pictures of the baby/kids with different backgrounds, props, etc.
The first time I got my sons photos taken he was 3 months old and it was winter time. I took two outfits and got him changed in between cause I didn't want the phots all in the same outfit. They had a really nice winter background, and he had a warm hat on, and the photographer put him in all sorts of cute poses. In his second outfit, she sat him in a basket.
For his first birthday photo shoot, we did a few different backgrounds.
They do a lot of enhancements to the photos on the spot. Like they will put it into a collage, adjust the colours, make it two-tone, sephia, black and white and will show you what it will look like on the computer. Then you decide if you want to buy it or not.
It's really hard to resist buying a lot of photos. The first time round, I got a really expensive package, but I only got 2 photo enlargments the next time. I will be taking him again in a few weeks. :p
I'm all for Sears which is why I keep going back there, but maybe you have more variety in the States?
One thing I do not like is that they don't give you CD of the photos, unless you want to pay $300 for the Cd alone.
Re: Professional Baby pics
how about with a photographer not at sears? has anyone had a professional family shoot done? would you consider having one done?
this girl is such a favourite of mine for family photos- she takes such beautiful pictures!
Calgary baby photography * Tate at 6 days old - Orange Girl Photographs * Banff Wedding Photographer
http://www.orangegirlphotographs.com/portfolio.cfm?galleryID=9
watch out though with the above link- a couple of her pics are of mommy’s babies not wearing any clothes! tastefully done, in that can’t you see anything private, but the implication is still there. and the rest of the pics are well worth a look see!
Re: Professional Baby pics
There are a lot of good private photographers out there. Unfortunately, they aren't exactly reasonably priced. Sears was more affordable for me, but, I know other families that have gotten really gorgeous photos taken privately and if you can afford it, then why not?
Re: Professional Baby pics
^ true, its about $400 for a family shoot. but that does include prints and a CD usually so it might be worth it.
Re: Professional Baby pics
The ones i asked were asking for $500 and upwards. i was like, are you kidding me? I think not. oh well. if you find a great deal, then grab it!!
Re: Professional Baby pics
Thankyou so much mehnaz.. I think ill go with sears. Im so excited to take the girls for their pic!!! I hope they behave. On their website, they say u can bring ur own props... did u?? I was thinking of taking gerbera stems and a few cupcakes and having them use that as a prop.
Professional photographers are amazing but soooo expensive. I def wouldn't mind working with one but I want a memory.. not a debt hehe... I was googling prof photographers but they charge an arm and a leg (in their defense, I realize this is thier means of income or part of it).
Re: Professional Baby pics
If you are in US, Picture People are the best . We have been doing yearly portraits with them from last 7/8 years and results are outstanding although depends a lot on the photographer too. Get their yearly membership.
Re: Professional Baby pics
I have gotten them done at Sears and at JcPenney at the ones at Penneys came out beautiful - even better than the other professional studios
Re: Professional Baby pics
Decent- How are the picture people price-wise? I have seen picture people in my mall but i just assumed they were super expensive
Re: Professional Baby pics
not too expensive. Join their yearly club, you will get coupons too. Also remember, you get what you pay for holds valid in US.