How are the walmart Portrait Studios?

[QponClippinQueen]

I want to take DS to get some pics taken this weekend but as usual I'm behind. Our WM has a portrait studio and it's like $7.99 for a package so I was thinking a great deal on my budget so how is the quality?

[jennireesa]

I was wondering the same thing! Also, if anyone knows the turnaround time to get the pics back at WM? Is there anyplace (besides Olan Mills...they are $$$$) that you can get the pics right away?

[QponClippinQueen]

If i'm not mistaken Sears can print out some on the spot

[SouthernBelle5]

The turnaround is usually 2 weeks but they may have it shorter around Christmas (I can't remember last yr). I have used them quite a bit and I would say the quality is fine. Of course, the photographer does make a difference (esp with little ones) but I have always been pleased and usually have a hard time narrowing down my choices.

FYI: They will try to sell you modified pics with the child's name across the photo or a collage but every time I tell them I am here for the special and they are fine with it.

HTH!

[Mama Stu]

If you have a Target around, they have the same kind of deals and coupons for no sitting fees at all. We had a picture taken there of some of the grandchildren and they are really good. I also think they are a little better quality than Walmart.

[jennsvs]

I have used them in the past and have been very unhappy with the experience. The quality has been fine. It is the photographers that are awful. I have been to 6 different ones. They seem like they aren't trained well. My son is a very easy kid to take pictures of. He is a big ham. However, if you take forever to take the picture he will get mad. It seems that the photographers are very inexperienced. Even ones that have worked there a long time. I have only met one that was actually good. We were in and out quickly and the pics were great. Then, the next time, she was gone. If you do go there, ask who is the best with little kids and make the appointment with them. You are probably too late now to get the pics by Christmas. I think the last time I had them done there, it was a 1 1/2 week turn around time. Also if you do have them done there and you want just the cheap package, tell them. They will try to say that they have to take all the extras, but they don't. I always say, we can do it my way or in about 30 seconds you are going to have a very crabby kid and you'll never get done. Usually they are so busy this time of year that they want you out of there.

The past few years, I have been taking my son to WalMart when they do the free pics with Santa. I alway take my own camera and take my own picture. They turn out great. This year they have been offering a package deal when you have the picture taken with Santa. I think most stores are doing it again this weekend. I got a lot of cards, wallets, 5x7s, and 3 1/2 x 5s for $10. I ordered 2 packages. They were done in 15 minutes and the quality was great. You can either use their picture or your own.

[jenrose]

I used them alot when DS1 was younger. But then I discovered that you can get much better pictures for almost the exact same price at JC Penny or even Sears.

They have the kids sit ontop of a table at Walmart or up on a stool and it can be intimidating for the younger kids. And the camera is stationary so you don't get much variety of camera angles. Walmart I would compare with what you get for school photos.

At JC Penny they sit on the floor or if a large group then on stools. The camera is hand held so they get a much better variety of photos and the kids take to it much better.

If you have a JC Penny in the area go to the website and print out their Q's for free sitting fee etc. The have a package deal or you can just get 3.99 sheets which to me is way better since you can get the sizes you need and the quanity you need.

[norasmomma]

They can be pretty nice, I've taken DD there since she was a baby. Last time though the woman took too long, and she got bored, so she wouldn't respond very well. Totally depends on the photographer.

My turnaround for pics has been about a week. They always try to up-sell, sometimes it's something cute, I got a Sepia 11x13 of DD for $5 or so last time.

[wvmommy]

As previous posters have said, it does depend alot on the photographer. We have had DS pictures taken by 3 different ones there. The first one was fantastic. The last two were horrible. The quality is fine. I agree too that they do try and up-sell. They'll end up taking lots of poses and try to get you to buy a big package. We did do that for DS first Christmas and were pleased. They took about 2 weeks to receive.

[BARGINSHOPS]

I had my sons pics done a while ago and haven't been back since. The color quality was horrible and he was so far away in the pic he looked tiny.