We took the kids in to get their pictures done today. We've used this place twice in the past and have always been astounded with how great they are. They encourage props from home and clothing changes and ask for our input, rather than the "stand here, look here" snap, over and over at a lot of places. That's why we go there, we LOVE being able to personalize the kids pics and show what they're into right now (dd was playing dress up in a few one year, we have a poignant one of ds looking at his grandfather's pocket watch, etc.). The last two times we've been, the pictures were so great that we agonized over which ones to get, dropped way too much money, etc.
Today was a totally different experience. First off, they called and informed us we were limited to one outfit change. Ok, well, not perfect but we can work with that no problem. Next, if we are over 10 min late we'll have to reschedule. I can COMPLETELY understand and respect this, and it makes a lot of sense when you're scheduling appointments. So we had our stuff, were out the door and ended up getting there 3 min late (parking was a nightmare). They were running so behind that it was 30 min after our scheduled time before they got to us. No call before we left, no notice once we were there, just wait - which is why the 10 min late thing that they emphasized in the call is a bit annoying. But we can go with that, it happens.
The photographer calls us in. She immediately starts positioning the kids and snapping pictures. I finally get a second to shove a flower in dd's hand from the garden. "Not yet!" the photographer snapped at me and handed it back, then was clearly annoyed that we wanted props in the pictures. She did get better about this as it progressed and lost the attitude. All of the poses were very "non-traditional" - ds laying down with dd leaning over him and both looking up, traditional pics taken at funny angles, etc. We like non-traditional but we also wanted to get a few good, solid photos. Many of the older generations do not like the non-trad stuff as well. She seemed very determined to get the shots that she wanted, and what we requested was pretty much ignored. She insisted on using the same brown background for all shots.
At the last, the kids had seen a small chaise lounge they wanted to have a picture done on. They'd watched the previous shoot use it and thought it was neat. We had them dressed in "school" outfits more, the boy in a long sleeved color blocked 3 button polo and tan jeans, the girl in blue jeans, a bright pink ls shirt and a black jacket. Granted the jacket is of a leather like material, but it's a nice, fitted zip up blazer type - more of a stylish, trendy look than anything else. I mentioned that the kids would like a photo on the couch if that would be possible. "Your children look too gangster for that!" Excuse me? Wth does that mean? Because dd has a black fitted jacket on it makes my 5 and 7 year old children look "gangster"? And what is that exactly? She did go ahead and take one pic of each child on the lounge though.
We went to look at the pictures. They were terrible. The one of DS on the chaise lounge was good, really good, the only good one of him actually. But it was tilted which made it look really wierd given the more serious setting in the pic. Half of the ones of dd had her looking down (intentionally) or side view. There were 1-2 of her that were "ok". We left without buying anything and rescheduled. An hour and a half wasted when time is the last thing we have to waste right now what with the upcoming move and all.
Would you be unhappy with this?
