Portrait Innovations

Took my son here for his 18 month pictures. Was pleased with the backdrops, photographer and quality of the photos. It seemed everything was great until it came time to purchase. We liked almost all of the pictures and poses and when our total print purchase started creeping higher and higher the photographer said if we made a minimum print order of $ 200, we could get a CD of all the images for $ 20 (I believe, this was about 6+ months ago so the prices may have been a little different) so that we could print the photos at other places on our own if we so choose. So we took him up on the offer. Get the CD, take it home to order some photo gifts and come to find out, it has their HUGE logo across the whole picture! Called the store, was told it was a mistake and they would make another CD without the logo and call us when ready. However, we received a call from the manager who said they are not allowed to burn the CD’s without logos without consent from upper management/​headquarters who would have to issue us a release. Called headquarters and was told we needed to write an email requesting the release and CD without watermark. Did so, and 6+ months later, no response. I felt like we were scammed into purchasing a higher dollar print package and a CD to «print our own photos» when in actuality, they never intended to give us a CD that we’d be able to use for that purpose. You lost my business.
Also, fix your couches. Both couches were completely broken, one of which had an arm completely fallen off with wood and metal pieces poking out, super unsafe guys.

This place is a rip off. The coupon is fake and it is a scam to get you to come in thinking you will be receiving studio quality photos a dirt cheap price. I would advise you to call and get price information beforehand including detailed information about the coupon and what it really covers. If you decide to still schedule a shoot, take control of the situation in the beginning when you arrive. Ask their prices AGAIN before you even start. Tell them exactly what your expectations are (your price, whether you just want one good family photo or 2 good poses, etc) so that you don’t waste 30 minutes of your life taking uncomfortable and terrible photos that you have no intentions of purchasing. Also if you feel uncomfortable or feel a position ackward, tell the photographer you don’t like it and you would like a better pose. And when you get to the photos, make your sales rep (yes they are sales rep disguised as half *** photographers) enlarges the photos so that you can see whether you blinked or that your bra was showing. They are not going to point out bad photos, because their goal is to sell you every pose. Walk away paying for what you want (because they will try to fast talk you like a telemarketer) and if you are not happy, don’t buy anything. You are not obligated to get ripped off.
My experience: A co-​worker recommended this place to me, whereas she had taken her 2 daughters for a family photo. I was alarmed when she confided that she’d paid over $ 200 for pictures, but everyone’s price point is different so I still decided to check them out. She also informed me that I could just get the $ 20 package they offered, which was more up my alley. I viewed their website, found the $ 19.99 coupon with no sitting fee costs and schedued an appointment for my family photo.
We arrived at the studio unfortunately at the same time there was a massive downpour of rain similar to the Memorial Day torrential rains we experienced at the end of May. Though we parked directly in front of the studio, we all had gotten pretty wet. We were not greeted upon entry, though there was 2 girls at the front desk, one busy with another family and guy in the back of the store (ripping off some other customers). I went to the counter and finally one of the girls asked me if I was checking in and I said yes, gave my information and presented my coupon. Mind you we were not acknowledged until after I’d gone to their restroom and grabbed paper towels in an effort to salvage our outfits and soggy sandal clad feet. Then the girl asked «OK are you ready?» Uhh ok, I’m thinking, we are only drenched so unless you have photoshop that can create photographic miracles, I think we need to dry off first! I politely informed her we were soaked and were going to need a minute to dry.
Ten minutes later (maybe 5 honestly) were whisked into the 1^st studio by the same girl. She made us sit in odd uncomfortable positions and did not provide any real guidance or feedback to ensure that we obtained the best photos. After the uncomfortable photo session, we viewed the photos. We sat at a table with a large flat screen tv that that displayed all of the poses we had taken, but they were so small you could not see which ones were bad shots. She kept asking me which ones I wanted to keep, all the while I was wondering why the price in the top corner of screen said $ 379.99. After going through several photos I finally stopped the girl and told her I thought I was purchasing 1 family photo for $ 20.00. That was what the coupon said and i was confused why we were selecting poses about the price on the screen. I finally got the price down to $ 90.00 which included 1 family photo set, 4 individual sets of ea of my kids and one set of just my kids, plus a family hard cover album, fathers day card and CD of all my photos (bad and good ones). Somehow I still felt ripped off, I think because the session felt rushed, our poses were ackward and made the photos look bad and mainly because of the false advertising on the coupon. I will not be returning.

This was our first and last time the staff was nice we were the first appointment of the day after taking the pictures they go through the sales pitch and up sale seems strange to me that you can not buy the CD nor the photo books. these FREE so called gifts only come with the purchase of 12 sheets or more of photos. What really pissed me off was after waiting for our photos and spending 300.00 plus dollars the guy told me they where too busy for us to view the CD in their store. They get your money and their done with you.

One of the worst places I’ve been too. I wished I had read the reviews before I went here! The guy was almost forcing me to buy pictures. I kept telling him no I didn’t want this or that and he would stare at me so confused and say «really?!! That’s my favorite one??» He was mumbling and I couldn’t understand a word he said. He kept saying he was including free things but my bill came to $ 230. I got home and there was a grammar mistake in my greeting cards and I had a million pictures. I was honestly so uncomfortable there, I just wanted to get out. None of it made any sense. I told him 70 times no for various pictures and items and I still have them in my packet. I have millions of pictures of myself now. I repeated many times to the man I was just wanting one large size picture and some wallet size pictures. I ended up with 7 and a million others. Also whenever I told him no he would not listen. I was basically shouting in the store «no I do not want the picture» and he still went ahead and charged me for it. I am honestly so mad and I was basically tricked. When he told me the price my jaw dropped but I had no idea it was because he basically charged me for things I didn’t want. I left with such a bad taste in my mouth, such bad energy. You couldn’t have gotten me out of there quicker. I will never recommend this place to anyone or set foot in there again! Thanks for wasting my time and money. I will end up throwing out the majority of these pictures. I only gave one star because you can’t give 0.

First time and last time there!
I had the coupon for 19.99 for I think it was 48 pictures package. Well I knew they would try to talk me into a bigger package with more picture but didn’t know it was going to be this bad.
Come to find out after what seemed like 2 hours with kids, that the 19.99 offer is an add on if you buy the higher packages which were about $ 375. I told them there was no way I was spending that much. I planned on about a hundred. They kept playing the elimination game and got me down to $ 250. I really did want thevpicture books and a few other items so I ended up with much bigger pkg then I expected. But then at the end there came the taxes, a handling fee that made no sense, and price with all the extra fees ended up being $ 350.
I got home to look at my pictures and noticed I had way too many wallets that I don’t need and way too many 8×10’s. They have you so confused by the end and your tired that you end up with pictures you don’t want and pay way too much.
Don’t be fooled by their coupons it’s a gimmick and the coupon online doesn’t say anything on it about being an add on.
Tip: you get emails later with offers to buy the other items and it’s cheaper then when you order at their place. Wish I would have know that.

I have always enjoyed my experience here, until very recently and a visit mid 2014. The one in 2014 the gentleman worried too much about his own comfort missing several shots that would have been great! One yr olds do not pose or sit still long enough for you to be ready, I was aggravated so I cut the session short. Selecting the ONE POSE I liked most and had enough. This year (valentines) the «manager» handled us and she made no sense. My oldest daughter who is 21, took her little ones, using a coupon. Making chit chat I explained I had went with my daughter. Because she went a week before I did I was told I could not use the same coupon. «One per family» I explained it was actually 2 DIFFERENT FAMILIES (hers and mine) I mean seriously, if I go to Kohls with a coupon the same day my mother or sister go, we are able to use the coupon. MADE NO SENSE it was 2 DIFFERENT EMAIL ADDRESSES, 2 DIFFERENT HOMES, 2 DIFFERENT COUPONS. She stuck with the «one her family»
I literally wanted to leave that second, But we had already wasted 2 hours there.
So I let it be known I was upset. I paid for my photos and will not return.
Only if they would check their records, they would know, they lost a loyal customer.

What a joke!!!
From the moment I walked in, I should have known. The printing equipment needed to be repaired, the chair was broken, they did not greet us, & they took forever to get us in even with an appointment. The people that took our pictures looked like teenagers, the pictures could not fit into their template because there was not enough space around the subject to center the pictures. With all of this, I decided that I should give them a change and buy a really expensive package.
I purchased the package with the assurance that I would have my pictures prior to Thanksgiving (I ordered them early Nov.). I did not receive a call or an e-​mail, but they send junk mail pretty often. When I called, no one answered the phone, or was placed on hold indefinitely. My husband took time off work to pick up the photos when they opened or around lunch time, but no one was there. He tried a few times to no avail. I tried to file a complaint, but they told me I had to do it at the location that took the photos. A month after placing the order, they were available.
The Christmas cards cropped the subject on one side because the subject was not centered and the words did not appear to glitter/​sparkle as they did on their computer or as advertised online, the pictures were depixalized (the larger the image, the more blurry the picture became), the books were all puckered on the inside covers, and the picture on canvas looked cheap. I didn’t even bother viewing the CD as I was already really let down.
My husband picked them up last night & yes, you’d better believe I’m returning them tomorrow. I’ve had many professional photos done in the past, but this place does not do a professional job.

We have had to come back to fix an issue the last 3 times we got pictures here. Why do we keep coming back? The prices are pretty reasonable and you receive the pictures the same day. The photographers do a good job getting the kids to smile, etc. they are patient with kids who are not in the mood to take pictures. I caution you to check all your photos before you leave. Incorrect images have been printed, my kid’s head cut off of the page, etc. Basically, you get what you pay for. There is no quality control here– better make sure you get the images you ordered and printed correctly.

Best Staff ever. they treated us like old friends, and treated my son like family. The whole staff took turns playing with my son who is 13 months. we were the last appointment for the day. and they were just awesome.

I have actually been going to PI for several years now, initially at the Sunset Valley location. Since they closed, I started driving up to Cedar Park. I ALWAYS make an appointment in advance and I ALWAYS request the first appointment of the day. After that, the place is a total zoo and it is a hectic experience. That is really the nature of picture taking, especially around the holidays. My child is better at the beginning of the day so it works well. After my recent visit I am not sure it is worth the drive even though the prices are good for the amount of photos I need.
First, I know the drill. They have certain pictures they have to take for them to give you the big sales pitch at the end. Since it is November, «room 1» was filled with holiday scenes. When we stepped into the room, I told the photographer that I needed photos on solid backgrounds and I did not want a photo with the tree. In the past when I have done this, the photographer would skip this part and offer to take more of the other types of backgrounds/​poses. This photographer insisted a photo with the tree was required. I repeated I didn’t want that, but when she resisted, I let her go ahead snap a few shots rather than make a scene. Next she said let’s get one standing holding an ornament ok? I repeated that I would prefer no tree photos, but she insisted and my daughter wanted to touch the ornament. She then looked at me and said it was time for the santa hat. At this point I said, «you are not putting a santa hat on my child.» Not to be deterred, she said that we could skip to the santa hand holding a plate of cookies. Once again, I said no. At this point, I thought it was rather culturally insensitive of her to continue offering photos of a religious holiday that not everyone celebrates. She does not know me or my reasons for declining.
At this point she went to get some help and it was clear she was still in training. I am actually a trainer, so I am very supportive of people learning a new job. The problem is, she didn’t interact with my child AT ALL. When another man came in to help her, he started making my daughter smile and laugh. The pictures improved significantly. He walked away after a few minutes and again she failed to interact. It was so bad that when she sat us down at the computer at the end she had to ask me my daughter’s name TWICE! Really? You just spent 45 minutes taking my child’s pic and you don’t know her name yet? And she’s your first customer of the day?
Of course, because she was new, the sales pitch went on and on and on. Most of the more experienced staff members can quickly work with you to get to what you really might purchase and make the sale. I told her at the beginning that I have a small family and was interested in purchasing 1 or 2 poses. The sales pitch took over an hour and I had a very grumpy 6 year old as a result.
Just like any photo place, the experience will really depend on the photographer. I felt really awful that they allowed this employee to jump into things before she was ready. She really needed additional coaching as she navigated her new job.

We love this studio. We have been to JCP Portrait Studio before and paid 5 times what we paid at PI for not-​so-​great quality pictures, with less than half the options. You don’t pay a sitting fee, per person, per background or anything like that either!
We call ahead and make an appointment. They say that you can walk-​in but don’t recommend it. I HIGHLY recommend calling ahead. Also, if you can, go to their website. They usually have great coupons you can print and use with your purchase (free photo cards, free wall portrait, free calender, etc.) You can also veiw the specials that are going on ahead of time before your appointment. We’ve been here 3 times over the past year and a half. The holiday photos were 2 hours past scheduled appointments (to be expected around Christmas time). In which case, they had our number told us we could leave and called us when the family in front of us was doing their photos so that you had plenty of time to get back. I’ll admit, I was nervous about them calling us back, but they did! They were curtious, friendly and I KNOW they were beat, but it didn’t affect how hard they worked, how much they made our son laugh and smile in the pictures and all of the pictures come out great. The lighting is awesome, they have plenty of backgrounds to choose from and they aren’t sloppy!
The other two times, the studio hasn’t been as hectic and the employees were still friendly, fun and professional at the same time.
OH and how could I forget!!! You usually get your pictures the SAME DAY!!! (They only time I had a wait, which was only the next day, was during Christmas time, again, TO BE EXPECTED)
With JCP I had to wait 2 weeks to get all the prints I had ordered.
We have another appointment for fall family photos next week :)

We are on a tight budget being a family of four so nice pictures have to come at a good price in order for us to capture the moments in our lives.
I took our girls ages 5 and 6 today and was blown away by to only the quality of the pictures but the amazing customer service provided by Kendra.
I highly recommend this place for everyone no matter age, occasion, and family size.
Thanks so much Kendra, you are the best!

Came here with my family to take Mothers Day photos. Jenn was our photographer and she was great. We had a ton of fun and loved our photos. We had (I think) the first appointment of the day, so we got started right on time. I really like that you get the photos the days you take them. Other people seem to have had a problem with the images on the CD, and I haven’t looked at mine yet, but we got prints of our favorite 9 poses, so I won’t be too concerned if they’re not great — the CD was free.

My experience was excellent– I have two boys (ages 6 and 10). It was a very busy weekend (Spring/​Easter pics). Our appointment started on time– perhaps because we arrived on-​time and ready to take the pictures.
Our photographer, Andrea, had an excellent rapport with the boys (have you ever tried to make a 10 old with new braces smile?). Andrea quickly edited the pics and helped suggest a package that fit my budget.
I left with all my pictures within 1 hour of arriving. The pictures were great (quality, poses, editing and background).
If this was not a 5-​star experience, I don’t know what would be better.

They took a lot of photos and it comes with a lot of free items but the photo editing is not that great. Some of our photos look dull and could have been with a better looking background. Probably will never go back here.

I will never go back to this place!!! My appointment was at 7:00 pm. I didnt take pictures till almost 9:00 p. m!!! They are way overbook!!! The photographers did a terrible job! Don’t waste your time! Just go to JCPennys!

Pros: Friendly staff & great with kids, no sitting fee, receive your photos that day
Cons: They admitted they were «double-​booked» all day, they were 45 minutes late for a scheduled appointment & don’t buy the cd!
It was easy to make an appointment although they do not book more than 2 weeks in advance. When we got to PI they said they were a little behind and it would be 20 minutes. Forty five minutes later, we got our turn. I understand that they can’t control how long a previous session takes, especially with children. But they can control booking before the holidays & admitting to «double-​booking» is a problem.
Once we got started taking pictures (6 adults, 4 children) that part was quick. One person took pictures & we had a helper to get the kids to smile. The helper was wonderful & not afraid to act silly.
It was another (thankfully, smaller wait) to view & order our pictures. They can make small edits (crop, vignette etc.) but don’t expect photoshop. They have large monitors for viewing which makes it easy. For one pose you get several copies of different sizes for $ 15 – 19 depending on the special. Each additional sheet is $ 20 (1 8×10, 2 5×7, or wallets). So if all you need is one pose for Grandma the price is fabulous!
We got suckered into buying 3 packages because you can’t buy a CD separately. RIP OFF! I thought it made sense to spend so much to own the originals from your shoot but the quality is so bad I can’t even post them to facebook let alone put them in the family album. I’m very happy with the 1 pose package we got for Grandma.
So if you want one pose of your family for fast & cheap. This is your place! Make sure you avoid it though on weekends in December. But if you care about editing, want to print multiple poses or want digital copies… try somewhere else.

First, let me say the photographer was fantastic. They change everytime I go there, but he was great.
After 2 months, I looked at the expensive CD I purchased with images. They are thumbnails. 200 kb images — just thumbnails by definition.
I called the store. Well, they delete the images when you leave. Now, they do have a master system that can pull them back up again, yet you must have the SESSION NUMBER. No receipt, no session number. . you have a problem.
Go to JCPenney — ask for Tony. He’s fantastic.

I went to their other location in Sunset Valley… on a Wednesday morning. It turned out a little better. The photographer was much better and took more poses than the standard shots. She got a little irritated with my pricing questions and while their packages are a bit confusing, it was hard to get a solid answer. There was nothing else at all going on the entire time I was there, but I still felt like I was inconveniencing them. My sons pictures turned out better than the first time, but I think I’ll stick to the Picture People. or better yet, a private place.

I was excited to try a new place since our last photo session with the girls didn’t turn out too well (at that other well known Picture place…). The photographer was actually very good with my girls, and got them both smiling. No small feat. However, the pricing is very confusing, and they aren’t very good at explaining the pricing stucture.
The reason for the 2 stars is two fold. First, no one offered to edit my photos, so now in our family portrait there is this big ol’ tut of hair on the side of my head. Nice. Second, they don’t save your pictures! Had I known this, I would have purchased some for my family to have of the girls as well. I called back thius afternoon and they told me they don’t save the images. Nice. So now I don’t have one to giev to grandma.
Thanks Portrait Innovations. Guess I am going back to the one on the mall next time. At least they save the images for a year!