Portrait Innovations llc

My experience was horrible. I wished I would seen these reviews prior to my son’s appointment because I would have cancelled. Erica D. was the photographer for my son and before we even began I stated to her that I had a coupon special that I was going to use and asked her if I needed to give it to her now. She replied «No, you can wait until the end.» So after our 35 min. shoot, we went through each package deal and selected what we did/​did not want. Even though I told her multiple times through out this process that I was getting the coupon deal she still persisted on selling us something higher. She made remarks like: «Well what was the point of having another outfit if you are only picking one look, It seems like a waste of money if you can take the pictures on your own (my husband does photography for a hobby), We work hard in here — we are photographers and we have to deal with your kids to get the right pictures for you, So what the point of bringing the hat if your not going to pick the picture with him having the hat on.» Erica’s communication skills were very untactful and poor. I almost decided to decline the whole process because of her negative energy. I could understand if I came in there acting like I wanted this and that but I told her initially that I wanted the special. She tried to make an excuse that she is just a blunt person and that’s fine but there is a time and place for that. I didn’t ask for her extra remarks — I will never come back to this again!!!

I have been to this particular place several times, and this time I was really disappointed. I always make appointments, but I also know I will probably have to wait, so that’s not really a big deal to me. The photographer I got this time didn’t really do a great job. I started to get a little upset as we were going through the pictures and I didn’t like ANY of the ones she was showing me at first. Finally we came across two poses that I thought were cute. The person going over the pictures with me seemed new. I’m not going to rag on her inexperience, we have all been that person at one point or another and shame on who that do complain about newbies. Anyway, I had a coupon and was really excited to get my wall portrait. Well, it’s been basically a month… no call/​email about it. I called three times… the first time I was told to wait until I got an email or call (okay it had only been two weeks at that time). The second call, spoke to a rude lady who VERY OBVIOUSLY and RUDELY sighed when I had to cut her off to explain the situation and what had happened. She didn’t want to listen or help me told me what I already knew, there was nothing she could do without a receipt number, and to call back next week when a manager was in store (Seriously…). I called today and spoke with Emily. She was beyond awesome! She went completely out of her way to make sure that I was taken care of, and guess what… SHE WASN’T A MANAGER!!! With a few quick questions she filtered through the computer that I sat at, found my session, ordered me a new portrait, and had it sent to my home at no cost. Thank you Emily!!! I might just return for my Christmas pictures.

Basically for 1 printout of any size is $ 20 or you can get the package which is roughly $ 160 for 6 poses of 3 diff sizes, a cd, 3 special effects, and a photo book/​calendar (which is the smallest of the package). Same day pickup for the pictures. Additional $ 3 for shipping of photo book/​calendar to ur house. The special deal on the website only applies to one pose. The manager is kinda pushy. Didn’t get a nice vibe from them at the end.

Awesome place for family photos! We had a party of 25 and for any photographer it’s a handful! But not only was our photographer patient and great with the adults and kids alike… she was the manager!!! How’s that for service! I believe her name was Erica. She was very engaging and made everyone in our «entourage» very comfortable! Even our Great Granny, who always refuses to take pictures, said she had a good time! That’s a first! And the photos were so good we had a tough time choosing which ones to order! As long as this place has this level of service and quality photos… we won’t be going anywhere else!

I’m so sad to say this location has really gone downhill. We have used this portrait innovations for 7 years and have always gotten great photos, however the process and management are a mess. Good stuff: our photographer Emilee saved our day! She got great photos of our son and was efficient and playful with him. Bad stuff: the place was a mad house. They had someone quit that day so they were running an hour behind. We weren’t made aware of that in advance and it’s a long time to wait with little kids. The first associate we encountered was not very nice, told us to sit and wait, and she couldn’t tell us how long the wait would be. After getting the photos taken, we then had to wait for a lady to help choose them — she was nice and because it was such a circus in there, she didn’t give us as much of a hard sell. Overall, we got great photos, but until they change their staffing, booking and sales process, we won’t be back :(

So I read the reviews and was like, «I’ll never waste my time at that place». Then today JCPenney was booked and we had no other choice. So we went. And WOW! I was totally surprised! We had an awesome experience. Jasmine was our photographer and we started out telling her we weren’t buying a huge package. She continued to treat us as if we were valued and remained professional and pleasant, even when our twins would not smile, sit still or stop yelling at the top of their voice. We had a 4:40 appointment and didn’t get shot until close to 6:30, but the staff apologized and acknowledged our wait. The photos were great quality, there was no high pressure sale, and I walked out feeling like I got way more then my money’s worth. They have a new customer! Definitely recommended it!

I am only giving 1 star because of the convenience of receiving your photos in the same day. We booked an appointment & still had to wait 30 – 45 minutes. The staff were very unprofessional & rude. Also overbooked & understaffed. After our photos were done & we still waited another 30 minutes then she forgot to put the cd I paid for in the envelope. Never again will I go here I believe in customer service first always.

To compare Portrait Innovations to a professional photographer, is like trying to compare a Waffle House steak to Chops. Yes, it’s the same, but only vaguely.
First the good…
1) As most people know, same day printing.
2) They take multiple shots, so you’ll have a lot of options to choose from.
3) There are fairly clean restrooms and a separate changing area.
The Bad…
1) During the holiday season, the waiting area is crowded. Think lots of germy kids attacking a Lego table. I am almost certain it doesn’t get cleaned.
2) The Christmas background is obnoxiously busy. And the featured backgrounds on the website are not all in this studio.
3) The entire process was hurried. And my two little kids are not at their best when rushed.
4) Our photographer was not rude, but certainly acted like she would rather be pretty much any place else. To her credit, she learned my kiddos name, but used zero effort to coax smiles.
5) The display where I viewed my pictures was pixelated. It was incredibly difficult to see the best photos. But conveniently, once you leave the studio you have no other opportunity to see images you don’t purchase. The photographer said she’s been asking for another screen for a year.
6) My biggest gripe and the main reason I will Never return is the high pressure sale. I told our photographer I did not intend to buy an expensive package. But, I assume they work on commission because it was as if she didn’t hear me. She kept acting like she was giving me a deal as she kept shaving off the price. I hate haggling. Just give me what I asked for. Don’t make me go through your sales pitch. The entire process gave me the same vibe as a slimy used car salesman.
So yeah, the overall staff is nicer than last year. The pushy sales pitch is much worse. I think their main job is to ensure you don’t utilize their advertised coupons. Because I felt rushed looking at a blurry screen I chose a photo I hate. I am back to square one for Christmas cards, because these pictures will not be distributed. I suppose you get what you pay for, but in reality I would have been happier with a do it yourself photo session for the price.

I was greeted by a really mean lady while asking questions about prices. Decided not to come back

Terrible! Inpatient with children. No effort made if your child is fussy (Hello? Every toddler being made to sit still for pictures). The photographer, Melissa the assistant manager, completely abandoned the cause. She told my sister’s 1 ½ year old that if he sat still and smiled she would «get out the tractor» and when he didnt, she told my sister to make another appointment and come back another time. What a waste of time. She didnt get any pictures. Maybe the customer service is why the Duluth location near me shut down?!

TERRIBLE!!! Poor customer service and terrible photographer. We have used PI in our places we have lived and NEVER had a problem but this place is the worst. I always use cheap studios and my kids always do great. The photographer had no idea what she was doing. The poses were terrible and I was pressed to find 1 picture that has my kids somewhat happy, looking at the camera. Not to mention they told me my pics would be ready at 5:30 so we waited around only to leave later and finally get a phone call at 8:30 that they were ready. Please do not go here.

Happy that they had an early appointment this morning for my sons pictures. Very friendly and interactive staff. The photographer was quick eventhough my son made it very difficult to take pictures. I love that the pictures were done in 25 minutes! I also love that they always have package specials for the seasons and holidays. I got a great picture package for less than $ 20 dollars plus a free tote bag with my sons picture on it. This is a great place for not too expensive picture and for the simple family pictures.

Quick photographers, a huge plus with small children. Zero patience or attempts for smiles without the use of toys (which makes everyone in the photo’s eyes wander toward the object vs the camera). Photos printed same day. Very standard poses, little creativity. Sales staff speaks extremely fast therefore are knowledgeable about the product, however, seem uninterested in it. Basically, they get a ton of shots quickly and you feel forced to choose the best from a lot of subpar photos. Large, clean studio, lots if parking. Since I have small children, I won’t be back.