Zoe's preschool/daycare had picture day about 3-4 weeks ago. I finally looked at them today. OMG were they not that great. Not just the posing or gawdy backgrounds but OOF and some even show a lot of grain. I don't think I've seen such a shocking problems with "professional/studio" photography. Oh and the color ones are very "red".

I do like one pose a lot and its one of the better as it comes to focus just the eye area is OOF. You guys would just not believe it. Its usually just the pose or more so expressions that gets me to stay away from paying for photos. They want $69 for 8 sheets. Her dad said he would see about getting some money so I could get them. I might just get the one but sheets alone are $17.99 or 2 for $25 or something like that. Might just get the one pose and one b&w that was decent too just not that great of an expression. Or do you think I should just take what he sends and go to see what I can get elsewhere. She needs a 5 year photo anyway. I'd take one myself but no backdrop anymore. I'd really love to have a local pro do some though at some point.

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~Melissa




My Toys:
Nikon D80
50mm f/1.8
18/55mm f/3.5-5.6(kit I decided to get anyway LOL)

That sucks! The people who do my son's school are pretty good. Last summer they did a lemonade stand. And also an extreme profile in B&W that turned out great! 2 weeks ago they did a dock of the bay theme with a fishing pole, kind of cheesy, but Ethan was smiling so good and they turned out awesome. They also did an extreme close up in B&W that turned out really good too. Plus, they aren't expensive at all. They're called Pro Color. What company did yours? I'm sorry they didn't turn out well. That's really not cool if they're OOF and stuff.

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Gosh, I wouldn't buy them if they are as bad as all that. You can take her 5 year pictures yourself! You don't need a backdrop for that!

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~Treva

Ours are sucky too (lifetouch.) It's in focus but its horribly boring and he looks really red. I let Jevin pick the background cause I knew they would be all yuck choices anyways and he picked this bright green splotchy one. LOL

I got the cheapest $14 package with like 1 5x7 and 2 wallets just so he would have a package to get when the other kids got theirs and it can go into his book as his kindy pic.

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Oh man, those sound awful! I only got my kids' pics because it's a memory thing. Honestly they were hilarious! I let the kids pick out their own outfits sometimes and that day they all picked out rediculous outfits! I think I was sick or something. I didn't even realize it was picture day, hahaha!

Don't feel pressured to buy them if you don't like them though. You could do your own, you don't need a backdrop!

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I got Marley's because of the memento thing, but I did get the cheapo ones. We always did all of ours and while they aren't always THE BEST, we did them without any backdrop. Sitting in their crib as babies, on an old wood chair, by a colorful wall, etc. You could do it. You should try some shots before hiring out.

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Ours have never been awful...well, the expressions are always questionable But no technical issues so far.

I would take them yourself, too. Find a nice location (maybe some nice flowers, or even just a nice green patch), and set your aperture as low as you can to blur it as much as possible.

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We all need those school photo's to look back on and just cringe Every school photo I have ever taken is absolutely horrible. Of course most of the time I can blame it on my 70's/80's hair or clothing but those props were just ridiculous at times.

Sorry they didn't turn out so good. I too would probably just buy the cheapest package just so they receive and envelope like all the other kids in their class. Plus they will be able to look back on it one day and just laugh.

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Kristyn
Mom to Ella 9/2005
and Maeve Elisabeth ~ October 12, 2007

I told her dad about them and he said he believes me and likes my shots best anyway. He was going to help pay them since its hard for me on my own here. But I really don't want to pay for them. I would get the one if they didn't have the OOF areas.

I thought maybe I was just being picky but I can bet none of you would pay for them other than sentimental value. They really are that bad. I wish I had one to show. lol

I may try to get her in to Kiddie Kandids. I usually like theirs with less props than they want to use anyway. Plus I like just buying what I need and not having a ton of one pose that I can't do anything with. But I could go cheaper and just order a new role of seamless paper. HEHE

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~Melissa




My Toys:
Nikon D80
50mm f/1.8
18/55mm f/3.5-5.6(kit I decided to get anyway LOL)

Yeah but she won't notice with it just being preschool so decided to pass. She said she would be sad if she didn't get he butterfly shot but I just can bring myself to pay $25 for 2 sheets of OOF spots on the face. I can do that enough myself. HEHE

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~Melissa




My Toys:
Nikon D80
50mm f/1.8
18/55mm f/3.5-5.6(kit I decided to get anyway LOL)

They do sound bad.... My friend just got family pics at kiddie kandids and I was actually pretty impressed. I am sure it definitely matters on the one near you and the photographer but I know my friends pictures turned out really nice. Maybe they can imitate a butterfly shot or you can.

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Kristyn
Mom to Ella 9/2005
and Maeve Elisabeth ~ October 12, 2007