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Original poster

Anyone ever had a family portrait done?

17 replies

Ponka · 06/10/2006 22:27

I'm thinking about it. I quite like the idea.

Does anyone have any experience of what it's like or a company they could recommend?

OP posts:

lucykate · 06/10/2006 22:28

are you thinking photograph or painted?

Original poster

Ponka · 06/10/2006 22:31

Sorry, yes. Photo. Definately.

OP posts:

Waswondering · 06/10/2006 22:34

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

merrygoround · 06/10/2006 22:48

Yes, my brother thought it would make a nice 75th birthday present for my mum, as he and his wife live in the USA. Just went for a local photographer. It was fairly pricey, but not outrageous, and you can choose how many and what size prints you get - I think there was a minimum charge but I can't remember exactly as it was four years ago. There are some companies that specialise in rather more arty/trendy pics, ours was very traditional or even old fashioned i suppose. If I'd had more time I'd have probably researched local photographers a bit more carefully to find out what kind of style they have. Ours was of the baby lies on white fluffy shagpile school of portraiture, complete with cheap background material. Still love the pictures though.

buktus · 06/10/2006 22:52

having mine done tomorrow, three years ago they had an offer on we had to pay £75 for three years of sittings which at the end included either a leather portfolio of 6 pictures or a large frame of 3pictures included in the price any other pics we wanted are extra about £20 for a 6 x 4 and getting dearer for larger prints and frames

PretendFriend · 06/10/2006 22:53

We had a Venture session several years ago when DS2 had just lost his front teeth (when they were wonky we postponed the session until they fell out); and another when DD1 graduated from uni, her in cap and gown and the rest of us in various civvies.

They are not particularly good pictures but are nice to have

Twohootsandapumpkin · 06/10/2006 23:12

Olan Mills is nationwide and do portraits - not mega expensive (we've had some done and loved them). BUT they are a franchise (I think) and therefore your photos are only as good as the photographer at that office IYKWIM. I've heard of people who haven't been happy with theirs but they weren't at our local one - further afield.

Venture too do the same sort of thing (but in some people's eyes a bit more 'arty/trendy'). They are mega expensive but I don't know anyone who hasn't loved theirs.

Both have web sites, so you can check out their work.

Original poster

Ponka · 06/10/2006 23:57

Thanks Twohoots and a pumkin. I'll look into those two. Where exactly were the people you know who weren't happy with the Olan Mills one? Anywhere around the East Midlands?

He - he, Waswondering. Half a family portrait sounds nice. Then I won't need to be in it!

Thanks everyone.

OP posts:

Twohootsandapumpkin · 07/10/2006 11:05

They were in Bedford and Newcastle - but both were a little while ago and as the offices have several photographers it may not even be the same one...

The way I look at it is, you pay a nominal fee for the session (around £25 at OM and £75 at V), so they really have to get the photos right otherwise they don't get any money - as you are not forced to buy the photos.

One watch out though - ask them for prices of their photos before you book, as I said both are not cheap (although I think OM is reasonable), Venture is VERY expensive (friend just got 2 photos for £1300) but v arty etc. Depends what you like.

Let me know how you get on/what you decide - being nosey!

Peridot30 · 07/10/2006 11:25

We got a family photo taken at a photography studio just before dd 1st birthday. She is now nearly 3 and photo still takes pride of place.
Think it is a great thing to get done and will definately get it done in the future. Was quite expensive but was with a really good photographer.

BATtymumma · 07/10/2006 11:27

we went to VENTURE.

the pictures are amazing. they are not at all posed and they really capture the characters of all involved.

theya re rather pricey though...but worth every penny!

wheresthehamster · 07/10/2006 11:45

Venture prices DO start under forty pounds you can find an offer on a flyer but once you've seen the results you have to steel yourself to not to spend HUNDREDS because the results are stunning!
They take about 200 digital shots in arty or formal poses and you return a week later to view about 80 of what they consider the best of the bunch.
You then decide the shot(s), layouts and finish that you want.
It's really hard as they are all fantastic!

PeterCushion · 07/10/2006 11:52

Agree about Venture. VERY expensive, but great results.

It was a brilliant experience for the children from start to finish.

They loved their photo session - they took lots of dressing up clothes, electric guitars, cuddly toys etc.

The viewing was fun too, with the photographs made into a show with funky music etc.

We spent a lot of money, but the photos are so great that they'll be on the wall for many years to come - and they really did capture the children's personalities!

Venture have very cleverly found a niche in the market, and the whole process is very polished and calculated.

All the staff were lovely though, and I wish I'd thought of the business concept myself!

Original poster

Ponka · 07/10/2006 20:17

Two photos for £1300! I've just spat my drink out all over the keyboard in surprise. Venture does sound like they are top quality though. My parents were asking what we wanted for Christmas and I was wondering about asking for a session but I don't want to ask if it's too much money. I'll take a look at those two companies and some local ones, too.

If it's involving lots of props, may be it's worth waiting until the kids are older and would enjoy it more. They are only 6 months and 2.4.

OP posts:

Philomena · 07/10/2006 21:29

My DH is a photographer and believe me, you't have to spend Venture prices to get Venture style photos. In fact, a local photographer will probably do a better/equivalent job in a similar style at a much more reasonable price.

A google search or a flick through the yellow pages will probably throw up some possibilities.

Twohootsandapumpkin · 07/10/2006 21:36

Ponka - didn't want to say this but I am going to - tbh I don't think our Olan Mills ones are that different to these Venture ones I know - yes the venture ones are a little more arty/digital retouched etc, but our Olan Mills imo our more natural (i.e. untouched/digitally enhanced). As a comparison, one of our photos (set of 4 in one frame) cost £180, as opposed to basically the same sort of 'montage' that this friend bought at £650 at Venture.

However, that said I really love what Venture do as they can sometimes just catch that something that is hard to do.... and in the future I may give them a try (If I'm feeling rich).

Re the props - they both use them/don't use them depending on what you want. We were told at OM before our appt that we could take along stuff like DD's favourite toy or something....

Best bet is the websites of both of them as they will give you an idea as they both have loads of examples on.

And, as some others have said, try 'local' photographers too - they can be really good also.

FillyjonkthePumpkinEater · 08/10/2006 10:09

I don't like Venture

they make everyone look the same, IMO

More than anything else, i love family snapshots, tbh. They are more special than anything I've seen.

OOooh, helpful aren't I?

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