Portrait Studio Photographer (Sears, Walmart) VS. Custom Photographer

[SabrinaO]

What are some good/funny reasons why people should choose a Custom Photographer rather than a Portrait Studio Photographer from one of those chains? I want to compile a list.

 

[480sparky67 66]

When you hire me, you get me. When you go to one of the chains, you get whatever person they've managed to hire for that week.

That person is in it for a job. I'm in it for a career.

 

[KAikens318]

^^^^^That

I used to work for a portrait studio and they are not allowed to be creative. You have to use the backdrops they give you, there is very little room for posing, and you can't change the settings or the lighting, so basically a studio shooter is a person who is getting paid to focus and push a button. There is hardly any PP done and there is really not a lot of artistic value in the photos. Not to mention the prices are outrageous sometimes. Go with a custom photog unless you want your photos looking just like everyone else's. When I walk around at work I can always spot who got their photos done at Sears because they all have the same props, poses, and backdrops!

 

[kundalini]

A trained monkey can push the shutter release button.

 

[SJGordon]

Sometimes you want a burger and fries; most times though you want a meal that is good. Same as photographs: sometimes a snapshot by anybody is good enough, most times you want something good.

 

[ababysean]

There are so many great blog posts about this. The big ahhh haaaa moment for me was realizing that the chain stores main reason to even have a photo studio is NOT to photograph, it is to get the customer INTO the store to buy more clothing, appliances, shoes, whatever....
Think about it. Where are the photo studios located in most stores? In the kids clothing section or at a location way into the depths of the store, so you have to pass every other section in order to even get to your appointment. Even walmart, yes, the studio might be at the front of the store, but you are IN the store.... most likely you are going to go get some milk or bread after your session..........
When you hire a custom photographer, they are there for the client, from start to finish.

Another thing is they hire based on sales experience, not photography knowledge. The cameras are basically set on auto and configured to the studio lighting, can never be changed. I have a friend that works at Sears every holiday season as a photographer... She doesn't even know what shutter speed is. She is a people person and can make good sales, so they hire her, to SELL you pictures of your loved ones.

Also, google newborn hospital photographer. Several positions will come up clearly proving this, showing sales experience a MUST, photography experience not needed.... wow really? amazing!

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

Are we writing copy for you website, or sumthin'?

 

[ababysean]

Another thing that pulls people into Sears or Walmart is the lure of a package for $7.99 Make sure you realize that is for ONE pose, no digital files. If you want a digital file and different poses the prices go up way higher then most local photographers will charge.....

I think Sears for the cheapest digital package is like $250 dollars

 

[manaheim]

I like monkeys.

 

[kundalini]

I like monkeys.

And monkeys like you back.

​

 

[EckoZero]

What are some good/funny reasons why people should choose a Custom Photographer rather than a Portrait Studio Photographer from one of those chains? I want to compile a list.

In my opinion, the difference between the two is no less than the difference in how much fun you can have with a pretty girl

Chain store portrait photographer = A glass of wine and 5 minutes with a pretty girl
Custom photographer = A bottle of gin and a night with that same girl

 

[OrionsByte]

In my opinion, the difference between the two is no less than the difference in how much fun you can have with a pretty girl

Chain store portrait photographer = A glass of wine and 5 minutes with a pretty girl
Custom photographer = A bottle of gin and a night with that same girl

That is the weirdest analogy I have ever seen.

 

[EckoZero]

That is the weirdest analogy I have ever seen.

I'll 'fess up.
I stole it from Randall Monroe (the genius behind legendary webcomic, XKCD - xkcd: 1000 Times)

 

[Vinny]

You shouldn't think of this as a photographer but as non photographer. Most people with children aren't thinking "great image" but as "I want to capture my child at this age". The studios in these stores are set up with a photographic formula and as was said "a monkey" or anybody can take the photo. Yes, people are lured into the store for the $7.99 special and spend more but I remember when I got married I spent more on my wedding photos than I originally had the package for - that's where the extra money is for the studio. Nothing in store is any different than the school photographers except maybe the school photographers started out as legit photographers and maybe still are except school photography pays the bills.

I will say that there were many times as my children were growing up I thought how I should take the photos but not having the correct equipment stopped me. Quite honestly, the photos any of the places took were good although not spectacular, same as the photos from school. But how spectacular of a photo do you need of your child holding a stuffed animal and smiling?

The Walmart by me is now offering wedding photography as well which I thought was interesting, not sure if it's only studio or they go to your ceremony/reception.

 

[480sparky67 66]

As an electrician, I can testify to the fact that monkeys can even be trained to do electrical.... ...

.......so snapping shutters is so easy an amoeba could do it.