While I love taking pictures of my toddler, I am no professional. I wish I had the expertise and eye for amazing pictures, along with a camera that would enable me to get the look I am going for. I love crisp, natural pictures that allow the true personality of the people being photographed really shine through. I don’t think that all pictures should be posed and proper, as a matter of fact, I feel the opposite. When my little girl was born, I was always looking for that perfect “portrait” look, but I soon learned that it masked who she really was.
The first time I stepped foot into a photo studio was a jcpenney. The only reason I drove 30 minutes out of the city was because I had a coupon from a baby magazine. I did some research, checked out their photo studio online, browsed the backgrounds and decided they had what I was looking for. Once I arrived at the studio with my infant and husband, my first question was “how much is this going to be?” The photographer told me not to worry about the price, but to focus on what I wanted and what looks I was going for. After that she was able to build a package that was just right for me, while also taking into consideration the coupons I walked in with. I was more than satisfied and wondered why a few months later I found myself in a different portrait studio.
I guess I needed the experience to see what else was out there. So I checked out other “family friendly” portrait studios only to be extremely disappointed and walking away with a feeling of being cheated out of great photos that could have been. It isn’t easy to travel from studio to studio with an infant, so I felt that I wasted my time and didn’t get to capture the moment I initially went in for. It was my own fault, but I have since learned and will only return to jcpenney portrait studios.
I usually get my toddler’s Easter photos done around March, but being uncomfortably pregnant I didn’t get a chance to take her. I’m actually glad I waited, because during the month of April, jcpportraits has an amazing promotion: $20 for 6 traditional portrait sheets and a free sitting ($9 value.) I love that you can mix and match the sizes of the images, which is great because there are lots of grandmas, grandpas, aunts, and uncles that expect pictures of my tot. With their April special, I can satisfy everyone for only $20 and get amazing shots from the people that know how to preserve the moment. Check out the jcpportraits April Special to print out your coupons for this amazing deal! To find a jcpportrait studio near you, check out their location finder located on the top right of their page.
I was initially planning for the next photo session to be sometime in May or June, when our new arrival is here. With this April offer that I really can’t pass up, I’ve already scheduled my appointment for this coming week. This is a great time to get the personalized photos of my toddler done, and then once baby arrives there will be less shots to take, budgeting our time better and making everyone happy! We all know that over drawn photoshoots can make for a cranky toddler. I always try to go immediately in the morning, after breakfast – I know that this is the perfect time to avoid tantrums. Anytime after 2 is dangerous for us! I would definitely recommend always scheduling photo shoots around your child’s schedule to ensure you have a happy baby!
After browsing the jcpportraits site, I’ve compiled a Pinterest board of all the pictures from jcpenney that inspire the photos I would like to see hanging in my living room. You can check out my Inspiration with jcpportraitson Pinterest!
Tips for preparing for your Portraits:
Dress for Portrait Success
*Keep clothing simple. Try to choose solid colors for your portraits. Avoid large, bold patterns such as plaids and stripes. Remember, bright colors also draw attention away from your face.
*Avoid short sleeves and tank tops. Long sleeves will draw attention away from your arms and helps bring the focus back to your face.
*jcpportraits’ photographers may suggest a full-length pose. Make sure you coordinate portrait clothing from head to toe.
*Darker clothing slims. Choose shades of black, brown, blue, dark green and other jewel-toned colors. Light tones tend to emphasize body size.
*Scoops or v-necks flatter shorter necks and full faces. Turtlenecks or high-necked garments flatter longer necks and slender faces.
*Keep clothing consistent. Dress everyone in the same style. Don’t mix casual and formal clothing in portraits.
Coordinate Colors
*Wear light on white. Light pastel or white clothing looks best against a light-colored or white portrait background.
*Wear dark on dark. Dark clothing looks best against darker backgrounds and creates a more formal mood in portraits.
*Don’t mix light and dark colors in portraits. Show your style in small accents. Save stronger colors and patterns for accessories like scarves and neckties.
Props and Backgrounds
*Ask your photographer for advice. If you’re not sure what you want in your portrait, jcpportrait photographers can help you choose a portrait background that suits your needs.
*Add in your personality. Bring your own props for a personal touch. Consider items such as baby blanket, stuffed animal, or a special toy.
About jcpportraits:
jcpportraits is an all-occasion portrait studio designed to provide high-quality portrait products for customers’ needs. jcpportraits provides portrait services for all occasions: newborn, birthday, first communion, holiday, graduation, engagement, adult and family portraits and portrait greeting cards. jcpportraits is based in Eden Prairie, MN and employs 9,500 associates. jcpportraits is committed to offering their customers superior service and providing high-quality, professional portraits while Creating Memories for a Lifetime®.
I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf ofjcpenneyPortrait Studio. I was asked to create a Pinterest Board and pin at least five (5) pins. I givejcpenneythe right to repin any or all images/original content from this board. I received a promotional item as a thanks for my participation.
