When our kids were little we couldn’t resist getting photos of them. We were also living on a budget, so we searched far and wide for deals.
I don’t think we ever spent more than $20 for a pack of dozens of photos in various sizes—so we ended up getting some great photos for very little money—and you can too!
Here are our money-saving tips to help you save on your portrait photos.
1. Never Pay a Sitting Fee
Sitting fees are expensive, especially if you are including more than one person in the photo. Almost all portrait studio coupons include one free sitting fee, about a $9.99 value. This is wonderful for one child, but if you want to include two children, look for a coupon that says “free sitting fees”. (These can be difficult to find.)
Some studios, like Portrait Innovations, NEVER charge sitting fees! This is great if you want to include more than one child, or even the entire family, in your photo.
2. Add A Cute Accessory, Outfit or Prop
Independent photographers take incredible pictures. When you see the photos, you fall in love immediately. However, when you see the price, your heart drops.
Popular chain studios (i.e. JCPenney, Sears, Target), often offer excellent quality and service, but their backdrops are more traditional. We often wanted something a little more unique.
To get the “wow factor” of an independent photographer, while keeping within your budget, consider buying or making a cute hat, blanket, or outfit for your newborn and having their photo taken on a solid black or white backdrop.
BubbieWear, Butter Beans Clothing, and Junnabug’s Corner have some adorable hats, onesies and diaper covers and they are all locally made in Lancaster County!
3. Use Coupons
JCPenney, Sears and Target Portrait coupons can be found in most issues of BabyTalk and American Baby, which are FREE magazines!
Special offers and coupons for JCPenney, Target (no longer operating), Portrait Innovations and PicturePeople are printable online.
Clip these coupons and save them in a folder when you see them. Many don’t expire for several months and it will be good to have them on hand, when you decide you need them.
4. Don’t Give In
It is important to decide on how much you are willing to spend, BEFORE you go to your photo shoot. Studios and photographers will put a lot of pressure on you to upgrade your package and order more than one pose.
Most package deals (for $10 or less) require you to only choose one pose, otherwise you have to pay more. It is always difficult to decide on just one pose, but stick to your plan! You will love the photo you decide on, and you will feel great about sticking to your budget.
5. Join the Portrait Club
Almost all studios offer an email newsletter or portrait club. You will receive emails featuring special offers throughout the year, and sometimes even coupons and deals specific to you and your children’s birthdays. Here are some of my favorites to be signed up for:
So next time you are getting an inkling to have some photos taken of your kiddos, plan on remembering these tips. And always be on the lookout ahead of time for some cute accessories—you never know where you might find them—yardsales, consignment sales, clearance sections at department stores, or online freebie offers!
And most importantly, set your budget and don’t give in under pressure! You can do this!
Lydia says
Great ideas! And I second the thing of knowing what you are going to spend ahead of time. I recently got my son’s pictures taken at JCPenney and the manager acted like I was rather crazy to only get the package deal. I was tempted to yield- because she was putting so much pressure one- but stuck to my guns and am so glad I did! As you said, we love the picture I chose and have not regretted saving the extra money at all.