I was approached by one of 'imagine that photography's' very friendly staff whilst shopping with my child. I decided to accept their offer of a free photo shoot knowing the cost of such would be well integrated into the price of their products.

It took three weeks before I was able to return to view my images.The pictures were of a good standard and there were several that I liked. Next came the cost and the sales pitch!

I am no fool and was expecting it to be costly however I was still surprised at how much they were charging. They select the images (which I don't agree with but understand that is the only way they can insist on their buy today or never tectic) and print them out as 6x8 (I think) photo's charging an unreasonable $75 per photo! They offered several packages, the cheapest starting at $590 ranging to just shy of $1000. These packages included approx 10 6x8 prints with a variety of coffee table books and or larger canvas prints etc.

They utilise car salesman techniques for selling their products advising you that this is the only opportunity you will ever be given to purchase the prints... today with their special package deals! Unless prompted they do not readily offer up the opportunity to purchase the copyright to your photo's enabling you to be able to print images for yourself.

I chose the package that included the digital copy of my images to give me the ability to make prints as I wanted.... which I paid substantially for!
I disliked the fact that I was unable to choose which images I liked and wanted to be printed and in what size/s I preferred. The magnets and key rings which you can purchase only at the time of the photo shoot are chosen by the printer so you have no say what so ever in the final outcome. Sadly I disliked the images they used and they will not allow you to change the images after - I feel this was also rather poor customer service.

I don't begrudge any business making a fair profit however I do consider their costs to be excessive and bordering on greedy. They take full advantage of parents (predominately Mums', as we're the ones most often out at the shops with the children) love and admiration for their little ones. I would have felt happier paying the amount if I thought the lovely photographer was actually receiving most of the benefit for her photographic skill and talent but I suspect this is highly unlikely.

At the end of the day I did purchase the cheapest package of printed and digital images as I am the sentimental kind however I will learn from this experience and shall not accept any future offers from chain photography companies.
I will instead find a reputable private photographer locally and arrange a shoot which will also better reflect us personally - whilst I found the outfits and costumes they had quite cute I was aware at the time that many of them did not reflect my child's nature and personality.

Overall some nice images however they were definitely greedy with their charges and I REALLY disliked the their panic, impulse selling techniques.
Also please be aware that unless you VERY specifically document it on your agreement they retain the right to use your child's images as they see fit without your permission - this is not unusual but is a point I think people need to be aware of as not everyone is comfortable with images of their child being used in any manner without their consent.

Approximate cost: $600-$1000