Picture People, not quite picture perfect!

It could have been the Xmas season that made Picture People in Exton Mall so ridiculously crowded at 3:50pm on a Friday, but I didn't plan on spending an hour waiting to get our photo taken. A crowded wait area, tons of kids, and my own kid sick, did not bode well with me.

Once we got in the photo shoot, out photographer was so nice, she still had a genuine smile on her face despite the fact that she must have been dealing with cranky people all day. It was a bit rushed though. No more than 15 minutes, and we didn't get even close to the number of poses we had at JCPenney.

The quality of the pics were good though. With a groupon, I managed to get a honey of a deal for a single pose, but then ended up paying a small fortune ($80) on a "duet" portrait. I didn't know how much it cost until I was at the register. Of course they always sell you stuff when your child is in the throws of a post-photo shoot meltdown, which is inevitable.

One bonus is you get your pics immediately. No waiting a week! The down side is you only have the pics on file 2 days before they delete them from the database. You get a miserly week if you buy their membership. What a rip!

Overall, I think I'd go back to JCPenny where I got more for my money despite the wait for the pictures!

Say Cheese!

For Valentine’s Day this year, we had a threesome…I mean we were no longer a just a couple, we had an extra wheel, i.e. our newborn daughter.  So we decided to include her in the day by getting a professional portrait done of her in some very cute Valentine’s day themed outfits.  Those of you who are considering the 3 month old photo shoot, pay close attention. 

I chose JC Penny Portrait Studio only because I had coupons for it.  Honestly, it never occurred to me to research other photographers, and I’m sure there are some good ones out there.  I wasn’t even aware that JC Penny had a portrait studio until I received coupons for it in every baby magazine and free sample that ended up in my mailbox.  I guess the coupon assault worked, because I found myself booked for a noon sitting appointment.

First, let me say the ease of scheduling an appointment was a snap.  You can easily book your appointment online.  The website gives you helpful advice for preparing for a photo shoot with your baby, mainly how to avoid fussiness of the baby by feeding her first, bringing an extra outfit in the case of spit up, and of course, starting with a fresh diaper.  We did all the above. 

We got there early because I wanted to make sure baby was ready to shine.  Our photographer helped us pick out backgrounds that worked with our outfits, scattered the floor with rose petals, and had multiple props for our baby to pose with.  She started with tummy time pictures, which I thought was going to be a disaster, but it actually was good.  I couldn’t believe it when our baby almost rolled for the first time….apparently that happens often at the studio. 

Despite the fact that we woke the baby from a deep car induced nap and she was pretty sleepy, the photographer was a real pro and got her to smile.  That photographer even coaxed the baby into giving her “little stinker” smile which I’ve only seen on rare occasions.  I was very impressed with how well the photographer worked with us quickly (before baby got cranky), yet I didn’t feel rushed.  The photographer was also very imaginative with poses and props.  She had Callie tackling teddy bears, holding roses, and sitting in a red throne. 

The only downside was you have to choose the photos you want at the end of the session. This part does feel rushed because by this time baby is cranky and you have to make big decisions that require money.  All of the pictures we had to choose from were fantastic.  I gave all my coupons to the photographer who helped us choose the best packages available for what we wanted. To be honest, I’m not sure if I did get the best deal.  I put our trust in the photographer to give us the best deal, but that might have been naïve. Somehow I ended up spending way more than I anticipated, even with 40% off and a free 8x10.  Unbeknownst to me I also got signed up for a JC Penny Portrait Membership for $20.  I don’t remember how that happened; it was a whirlwind, baby was fussy, and I was hungry too.  So, my suggestion is to know exactly what package you want PRIOR to getting there and not deviate from the path. 

Overall, the quality of the pictures was great and the photographer was a professional and good with babies.  The only downside was having to pick my pictures immediately (although the photographer was very willing to spend as much time as needed on this part, my rumbling tummy and fussy baby did not allow the same patience).  You do get online access to the photos to order more prints, but beware that a photo sheet is anywhere between $10- $15.  That can add up!  Also, when you go to pick up your photos, they will have printed several more sheets and offer them to you for an additional $20.  It’s soooo evil, because who is going to say no? 

The Valentine's Day Threesome

As Valentine’s Day quickly approaches, my husband and I are wondering how we will celebrate this holiday not as a couple, but as a family.  In the past, we celebrated V-day with romantic dinners, couples massages, etc. Considering baby Callie was born in November, Valentine’s Day holds special significance for us ;)  But this year, we can’t take a baby to a fancy restaurant (I don’t recall seeing high chairs at Majolica). So how do you celebrate a romantic holiday with the ultimate romance killer: a newborn. 

Mamas with newborns will understand.  You haven’t slept in who knows how long because you are always on call for a crying fit, not to mention the extra  baby weight makes you feel less than attractive.  In other words, daddies are really going to have to put on the charm to get Mommies in the spirit this holiday.  The old dinner and a movie gig may no longer useful.  Well maybe it is….

The Colonial Theatre has Babies Night on Mondays, and conveniently Valentine’s Day falls on a Monday this year.  Your dinner plans might include Iron Hill (see review), which is very family/baby friendly.  Valentine’s Day could very well be saved this year for new parents who don’t mind including baby on their romantic evening out.

But what could really make this Valentine’s day stand apart from the rest?  How about a professional photography session with you and your baby?  Everyone has that one outfit you’ve been dying to get baby into, but it’s just too darn nice for regular wear (and if you don’t, you have an excuse to go shopping).  So why not trek down to JCPenny Portrait Studio at the Exton or KOP Malls and get that photo taken?  Hint to Daddy looking for gift certificate opportunities:  give mommy an excuse to go have a salon day in preparation.  In keeping it local, we have Salon Fiber, Fashionistas, and Verde (where I received a very awesome maternity massage). 

But if you need some time alone (and we all need some strictly couples’ time) this V-day the hardest part is going to be finding a sitter.  No one, not even your single and childless friend, wants to admit they are alone on V-day, so finding a sitter might prove challenging.  Although I’ve never used the service, Care.com is a virtual warehouse of babysitters (and house cleaners…hint, hint, Daddy) ready to be hired.  You can find a local sitter who has had a background check and legit references.  To be honest it might beat having your folks watch the kid; your parents can be romance killer too. 

Whatever you decide to do for Valentine’s Day, may love guide you!  Cheers Phoenixville Parents!