Affordability!

So you don't think you can afford Kurt Nielsen Photography for your portrait needs? Have you recently checked out the department store actual pricing for that coupon you just received in the mail? Be sure to read the fine print!!

(You can find all of the following information right on their websites!)

One of these department store studios, for example, that doesn't charge a session fee (for the first person only, everyone else is $9.99 per person) has a package similar to one of my portrait packages. With theirs, you get two 8x10's, four 5x7's, and four 3.5x5's (five of my sheets) for $99.99. This is just one pose with no editing, and you only get the picture sizes that THEY want you to have. For $99.95 at Kurt Nielsen Photography, you get 6 sheets (1 additional) and up to four poses, with editing, and you can choose the size of prints that YOU want.

All of their package pricing seems to be just like this example, with packages similar to mine. But their packages seem to have at least one less print and less choices (most are just one pose). Plus, you have to view, edit and make your choice of purchase immediately after your 10 MINUTE photo session, on THEIR kiosk, with THEIR sales person sitting right beside you! Talk about high pressure sales tactics!

Another department store studio has a limited time coupon offer for one 8x10, one 5x7, four 3.5x5's, four wallets and 16 minis for $7.99 for one pose. However, each additional sheet costs $19.99 (regularly priced at $9.99 without a package, it doubled in price to go with the package!). Plus, there is an additional fee for each photo enhancement such as adjustments (i.e. zooming in to get a closer image), black and white, and even vignettes, something I do automatically, for FREE, before you even see your proofs!

So in comparison, say you use their $7.99 coupon and get their four included sheets of their choice (one pose), but you also want 8 additional sheets for a total of 12, you would be paying $167.91 plus whatever they charge for enhancements (that price is not on their website!). But with Kurt Nielsen Photography, it is only $159.95 for up to four poses and you get to pick the print sizes. (You didn't really want those minis anyway, did you?)

These are just two examples of price comparisons for department store portrait studios. Other things to consider when shopping for your portrait studio include the fact that these department store studios schedule their appointments every 10 minutes, plus they take walk-ins. This means that they will undoubtedly run late on almost every appointment automatically. I schedule my portrait sessions for at least one hour, giving you plenty of quality time for your portrait session. At department store studios, because of their 10 minute sessions, you are also extremely limited on how many images from which you can choose and you do not get the option of clothing changes. Nor do they offer custom sets and only have a limited number of background choices. I have many backgrounds from which to choose and over a dozen custom built sets, and I also do on-location photo shoots. Probably the biggest difference between their studio and mine is that I do not have a lobby full of screaming children distracting your or your child's photo session just to meet an "image quota" so you have a certain number of images from which to choose. I take my time to ensure quality portraits that you will cherish forever.

How can you NOT afford Kurt Nielsen Photography?