Venture Photography

bargainhunterkid

Can anyone recommend any good local photographers in Bedfordshire?

Was thinking about Venture as their pics do look great on website but bit suspicious as couldn't find any prices for subsequent prints beyond the 'special studio offer' with one free print.... And friends who used them told me the pics were amazing but quite pricey....

If anyone can suggest anyone they've used in Beds, Herts or even Bucks that would be great. Thanks!

Mark_Payne

I can recommend myself! I offer an in-home high key portrait service and as an earlier poster said the colour "effect" achieved by these franchises can be done in about 20 seconds. I do weddings, events, gigs, pets... you name it.... I can't understand the rip-off prices that some franchises charge. I spoke to a customer the other day who paid well over £1300 for a single image on "canvas"..... dear me.

I think the over-riding feeling that the customers get after the purchase is that they might like the image but it was not worth the money.

I personally listen to my customers and provide the picture that they want. I couldn't imagine telling a customer I'd cropped a head out of shot because it was *my* "brand". I reality I suspect it's all they know how to do. I send customers a proof by email and if they want anything changed I do it before I print the image. If the image arrives and it's not right then I screwed up. I would do them another at no cost. No sales pressure either and this gets me sales, repeat business and recommendations.

This whole 1.4k for a picture thing is a case of the emperors new clothes - pressuring people to shell out large amounts of cash for very little and preying on the fact that the layperson doesn't know what a picture should cost.

Unfortunately the advertising power of some of these companies is getting a lot of throughput and this puts the customers off ever having another session - even with ethical professionals like myself and others in this thread.

Model_Mentor

MM Photography in Chesterfield offer a similar style of portraiture however there are no nasty surprises after your shoot. We are open about our prices, openly displaying them and prints start at only £12.00. Check out our site ... google ... 'modelmentor'
Quote MSE for a 5% discount on your shoot price!

Jo, MMP

pupsicola

Didn't have very good experience with Venture tbh. The actual shoot was fun and the kids loved clowning around being snapped.

We had gone along on the understanding that we paid £25 and got a 7 by 5 pic. The hardsell and being made to feel like tight b!**()!!
was unexpected and :eek:.

The shots weren't all that and have had better experiences since.

Tamster150

I had a friend turned away from her viewing because she didnt come with her DH, I suppose they think they are more likely to sell if you are both in the room.

i am in London/Surrey - so typically used to paying a "premium" for most things but have had two sessions with two photographers that I found locally.

The first cost £50 for session with free 10X8, other shots started at £6 but included bundles so was good value for money.
The second cost £65 with discount for booking online cost £50, we got CD & copyright of ALL the images to do as we pleased.

The first photographer worked from his home, the second came to mine, complete with back drops, lighting etc. So if you shop around there are good deals still to be done.

I wouldn't bother turning up to the viewing IMO, save your money.

penny1973

I have some really good pictures from Venture ............... however We did realise this would involve some serious money:eek: It took along time for my husband to get me to agree ( I'm a soft touch where this sort of thing is concerned so prefer not to agree these things)

Would not spend the same again although the pictures were good my mother stated my husband took equally good photos. He is not a photographer and I believe that tells you about the quality of venture

My brother used a local photographer and got some great shots for about 1/3 of the price we paid.:j

CLARABEL

hi

I agree that the hard sell is horrendous. we went about 6 years ago after ' winning' a session and 7x5. the dimmed lights and slideshow hard sell was just the beginning, and the way the free one was described as a 'token' size, and projected on to a massive wall so you think it's worthless was awful.

they then scale up 2 inches at a time, saying 'just £25 more" etc....dreadful!

wasn't impressed with the quality, local people offer a much better, cheaper and more professional service.

Finally, we walked away with the free print, but we were basically ignored and left to leave alone when we said that was all we wanted! steer clear is my advice!

Clara

Bubble16

I have been offered a table at a Ladies Evening where Venture is going to be, am a local photographer. Think it could be a bit of a laugh! "Here's full price list - now go and ask them for one" could be a good line ...