Qudos photgraphic studios

Posted by: manicatel on 03 September 2006

Anybody else ever heard of this bunch? I believe they used to be called venture, or something similar.
Thanks to the missus, & a classic "spratt-to-catch-a-mackerel" bloody deal, the kids went in to this studio for a "complimentary" portrait. Mob-handed, we all went there today to preview the shots. Well to be fair they had some great shots of the kids, not the old "family group-shot in their sunday best turned into a canvas" cobblers. Although they did alter (rasterize, is it called?) some of the shots to look like bloody "Athena" posters!
Anyway, OK, we get a free 10x8", but a 24x24" group shot,typtrych,collage etc is best part of £600!!, FFS.
Am I being a grumpy old sod, or is this considered fair VFM in photography world? I mean, its good & all that, but its not exactly Lord Lichfield! I will feel a bit cheap saying "no thanks, just the free one please", but I can't help feeling I've been had.
matt
Posted on: 04 September 2006 by Nigel Cavendish
I think you alreday know the answer...
Posted on: 04 September 2006 by Diccus62
We have a Venture in Durham and from people who have had photos taken that price sounds about right. Numerous ways of looking at it i guess, is £600 too much to pay for a once in a lifetime shot done professionally ore would a digital camera shot taken by a friend be as good for next to nothing. If the photo looks like an air brushed Bonnie Tyler album cover and thats not your scene take the 10x 8 and run for the hills.

As an alternative if you have a good digital image of family or friends it can be put on canvas and made massive. I've seen examples in 4homes magazine and they look class but it all depends on how good the image quality is to start with i guess. Try here 4canvas

Diccus
Posted on: 06 September 2006 by Rico
if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

I'd suggest that if you want a photographic sitting, find a studio you like, understand their pricing model, book up and buy prints afterwards. It's all less complicated, and you know up-front what you're getting.

the crowd you're talking about have a loss-leader - it's part of their marketing strategy. You can accept it and say you find their cloaked costs a little steep, thank them for their time and the freebie - and tell them you're off to find a studio, that they've provided some inspiration. At least you're going to spend cash somewhere in the industry.