If you follow me on facebook you’ll remember I posted a few pics from Magenta Photo Studio a while back. A new one just opened up in Chinook Mall and they offered us a complimentary shoot to try out their services so I took them up on it. I’m glad we went. It was an interesting experience to say the least.
Baby N had been so grouchy that morning…little did we know he was coming down with rotavirus. He was passing gas like nobody’s business and the staff were quick to point out the changing area in case we were to need it. We were lucky that we didn’t but his attitude was nearly as stinky as his flatulence. This shot of him captured his mood so well. He wore that hat like a boss didn’t he?
Little H was enthused about every aspect of the shoot. The costumes. Being the center of attention. The props. Taking direction from someone other than me…all of it. Her energy was so well juxtaposed against that of her brother that it was hard to get a shot of them together. This one of her on her own captures every single thing about our daughter’s personality. I can hardly stand how perfect it is.
The Process:
We were given a quick run down of how things would go and we chose our props. Then we removed our shoes and stepped into the studio. There was a photographer as well as an assistant which I thought was genius because it was one more person to wrangle the kids. I actually got to enjoy the experience instead of fussing over who was sitting where. As I mentioned, the baby was in no mood for any of this, but they still managed to keep him happy by bringing out props that caught his attention including the balloon you see with H there and a bright red tricycle which he was enamored with.
Near the end of our hour time slot they brought out a bubble machine and that was a huge hit with the kids. All in all I was really pleased with the staff and how well they handled my monsters.
Here is a quick snap I took with my phone at the studio just so you can get an idea of what they have there…this was their red/pink section and they had several other sets of props.
H looking over the costumes. They had many dresses, frocks and boas as well as boxing gloves, glasses and hats
After our session we took a little refreshment break out in the mall while they reviewed the shots and took out any that were obviously not going to pass Q/A. When we returned we set the kids up in front of a movie and reviewed our snaps.
The kids staying entertained watching 'Happy Feet' while mom and dad reviewed the photos
Criticisms: (cause every balanced review has em)
Price – it’s not like you HAVE to break the bank to have a session and get a great image…they often offer sitting fee promos and special packages. BUT once you see the shots it’s hard to walk out without getting more and it can add up fast.
Photo-shopping – maybe it’s because I’m used to editing my less than professional home pics that I kind of feel every image can benefit from a bit of tweaking…for instance, the image of Nate could be straightened out (I have the digital file so I can do it myself and I will.) They do offer digital photo editing but yes, you have to pay extra for that.
Bottom Line:
If you’re looking to get some family photos taken and you’re hoping for a stress free experience then definitely go into Magenta and talk to them about your options. Our prints came back quickly, were great quality and captured our family personalities well. Right now, they have a mother’s day promo running where you can get a sitting, a print and a pillow and a digital file to share online for $95.
Notes:
The images shown have the hometoheather watermark on them and that was added by me because, well, they are of my kids and I don’t want any funny business mkay. Images you purchase from Magenta will not have a watermark.
There is one more pic from our session and you can find it on my About page.
