Taking my daughter to a local professional photography studio was supposed to be a memorable event, but it turned out to be a rather disappointing one.
I wanted to give my daughter a professional photoshoot to try to recreate a Mid-Autumn Festival AI image I had seen. Their sales rep assured me that they could do exactly what I wanted, and she sounded convincing. “We’ll take the photo on a blank background so we can photoshop the moon in afterward,” she told me. That’s exactly what they should do, so I set up an appointment.
Just for laughs, here’s what I showed them and what they gave me instead.
But even before we arrived at the studio, the salesperson was relentless in trying to sell us various packages. This constant push made me feel pressured and somewhat put off even before we stepped through the door.
Once we were there, the experience was rushed. It felt like an assembly line. There was no time to truly enjoy the moment, pick out an outfit, or let my daughter relax and have fun. The costumes, which I had expected to be a highlight, seemed a bit unsanitary in hindsight. I’m a bit of a germaphobe, and these costumes were put on my daughter right off the rack.
Pro tip: If you’re a germaphobe too, bring a bottle of spray disinfectant. You never know who wore the clothes last.
There were multiple rooms with various setups, and I was not allowed to take photos of the experience, which I found rather restrictive. They had offered one additional outfit change, claiming it was complimentary. However, when I returned later to choose the photos, I was shocked to be asked to pay extra for photos from that set. It became clear that the entire process was just a ploy for upselling their photography packages.
Every parent wants to capture those beautiful moments in their child’s life, but going to a snooty professional photo studio isn’t something I’d recommend. Instead, if you’re looking for a great photography experience for your child in Beijing, here is a list of trusted photographers jingkids and our readers have used personally and who come highly recommended:
Photographer: Desanka Popovic
Company: The Purest Memories
Why do you love family photography?
“There are a few moments in life that are really important and give us the greatest feelings. One picture has such power to bring back all the memories, feelings, and remind you how life is beautiful. Where can we see more life and love than in mothers who are expecting, families with their children, or in a baby’s laugh? Nothing can bring more joy to my heart than working with these people.”
How would you describe your style?
“Pureness and warmth. That is what people should feel when they get their albums.”
Contact:
WeChat: Desa991
Phone: +86 156 0055 0215
Instagram: the_purest_memories
Photographer: Jiehao Chen
Company: Jiehao Photography
Why do you love family photography?
“Taking pictures of children and pets is like playing a game and hitting a boss level you didn’t even know existed. You really have to think on your two feet and adjust to whatever happens next.”
How would you describe your style?
“Candid.”
Contact
WeChat: 1527430003
Website: www.jiehaophotography.com
Photographer: Dave Hanssen
Company: Dave’s Studio
Why do you love family photography?
“The main reason is helping to create a beautiful family portrait that the family loves and that they can share with everyone. Especially in the last few years with the difficulties a lot of us have had with traveling back home, it’s great to be able to share a nice family portrait with those you love.”
How would you describe your style?
“I’d say my studio’s style is more on the natural side for family portraits, more relaxed. However, it really depends on our clients. We like to have an open dialogue with our clients to ensure that they get the images that fit their style the best.”
Contact:
Photographer: Aaron Berkovich
Why do you love family photography?
“Being able to help people share their own stories and experiences – especially for special moments like engagements, weddings, prenatal, or early childhood photos – is a very special way to immortalize those memories and experiences that can be shared with loved ones anywhere in the world.”
How would you describe your style?
“My style is naturally capturing moments as they happen and finding the angles that really tell the stories of the subjects.”
Contact:
WeChat: 13120159494
Email: aaron@peking.studio
These professionals are known for their quality work, attention to detail, and a more customer-friendly approach. Don’t make the same mistake I did and choose a studio blindly. Do your research and go for a photographer who will truly capture those precious moments without all the unnecessary hassle and disappointment.
Images: Mina Yan, Pexels
