Children's Photographers Serving St. Charles County

Okay, I have a confession. I am not a normal mom. In fact, I am failing miserably at it. Yes, I get my kids to school on time. I feed them three meals a day. Sometimes we remember to brush the teeth. But, I have committed what some parents would consider the ultimate sin in parenting. I am pictureless.

There I said it. My walls are bare and my albums are empty. Yes, I have the snapshots that are poorly taken by my amateur hand and the spur of the moment camera phone snapshots, but it is the professional photos that I have always been so hesitant and cheap to buy.

I have always hated the stale, over-posed and unexceptional studio portraits that remind me of a bad Sears advertisement. But in the past few years, I have found that there are some places that exist in my community that offer more unique and personal choices. Some are reasonable and other are outrageous in price, but we all don't live on my income or share my preferences so I will leave the decision up to you.

Below I have outlined some of the local photography businesses in the area that may help you cover your walls with more personality than dirt and grime.

Kelly Rowan Photography
(636) 332-4845
Location: Wentzville, MO
Sitting Fee: $55 - none if you purchase a package
Package Pricing: $129 - $200

This is my top pick for a children's photographer if you live in the St. Louis area. Kelly is a one-woman team, but that does not stop her from giving her best.

My family and I had our pictures taken several months ago at Quail Ridge Park and the two hours we spent there were the most natural, relaxing time we have ever had getting our pictures taken. Kelly followed us around and caught us acting like ourselves and the pictures are candid and clever.

We bought the most expensive package and were able to get 3 8x10, 6 5x7, and 4 4x6. The best part about this package was that we could choose from any pose and we could have the pictures done in color, black and white, sepia - it didn't matter. We had lots of versatility.

If you want quality, affordable portraits and versatility Kelly Rowan Photography is the way to go!

The Picture People
www.picturepeople.com
1-800-341-HOUR
Locations: West County and South County Malls
Appointments Needed: No, but recommended
Sitting Fee: none
Package Pricing: $126 - $925

So, I have been here and done that once or twice. The Picture People are about speed. If you want cute, professional photos in less than an hour this a place for you.

It is true that they have neat props and the backdrops are cute, but this studio is about convenience. And what do convenience stores have in common? They can charge you a fortune for something that you would never, if you were not in a hurry, pay that much for.

Portrait Innovations
(636) 536-6761
www.portraitinnovations.com
Location: 144 Chesterfield Valley Drive, Chesterfield, MO 63005
Appointments Needed: No, but recommended
Sitting Fee: none
Package Pricing: $9.95 and up

This is another convenient portrait shop that is location in Chesterfield Valley. I had my daughters' pictures taken there about 2 years ago and it was a horrible experience. I think it was probably the last time I had their picture until this last time.

The one thing I hate about studios is that they insist on happy, cheery children. What world do they live in? Have you ever met a supermodel that wasn't foul? This studio made it very difficult for my youngest child, who was 2 at the time, to have a good time. The staff was so insistent on having her sit still and smile that I almost walked out. I consistently told them to just let her walk around and let's see what we get, but I suppose that went against their training.

Anyway, I don't remember what I paid. I do know that it was way more than their current $9.95 promotion. Why? Because in order to get the poses I wanted, I had to purchase more pictures.

Yes, you get your pictures in an hour. But let me ask you - is it worth a cranky child and a lighter wallet?

JcPenny Portrait Studios
(636) 561-5820
Locations: 7939 Highway N, Dardenne Prairie, MO 63368
Appointment Needed: Yes, you can schedule online
Sitting Fee: none
Package Pricing: $39.95 - $209.00

This is a more traditional portrait studio that has years of experience working with children. It is highly likely that you had your pictures taken at this studio once upon a time.

For the budget conscious person who is looking for some simple pictures to share with family and friends this is a good deal. You can get a lot of pictures with those $39.95 specials, but you will be limited to the one pose deal.

McVicar Photography
(636) 327-4571
www.mcvicarphotography.net
Location: Wentzville, MO
Sitting Fee: unknown
Packages: unknown

I couldn't write a review on children's photographers without including this company. This is a company that has been around since I was a little girl. In fact the guy who use to take my picture and call me silly names to get me to laugh, still goes to school and sport functions and takes those wonderful, plastic-smile photos.

I purposefully left black the info on the sitting fee and packages because there is not this sort of information available on the website. You have to email a request or pick up a phone. Yes, I could have done both, but as a consumer I am picky and I like upfront information. I like to know at 11:00pm on a Sunday night how much I can expect to pay for pictures.

From personal experience, my daughter just had cheerleading pictures taken from one of their sport sessions, I can say that this photography place runs a little higher than Kelly Rowan Photography. In fact, I opted for just the class photo and went to Kelly Rowan Photography to get the wallets my daughter wanted for half the price.

So . . . What's the Verdict?

If you live in St. Charles County and are looking for a photographer for your children, I would recommend Kelly Rowan Photography or McVicar Photography. You will get high quality photography from both of these companies and have the freedom to move around outside of a studio at locations of your choice.

Children would much rather have their picture taken while they are running through a pile of leaves than sitting on a box with fake leaves on a pull-down screen. Don't you agree?

www.portraitinnovations.com
www.mcvicarphotography.net
www.jcpportraits.com
www.picturepeople.com
www.jcpportraits.com