We go once a month to JC Penney's at Stoneridge. We only have Sharon or Audria take the pictures. They are wonderful with little ones. Now that they are digital, they are just like Picture People. The photographer will get down on the floor and get great close-ups. The only bad thing is that you do have to wait about 2 weeks to get the pictures back. You can't go wrong with only $3.99 a sheet.

I recently took my two girls to the Picture People, inside the Stoneridge Mall. I thought they did a great job. I was very pleased with how quick and easy the process was and you get the pictures within an hour.

I take my kids every month for their first year to Sears at the mall in Pleasanton. They are the most value for your money. They now have digital cameras so, if you want to pay a bit extra, they can print the pictures that day and for A LOT cheaper than Picture People. I have never been disappointed in the pictures that we get and I always make sure to get the proof sheet. This is an inexpensive addition that allows you to get 6 more poses for a little money. After the first year, I have tried to keep Jared at every 6 months and definitely at each year marker and will keep Loren on the same schedule. I love to look back and see how much they change so quickly.

When Emmie was little we went to Sears and had family pictures taken. They turned out nice, but we had to wait to get them back. So, for the next set of pictures we went to Kiddie Kandids in Babies R Us so we could get them back immediately. They did a nice job too, but their prices are high. I always wait for coupons and specials. The best posed photos we have of Emmie were taken by a friend of the family who is a professional news photographer. Of course using a professional is probably the most expensive option unless you know someone who will take them for free or at a discount :).

I find that freelance photographers not associated with a studio give you the best bang for your buck. They have no overhead so they are able to be flexible to your needs such as location and time along with giving you the actual image to reproduce on your own at a fraction of the cost. It may sound like a lot to hire a photographer for $300 but think about how many prints that may get you at Sears or Picture People at that price. We get professional photos from different photographers for candid shots and portraits. Each photographer has their different "eye" so we get to see different emotions, expressions and styles along with the ability for different settings than an artificial background. They also allow you to be creative with the photos, spot color on a B&W as well as touchups, which are needed for us parents, and ability to print various sizes on different materials. I love candid photos that only a trained eye can catch. I would recommend www.markelolaphotography.com. He lives in Livermore and has a love for children. For more high-end professional quality photos try www.jeromyrobert.com. Though it may cost more than Sears or Picture People, capturing those special moments is priceless for us!