JCPenney Portraits - Phoenix, Arizona

Jessica

Last Saturday, I went to take pictures of my children and dogs. Booking online was easy, and there were no issues. However, when I arrived in person, the staff told me they couldn’t accommodate me despite their website allowing online bookings. The woman at the front desk, an older white woman with blonde hair, was extremely rude and condescending. She spoke to us in a disrespectful manner and acted as though my dogs were disgusting.

After a lengthy argument and calling the manager at their Tempe location, I was finally allowed to proceed. Unfortunately, the entire experience felt rushed. They didn’t take the time to properly photograph my children and dogs, and the pictures turned out poorly. When I hung the canvas I chose in my home, I noticed it was crooked.

If you have dogs, I strongly advise against visiting this place. They’ll treat you poorly and rush through the session.

Emily Graf

Good for People Portraits, Not for Pets

I’ve had a good experience with JCPenney Portraits for people photos, but unfortunately, I cannot recommend them for pet portraits. Their website lists availability for pet photography that does not align with what the store is actually willing to perform. This led to a highly unprofessional experience.

For 10 days, I had a Saturday pet portrait appointment scheduled for my service dog, who is calm and nonresponsive to other people. On Friday afternoon—less than 24 hours before my appointment—I received a call stating they would not (and never do) photograph pets on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays. This last-minute cancellation forced me to urgently cancel a grooming appointment, rearrange family schedules, and cancel Christmas card pre-orders, the stress of which could have been avoided with better communication.

The issue stems from two key failures:
1. Their website falsely advertises availability for pet portraits without mentioning these restrictions.
2. The late cancellation was inconsiderate and unprofessional.

Had I known their actual policy, I would have made other arrangements. While I had one positive experience with people portraits, the unreliability for pet photography makes me hesitant to recommend them overall.

Sierra Brink

I had a poor experience getting family portraits done with my newborn and husband. The photoshoot was rushed, we were posed awkwardly, I don’t understand why if a photo came out bad it was kept and not retaken. Our photographer did not help us look our best. When we asked for a reshoot she said we couldn’t reshoot that same day, we would have to reschedule, and that we would not get the same deal we were getting that day, and if we came back we’d be paying full price. So we felt forced to pick the best options of what we did get that day and settle on the package we came in for. When showing us digital edits of the photos with fonts, she also said we couldn’t change the size or style of the font which was odd. Overall we are unsatisfied with the lack of effort and care put into our session by the photographer.

Terri Colwell (Terrilyn Mari)

The photographer was great. I had a session for family portraits. She was definitely great with little ones and making them smile and getting the best poses for the photos. The quality is super great. I was seen right away. Didn't wait. I made an appointment and was able to get in right away. The price I paid was legit for EVERYTHING that I had ordered. Which was the biggest package and more. I am Definitely HAPPY with this place and how everything came about.

Jade Love

This is overall a good experience and good photos. However I am missing a large family photo. Called and left a voice mail. Until resolved this is a 4 star.

Dropped down to a two star. My issue has not been resolved and we are now in March. A week away from April. All I want is my family photo.

Emma G

I had a good experience me and my family went over the weekend and had our holiday photos taken. It was easy to schedule an appointment online and a session is affordable. Noemi was our photographer and she did a great job and was helpful. I can't wait to pick up our photos.

snshn3

Not very happy. They did not process our order fully so when we went in for the pictures they said we hadn't paid yet we did. They then expedited our order to our address without letting us know that shipping it automatically forfeited the extra photos they show in the shop for purchase. Those should have just been with our photos for being so late. I called and they told me there's no way to get those photos, that i can order more.. Those were my daughter's one year pics! I would like those photos. And when we arrive (early) for our pics with no others before us, we were told they could not do our photos yet because we were early. I have always showed up early to other penneys studios and they've gotten us right in so they could get to other customers. Yet no other customers were there. I will not be going back to this studio.
And with our 2 year olds pictures (ill just throw this in) they were taking so long to focus the camera they missed so many good shots. He was so smiley in the beginning and she was clicking away and focusing way too much that we hardly had any to review of him.

Hailey Sardinas

If I could give 0 stars I would, my experience was not great. It was all rushed into bc a family had an appt 30 min after us which is ridiculous bc only 30 min with two kids is no where near enough time to get good pictures, besides that the lady was not giving clear instruction on what to do or how to pose for the photo. I was promised at least 15 photos for the digital book, instead I paid almost $200 for only 8 pictures that came out sloppy. I will never be going back there.