We have have all been tempted by inexpensive sounding professional photos sessions and for £60 and free photo, what’s not to like? Well after spending a eye watering amount of money getting some lovely photos plenty let me tell you!
It was the day of the tube strike I went home a different way through Liverpool Street station because it was more direct with less chance of being caught out. I was hot tired and hungry never be hot tired and hungry when negotiating about money it will cost you a fortune, trust me.
I thought I would get a sandwich and was looking around for a shop to buy one, that was my first mistake (don’t look around) second mistake was engaging with the young man who caught my eye ( don’t stop ever). I am usually so good at dodging people with something to sell chuggers, Jehovah witnesses, anyone with a leaflet I am highly skilled at polite avoidance, hard wired by years of avoiding eye contact while commuting in London.
Not on this day though ( I told you hungry hot and tired) before you know it I have succumbed to flattery ( third mistake) paid my money and booked a session.
I tell myself it will be a good bonding session with teen girl ,it will be good for her confidence, I will set a limit I will be strong!!!
You can guess what happened next can’t you.
The day came and I really wasn’t in the mood. I had promised myself I would be organised that I would prepare the night before but I didn’t and I spent the morning flinging clothes round the bedroom and ironing.T hey said we needed four outfits. I struggle finding one outfit ( I have an aversion to ironing) never mind four, plus Teen girl needed four as well, so cue generational differences in taste and judgement to be exposed and found wanting.
I got Teen girl up two hours before we were due to leave, she nonchalantly got ready at a leisurely pace like she had all the time in the world which was infuriating. How long does it take to have a shower and wash your hair for goodness sake. Too long in my view, so much for a cosy mum and daughter bonding session , time was tight and I was already fuming!
So after a tense start, we finally got there just in time with me making a mental note to self to remember whenever I have to be somewhere with Teen Girl, add at least an hour to save time and frustration.
The studio was lovely cool light and airy funky music playing and beautiful people walking around looking impossibly cool. It looked expensive. I am trying to set up a business as a freelance journalist and blogger, so I am always thinking about costs and I knew that this set up couldn’t be cheap.
We had our hair and make up done. Teen girl looked gorgeous with very little effort. I needed a bit more work. I had had some similar photos done 10 years ago and I couldn’t help thinking how much I’d aged. I have started. thinking that more and more recently it must be my mid life ex wife crisis.
The photographer was brilliant he made us laugh he didn’t judge our clothes , flattered our vanity and made us look and feel good. It was professional as advertised. we had a fabulous time it was all I thought it would be a confidence building bonding experience mummy and daughter playing dress up.
The photos were amazing, I wanted all of them but the cost was prohibitive, think a week abroad for a family of four or a really good second hand car.
We went from 90 photo to the 29 I couldn’t leave behind, I also had a fascinating conversation with the sales man Aaron about Apple Watches, the photography business, acting and music careers, plus marriage divorce and how ( and If) it impacts on your life as a child ( we were all products of broken homes)
Thought provoking and unexpected
Needless to say I still can’t tell you how much I paid but let’s just say I wont be going for a mini break abroad ( which I could do with actually) and my credit card took a hit!
Before anyone asks I did offer Teen Boy the chance to have his photo taken ( he was having none of it ) he liked the pictures though ( I didn’t dare tell him how much they cost!)
All in all it was a really positive experience me and Teen Girl spent the day together and got some cracking photos that we can use for business and personal purposes ( head shots websites Christmas present etc.)
As for Teen Girl she now knows that life is about choices head shots or holiday? I made her choose, cruel yes but I have to get those life lessons in there somewhere.
Would I do it again? Maybe… Teen Girl and I have had a tough few months and it was great to share a lovely day that we will never forget, we made some good memories and laughed a lot which is all ever want to do with kids.
I have to say though the next time a handsome young man approaches offering me professional photo session for £60. I will smile politely say no thank you hold onto my purse and keep moving.
Till the next time D xx
Have you ever done one of this photo sessions? Did you pay more than expected or did you stay strong?
I would love to hear about it (it will make me feel better)
Single Mummy Life 
I do enjoy reading your blogs Dawn there so humorous, truthful and informative! I love the phrase ‘teen girl’ and ‘teen boy’.
I actually visual some of the things you write about as I read – like watching short sketches on stage!
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Thanks Marsha that’s so wonderful to hear. I would like to write short sketches so that’s given me some ideas 😀 do you think it would make a good sitcom? X
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