Photo Stoke
Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire
(140)
Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire
(140)
140 customer reviews
Brad
Absolutely awful experience. Would not recommend. There are so many photographers in the area, choose any other than Photo Stoke. Unprofessional, overpriced and poor quality results. Do not use More...
Rrbecca
DO NOT USE
Long review to follow but to sum up...
* Pressure sold photographs in highly uncomfortable manner
* Massively overcharged (over £400 for 30 min shoot and 5 digital images plus original booking fee)
* Poor quality, overexposed photographs sent through that owner admitted were well below standard
* Refused to offer refund, just wanted us to come back in for 'further photographs' in a very uncomfortable experience
* Unsympathetic, money focused business that does not care about it's customers
My mother purchased the bump to baby shoot for me prior to Christmas. Unfortunately I contracted covid at New Year and my baby had to be delivered at 25 weeks. We spent 102 days in the intensive care unit and my baby is extremely poorly and on oxygen 24/7, so obviously the shoot was the last thing on my mind but when we finally felt confident enough to take him out we contacted Louise and booked to come in. The initial package purchased was for 2 shoots, one with bump and then a follow up with baby. We have only received one shoot and do not intend to return.
We attended the shoot and were uncomfortable with the posed nature of it, as we had expressed clearly that we just wanted natural shots rather than staged images. It was almost like a paint by numbers experience.
After the shoot we were taken to a separate room to view our images. I was shocked to discover that the pricing began at just under £400 for only 5 digital images. My mother had already paid for the shoot and I had also had to pay a £20 deposit to book the shoot (which was knocked off the total for the images).
We were then presented with our images and the saleswoman started to heavily pressure us into purchasing one of the packages. I was extremely uncomfortable and felt obliged to purchase, so we ended up paying for the 'cheapest' package. She made me feel like I was basically being cheap for this but to add a comparison, our wedding photographs were taken by a photographer 2 years ago who spent 4 hours with us and provided us with ALL of our digital images (well edited) for only £600. She sat between us and the door and I basically felt that we were unable to leave until we had paid for our photos.
We left the studio feeling very deflated and almost embarrassed. We later received our images, and to say I was disappointed would be an understatement. They were so overexposed you could barely tell us from the backdrop and my baby looked red and patchy. It was another upsetting experience.
I decided to have a go at 'fixing' the images myself. Bearing in mind that I am on maternity leave and looking after a sick child, it was difficult to find the time to do this. ALL 5 images were of this awful standard.
I contacted Louise, who seemed sympathetic at first, apologising for the pressure sales technique that was used on us. After attempting to blame the brightness of my screen for the issue she also admitted that the images were well below professional standard and offered to 're edit' them for me. I explained to her that I had already done that and asked for a refund for the images I had had to edit myself, as she said she would complete the remaining images for me. She at this point dropped any semblance of sympathy, point blank refusing to refund any of our money and kept trying to insist that we come back to the studio for another shoot.
I found her to be totally money focused by the end of our correspondence and she eventually just refused to contact me, even after admitting to pressure selling and sending us poor quality images and even after I explained several times that we were too uncomfortable to return to the studio.
My advice would be to stay away from Photo Stoke if you are looking for happy family portraits, or images of your children. I have never been made to feel so upset by an experience of this kind and would urge parents to shop around and AVOID AVOID AVOID.
More...
Donna Marie Garvie
makeup artist and photographer were really friendly and was up for your opinions they didnt rush it was relaxing
Reviewed on Facebook
Lissa Mariie
can't thank the team enough, had my granddaughter a fairy shoot and o.m.g how fantastic the pictures are. So hard to choose from! thankyou again ❤
Reviewed on Facebook
Trudy Birks
We had a lovely fairy photo shoot for my 2 year old twin girls, from the moment we walked in my girls were made to feel special, from choosing their own outfits to having beautiful wings and accessories added. They loved getting dressed up and were so excited to get out and explore the lovely set up. One of our girls definitely made us work for photos of her after being reluctant to stand on the set and preferred a side view! I was sure we wouldn’t get many nice photos and would of been happy with just one good photo, however when we went to view all the photos I was amazed and so glad that Louise had managed to get so many beautiful photos of them, both together and separately, it was a very hard decision choosing which photos to have! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Mat Burton
Friendly and professional.
Reviewed on Google Maps
Alex Smith
Fantastic experience. Would definitely recommend and use again thank you
Reviewed on Facebook
Michelle Salt
Visited for a family shoot, Louise was very friendly and professional. My son really enjoyed it and we was spoilt for choice out of which photos to choose from, would definitely recommend.
Reviewed on Facebook
Collin Pickering
Excellent time here with the family getting some incredible photos to choose from. Good props to take some nice photo shoots. Louise was very friendly and definitely made an effort to get our 1yo daughters attention for some great photos. Spot on. Thank you More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Dawn Connor
Had a fab time - made to feel comfortable and relaxed can’t wait to see the shots
Reviewed on Facebook
Mandy Johal
Fantastic service. Both make up artist and photographer, Louise provided a high quality service. Would recommend to anyone who’s a-bit nervous about a shoot, as we were made to feel comfortable and enjoyed our shoot.
Reviewed on Google Maps
Kirsty Allen
Myself and my partner went for a couples photo shoot today. It was amazing! Nothing was to much hassle for Louise who took some amazing shots. My make up and hair was on point to and I felt beautiful. Thank you for a lovely experience and some amazing photos! Xxx More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Lisa Tappin
We came for a Mother and Daughter shoot, somewhat nervous and not really knowing what to expect. We were greeted by Louise who was absolutely lovely and made us drinks and introduced us to the lady who was doing our hair and make up. What a treat, she asks you exactly how you would like it doing and completely follows your wishes. We opted for natural looks and when we saw the photos it was exactly as we had hoped. When you are prepped and ready to go you are taken in to the studio with Louise and we did nothing but giggle the whole time. Louise suggests lots of different poses and lets you go with your own too if you want. You will feel relaxed and at ease the whole time. Honestly, you will love the experience! We didn't take lots of outfits because we simply couldn't be bothered, but I would take the advice and go with 1 set of casual and 1 set of dressy clothes, shoes and accessories as they produce completely different images. We went back at a time that suited us and saw the photos and were completely blown away - they are fabulous. Superior quality and really professional. Yes, you may pay a little bit more but it is worth it, after all it's not something you are doing all the time. Give it a go and enjoy it, I'm glad we did! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Louise Phillips
Me and my sister took our daughters aged 3, 8 and 9 for the enchanted forest fairy photo shoot, the set is beautifully done, with 'enchanting' music playing as the shoot is being done it was realy magical to watch the kids being fairys , such a lovely experience. . Louise was very patient, professional and friendly.. and when we returned within a week to view our images all I can say it Wow! Absolutely stunning! It took us a while to choose from all the amazing photos but we got there in the end and we were very happy with the images we chose, we took the option to have our images on 3 month finance plan.. we left very happy and I would recommend Photo stoke for the great quality of their work. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
India Andrews
I had a lovely time and the photographer was very welcoming and friendly☺️ my makeup was beautifully done I loved it!! My only flaws are that the prices are very expensive and I don’t know how paying £345 for 5 photos is justifiable. I need to return next week and sadly don’t think I’ll be able to have as many photos as I would like due to these prices which is a shame as the photographer did an amazing job and would love to keep more of them. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Emma Susan Richards
Absolutely AMAZING time Made to feel so welcome and comfortable on the shoot Thank you XX
Reviewed on Facebook
cristian bogdan
Good personal sellers , they are moving fast .
Reviewed on Google Maps
Shannon April Braxton
Amazing experience!!! went for a mother and daughter shoot with hair and make-up too. me and my 4year old loved it from beginning to end, felt really comfortable and louise was really nice to get along with. just 1 flaw is the price I think is a little much but you cant say no for how the pictures turn out. Would definitely recommend. hopefully see you again :) More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Clair Chamberlain
i booked a Superhero photoshoot for fathers day for my son and partner. It was very professional and very fun according to my son. went to view the pictures and we couldnt decide on which ones to have as they were all amazing! Highly recommend for a personal photoshoot and looking forward to going back for the Fairies photoshoot with my daughter More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Jess Ward
Had a Couples photo shoot today with my partner and what can i say... Amazing experience, even my partner who is usually not a massive fan of having his photo taken really enjoyed it. We left early due to road closures and were able to do the shoot early due to cancellations and were able to view our photos the same day so win-win. Louise was super friendly, professional and made us both feel at ease with no pressure x The photos were beautiful, we struggled to narrow it down x Thanks again, definitely reccomend x More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Jayne Warrington
we did the mini makeover and the photographer was so supportive and reassuring during the shoot. the photos are amazing and have given Kasey no end of confidence.
Reviewed on Facebook
Yvonne Raper
Had a photo shoot today and what a lovely experience it was. We had make up by Sonia followed by photos with lots of laughs . It was great fun , the photographer ( forgotten her name )was fab, really patient . Would highly recommend photo Stoke Louise the photographer, she was amazing More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Leigh-Anne Charlotte Logan
Took my two children for a super hero photo shoot and even with a hypo 2 year old Batman running around the photos turned out absolutely brilliant xx
Reviewed on Facebook
Alistair Lamont
A very proffesional and welcoming photographer with vast knowledge and superb communication skills, even managed to get my dog to do as he’s told !!
Reviewed on Facebook
Beth Ritchie
My son had a superhero photo shoot yesterday it was amazing I can’t wait to get our photos :) thank you for such a wonderful experience
Reviewed on Facebook
Rachel Broadhurst
Fantastic experience today for me and Sid the dachshund at photo stoke can’t wait to collect our prints, thank you!
Reviewed on Facebook
Lauren Hillman
I had a great make over and photo shoot it was amazing for me to do something like this that I haven't done before I HD a really great time and with taking the pictures of me too it was a great day I had
Reviewed on Facebook
Lianne Barrow
We had a bump to baby shoot and Louise made us feel so welcome and relaxed, but especially so for the skin on skin pics. Then at the viewing we were spoilt for choice, there were so many great pics. Thank you for a memorable day we will cherish forever. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Alexandra Clowes
lovely experience with friendly people thank you
Reviewed on Facebook
Yasmin Ali
we had a super hero's & fairies photo shoot. it was an amazing experience the kids loved it & had a brilliant time. i would recommend photo stoke to all
Reviewed on Facebook
Daisy Machin
we had out photo shoot done today and was our first shoot together loved every minute of it. photos were taken quick and of really good quality we have ended up with 6 as we could not decide.
Reviewed on Facebook
Jessica Watkins
wonderful experience and can't wait to see the pics of my husky
Reviewed on Facebook
Emma Jayne
fantastic superhero experience, really lovely lady capturing some amazing shots! can't wait to get our prints, would definitely use again. thank you
Reviewed on Facebook
Rachel Moore
Brilliant photos taken of my very hyperactive Staffie. Our photographer had the patience of a saint in dealing with Skyla. She never pushed for us to move on etc. took her time in getting the perfect shots, and they are brilliant. Thanks x More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Bobbi Harris
My fiancé and I went for the superhero photo shoot on Saturday and we loved it. We both felt a bit awkward doing superhero poses and I hate my photo being taken but we were made to feel really comfortable so it was a lot of fun. If I ever want any photos doing in the future I will definitely be going here! Can’t wait to see the photos at the end of the week! Thank you for such an amazing experience :) More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Farhana Hamid
Just had a ♀️ shoot done for my daughter, can’t recommend Photo Stoke enough it was just magical
Reviewed on Facebook
Lynda Elliott
Louise was challenged with producing photographs of me that made me feel "body confident".... Mission accomplished! We chose 20 images in the end and they are all superb! Very excited to see myself looking as I wish I looked, rather than how I believe I look! And no filters.... More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Wendy Plant
I went for the confidence photo shoot it was a nerve wrecking experience but the outcome of the photos were amazing so pleased with them and Louise was really patient it's something I will never experience again in my life time so glad I went for it x
Reviewed on Facebook
Tracey Mitchell
Would highly recommend.. photos are always great, lovely place and makes you feel welcome x
Reviewed on Facebook
Siân Mellor
We visited for a bump to baby shoot! The first shoot I had my hair and make up done, offered a drink straight away, was made to feel comfortable and had a great time! We couldn’t decide on a photo from this so she happily saved them for us so we could decide at our final visit. On our return with baby she was prepared with a changing mat and tried so hard to make my baby smile for the photos! We were really pleased with our photos and decided to have them sent to us digitally and we recieved them within an hour! Lovely photo memories! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Liz Mills
I was so nervous before my boudoir shoot but Louise was so great and made it so easy. I absaloutley love my photos, which I didn't think I'd say , thank you xx
Reviewed on Facebook
Sharon Howell
I visited Photostoke for a boudoir photo shoot for a confidence boost. It was fantastic they made me feel so welcome when I arrived, made me comfortable, explained the makeover and how the photo shoot would be. They made me feel confident which I haven’t for a long time in my photos. For any women out there that needs a boost and made to feel sexy and beautiful Photostoke is the place to go ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Sandra Davies
An absolutely fantastic experience. we were made to feel welcome and relaxed and the photos are excellent very spoilt for choice. Thank you for making her day xx
Reviewed on Facebook
Alison Eardley
Fantastic experience for my children, the photos are amazing! My children had so much fun and proper got into character with all great props. The the payment plan is great especially this time of year. We loved the slide show of our photos they were presented lovely with superhero background sounds when viewing. Just a perfect experience! Thank you so much xx More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Beckie Tavill
I never thought I could feel quite so at ease having bump photos taken thank you so much I cannot wait to see the photos.
Reviewed on Facebook
Lynne Coates
Louise was brilliant. I’m not the best ‘poser’ but she has a really relaxed, chilled style about her and produced some beautiful family photos for us. Would highly recommend her.
Reviewed on Facebook
Cath Leon Chell
my little boy has autism and finds it hard to comply with people but photo stoke were very patient with him and i thankyou for that he enjoyed himself and so did my daughter highly recommended xx
Reviewed on Facebook
Liam Bagnell
Really great quality photos, excellent with children and very patient. Took great pics of our 3 year old daughter and more importantly, she had great fun doing it. Not cheap, but what professional photographer is? Highly recommended! More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Mand Cooper
We had a fab time in our friends photo shoot, a great morning full of fun and laughter� Louise is lovely and makes you feel very welcome relaxed and well looked after. Thank you for our amazing prints!
Reviewed on Facebook
Zanda Kristina
We took our German Shepherd for the pet Photoshoot and it was great. He enjoying it was such a poser, can't wait to get the photos now. Some great photos and able to get a variety of different shoots. Friendly staff and would definitely recommend. Thank you :) More...
Reviewed on Facebook
