Setting a new Hallmark for portrait studios

If you ever wondered how far the boundaries of cute can be stretched, imagine a portrait studio run by Hallmark Cards Inc.

Think bunny costumes, court jester hats and plastic posies the size of dinner plates. Or giant cracked eggs, big candy hearts and throw rugs that look like lily pads. Or how embarrassed a kid will be as an teen if anybody digs up these baby pictures.

"We go really crazy with the props," said Sarah Willmott, marketing coordinator for Picture People, Hallmark's chain of portrait studios that will open its first storefront studios locally in Countryside Mall and Brandon TownCenter on March 9. "We've always got dozens of props and costumes on hand."

To be sure there's a continuous churn for baby pictures and family portraits marking even the most obscure holiday, Picture People stores get a fresh shipment of props every three months.

Dressed in the industry-standard beige, pocketed vest, the uniformed photographers also offer standard portrait work in a studio with room for groups of up to 32 people.

The chain of 303 stores offers one-hour developing on portrait work that starts at about $15 for a color 8-by-10. A full sitting includes five poses with packages of prints priced at $40 and up. Technicians also can print portraits on neckties, the front of a 3-D sculpture up to 3 three feet tall and, of course, holiday greeting cards.

Hey, it's Hallmark.

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright