Hannah Flesch2 months agoFrom
We have been bringing our kids to the Lake Forest Park location each Christmas for ten years. We use the small photos in ornament frames and hang them on our tree. Seeing how much our kids have grown each year is one of my favorite parts about Christmas. But unfortunately, hanging them side by side on the tree also indicates that the quality of the photos has gone down since we first started having these pictures taken: the colors are muted and the photos (which they print in seconds while you wait) look about the same quality as you could print on your printer at home using the 'draft' setting. Frankly, I am disappointed, especially since one sheet of four wallet type photos is $42.00.
We keep going each year because it's been a family tradition and we like the 'Santa'. But this year we really debated whether to go, with the dangers of Covid-19. We made a reservation (which was a little confusing on their site), and were pleasantly surprised to find that there was plenty of social distancing. The employees were polite and professional, and 'our' Santa was very friendly. But that's where the good news ends. I totally understand the need for masks and social distancing, but the kids were sat on a bench about ten feet away from Santa with a poorly designed and sparsely decorated expanse of 'nothing' in between them and Santa. When the pictures came out, the kids were right at the very edge of the photo with Santa seated right at the other edge, so that your focus is directed towards the ten feet of 'nothing' in the middle of the image.
Masks - yes. Social distancing - yes. But surely after all these years taking Santa photos and experience in this profession, Arthur & Associates could come up with a more inventive solution to this problem? Perhaps a plexiglass panel in between kids and Santa, that would be almost invisible when the photo is taken face on? A friend of ours had a good experience elsewhere in Seattle with a Santa's workshop theme with the kids separated from Santa by a 'window' into his workshop.
I hope that we are all able to enjoy our special traditions next year - and I also hope that Arthur and Associates considers the quality and value of their photos between now and then.
Kristian Birkelund2 months agoFrom
If I could give 0 stars I would. Don't get me wrong about policy, I follow them all of the time. Apparently for the past 7 years, other than when I skipped during Covid restrictions, every photographer, every Santa, and every coordinator at U-Village has been breaking the pet policy. I have always had my dogs, who are 5 pounds and 9 pounds sit with Santa at U-Village, on his lap. Santa even had a special blanket he brought out to put on his lap. Well tonight, I learned that a policy, that is not posted anywhere, exists that does not allow Santa to handle the pets. I understand the rationale behind the policy, allergies being one, but I was also the last person of the night. I did that purposely on my own to be considerate. I made a reservation weeks ago, called to confirm they would be open because it is snowy and icy, had a friend drive just in case so I would not miss the appointment, and when I was getting my pups ready, the photographer then told me about this policy. I was told that every year before, the people who all work for A&A broke the rules. I am pretty livid. This is probably the last year my 17 year old will be alive, and I have missed all of the pet store Santas now. I generally spend close to $140 here, which was worth it to me before. I called to ask about the policy not being posted to be told too bad. They advertise pets are ok to bring to this particular location and yet they do not state any pet policy about pets on stools or the need to have owner in photo. If I had known, I could have made the decision weeks ago to go elsewhere. It is the lack of transparency that is upsetting and then to not accept any responsibility. All they said is they heard me, and understand and that they will look into it with their web designer for future. I read reviews the other day and was surprised to see the low the ratings and complaints were, but I have a better understanding now. Next year I will check out the pet store Santas, which is fine, I just wish now that I could still do it this year. Arthur and Associates, you don't have to think about posting your policy now, I did it for you. Merry Christmas.
Angela Schaffer2 months agoFrom
I was excited to take my kids back to Bellevue Square this year for their annual Santa picture. I loved being able to make an appointment ahead of time. The “print on the spot” idea is nice, but I agree with other reviews that the quality doesn’t appear to be as nice as several years past. And the price has gone up, again, but that seems to be with everything these days. My biggest praise was for the customer service afterwards. I had an issue with my photo that I didn’t notice until we got home. I contacted the company - they were more than happy to make the adjustment and mail me a new photo.
Main location6508 32nd Ave NW Seattle Washington 98117 US(206) 783-5227Loading...
