Ask Olan (Frequently Asked Questions)

Welcome to our online help desk! We've chosen a list of our most frequently asked questions and tips from our studios, customer service desk, and appointment center. If you need further assistance please contact your local studio. Click HERE for our studio locator. For our Frame FAQ's, please click HERE.

Getting Started

  1. Why should I choose an Olan Millis family portrait studio?
  2. What are the steps involved in getting a studio portrait photograph?
  3. Where are your portrait studios located?
  4. Money matters - prices, other charges, etc,...
  5. What if I am not satisfied?

The Photography Sitting

  1. Do I need to make an appointment?
  2. When should an appointment be made?
  3. How do I make an appointment?
  4. Who do you photograph?
  5. Can I get my pet photographed?
  6. What are 'poses'?
  7. What kind of props can I use?
  8. Can I bring in my own props?
  9. What kind of backgrounds are available?
  10. How long does it take?

My Portrait Order

  1. I would like to order more portraits. Is this possible?
  2. When should I expect my portraits to arrive?
  3. What if I do not like the portraits I receive, do you have a guarantee?
  4. What sizes are available?
  5. What Finishes are available?
  6. Do you make black and white and sepia portraits?
  7. Where do I get Frames for my portraits?
  8. Does Olan Mills have portrait cards?
  9. What should I expect to pay?
  10. How do I save even more at Olan Mills?
  11. Does Olan Mills have a membership plan?

Other Questions

  1. How can I care for my Olan Mills portraits?
  2. I still have other questions?

Getting Started

  1. Why should I choose an Olan Mills family portrait studio?

    Our long history and reputation have made us the most recognized name in portrait photography. Since our founding in 1932, we have grown across the United States. Over 550 photo studios are located in traditional sites and convenient Kmart, Belk, Meijer retail locations.

    Additionally, our Church division is the largest publisher of church directories in the nation, providing directories to churches and other organizations, as well as family portraits to their members.

    Our family portrait studios strive to provide VALUE AND QUALITY, with a pleasant EXPERIENCE. Use the portrait studio locator to find the location nearest to you!

  2. What are the steps involved in getting a studio portrait photograph?

    Take a moment and determine why you're capturing this moment, portraits of your child to keep and share, to record a birthday or other milestone in life, a family reunion or other special event, a holiday portrait to send to loved ones, etc... This reason will also help you decide the mood of the portrait, the clothes you will need, the backgrounds and props you use, and even the number of portraits to buy, as well as the sizes and finishes that would be best for you.

    A photographic "sitting" is the next step. This is when the photographer actually takes the portrait. You may walk-in at your convenience or schedule a portrait sitting in advance. Remember, weekday appointments are always available and most often we are less busy during the week.

    During this photo sitting, you let the photographer know what you want and together decide what would be best for you. The photographer will take a series of poses or photographs, then you will choose which images you wish to have printed.

    We offer portraits in a wide variety of sizes. Custom portrait products are available in various sizes. Contact your local studio HERE if you have any questions about your portraits.

  3. Where are your photo studios located?

    Olan Mills has hundreds of professional family portrait studios located inside Kmart retail locations. Additionally, our photo studios are conveniently placed in department stores including Belk, Macy's and Meijer Stores. Olan Mills has free-standing studio locations in select areas nationwide also. Visit our portrait studio locator to find the studio nearest you.

  4. Money matters - prices, other charges, etc,...

    Then you've come to the right place - Olan Mills Portrait Studios! Our regular sheet prices are very competitive, as well as our other portrait products, and you save even more through our various coupons and special offers that are always changing, both on-line and in print.

  5. What if I am not satisfied?

    Allow us to make it right by retaking your portrait. We offer a complete retake for unsatisfactory portraits. Olan Mills will correct or replace unsatisfactory custom portraits.

The Photography Sitting

  1. Do I need to schedule a portait sitting?

    Appointments are not needed but welcome, nor are appointments needed to view or order portraits. Remember our busiest time is the weekend. If you have a large group or special request, contact the photographer ahead of time and schedule a portrait sitting..

  2. When should an appointment be made?

    It is best to make an appointment at least two weeks ahead of your requested time, but not more than a month. This allows us to contact you if we need to, and for you to contact us if you need to change it.

  3. How do I make an appointment?

    Go to the studio locator on our site and choose the location you wish to visit, then either make an appointment by phone or online.

  4. Who do you photograph?

    Olan Mills offers portrait photography of infants, children, adults, and families. We photograph individuals as well as groups. We can accommodate larger groups than most of our competitors.

  5. Can I get my pet photographed?

    We no longer photograph pets at any location on a regular basis. From time to time some studios hold special pet photography events, ask your studio for details. Assistive animals are welcome.

  6. What are 'poses'?

    These are the individual portraits taken during your photo session. If you wish a specific look for your portraits, please let our photographer know. We recommend most customers vary their poses. Ask your photographer before starting to help you decide what is right for you.

  7. What kind of props can I use?

    We have some standard props such as numbers (for birthdays), posing props such as blocks and stools (to help adjust children during certain poses), tables and cloths. We also have a wide variety of toys, and other items to help you create a certain mood for you portrait. Check with the studio where your sitting will take place to verify that they have what you want or need. And, of course, you can always bring in your own!

  8. Can I bring in my own props?

    We encourage you to bring in props to personalize your portraits! Call your photographer for any special limits or for recommendations to create that special portrait.

  9. What kind of backgrounds are available?

    We offer a variety of backgrounds, as well as gels that can enhance and change the color of the background through special lighting. Ask the photographer what they have available in your studio.

  10. How long does it take?

    Each session varies. Allow at least 15-30 minutes for the actual photography session. The more people in your group, age and number of children, special requests or clothing changes will add to this time. Also, the day of the week (Saturday is the busiest) as well as time of day and holidays will extend the workload of the photographer. You may arrive early, but bear with us because the person before you may not be as well organized as you are since you're planning ahead by reading this.

My Portrait Order

  1. I would like to order more portraits. Is this possible?

    Yes! Olan Mills holds your unpurchased portrait prints in the studio for a limited time after your sitting. You can return to the studio for up to 2 weeks after your viewing session to purchase the remaining portraits.

    If you have your order number and pose number, you can order on-line HERE, or you may contact the studio where you had your sitting and they will assist you. The last day to order additional portraits is July 27, 2012.

  2. When should I expect my portraits to arrive?

    At your sitting, the photographer will let you know the approximate time your portraits will be ready, usually 2 -3 weeks.

  3. What if I do not like the portraits I receive, do you have a guarantee?

    Absolutely! Olan Mills will correct or replace unsatisfactory custom portraits. We offer a complete retake for unsatisfactory portraits.

  4. What sizes are available?

    Olan Mills Portraits has the largest size range of any national portrait studio. 2.5x3.5 (wallet size), 5x7, 3.5x5 8x10, 10x13, 10x20, 16x20, 20x24. Please note, canvas portraits are not available in 2x3 or 3.5x5.

  5. What Finishes are available?

    Your portraits are available in one finish level.

    Vibrant Natural Color
    Our most popular finish and the foundation for all of our portraits. The Vibrant Natural Color portrait boasts rich colors, attention to detail and high standards of craftsmanship conducive to our high quality standards at Olan Mills. These unique trademarks enable these portraits to be enjoyed for years to come. Your pre-printed portraits have this finish.

  6. Do you make black and white and sepia portraits?

    Yes! You can custom order any of your portraits in black and white or sepia up to size 20x24 instead of natural color.

  7. Where do I get Frames for my portraits?

    Click HERE for our frame selection.

  8. Does Olan Mills have portrait cards?

    We carry an assortment of portrait cards that can be digitally personalized in the studios - cards designed with your portrait as well as an area for writing a note. These designs vary and are available for weddings, birthdays, the holiday seasons.

  9. What should I expect to pay?

    Olan Mills does not charge a sitting fee in most locations. Our current pricing system is by sheet with additional charges for custom orders and finishes as well as different portrait products. We do have a small processing fee of $6.95. Click HERE to locate your nearest studio to inquire about current specials and package offers.

  10. How do I save even more at Olan Mills?

    Save more with our online offers available at all times to you by clicking HERE!, or look for our coupons in the mail or newspaper. You can also sign up for our email list, where we send exclusive online offers directly to you by clicking HERE!

  11. Does Olan Mills have a membership plan?

    Yes! For information on the Olan Mills Portrait Club please contact your studio for details.

Other Questions

  1. How can I care for my Olan Mills portraits?

    Olan Mills recommends that your portraits should not be exposed to direct sunlight or fluorescent fixtures as ultraviolet rays could destroy dyes used in finishing the portraits. Periodically wiping the portrait with a dry cloth will help in removing dust and other foreign objects from the portrait. Following these simple recommendations should help your portraits retain their original color and brilliance for years.

  2. I still have other questions?

    If you didn't find your answer here, please contact your local Olan Mills photo studio HERE.

 
Like us on Facebook to get exclusive offers. Follow us on Twitter

Copyright ©2011 Olan Mills, Inc. All Rights Reserved.