Review of CLIX Portrait Studio
April 21, 2009
by Our Kids

2499 N. Harrison Street, LL-2
Arlington, VA 22207
703.532.4752
studio@clix-arlington.com

A few weeks ago, gift panic set in again as it does each year. I needed a gift for my husband and other family members for upcoming holidays. Because I wanted to find a unique way to preserve memories, I decided to try out a new photography studio and chose CLIX Portrait Studios.

Located in the family-friendly Lee-Harrison shopping center in Arlington, Virginia, CLIX is owned by local mom of two boys, Michelle Hayes. Michelle previously worked in finance and accounting and then moved on to Human Resources. She also spent much of her free time attending seminars, reading photography books and experimenting with her own photos. Michelle decided to couple her desire to run her own business and interest in photography -- and CLIX in Arlington was born!

One of the things we enjoyed about our visit was the family-friendly feel of CLIX. The entrance has toys for your kids and comfy seats for you, and the area where you view your photos is clean and organized. When we arrived we were promptly greeted and were immediately taken back to one of two studios to begin our session.

On hearing that they would be getting their pictures taken that day, the OK interns launched a host of complaints as to why they did not like getting their pictures taken: it would be boring, it was not fun, I hate getting my picture taken, it would be boring. When Michelle started our session, surprise! all of that changed. Michelle's enthusiasm, flexibility, and experience as a mom herself, made it easy for her to get the girls to open up, suggest ideas for pictures, and best of all take great photos.

During our visit, the girls changed outfits, used a few different backgrounds and played around with different props. We chose to stay after our photo session to view and select pictures, but you can return at a later date to make your selections if you'd like to. Most kids after having gone through a photo session, do not want to sit and wait some more while their parents choose photos. Having the option to come back another day after naps or snacks is a definite family-friendly perk.

We were able to pick and choose from dozens of pictures and even made a 12 x 12 image collection (a collage of sorts) that now hangs in my office. It's hard not to smile each time I look at it. In the end, we ordered a variety photos that will be perfect gifts for our "big family." I ended up taking some of the photos to a family event recently and everyone raved about how beautiful the photos turned out and how they loved how the girls personality could be seen through each photo. My husband thought it was one of the best gifts he has received in quite some time. And I cannot get enough of the photos. I tend to linger through them and am eager to preserve these for the girls as they get older.

Bottom Line: If you're looking for a reasonably-priced, enjoyable experience, CLIX Portrait Studio is a best bet. Our Kids recommends that you patronize this locally-owned business -- think Mother's Day, Father's Day, birthdays, holidays or family reunions. I know I plan on many a return visit especially with new nieces and nephews on the way. With the exceptional photographers at CLIX, you'll come away with beautiful, high-quality portraits of your family, ones that you'll treasure now and in the years to come.

Additional Information:

• CLIX offers a variety of portrait packages ranging from $79 to $329.
• You can purchase A la Carte portrait sheets for $25 each.
• There is a sitting fee of $25 (regardless of the number of people).
• You can join the CLIX Club to save 10% on everything plus get free sittings for two years. A two-year membership is $50.
• Sessions can be in color, black-and-white or sepia tone - there are NO extra charges!
• All portrait packages include basic retouching to remove scratches, marks and minor skin imperfections.
• Photo sheet sizes are: One 8 x 10; Two 5 x 7; Three 4 x 6 or Eight wallet size. There are other sizes available. All sheets come pre-cut and ready to frame.
• In addition to the various portrait packages available, CLIX also sells both portrait prints and digital images, as well as collages, enlargements, canvas art pieces, specialty cards, handbags and many other items.

Have you been to CLIX Portrait Studio? What's your opinion? Just drop us a note and Our Kids will add your comments to this review.