Aspiring photographers may find that working at a Target portrait studio is a great way to develop their skills. Although Target photographers don't get to photograph landscapes, wild animals, or fast-paced sporting events, they do gain plenty of experience in knowing how to coax people of all ages into flattering portrait poses.
About Target Portrait Studio
The Target portrait studio offers affordable photography for individuals or families. Located inside select Target stores, these studios provide a quick and easy way for people to preserve their precious memories. Coupons and frequent sales make it possible for everyone, even people on extremely tight budgets, to enjoy high quality photos.
Some of the many reasons people get their pictures taken at these photo studios include:
- Birthdays
- Anniversaries
- School pictures
- Holiday greeting card photos
- Family portraits
- Maternity photography
- Newborn baby portraits
- Couple portraits
Customers can choose from a variety of backgrounds for their portraits, ranging from rich velvet curtains to decorated Christmas trees. Props such as letters, flowers, and faux birthday cakes may also be used to add interest to the shot. If you wish, you can generally bring in an item of your own to use as a photo prop.
Product Selection
In addition to selling the standard portraits you'd expect to find at a photography studio, Target also has portrait collages and portrait enhancements featuring personalized messages or seasonal designs.
Some of the various photo gift items you can order with your favorite image on them include:
- Greeting cards
- Photo CDs
- Pillows
- Tote bags
- Mouse pads
- Mugs
- Blankets
- Coasters
- Wall hangings
Photography Careers at Target
If you enjoy photography and are interested in meeting people from many different backgrounds, you may find yourself wondering if you have what it takes to pursue a career at Target portrait studios.Target's photography studios are owned and operated by Lifetouch Portrait Studios, Inc. Founded by Bruce Reinecker and Eldon Rothgeb, the company has been in business for more than 70 years. Lifetouch is best known for traveling to elementary and junior high schools to take portraits of students. However, in addition to operating Target photo studios, Lifetouch also owns the photo studios located in select JCPenney stores and sends traveling photographers across the United States to take pictures for church directories.
Lifetouch Portrait Studios Inc. offers full-time, part-time, and seasonal employment opportunities for people interested in working at Target photo studios. However, keep in mind that working nights and weekends is generally expected. Target studios must keep hours that are as convenient as possible for the working families that make up the bulk of their clientele.
Benefits provided by Lifetouch Portrait Studios, Inc. include:
- Competitive wages
- Flexible schedules
- Store discount
- Advancement opportunities
- Holiday and vacation pay
- Referral bonuses
- Medical, dental, and life insurance benefits for full-time employees
- Participation in Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) for eligible team members
You can download an application for employment from the Target Portraits Web site. When you've completed the form, you should return it to the Target studio location in which you wish to work.
Since the company provides paid training, you do not need to have extensive photography experience in order to work at a Target studio. Enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, and good customer service skills are the most important attributes for people interested in this type of job opportunity. In fact, many people say working at a Target photo studio is a good way to decide if you are interested in pursuing a degree in photography. Since a college education involves a huge investment of your time and money, learning what it's like to work as a photographer before you begin your formal studies is a smart move.
