Can it really be true? Upon hitting Reddit’s photography section, we saw a story about both Walmart and Sears closing their portrait studios. Then after some Googling, one seems to find that it is nationwide. Officials declined to comment, but apparently the studios were struggling to stay afloat. According to a statement from one store though:
“After many years of providing family portrait photography, we are sad to announce our Sears Portrait Studios are now closed. We appreciate your patronage and allowing us to capture your precious memories. If you currently have an album or have had a recent portrait session, you can order products at searsphotos.com thru April 18, 2013.”
This only makes sense overall though. Many people are buying DSLRs and taking portraits themselves, plus many people don’t care about prints anymore (unless you’re going for a gallery in which case you’re not using Walmart or Sears for your prints.) This trend started in the wedding industry and it was only a matter of time until it hit retailers.
The other night I went to the Top of Rockefeller Center here in NYC for a shoot, and before we went up there was a section to have your picture taken. It’s only a matter of time before touristy locations perhaps get rid of this feature as well. In all honesty, many people are much happier with Instagramming an image of themselves and sharing it to Facebook. Oddly enough though, there aren’t very many Walmart or Sears stores in New York.
