Venture New Generation Portraits

Last Christmas, the clan and I received the very thoughtful present of a photo session, and one free portrait, at Venture on Belfast’s Lisburn Road.
When we got around to booking our session, we were given friendly advice on what to expect and what to wear — everything is shot against a white screen, so bright colours are advisable. And while a lot of people might find it enjoyable to go through a photo session with an super-​enthusiastic photographer, I do not. Especially when I have uncooperative and borderline insane children to deal with.
That’s hardly any fault of Venture though. A week or so after, we went back to the studio where we picked the images we wanted to keep. Anyway, the lovely portrait sits on our mantlepiece. Even I look OK in it which is saying something. Good job, Venture.

Just like Colm H has already said. When it comes to whole photograph taking process these guys do go all out. When my family suggested a family portrait I was in despair! I hate things like this! They are always awkward, with pointlessly well dressed people smiling aimlessly in the direction of the camera. But here they do things differently. Encouraged to dress casually, they let us just run around and do what we want whilst they almost documented the whole thing. It was a fantastic experience. The photos turned out fantastically and we really do look like we having lots of fun which gives them a more real feel compared to the usual static images of faces.
Being to young to be aware of the cost I’m not sure how much it was, but according to other reviewer who have been in more recent times, it seems reasonable for the service offered. If your going to get something as cheesy as a family photo done, then you might as well enjoy yourself as well!

Yes, I did have the same experience as Emma (the previous reviewer). Ahhh, they’re all out to get us!
Anyways, having been approached by a Venture representative whilst out shopping one day, and given a ‘free’ photo session voucher and photo package, my family and I decided to book an appointment for my mum’s big birthday. I usually *never* stop for these people — they annoy the life out of me — but I was caught unawares this time. I am glad I was though.
We booked our appointment and headed to the Lisburn Road for our photo shoot. Since it was my mum’s birthday, I had decided to bring copious amounts of balloons. The studio looked like ‘Fun House’ by the time I was done with it…
The photographer was quite possibly one of the charming people I have ever met. Really lovely and friendly. She took numerous photos of us — all together, my sister and I, individual ones, mum and dad, pictures with the balloons (hurrah!)…and boy, was it fun. Pose after pose… every girl’s dream really. Even though he didn’t let on, my dad had a ball too.
We were called back a week or two later to choose our free photo. Which we got. Plus two individual ones of myself and Joanne, which were super expensive, but really quite stunning. The three pictures now take pride of place in our dining room — a cheerful reminder of a delightful evening out.
Undoubtedly the best bit of the whole experience was when my mum had a visitor round and brought her into the dining room. The girl glanced at the pictures, instantly asking, «Are those two girls models?»
You can imagine my mum’s retort.
This didn’t sway the visitor though. «They should be», affirmed she. Thank you Venture, thank you.

Venture is a photography studio that looks to change the traditional portrait style that many have become accustomed to when going for a family photo. When my parents said to me that they wanted to go and get some family pictures taking, I was horrified. I hate the whole idea of it, but I went along because I can understand why they want them. I was however completely surprised by Venture. They approached the photographs in way I wasn’t expecting and added an energy and enjoyment to the whole process.
The photos that came out of it were excellent and certainly unique. I will admit however that the price is a little bit dearer than other photographers, but the quality of their work and the enjoyment of the process is really what you are paying the extra for.

I got nabbed by them. Yes I did. We’ve all been there, walking through the shopping centre, keeping your head down, pretending to be on the phone and bam — «Excuse me Madam, can I have a moment of your time?» Maybe it was being called Madam that flattered me, or maybe I was feeling sorry for the salespeople. Either way I stopped.
I ended up having a lovely experience though — I was worried that I would be fast-​shuffled into parting with massive amounts of money and would end up with a lovely — but unecessary photograph on my living room wall — a reminder of my stupidity. But no — we were given the option of having a free photo-​portrait done, at no expense or obligation. And they meant it.
I was skint at the time, so I said to them from the start that I would be taking my freebie and running away. They said fine too. They allowed us to bring our little dog for the photo (the photographer said a farmer had once brought his favourite cow…) and we have a lovely photo as a result. They snapped away (the photographer was lovely and she put us at our ease) and a few days later we came up to their screening room to choose our favourite.
They didn’t pressure us to buy and it was hard to resist the snazzy packages of photos, but they are VERY expensive so I just had to say no. But I tell you something, from the wonderful treatment we had, the helpful staff and the beautiful photo — if I ever do have the money for such a luxury I will be heading straight for Venture Photography — they know what it’s all about.