GAP Studio Bella Vista review: $800 family photograph voucher

My husband , my kids and I were contacted by GAP Studios and advised that we had been shortlisted for a special project. As part of this, we would receive a complimentary portrait session along with a 11x14 artwork of our choice valued at $650 which we could alternatively use in other ways if we preferred something else for our home. However, we were very confused when we sat down with the designer following our photoshoot.

The designer did not make it clear to us what we had been gifted for participating in the project. Nor were we consulted regarding whether we wanted to make an additional purchase. It was assumed that we wanted to use the $650 gift to put towards a more expensive package deal. As a result, we were shocked when we were handed a contract to sign for a package deal that would cost us well over $4000.

The designer clarified the expenses for us. When I asked if we could choose a few digital photos to purchase in addition to the gift, we were advised that we could only purchase the digital photos as part of a package deal which would cost us over $2000. We were also advised that the studio would not hold onto any images that we did not purchase. Naturally, we felt pressured to make the purchase and reluctantly signed the contract within couple of seconds. It happened so quickly that we didn't get time to think and discuss privately.

It was a very disappointing experience for the two of us and has caused us unnecessary stress at that time. This kind of underhanded business practice is truly shameful and, to make matters worse, the studio never answers their business phone and has not bothered to respond to my formal complaint via email or through their webpage.