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CB Photo Services Gap Studios 30 Ross St, Newstead, Queensland, 4006, AU
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Gap Studios
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Gap Studios

30 Ross St, Newstead, Queensland, 4006, AU
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2:37 pm EDT

Gap Studios - Photo shoot gap studios brisbane

I saw there advert on facebook for the who I am project for my child. I was contacted by them and told to secure my spot it was $75 with limited spots left. I asked if I had to pay for anything else they said no it was just to come in and the kids would get photos taken and you get a free photo with it this was to help with promoting anti - bulling for young people under the age 17, I have 2 teenagers who came to get photos done and it was fun for my girls and there confidence was shining through, my young girls have been through covid - 19 hard times watching mum and dad have to work so much to make ends meet and I thought this is about them today and to get them out of there shell and to shine plus it was for a great cause. Well so we thought... After the photo shoot we went into a room to be presented with a emotional presentation with myself my partner and my too girls the who I am project was about helping encourage young children to love who they are. So he made us choose the photos we loved. Until he then showed us the package prices, which was so expensive. This was presented in the room with the whole family including my young adults this was a on the spot manipulation, parents give there kids an experience and to only have it taken away due to this cost, this should of been addressed before we decided to go through this whole process, my girls-kids are 14 and 15 young impressionable young ladies and this is was a full on executed planed and manipulation scheme with no cooling off period and had to decide to pick there and then what photos we wanted or else they will delete. My young girls went through all of the photo shoot happy and confident to sitting in the room feeling bad about putting costs on there parents and we as parents felt like we couldnt say no even the cheapest package was too expensive. It was so much pressure, he kept telling us we need an answer hurry up. Gap studios was fast and they had contracts ready finance ready, very well prepared. Im so upset this company say they promote no bullying when they were the ones who were pushy and pressured parents by bullying tactics with emotional blackmail regarding pick now or else we delete. I mean is this legal? We now are in a contract to pay for this which we cannot afford this was such a high pressured situation to the point you didn't know what happened. My invoice price is more than what was shown to me. I will be reporting this.

Desired outcome: To Reverse my contract and refund my amount, these package costs should me disclosed before hand and to stop pressuring other families and manipulation with some privacy away from young children or young adults regarding pricing

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9:49 pm EDT
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Gap Studios - Free framed photo

I got photos done for my daughter a couple of months ago . They described the experience on Facebook as the "Who I am" project which was supposed to help teens with their self esteem. The deal was a free framed picture and that's all . I'm not working at the moment and I'm a single mum but I wanted to do something nice for my daughter .
I rang up to book the shoot and was told I had to put down an $80 deposit which was refundable on the picture day . I wasn't expecting to pay anything that day so I was hesitant and explained I was pretty broke at the moment and tried to book in for a session a few weeks later but was told there was none available. So even after the receptionist knowing how poor I was, she did not warn me how expensive their photo packages would be in that initial phone call .

On picture day we arrived at the studio and were offered drinks and everyone was extremely friendly. We had to provide our own props which I thought was a bit sad - they are professionals why don't they have spare props ?
Photo shoot went well, my daughter had fun as she had never done anything like this before . Afterwards My daughter and I went into a room to see the photos, The lady asked us lots of questions so I told her my situation and that I wasn't working etc. At no point did they take this into consideration.
She showed us all of the 30 odd photos and told us to pick some and the rest would be deleted !
We got it down to about 15 and then she started talking prices . I was absolutely mortified . She started with a package costing $2500 !
My "free" framed picture worth apparently $500 could come off the price .
She started talking payment plans and the whole thing was very confusing . She just wrote it down on a piece of paper .
I felt so scammed and tricked but didn't know how to tell my daughter I couldn't afford to get the photos so I got talked into a package costing $1500 . I got 9 photos and was supposed to recieve the digital copies as well but never recieved them .
When I drove away I was so upset . I felt so stupid ! I know lots of other photographers I could have gone to for photos and it would have been a hell of a lot cheaper !
Very unhappy customer! Wish I read the reviews before I booked my photos .:(

Desired outcome: I paid $80 deposit , $100 on the day and have been paying $55 a fortnight since 5/2/21 .I cannot afford to pay the total price for these photos and would appreciate negotiating a fairer price

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Amber Smyth
, US
Apr 14, 2022 9:49 am EDT

I saw a facebook ad implying this was a FREE photo session for youth.. got an email about it today which mentioned a $250 deposit, and a text, which made me go looking for reviews.. I am SOOOOO glad I found these complaints before I invested any more time into this.. this is absolutely DESPICABLE! This is false advertisement and these scammers should be shut down for this!

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10:24 pm EDT
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Gap Studios - Who Am I Project

Date of incident 20th May 2021. My 15 year old daughter has some body image issues as do most teenagers in this day and age unfortunately. I saw an ad on Facebook for the "Who am I project" that claimed to do a photo shoot for free with a free portrait to help young people discover their worth and feel better about themselves. They claimed to include quotes written by family members and friends (done by compiling some surveys completed by us) which was done somewhat, only 4 quotes were chosen and the rest were not even shown or seen.

Anyway, she had her photo shoot the photographer was lovely, although my daughter did say she felt like she treated her like she was 5, most of the photos did turn out lovely and seeing herself in those pics did help her self confidence for a brief moment I believe.

Then it came to the sales pitch. Now I know that was being a little naïve to think it would have all been for free and there would be no further obligation. But it was advertised that the shoot was free (a refundable deposit of $75 was required) but a free 8x10 print photo only was part of the deal. Then the guy started going through the prices of the packages, I could feel my daughter sitting beside me sink into the couch with disappointment. Then when I said no thanks her face dropped even further. At first I thought it was because I had disappointed her not wanting to pay money for these beautiful photos of my daughter but it was simply that I could not justify the crazy amount they were asking and her having a concept of money also felt this way and that's why she was upset but nevertheless it made the whole experience not nice to walk away from.

Although we have the money to purchase these photos, I could not believe the overpriced images and did not pay anything and advised my daughter I would do something for her as equally as special. Because I did not hand over any money as such I am not asking for anything to be done, but would like to put it out there so other people know what they are walking into. It was very misleading and felt like there was a lot of pressure on me as a mum to make my daughter happy at a very expensive price.

I don't think it is very ethical at all and I have since found another photographer who will do a similar arrangement for a fraction of the price. Please make people aware, this project did not help me achieve what it was intended for at all, I don't want it to happen to other families, as I can see it has to some already.

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Petra Havlickova
, US
Jun 17, 2021 2:28 am EDT

Thank you very much for your story. I just called the studio and told them that we aren't coming. You saved me a lot of trouble.

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7:14 pm EST

Gap Studios - $800 gift card experience

I won a free $800 gift card photo shoot and 11x14 image, the shoot went well but when I got to choose my free photo for my baby the man didn't talk about my free photo until I mentioned that, (that's why I came to get that to match my boys photos). he quickly went to that size for a second and then said it wouldn't be a good enough size then quickly flicked to the 20x24 and pressured / manipulated me it to that .I said I wish my husband was here I need his opinion, the man said that's why we say all decisions makers must attend. And didn't give me a chance to even call my husband, I wasn't not told that, if I was my husband would of attended! I chose a photo with fame when choosing that, he said it wouldnt last as long as the platinum, he picked up a white flame and I said no I want black he made me feel worthless and all our photos at home had black frame I felt so pressured overwhelmed and manipulated into quickly choosing a floating floating platinum that doesn't Match anything in my house and he pressed me into picking digital artwork then at the very end say they are going to be delete straight after this (again giving me not time to proses thoughts or talk to my husband
At the Whacked me with a $150 session fee, I was told it was free !
I either want a refund please or the free 11x 14 image
The worsen experience I've ever had and I haven't slept well since the shoot and have lost my appetite, I can't afford what I was pressured into and the floating picture doesn't match the rest of the house, the man said he was an Int Designer all he was, was a pressuring manipulative bully that made me feel worthless, please help me ! I do not recommend gap Studios

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9:44 pm EDT

Gap Studios - Misleading youth empowerment project

I saw the Gap studios "Who I Am " project advertising that they offer a free shoot and picture with the intension of promoting positive self image for teenagers. We drove 4 hours to get there. The shoot was beautiful and then the viewing was with the big salesman who spoke on and on about following your dreams and if you want something in life you go for it. He then played the video of all the beautiful shoots overplayed with positive affirmations from friends and family. Very emotional. Then comes the sales hit. Totally unexpected. Which ended in my daughter and I just feeling depressed that we can't afford to pay $2000 for the photos. Emotional blackmail sales technique which was horrible. Do not fall for it. There intention is definitely NOT about promoting positive teen self image. It's about making money. Shameful.

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Belle Williams
, US
Sep 03, 2020 2:06 am EDT

HI Taneal, I would love to discuss your experience with us as i am not sure how t get in contact with you. We have had over 1200 clients come and be part of the project and loved what we have done. I am so sorry your experience did not feel as amazing as we hoped you would have. Please contact us through the Studio and i am happy to discuss further!

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Neeraj1
, AU
Aug 20, 2020 3:35 am EDT

I absoultely agree with you. the date of the incident 20th august 2020, it is a massive rip off it is very expensive they said it's free, but then it was $2000, they also don't even tell the full information they tell everything after and its get so overwhelming. I was asking them to give me time to talk to my husband so I could decide on what to do, but after all, they threatened me by saying choose now, or I will delete all the pictures. I was so confused and trapped, they also made me sign an agreement if I was happy or not, but I wasn't willing to sign, but they made me do it always. I am paying it off all in instalments, and they said I wouldn't receive my delivery until I have paid everything off, such a rude behaviour everything was a rush my mind was all over the place, I couldn't even say no or yes as they didn't listen or also let me think. I dont recomend to get anything from there.

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3:02 am EDT

Gap Studios - Photography package

I took my daughter along for The Who I Am Project. Such a cool concept for a pre-teen.
The session was lovely and they did a great job of ensuring she felt loved and special.
The package was to include one print.

Towards the end of the viewing of the slideshow, which was clearly thrown together just so we could see the photos, the sales pitch started. But only after we heard the life story of the salesman
Then the sales pitch started. It was obvious I was uncomfortable.
I can not afford thousands of dollars on prints. I was sold an experience for my daughter, to help her self-esteem.
I felt pressured and extremely uncomfortable. In front of my daughter he said "you mean you can't even afford $21 per week"?
No. I can't.
I felt sick and embarrassed in front of my daughter.
Please don't do this in front of pre-teens, it completely contradicts the point of this project.

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Auntyb123
Newtown, AU
Mar 24, 2021 7:36 am EDT
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Photography studios have been doing this for decades. They are a business like any other with sales staff who are employed to meet targets like any other.

Did you receive a free photo shoot were in your child was posed with props to suit the information you supplied regarding their personality and to reflect their hobbies?

Did you receive one free photo at the end of the shoot?

Did you receive a copy of the entire project your child was apart of, which included another photo of your child?

Unless you answered no to any of those questions, then you haven't been mislead in or scammed or ripped off in anyway.
YOU RECIEVED EXACTLY WHAT YOU SIGNED UP FOR.

The only problem I can see with any of these comments is with parents who
A- Must have had living under a rock for thirty years to not be aware of photo studios sake techniques.
B- can't make a an adult decision as to not spending beyond their means. "no thankyou, we are happy with the free photo only"
C- can't say no to their children, which I'd say poses a bigger long term problem then just an over priced photo shoot

D- To any parent who has made negative comments or were unhappy tegarding unedited shots of your children. I ask why on earth would you want photos of your preteen child to be edited to make them look fake or in any way not represent EXACTLY Who your child is? Getting upset, angry or disappointed (especially if it was in front of your child) express that you are not satisfied with the way your child naturally looks and that they are not good enough to be represented in photos just the way they are.
I would then suggest you reflect as to why your child has lower than normal selfesteem
and the reasons you thought they needed a way to fix that.
A a quicker and much cheaper fix would be to change your attitude and the values you unknowingly impose onto your children.

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Mel Piers
, AU
Apr 22, 2020 2:01 am EDT
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i have just had the same experience. I told them she had Autism and Mental Health issues and even when she became clearly upset and uncomfortable when they kept trying to sell the product (she was saying i want to go home - they kept saying - just pick your top 5 photos .. thats $500 for digital prints), she was hysterical in the car felt bullied and used and yes she had felt fantastic and she has loved the photos - no complaints about your quality but you obviously did not take the above complaint seriously as you have not changed your methods - clearly the goal is to sell not to empower.

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Traceelements1
, AU
Jan 25, 2020 1:06 am EST

I entered my daughter into the
'Who Am I' project just recently via her Starnow profile, at the time I had a feeling it maybe just a competition post just to lure Mum's of aspiring model/actor daughters to enter with the chance of winning a free portfolio, but admittedly I had my suspicions that it maybe just a way of selling an experience that comes with expensive photographs at the end.
I missed their call but was left a voicemail this morning telling me my daughter was 'shortlisted' and naturally instructing me to call back..
Instead of calling YET, I just NOW googled
Who Am I project and only a few links down the page found this complaints site and have been reading the MANY similar complaints..
Well needless to say I won't be returning their call and instead save myself a fortune in overpriced photos...
There's plenty of good photographers out there trying to further build up their own portfolios of models and always offering TFP opportunities for aspiring models or others etc..
Thanks for the heads up guys..

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MissKeeto
, US
Sep 11, 2019 9:17 am EDT

I had the exact same experience. It was extremely emotional and pressuring to decide on the spot. It went from an amazing experience, bonding with my daughter - to wanting to get out of there ASAP. Beautiful work from the photographer, just can't justify the packackes on offer.

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GAP_Studios
, AU
Aug 16, 2019 11:30 pm EDT

Hi Chantal,

Thank you for your feedback regarding your daughters experience with our Studio Team and Photographer. I'm so glad your daughter felt loved and special through her experience.

We take this sort of feedback very seriously and we work so hard on educating clients on pricing to help set realistic expectations, as we understand that photography is an investment. Our client journey goes through a number of steps to ensure that all clients are made aware of what to expect on the day, regardless of whether you decide to purchase additional images or not.

The Who I Am Project was introduced by the Company Director – it is quite a personal project she wanted to run.

For the past 2 years she has been working with women all over Australia and USA on empowering their belief in themselves and to love who they are. From this many of the women have spoken out about the negative experience their daughters are having from the transition to high school or dealing with being in high school. This all stems from a lack of self love & worth and unfortunately this comes from the world of social media and bullying/cyber-bullying.

The project itself is to help these girls (going into adolescence) understand and accept who they are as a person and to love themselves for who they are. It is about showing them that yes the social media world is glamourous and lush, but it is not real and it is unrealistic for them to compare themselves to the girls and women on it.

Ultimately, we apologise that you have left our studio feeling that you were pressured to purchase. Having said that, I will log your feedback and we will work very hard on preventing this re-occurring.

Your end product will look amazing and that is guaranteed- we are very proud of our products and the quality that we deliver in both products and aftercare.

Thanks GAP Studios

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Missy Louista
Sydney Metro Area, New South Wales, AU
Mar 24, 2021 9:07 pm EDT
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I think it is disappointing the studio has not learnt from the above. I was there the other week and had the same experience. I felt bullied to purchase additional prints in front of my daughter. It was all about the money and when i explained i couldn't afford these prices sales started talking all different credit options - why do you do the hard sales in front of kids? It felt like emotional blackmail. She was so upset and has hardly spoken all week and i feel like the worst parent ever. Such a disappointment.

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Jodie Kooyman
, US
Apr 09, 2021 6:11 am EDT

Omg I have just had the same experience and while I did succumb to an additional print well above my price point, I was left feeling like a failure in front of my daughter. This was supposed to be an experience

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