Doll Studios
Category: Event Planning & Services Photographers Photographers [Edit]
San Jose, CA 95124Serving San Jose and surrounding area
(408) 596-3655
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 9 am - 5 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
Every time I pick up my camera it is as if I have picked up a committed binding contract...that I am going to take the best creative possible images for… read more »
30 reviews for Doll Studios
30 reviews in English
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Review from B G.
San Jose, CA
12/9/2011
I just had my third son and needed someone to photograph him before he got too big. Most moms schedule photo sessions *before* they have their kids, but alas, I am not that organized. Thus, I called Jessica with a request that she come as soon as possible and she found time within the week.
She showed up on time and prepared and was very patient working with my newborn and me. After she took some great shots of the babe, we corralled the other two boys (ages 2 and 3) and tried to get some shots of all three. I was explaining to her that I understand that it's really hard to get a shot of three kids, three and under, but she did it! She got quite a few good shots of all three of them together and I was so pleased. These are probably the only shots of them all looking in one direction, clean, and cute, that I'll have for quite a while. -
Review from Judy L.
San Diego, CA
11/17/2011
Jessica is an AMAZING photographer! She is a true professional and works diligently to capture the best possible photograph. For outdoor photo sessions, she offers a few park locations and she knows the best places to photograph. You an also have the choice of having your session taken in her studio. The sessions outside turned out so great, I was definitely pleased.
She is the best at capturing newborns. You want someone to be careful with your baby, after all you just got the thing, and she is so gentle and loving with them, taking great care to make sure they are comfortable and capturing the precious bundles so artistically and with such sophistication!
Do not go to anyone else for your photos. -
Review from Som C.
Sunnyvale, CA
10/20/2011
Worst experience ever! Hurried us through the picture taking process and didnt seem to be interested. Does not return phone calls or emails. Does not deliver on time and worst, no follow up or apologies. .
Please dont waste your time using her service. There are many other places where you can get equally good or better pictures taken may even be cheaper, at least i bet they will send you the pictures once taken.Comment from Jessica D. of Doll Studios 11/7/2011
I ALWAYS deliver photos to clients. The Groupon included a… More » -
Review from R.E. A.
Pleasanton, CA
10/15/2011
We had a session with Doll Studios using a Groupon deal. Thank goodness we only paid like $50 or else we would be seriously upset with the service and pictures we got.
First, she books back to back with no flexibility in between sessions. Our session ended abruptly with only a 3 minute warning. We were rushed. She also lacked directing styles becuase she pointed to a spot and told us to stand there with no guidance on how to pose. We ended up with shots that were akward since she didn't really tell us where to stand. We aren't professional models so we do need guidance. We've had experiences with other photographers and she just seemed like a novice to us.
We took pictures with our 8 month old at the time and she didn't even try to engage our daughter to look at the camera or smile. We felt very uncomfortable with her from the start and it only got worst when all of the sudden she said "we're done" and proceeded to walk away from us while another family was waiting for her nearby. We were left standing asking each other "what just happened? or is she coming back?" Most photographers we've worked with space their sessions with minimum 30 minutes gap. With Jessica, there was no gap. You literally felt like you were being cattled to spots then stand and smile.
We got our pictures later than what was promised and she blamed it on our spam filter for the delay. Again, since we got the Groupon rate, we feel like we got what we paid for. However, I would not consider hiring her again or recommending her to anyone after our session.
She should have used the Groupon rates as an opportunity to build reputation and clientele by offering the introduction session. However the way she managed her schedule and session, made it a preview for us to NOT consider her for any future sessions.
The only consolation to this was that we did get our pictures in time for the holidays and we only paid $50. Other than that, we've had better. -
Review from Heidi G.
Menlo Park, CA
1/17/2012
Extremely disappointed! When I finally received my photos I was so disappointed in the quality and color. They were white-washed and grainy. I tried to improve the color with photoshop but didn't help and when I printed them they looked cheap. When I compared the quality of DollStudios photos to ones from my own camera, mine were richer in color and way better quality. Waste of my money!
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Review from Ray D.
San Jose, CA
11/15/2011
Jessica is an amazing photographer. She has a great eye for taking photos that other photographers aspire to. She was very friendly in our session and offers phenomenal printing.
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Review from Nicole E.
San Jose, CA
10/24/2011
We found Jessica through Groupon like many other reviewers. The Groupon deal offered a choice of 3 different park locations or her studio. We chose a weekend in June at a park location. Of course, it was pouring rain that day, so we ended up moving our session to her studio. I'm not a fan of posed studio photos, but she got some amazing photos of us and our 3 year old daughter. This is the 4th year that we've had professional photos taken of our daughter, and Jessica captured the best photo we've ever seen.
Also, I think the session was supposed to be a mini 30 minute session (or some sort of shortened session because of the discount), but she did spend extra time with us. She was so great with our daughter, who was not exactly a cheerful bundle of fun the entire time. We were very impressed.
I can't wait to hire her again next year for an on location photo shoot in one of the beautiful parks around the area. -
Review from Megha J.
San Mateo, CA
11/8/2011
Worst experience ever!!
We purchased a groupon offer to take pics of 3 newly married coupons - Our opportunity to strike fun poses :) but it was a complete waste of time and effort.from start to finish!
We make a reservation a month in advance; when we get there she doesnt have any record of us ??? and told us to bugger off as she was too busy. After much haggling, we waited for over half hour before she unapologetically asked us to come in.
We told her our intention and expectation from the shoot; but she failed to guide us on how to pose/ favorable angles/ alternatives - infact she couldnt even tell us if we should pose sitting or standing or both!!
The edits were to return within 4 weeks; upon checking after 5.5 weeks of no message she returns an email saying she has been busy and it is because of people like us who email her expecting an answer that she is unable to do her work and is back logged!! - WHO SAYS THAT TO A CUSTOMER??
After a total of 8 weeks we receive the edits, where she has chosen close-ups for photos where my husband and I are looking confused/hassled and long shots where we are striking a romantic pose/ looking at each other???
Jessica is arrogant, unapologetic, and extremely uncouth! We did not need to pay money and have a PROFESSIONAL make us look ugly!!
I think she is better off clicking baby photos who are naturally cute and easily strike a pose...for anyone else needing help, there are many many photographers out there - Jessica is definitely not it!! -
Review from TMRV V.
Santa Clara, CA
11/8/2011
Jessica really needs to work on her customer skills. She was very rude & lacked direction/management during the shoot. We dont model for a living & hence we were expecting to get some direction from a professional photographer ....As a photographer who has complete control over her picture, focus & lighting, she failed to direct us on how to pose or adjust our hair/makeup/outfit....or even tell us what was meant to be in focus!
She promised to process our photos in 4 weeks but instead sent me an email 7 weeks later that read :
"Thank you for your patience in this matter. The less time I spend answering e-mails and phone calls, the more time I have to edit and process"
After close to 2 months of editing, we got a bunch of just average pictures which could have been been done with our SLR & basic photoshop!!! Wasn't worth an experience! -
Review from Antonietta S.
Santa Clara, CA
Updated - 5/14/2011
so this is an update to my previous review...as you can see I didn't give any more stars. She was really nice and I received my pics when she said I would but I was hardly impressed with what I got. I'm glad that I found her through groupon because had I paid full price I would be totally upset.
I had originally scheduled an outdoor session but changed it to her studio-regretting it now. I thought it was going to rain so that's why I changed it. All of her previous reviews where for outdoor sessions, and maybe she does better on location. She missed some good photo ops of my kids in a relaxed/natural manner and was too focused on "posing" them which didn't make much for a great let alone good photo.
Photography should come natural to people and it didn't seem so to me with her regard. she did not have the "photographers eye" that you get with more seasoned photographers. I could have went to JCPenney's or the picture people and left with the same photo's that I got from her. She seems novice and maybe in a few years, if she sticks with it, her pics will be better, but in my opinion she seems like a beginner and was overwhelmed with the groupon response. .. I1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/22/2011
this is a tentative review pending the outcome of the session....BUT I have left her a message via… Read more »
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Review from Kerry J.
Campbell, CA
11/17/2011
Part of me wants to give her more stars because I think she's pretty much killed her business with the whole Groupon-thing, but I kind of feel like 2 stars is pretty generous.
I did receive my pictures (had the Groupon deal), and there was one FANTASTIC picture of my son, a few ok pictures, and the rest were nothing special at all. I was very disappointed after I waited almost 2 months. I was sincerely hoping for a wonderful family shot for a Christmas card but it wasn't there. Totally my unphotogenic fault I guess, but after running around my two kids during the shoot my hair was all crazy and it would have been nice to have been told, or something, during the shoot.
I understand she was busy, but I also think we were probably one of her last Groupon sessions and at the end of the session she said the photos would be ready in about 2 weeks. If she had said two months I would have been like, fine, two months...that's a long time but at least I would have known.
Also, she has an online scheduler and I was trying to book an appointment in the summer and there was practically nothing open and she wasn't taking bookings further out. I don't know if that was why there were so many groupons used at the end because I COULD NOT get an appointment earlier.
All in all, just disappointed. I know it was a short session, and I had a groupon deal, but I don't think it was a 'deal' at all. -
Review from Jack Q.
San Mateo, CA
11/8/2011
If only Yelp would let me give a negative star rating !!!!
This has to be worst groupon experience ever. Never got any info package as promised in the groupon deal. On the day of the photoshoot tried calling her and was told that she didn't have time to give directions. Are you kidding me?
The photo shoot was more like us directing ourselves rather than her giving us directions on how to pose. It felt like she just wanted to get us out of there so she can get to the next one.
This place is one disaster after another. Following the photoshoot and getting no response back for almost 6 weeks we emailed asking her when we can get the pics and was told she'd be better off not responding to calls and emails. This one person establishment could definitely use a lesson in Customer Service 101. The photos came out average looking (read not photoshoot worthy and probably could do better myself with a point and shoot camera). Would not recommend especially if you are going to pay full price !!! -
Review from Tommy M.
Palo Alto, CA
10/17/2010
We couldn't have asked for more from Jessica: great communication in setting up the appointment, showed up early, clear with her plan and open to my ideas, shot our engagement candidly from a bush, took 500 pictures during the 2 hour shoot, gave enough direction but allowed us to be ourselves.... and best of all she delivered FANTASTIC RESULTS.
Thank you Jessica. -
Review from Amy M.
Mountain View, CA
12/7/2010
What a great experience with amazing shots. Quick communication, friendly interaction and very professional!
My husband was a little apprehensive about having family photos taken in a public place but was relaxed and comfortable with Jessica. She knew all the great spots at Oak Meadow park to capture family shots as well as individual shots of our 16 month old enjoying and exploring nature.
I would recommend Doll Studios to anyone who is looking for professional shots and will continue using her as my family grows! -
Review from GreenBean M.
Mountain View, CA
11/6/2011
Ugh. Buyer beware. Waited two months just to get the proofs and then saw that the outdoor shots were washed out with too much light exposure. Very disappointing and unprofessional.
Comment from Jessica D. of Doll Studios 11/7/2011
While I understand your frustration and have apologized, you… More » -
Review from LAURA M.
San Jose, CA
12/3/2010
Ok, first of all, I need to address the 1 star review. It's none of my business, but I just want to say that Jessica was more than responsive with email. I'm talking less than 5 mins response 9 times out of 10. Also, I left her a voice mail and she returned my call within a few hours.
Next, does she really need to be the star? If these are your family photos do you really want some loud crazy person in your face? I'm loud and crazy enough, if she just wants to kick back and take pictures of how our family naturally is in our real lives, then I just think it makes the pictures authentic and true to how we are as a family day to day.
Last, I cant stand people who open a Yelp account just to write a bad and nasty reveiw. It probably sounds as though Jessica is a friend of mine, however it's just a pet peeve of mine when people go out of their way to try and destroy someones business without giving them the chance to make things right.
Onto my experience with Jessica Doll. I found her to be nothing but professional and friendly. Please believe me when I say, I did test her patients. We were late, I had more questions for her then I'm sure anyone she's ever had to deal with, and she was nothing but kind and polite. Not to mention she was excellent with my son. I will definitely use her again.
I guess you never know when you rub people the wrong way. Sad Jessica had to be translated as a rude, awful person who couldnt do her job just for being quiet and reserved.
Thanks Jessica for the wonderful pictures, and for the many to come. -
Review from Christy J.
Cupertino, CA
7/29/2010
I hired Jessica at Doll Studios to shoot newborn photos of my son. My little one arrived three weeks early, and Jessica was more than accommodating to fit us into her schedule.
She was very patient during the shoot. As soon as she got to our home, my son wanted to eat then he went poo all over her blanket... she remained pleasant during the entire process :-)
The photos turned out very cute and I am very pleased with the experience. -
Review from alyssa w.
Morgan Hill, CA
11/5/2010
We hired Jessica to do famiy portraits with our 9 month old son. She was on time to the photo shoot, gave us direction on how to position ourselves and captured such great shots of our little family.
I received the proofs today and am very excited to create a photo wall of our new pictures.
Thanks Jessica! -
Review from Mei C.
San Francisco, CA
8/25/2010
You can trust Jessica Doll. You can trust her with your daughter, son, or in my case, my bf's young cousin, and my three little nieces. You can trust her photography skills. She has a great ability to take fantastic photos of the people you love.
She is also a wonderful person to work with. I like to plan and talk at the last minute and Jessica was very communicative and helpful throughout the entire time before the shoot.
I would love to hire her, and Doll Studios again in the future, IF she has any weekend spots open. I expect she will be getting very busy very soon, because she is so good at what she does!
Thank you Jessica!
Mei Than, Artist at Avenue Magpie. -
Review from sara s.
San Francisco, CA
11/9/2010
Jessica was truly a pleasure to work with.. kept us smiling and laughing the whole way through the family photoshoot. Im thankful for Groupon for introducing us to her ! I didnt realize she would be so young.. she looks like shes maybe 19 or 20!
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Review from Joanne L.
Burlingame, CA
11/19/2010
I think my family probably didn't follow under Jessica's usual clientele. I'm in my mid 20s, I've got a sister who is in her final year of college and parents in their 50s. After looking at Jessica's site, the plethora of baby pictures, cute toddler pics of siblings embracing, new parents gazing adoringly at their new infant... I was a little skeptical about how our photos would come out. This isn't to say that we don't adore each other in our family but it's just not the way we are.
My darling mother was adamant about getting some nice professional family portraits done since it was "about time" and almost 20 years since our last one. I think that for what Jessica did with us, it was really the best she and we could do. My parents are not going to do fun laughing candid pictures with a stranger they hardly know. They don't do pictures w/ teeth - actually, there were a few and my mom looked kind of creepy but it gave us all a good laugh. In the hour session we had with Jessica and the many many pictures we received, there were still some good ones despite all the awkwardness. It was fun to try and we loved that Jessica was professional but also casual. She did a great job w/ lighting, finding some good spots and we were pretty satisfied with it overall. We got a digital order of the prints and we're looking forward to finally printing these out to put up on our wall. -
Review from Denis S.
Los Gatos, CA
12/9/2008
I'm not sold on the name "doll studios", but trust me, do not base your photo decision on a company name.
Jessica is a great photographer, and got some great shots of my kids and group shots of the whole family. She has a real eye for framing and good timing to get the right expressions on everyone.
I definitely recommend her work!
She got so many great shots and was very prompt, and professional. -
Review from Mitra F.
San Jose, CA
10/19/2010
Jessica did a fabulous job photographing our family! She met us at a local park and she gave us specific directions as to where to meet. My 14 month old was wiggly and walking all over the place but she managed to get some great shots. She is very personable and pleasant which helped us out a great deal since my son is a bit timid with strangers! He was all smiles with her.
It was very easy to book appointments online and we received our digital downloads when expected!
Very pleased with her skills and service! -
Review from Emily S.
Los Altos, CA
11/29/2010
Jessica did a great job with our family photo shoot -- our family being me, my husband, and our new (and unpredictable) puppy. She used squeakers to catch our pup's attention, which was a huge help. She was relaxed, punctual, and very capable. Our session involved several different scenes and scenarios, resulting in a nice variety of shots.
Communicating with Jessica before and after the shoot was easy, as she was very responsive via phone and email.
I think Jessica is a really nice person and wonderful photographer who genuinely wants to help people capture memorable personal moments.
And most importantly, the photos are beautiful! -
Review from Caroline B.
Atherton, CA
10/27/2010
Jessica is an amazing photographer, and my fiance and I were very lucky to find her. When my fiance first found her, he loved her amazing work with children's photography, and asked her if she would want to shoot our proposal and engagment pictures. Although her website mainly showcases her amazing childrens shoots, I can say that our engagment pics turned out incredibly well! She has a great eye for capturing the moment, the people and the emotions for pictures that will be treasured for a lifetime. Getting engaged was one of the most special days of my life, and I am so glad my fiance found Jessica to help us forever remember this moment through her photography.
In addition to her camera skills, she is also a really sweet person who was great at allowing us to do what we wanted, but also very helpful in creating creative ideas for our shots, it was the perfect mix. -
Review from Julie W.
Mountain View, CA
Updated - 5/23/2011
Just a quick update - since our Groupon session last Fall, I've contacted Jessica a few times to have more prints made. Jessica goes out of her way to ensure her clients are satisfied (for me, this meant doing a few reprints). If you are not happy with an aspect of her service, mention it to her and she'll make it right.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/9/2010
If you're looking for a high-strung photographer with lots of opinions about how to pose your family… Read more »
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Review from L J.
Santa Clara, CA
Updated - 2/15/2011
Doll Studios is my "go to" place when it comes to having my son's milestones pictures taken! We've had his 4 month and one year pictures taken by her. I regret not having got off my lazy postpartum behind to have his newborn pictures taken as well. Oh well, we can do those with our next future child! My son does not like smiling in pictures taken by strangers. He's the type of kid who needs to evaluate his surroundings and inspect everyone around him for hours on end until finally warms up to those he doesn't know. But Jess totally did an amazing job getting some decent and adorable quality shots of my son smiling. That is pretty much impossible with him! She is really genuine with him and you can tell she loves what she does. Like everyone says, she has a lightening fast response time. It literally takes me longer to walk across my hallway than for her to reply to my emails. Even when I email her with my annoying questions during the weirdest hours!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/22/2010
I've been a fan of Jessica's work ever since she was in the fashion/modeling industry, so I was very… Read more »
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Review from Emily H.
Morgan Hill, CA
10/31/2010
Kudos to Jessica Doll! She was able to capture my kids all together beautifully. My 3 kids range in age from 2 months to 5 years so it was no small feat! I am very happy with the experience!
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Review from Amber W.
San Jose, CA
10/11/2010
Jessica is very professional and knows how to catch a great shot. Our two girls are at the age where their smiles on demand are scrunched faces or showing teeth. She was able to catch them in a very natural playful setting and we got some great smiling shots. We were very pleased with our experience. We would hire her again in the future.
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Review from Katie V.
Milpitas, CA
12/1/2010
Thanks to Groupon, I've found a great photographer in Jessica! Jessica is truly easy and flexible to work with. I've asked Jessica to capture my newborn (wasn't sure if she would do it, consider Groupon only allows you to select 3 locations). Jessica came to my house and spent at least 2 hours trying to capture the perfect moment of my newborn. Photographer's time is precious and I was shocked that she spent so much time with us. My baby was not very cooperative that day! I was afraid that she might be mad or rushed through the session. Indeed she was so calm! You can tell that she truly enjoys her job. Jessica is so patience, sweet and friendly. Everytime she clicks her camera, you can sense there's a lot of creativity and thoughts put into her work. I didn't expect much from this session (my baby cried, peed, etc.,), but when I saw the proofs, I was impressed! All the photos looked amazing! I would totally recommend her service!
