brian's blog

Quite simply, Jostens sucks:

• the package & individual photo prices are exorbitantly high
• their marketing is sappy and exploitative
• their order forms are deceptive (most people will inadvertently sign an area that allows Jostens to use your photo for advertising and promotion purposes)
• they disclose your personal information to others (selling it?) without a way to opt-out

You learn the above only after you've paid their $25 sitting fee to have pictures taken at the Jostens studio on campus (which is necessary, as well, to appear in the class composite in the school's hallways).

Once you get your sales package and see the high prices, you feel compelled to order anyway because you:

• don't want to "waste" the $25 sitting fee
• don't want to go through the hassle of getting dressed & prepared again
• are satisifed with one or two of the Jostens photos
• don't know alternatives exist, and
• have already moved to Seattle

Jostens is the used car dealership of the photographic world. They even have a staggering array of high-margin trim levels to boot.

If you still haven't had grad photos done, find a studio off campus. I've heard Highland Portrait Studio in Kitchener is decent & has reasonable prices.