Image 1st

I purchased a voucher on groupon for eleven dollars and was so excited to take pictures with this company. I heard so many wonderful things about them. I was also nervous because this was my very first photo-​shoot as i try to stay away from the camera. I’m not very photogenic. My friends and family insisted that the guys here are great and i not only would love my pictures but would find myself spending more money, because the quality of the pictures are amazing! I arrived early for my appointment and my photographer was VERY nice, But she seemed to be in a hurry. My appointment was at 4:30 PM so perhaps everyone was in a hurry to wrap things up. On the voucher they promised to couch you on body language before shooting the pictures, that was not done. The voucher is also for two hours but my photographer spent about fifteen minutes with me, and just like that it was over. I’m okay with my picture but i thought i would have a lot more pictures to choose from, I was looking forward to two hours as advertised; not fifteen minutes, and i was hoping that they would couch me on body language before the shot, not during. I’m not sure if the level of service wasn’t as expected because i purchased a groupon but i was kind of disappointed. I felt like i was being rushed through it because i wasn’t spending a lot of money. It was very disappointing because i do not own any pictures and this was a big deal for me. i was stepping out of my comfort zone (I’m Very shy) i expected lot more from this studio. I Have read several great reviews so i’m sure they are great! But i was a bit saddened and left the studio a bit disappointed.

I initially came across Image 1^st through Groupon. I’m a dedicated Grouponite and love trying new businesses. Most customers will hop from one to the other after getting the initial deal-​but if I like what I see, I will stick with a place if I find that it’s worth the full price. This place is.
I booked a photoshoot for ~$ 70 with pro hair and makeup and 60 minutes of studio time. Called about 2 weeks ahead and had no problem getting a session, although I have Mondays off work-​I would highly suggest calling FAR in advance if you need a weekend or later evening session. Danny was awesome and sent me an email with all the pertinent info a day later. I have had multiple shoots before so I was fine going in, not really nervous and was fine going solo. I did make a mistake by parking on a side street, not knowing there was an attached garage (free parking) to the building and had to walk around. There is a desk attendant in the lobby that will confirm you on the studio schedule and buzz you into the area with the elevators. I love the security that allows. Up 8 floors you go.
This isn’t a huge operation, a small studio and editing area. Immediately the girls inside recognized me and knew who I was. The makeup artist was such a doll-​we ended up spending as much time doing my makeover as we did shooting. We ended up doing more of a glam look, and I had more makeup on in this shoot than I did in the past month. But the time passed quickly as we chatted and she turned me into a covergirl.
My photographer Alexandra was great. She made me feel instantly comfortable even though it had been a few years since I had been on camera. I had time for about 4 – 5 outfit changes, and she probably got 300 – 400 images total. I didn’t bring anyone with me but she was awesome with getting posing/​lighting, etc. After the shooting was over, she sat me down in front of a giant Macbook screen and had me attempt to sort them out by which ones I liked. I started by getting rid of the ones I hated-​and went from there. Groupon gives you two retouched images, and from there they had more image packages. I decided to go for 2 additional at $ 59 each. I could have easily picked 10 – 15 more, but I decided to go for one of each outfit except for one. They had a digital CD option with all the images-​but I forget how much it was, and none of those were retouched.
At the end of it all I am THRILLED with my pictures. They promised me the final images within 4 weeks, and I got them in 2.5. I didn’t have to go all the way back to Wynwood from Lauderdale to get them, which is awesome. They send the hi def files in a zip file to your email, which is super convenient and I really appreciate it. You have all the copyright power to use them on any digital platform you choose (FB, twitter, etc). They tell you when going over the images that when you receive the images, that if there is any additional editing you request (within reason), to email back and they will see what they can do, and if there will be additional charges incurred (for heavy duty retouching).
I would totally recommend this studio. They were super accommodating, extremely professional, and totally delivered. For those that will balk at the price-​you get what you pay for. This is not a budget photographer or a department store. They really do high quality work. I will likely return when I need professional headshots for residency and job interviews, and I have already made recommendations to them here. A+.

Stay away. Seems like a shady business. When I called it rang and rang before being answered on a cell phone from what sounded like a moving car. Very rude and did not honor the terms of a Groupon. Tried to charge me an extra $ 50. When I asked where it said that on the Groupon, he just barked something like, «Get your money back from Groupon if you don’t like it!» Very unprofessional.

I used this studio for some professional head shots that I needed and had a great experience. My photographer Frank was a lot of fun to talk to and I was really happy with what he produced. The atmosphere was relaxed and comfortable and Frank was really easy going. My only complaint was that the makeup artist didn’t take any time to figure out what look I was going for before starting. I think she may have been having a bad day as she barely said anything before proceeding to cake me with makeup. I was really hoping for a more relaxed, natural look and less «night out on the town». I actually wiped some of it off before proceeding to have pictures taken. In the end I was really happy with only 1 of the final photos as my makeup looked really caked on in the other 3. It was fine though as I only needed 1. I recommend that the makeup artist take 2 minutes to ask the client what look they are going for instead of applying the same look to every client.
Danny was awesome too. Great turn around for the photos and also a lot of fun to work with. I left a shirt in the studio and he ran it down to me at my car before I left. I really appreciated that!
I would definitely come back to them for further photos if needed.

I went with a groupon and Danny and his team could not have been nicer, great team with Alex, Frank and Stephanie the make up artist. They made my daughter feel comfortable and relaxed they were very professional and the photos were amazing. I highly recommend

Had a great time with my girls for a photo shoot (although I liked my pics, I loved my gf’s pics — hers looked like cover girl quality, but I wasn’t prepared with the proper outfits). Their special promotions are very fair, but do keep in mind this is a service — it takes time and staff to do hair and makeup, take photos, touch up and even have the studio. They are one of few studios that offer photo shoot + hair and make-​up in one location. I like that I don’t have to mess around with finding separate people to do different things and checking back and forth about availability. I do wish that they had a way to review photos online –even if they had a watermark along whole image, since the shoot itself can be exhausting, but they do allow you to go back within a certain amount of time to pick additional photos before they discard.

I accpanied my younger sister for a photoshoot last Sunday and we had a great time. The make-​up lady did a great job. My sister looked fabulous! And our photographer was the best. I was worried that my sister might hold back because she gets shy at times but Frank (our photographer) was such a cool guy. He really knew how to make my sister and I feel comfortable. He was also very helpful and cared about which wardrobe would look the best and choosing the right background. All in all I was very impressed with the photographs and how beautiful and natural my sister looks. This is all thanks to our make up artist and our photographer. They did a great job in bringing out her personality and beauty.
If you get the groupon it’s a pretty sweet deal. The prices on their website are a little high but if you are willing to spend the money for some nice photos then I would say go for it.

My boyfriend and I used this studio for our executive-​type headshots for residency interviews. We had Alexandra and she was great! She did a great job giving us different options and making us look super professional. I love the way the pictures turned out. I would recommend this studio for medical professionals looking for a well-​polished headshot.

I hired Danny and his team to take video and still shots of my proposal to my (now) fiancé. The proposal was on the rooftop of RED Steakhouse in South Beach — Danny and his team arrived early and set up their equipment in discrete places; retaining the element of surprise that I wanted. They took great photos during and after, were very professional, and are genuinely good people.
The next day we went to the studio and picked out our favorite shots to have retouched. Danny and his team made us feel right at home, and let us take our time to go through all of the great pictures and decide on our favorites.
I would recommend Image First to anyone! They will take care of you, and give you the final product that you are looking for. They went above and beyond, and I am truly impressed!

I got a cupon from groupon for a boudoir 2h photo-​shoot and today I had my appointment.
Overall: professional make-​up and hair done.
Photographer: not that professional … it was just ok.
after a 2h photo shoot session they wanna make me chose among 500 pictures… (I had been there 3 h already) I was exhausted. I then learn that I only had 2 pictures included in my deal (HONESTLY i thought I would keep all of the pictures in a CD and would have 2 retouched).
I kept asking for the price of each pic and they insisted on me picking my pictures 1^st then they would explain to me the packages they had.
I told them I was in a rush I couldn’t spend 1h checking 500 pictures!!!
they told me I could come back. I asked the girl: can you tell me now about your «packages»?? she goes like: 11 pictures $ 399 each is $ 60
Ok, then I picked two (the ones that were included on my groupon) and an extra one JUST BECAUSE I HAD SPENT 3.5 HOURS OF MY LIFE THERE just to get 2 PICTURES… OMG
They told me that the pics would be ready in 4weeks, are you kidding me???
WORSE DEAL EVER

Great staff that caters to your every request to the fullest extent. Thanks guys!

Me and my boyfriend took our first trip together to Miami last year and he loves taking photos. I saw this Groupon so that we could do a photoshoot.
We first walked in the place is set up pretty nicely. I went to get my make up done and the girl did a fabulous job, I looked flawless. Our photographer was great, he listened to our ideas and really made us feel comfortable. The photos came out amazing, we looked as if we were shooting a magazine advertisement. Our photographer was also a big help in making sure are wardrobe went well with the back ground and the poses.
The only reason why they get 4 stars instead of 5 is because if you leave anything there, they won’t return it to you and will actually either throw it out or sell it on ebay which I think is absolutely ridiculous if you come to pay all that money for photos and they don’t have the decency of returning an item to you. I kinda understand where there coming from but still I think it’s really harsh

Profesional, On-​Time, Friendly and Fun-​Fun-​Fun!!! I have had 4 photoshoots with Image1st and I just can’t get enough… the experience, customer service, and photo editing quality are AWESOME! The staff is really friendly, fun, and always ready to help and guide you… whether you are a first timer or a regular… they always give great suggestions, ideas, and help you out to obtain that perfect shot. I love image1st and definitely recommend the studio to anyone looking for a wonderful and profesional experience.

At first I was weird but it was me, I really don’t like to take photos and the guy who was taking my photos made me feel super comfortable. He had a vision on what I wanted for my photos and really helped me as far as ideas. Great places with friendly people. All of them are funny, just in case you think you won’t laugh. I got my photos earlier then expected and a great surprise.

The Pros: This was my first photo shoot and I had a great time doing it! Paris, the makeup artist did an amazing job! Our photographer: a really nice Turkish guy (don’t recall his name) made us very comfortable and was very knowledgeable. We liked most of the pictures he took. If you’re looking for a place for a fun shoot then I Highly recommend it.
The Cons: After the shoot. We had to review over 400 pictures, it was exhausting. I agree with the other reviewers that state they should let us narrow down our options online or CD. Also, I felt like we were being rushed while we were making our selections.
The Verdict: Customer service post shoot isn’t that great but you’ll have an amazing time doing it!

My experience with image 1^st was amazing. Danny and his team were professional, friendly, and funny. They made me feel comfortable, Stephanie did a great job with my hair and makeup. I was really surprised at the level of service I received, considering that I got a great deal through one of those email offers. I’m already thinking of new looks for my next shoot!

Do you want to feel like a star? well, then book a photoshoot with Danny and his team.
Kayla made my 2.5 hour shoot a wonderful experience. I felt like all the attention was directed towards me and to the details I envisioned for my shoot. Kayla was very knowledeable with the camera and lighting. She also knew very well how to draw me out. I will never forget her telling me to laugh as in: woaaa hahaha hahaha … prior to shooting just to loosen up a bit. Hilarious and it worked.
That was a great experience and their customer service was right on.

The stars are due to the fact that it is impossible to get an appointment here. I bought a groupon in June and was put on a wait list for a weekend appointment. It has been 6 months and I have yet to be called to schedule. They do not have weekend or evening appointments and only have 2 inconvenient sittings per weekday. Good luck if you work.

My wife bought a group on for image 1^st and we went to take photos of our 7 month old on sat.
When we arrived we were greeted and spoke to the photographer about the pictures we wanted to be taken. After speaking briefly with the photographer he got right to work. The photo came out great for the most part and we were very happy.
The only issue i had was that maybe this isn’t the best place for child/​baby photography. my wife had brought by a bunch of «props». unfortunately the photographer thought those props she be used to Cheer up the baby in the event he was not «cooperating». My wife had hoped they would be used in the photos.
at the end of the session they discussed the price break down:
Untouched Photo-​$ 30
Touched up Photo-​$ 50
Entire CD of all pictures-​$ 300
We ended up getting 1 free touched up photo (along with the session) with the group on we purchased, and 2 untouched photos.
I would definetly go back to Image first in the future and make sure they use the props we brought.

Visitors from Chicago, we thought it’d be fun to do a photo shoot in Miami… capture a few memories for the scrapbook.
When I was booking our appointment with Image 1^st, I inquired about taking pictures on the beach instead of in the studio. The photographer was hesitant — we’d have to drive 10 – 15 minutes to get to the beach and it would cost us an extra $ 100 but he was willing to do it. I was willing to spend the money — we were in Miami after all. The photographer was afraid there wouldn’t be many options for us on the beach (???) but I couldn’t even imagine all the possibilities!
When we arrived to the studio, we were working with a different photographer than we had booked with. This guy had no idea that we wanted to go to the beach, and he obviously wasn’t prepared. He had no idea about anything I had planned with the other guy.
I’d done my homework and found a few photos that I liked — I had them saved on my iPhone. I scoped out the studio upon entering and saw these types of images could be created in the studio. The photographer completely ignored me and did what he wanted instead of what we wanted. He said «he had a lot of great ideas for us…»
At the end of our shoot, the photographer wanted us to sort through the 500 photos taken and narrow down our 10 favorites while on site! There is absolutely no way to see the photos that you’ve had taken after you leave the studio (unless you come back to the studio)
After a long 3 hours of shooting, the last thing we want to do is sit down and sort through 500 semi-​look-​alike photos. This takes time and patience, ours was running thin.
I’ve done many photo shoots with many photographers and they have always made the picture proofs available whether it be on a CD or uploaded to a photo sharing website. I’m not sure why Image 1^st chooses not to do this.
We ended up not purchasing any pictures from Image 1^st, had we had access to our photos after the shoot, we surely would have placed an order for some prints (even though not many of the photos were what we we’d asked for…)
I’m pissed off that I wasted 3 – 4 hours of my life at this studio when I could have been on the beach.