07/23/2026
HEADS UP FOR PET OWNERS
If you've seen "free pet portrait" giveaways from Portraits by Christopher in Overland Park, I want to share my experience so you can make an informed decision.
I won a Facebook giveaway advertised as a complimentary pet portrait session. What I discovered is a bait-and-switch model:
• The giveaway required a $100 "refundable" reservation fee: not disclosed in the promotion
• Winning came with an implicit expectation of a high-pressure sales pitch (also not disclosed by the studio)
• I shared with with Christopher and his assistant how I deal with fibromyalgia and fatigue affects my cognitive function during my booking call, pre-appointment consultation, and upon arrival
Despite knowing this about me, Chris' practices included:
• Isolating me in a dark room alone with him
• Refusing to allow me private time to call a trusted friend for financial advice
• Presenting pricing for the first time after a 90-minute session when I was exhausted
• Pressuring me into financing a nearly $4,000 purchase through Affirm, even after I told him I couldn't afford it. He but all submitted the application for me.
• Never giving me a chance to read the non-cancellation policy before I signed.
Soon after the session and sales, I asked for a cancellation, which was denied. I filed complaints with the Kansas Attorney General Consumer Protection, the Disability Rights Center, and the Better Business Bureau. After a month of advocating for myself with these agencies and directly with Christopher, he finally offered a settlement agreement: I would be prohibited from sharing my experience with his business or the AG's investigation and required me to delete/cancel all reviews and investigations within 3 days of signing -- BUT he wouldn't issue any refunds for 15 days. I rewrote the settlement agreement so that it was more fair for both of us and stipulated consequences for each of us for failure to act in good faith; it also included his demand that I would not disclose the settlement (refund). Since he refused to sign it, I can share this experience with you.
If you're considering this business, please:
✓ Ask detailed questions about ALL fees upfront
✓ Get everything in writing before your appointment
✓ Bring someone you trust to advise you during the appointment
✓ Do not make financial decisions when fatigued or under pressure
✓ Read and review any contract BEFORE signing
This business is currently under investigation by the Kansas Attorney General for unfair sales practices. As a business owner myself, I want my clients to have the information to protect themselves.
Your decision matters. Stay informed.
FYI: The cheapest portrait option is a 30" for $3,500 plus taxes and cheapest frame is $500. He will also try to convert your "refundable" reservation fee into credit towards a portrait. (It was $200 for someone else - a mistake made on mine he didn't correct; it was $500 for me.)
I wish I had thought of it: accept the free 11x14" portrait and allow the reservation fee to be converted to the $500 credit...and use that for a frame for the free portrait.
