Where We Started

In 1974 Scott Adams and Wayne Fox, two successful professional photographers, formed Kiddie Kandids. Their philosophy has always been Kiddie Kandids is a portrait studio first, and a business second. Sharing a deep passion for photography, the two founded Kiddie Kandids in Orem, Utah on the guiding principle of offering the highest quality children’s portraits available for an affordable price. “We looked at the other studios at the time taking children’s portraits and realized we could offer a higher quality product for less money, so we did,” said Wayne Fox, co-founder. “As I look back at where we started and where we are now, it is almost an accident that we ended up here. Our only focus in opening Kiddie Kandids was to take the best children’s portraits available to families. The expansion has happened as a secondary outcome of that goal. We never envisioned it would take off like it has.”

“It all started in a small kiosk in the mall,” said Scott Adams, co-founder. “The kiosk was located right in the middle of the walkway and we would actually have large crowds gathered around watching the kids and cheering each smile. That is an experience Kiddie Kandids worked hard to create. We thought of the posing stand as a stage and the photographer as a performer. Even though we don’t have the studio in the walkway of the mall anymore, that is still the atmosphere we strive to create today.”

Where Kiddie Kandids Is Today

By focusing on the child, the parent’s wants, and offering a fun, comfortable experience, Kiddie Kandids has grown to become the nation’s premier children’s portrait studio. Kiddie Kandids owns and operates more than 183 portrait studios in 33 states nationwide, with more than 130 studios located in Babies-‘R’-Us stores.

Kiddie Kandids is an industry pioneer and has consistently been on the forefront of advances in technology and product innovations. We were one of the first studios to make the switch to all digital photography in 2001. All studios are backed by the most up-to-date technology available. Each photographer is certified and trained extensively to assure the customer’s needs are met. They are taught the art of capturing memories by taking the time necessary to create a special portrait of every child, every time, every day.

The future promises to be very bright for Kiddie Kandids. “The demand for our services continues to grow,” stated Dale Merrill, president of Kiddie Kandids. “We will continue to expand throughout the country. We offer the highest quality photography, customer service, and products in the industry. The number of studios we operate will continue to grow, but our commitment to quality and the customer will never change.”

Why Kiddie Kandids?

“What makes us different from everyone else is the fact Kiddie Kandids works harder for the great portrait,” added Adams. “We started because of our desire to take the best portraits available and to provide the best possible experience. We still work hard everyday to make sure that happens.” Kiddie Kandids believes a great portrait doesn’t end with a smile, but rather when a child’s unique expressions and personality is captured and that portrait becomes a treasured memory.

Based on more than 35 years of experience and extensive consumer research, Kiddie Kandids strives to deliver what parents want most in a children’s portrait studio. This starts with customers never paying an appointment, sitting or membership fee. We have no fine print or hidden fees – the price we advertise is the price you pay.

We want each customer to have a stress free experience. That experience starts when the appointment is made. We offer online reservations up to two weeks in advance at www.kiddiekandids.com. Same day appointments are welcomed with a simple phone call to the studio. Because parents never know when a child may be in the perfect picture-taking mood, walk-ins are also always welcome – anytime.

Before any portraits are taken the parents sit down with the photographer and review a customer preference checklist. This helps the photographer understand the needs and wants of the parent and a chance to get to know the child before they begin. This process also helps limit the time spent in front of the camera. Customers can view all captured poses immediately and choose their favorites right at the camera. This helps to ensure total satisfaction with each portrait.

The creation station is where a professional portrait artist sits down with the parent and helps them add their personal touch to the portraits. There are many choices to customize a portrait, ranging from borders, color enhancements including black-and-white and sepia, sheet size options, and personalized text. Best of all, no more waiting days or even weeks for your portraits. All portraits are printed immediately in the studio allowing customers to go home with their portraits – at no additional charge.

Kiddie Kandids is in business to capture memories for a lifetime. We want each customer to feel like a member of our family when they leave the studio. If we haven’t done that our job isn’t finished. That is the Kiddie Kandids guarantee. If a customer is unsatisfied with their products, in any way, we will work with them until they are 100% satisfied. Even if it means starting from the beginning.