When asking yourself about something to do near me in Seattle with a group of friends or family, consider
Dorian Studio
Why Dorian Studio is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Dorian Studio is a family-owned and operated photography company specializing in school and senior portraits, as well as yearbook production, with a rich history dating back to 1914. Headquartered in Spokane, Washington, they serve a broad region across the Western United States including states such as Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington. Known for combining creativity, superior quality, and exceptional service, Dorian Studio provides a trusted place for students, families, and schools to capture and preserve lasting memories. Their network spans local photographers and regional studios, ensuring personalized and professional coverage of individual student portraits, class photos, sports teams, and special school events. The company invests heavily in state-of-the-art photo-processing and yearbook printing technology, giving them the flexibility to offer exclusive products at competitive prices while maintaining rapid and efficient customer service. Meeting up with friends at events where Dorian Studio photographs helps reinforce the joy of those moments, supported by the company's commitment to honest value and responsive service. Their multiple offices across key cities like Boise, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Oakland, Phoenix, Portland, Sacramento, Seattle, Spokane, and Tri-Cities make them a convenient choice for schools throughout the region. This combination of heritage, quality, innovation, and broad coverage makes Dorian Studio a great option for capturing the important milestones of youth and school life.
Here's what people think of Dorian Studio
As of recent, Dorian Studio holds a 3.6-star rating based on 168 reviews.
User reviews of Dorian Studio reflect a mix of experiences, leading to an overall rating of 3.6 out of 5 from 168 reviews. Many users appreciate the company's long-standing history and the professionalism of their photographers, especially noting the high quality of the portraits and yearbooks. Positive reviews often highlight the caring approach of photo staff who work well with children and the efficient organizational structure that handles events smoothly. Customers also commend Dorian Studio's product variety, digital innovation, and ability to produce memorable yearbooks that truly reflect school spirit and student life. On the other hand, some negative reviews mention occasional issues with customer service responsiveness, delays in delivering photos, and inconsistencies in photo scheduling or session coordination. A few users have reported problems with image quality not meeting expectations or difficulties in resolving order issues promptly. Despite these criticisms, many customers still recommend the company due to its competitive pricing and specialized focus on schools and youth activities. Overall, reviews suggest that while Dorian Studio excels in preserving school memories with a creative and high-quality approach, there is room for improvement in customer communication and delivery logistics to elevate the experience further.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Tanya Cheban
I really enjoyed working with this studio! They work quickly and efficiently, answer all questions immediately and help solve any client problems. They are very responsive and focused on a good and high-quality result. I made a mistake when placing an order and received something other than what I planned to order. The studio staff quickly and free of charge helped me solve my problem and now I will have a perfect photo of my child. Thank you!
J C
Absolutely not. If you order ahead of time and your child unfortunately gets sick the day of pictures you have to wait for them to send you the blank portrait with the class photo without your child in it in AND ONLY AT THAT POINT they can refund you your money. Ridiculous. Why waste the resources and both of our time?!
Silver Hernandez
They let my child wear her jacket in her class picture and didn't ask her if she was going to wear it or give any advice. Nor do they check them to make sure they are happy with how they look or if they have hair or clothes messed up. These pictures are not even cheap and they are the absolute worst quality and customer service for years now and I'm tired of it! I asked customer service why they dont suggest anything and all they could say was that they are unable and this is not right, it's just a jacket for sakes! You are the professional photographer, then act like it, we cannot choose who is the vendor for our school pictures and I see that this is the absolute worst company, they hurry kids along and collect their money. They should be ashamed of how they run this business! Thanks for ruining our experience for years! I will never purchase pictures for my kids ever again!
Gyna O'Grady
Customer services for this business doesn’t exist. I ordered pictures before their holiday’s break Dec20th. (good for them for their break but I didn’t know about it). January 10th arrived and my pictures have not arrived. They said there were shipping delays. As or February 3rd 2025 I have not received my pictures. I want to send the pictures to my parents who leave outside the country. The person who call me from Dorian told me that they will place another order for me and will get it in three weeks? Really? Why not shipped them overnight? It was not my fault but like she said “we don’t offer that option”. Such a bad customer services.
Sarah Lenaburg
Wonderful company to work with. Great communication, photographers and products. Thank you, Dorian, for making school photo day a breeze! As a parent and as a school director, we are impressed with the care and details you put into all that you do.
How to reach Dorian Studio
None
Website: None
Why Dorian Studio may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Dorian Studio with your friends? Dorian Studio offers a unique environment that blends creativity, tradition, and a welcoming atmosphere, making it an exceptional venue for gathering your friends or family. Founded in 1914 and continually operated as a family business, Dorian Studio prides itself on capturing meaningful moments with a creative and professional touch. This century-old establishment has cultivated a warm, inclusive culture where people feel free to express themselves, which is especially great for groups wanting to connect through shared experiences. Whether you're celebrating milestones like graduations or school achievements or simply want to create lasting memories through photography, Dorian Studio’s friendly and encouraging staff make it easy to relax and enjoy the moment. Their reputation for superior quality and customer service ensures that every visit is pleasant and personalized, encouraging camaraderie among groups. The studio’s flexibility with scheduling and retakes also means your gathering can be stress-free. Bringing your friends along to capture special occasions or just have fun with creative photo sessions makes Dorian Studio the perfect place to rally and connect.
What activities are available at Dorian Studio that make it ideal for meetups? Dorian Studio specializes primarily in photography services, tailored especially for families, schools, and groups celebrating important life events. They offer professional portrait sessions that focus on capturing each individual's spirit, which is excellent for friends who want to commemorate their time together with memorable photos. The studio also provides school-related photography, such as senior portraits and sports team photos, making it a natural hub for friends to gather around shared experiences like the school year or a sports season. Beyond traditional posed photos, Dorian Studio encourages creativity in their shoots, making the process fun and engaging for participants. The environment is laid back and welcoming—employees mention occasional playful activities like Nerf fights to relieve stress, which reflects a culture of fun and teamwork. Additionally, the studio supports yearbook creation with graphic design and candid photography services, ideal for larger group projects or school-based meetups. Their easy online scheduling and ordering system further add convenience for groups planning their sessions, removing logistical hurdles and allowing everyone to focus on enjoying their time together.
How does Dorian Studio's environment enhance group experiences? The studio prides itself on cultivating a supportive and enjoyable atmosphere that makes everyone feel included right away. Employees note that the work environment is relaxed and encourages individuals to be themselves, which translates to visitors feeling welcome and comfortable during their sessions. This is particularly important for groups who want to have fun while also capturing beautiful photos without the pressure of a stiff, formal setting. The leadership team at Dorian Studio actively supports learning and growth, showing they care about each person’s success and comfort, which suggests that your group will be treated with attention and respect. Friendly staff, including experienced photographers and helpful support persons, ensure that guidance is always available during sessions, helping to bring out natural expressions and spontaneous fun moments. The positive dynamic between staff members, including their genuine camaraderie and occasional lighthearted competitions, shows the studio values a vibrant community spirit—something that entertains and relaxes guests, making group meetups more enjoyable.
Why is Dorian Studio a good choice for families and school groups? With over a century of expertise, Dorian Studio has specialized in documenting the milestones and joys of childhood, family life, and school achievements. Their mission to capture the authentic spirit of children and students makes them a trusted and familiar choice for families who want meaningful photos that tell a story beyond just a picture. Schools benefit from Dorian’s comprehensive yearbook services, including candid photography, graphic design, and streamlined online programs, which support whole-class or team projects and foster group participation. Parents appreciate the studio’s efficient and accommodating approach to scheduling and retakes, providing flexibility especially around busy school calendars. The ability to have professionals capture varsity sports seasons, rookie moments, or graduation days unites groups around shared experiences with lasting visual memories. The studio’s family-owned, community-focused identity further encourages families to feel at home and connected during their visits, turning photo sessions into communal celebrations instead of just appointments.
What makes Dorian Studio convenient and easy for group planning? Dorian Studio has integrated modern conveniences like online scheduling and ordering to simplify planning for individuals and groups alike. This technology reduces waiting times and avoids scheduling conflicts, a crucial factor when coordinating a meetup with multiple family members or friends. Their straightforward ordering system also allows easy customization after the session, including retouching and ordering extra prints or packages. Positive reviews highlight staff responsiveness and willingness to accommodate date changes and specific needs, which help minimize stress in arranging group gatherings. The attentive customer service ensures that all questions are answered quickly and thoughtfully, making the entire process from booking to receiving photos intuitive and smooth. Such logistical ease frees groups to focus on enjoying their time together and celebrating their memories rather than worrying about administrative details.
How does Dorian Studio differentiate itself from other photography studios? Dorian Studio’s century-long heritage sets it apart as a stable, experienced business deeply embedded in its communities across the western US. Unlike many larger or impersonal chains, it maintains a family ownership ethos that emphasizes personalized service and long-term customer relationships. The studio’s dedication to creativity and superior quality shows in the variety of innovative products and photographic techniques they offer, as well as their willingness to walk clients through every step. Their emphasis on a relaxed yet productive environment with close-knit, friendly staff introduces a human element that fosters genuine connection rather than just transactional photo sessions. The occasional playful activities and a culture of support exemplify a team that sees photography as more than just work—it’s a shared artistic and social experience. These qualities lead to positive feedback from customers and employees alike, contributing to a studio environment that is warm, welcoming, and perfect for hosting groups.
What are the reviews and ratings for Dorian Studio telling us? With a 3.6 rating based on approximately 168 reviews, Dorian Studio appears to have a mixed but generally positive reputation. Employees consistently praise the supportive culture and fun work environment, describing it as laid back, inclusive, and encouraging—all good signs for visitors seeking a comfortable gathering space. Customers appreciate the professionalism and customer service, highlighting the responsiveness of the staff and the quality of the photography products. Some nuances in the rating may reflect individual scheduling challenges or specific service hiccups. However, frequent mentions of flexible scheduling, easy retakes, and excellent staff interactions suggest that most concerns are manageable or isolated. The overall sentiment is one of satisfaction, especially for families and school groups who want a reliable, friendly, and creative studio to celebrate important moments with friends and loved ones.
How can a group maximize their experience at Dorian Studio? To make the most of a visit to Dorian Studio, groups should consider booking sessions well in advance using the online scheduling system, especially during busy school seasons or graduation periods. Coordinating outfits, themes, or fun props ahead of time can add a layer of creativity and cohesion to the photos, enhancing group dynamics. Taking advantage of the studio’s expertise by asking questions and working closely with photographers will help capture genuine, memorable moments rather than stiff poses. Groups might also inquire about yearbook services or candid photography options, especially if meeting as part of a school community or large family. Planning some social time before or after the session in nearby locations can extend the meetup and provide more opportunities to bond. Lastly, paying attention to the studio’s policies on retouching or photo package deals can ensure your group gets the best value and quality from the session.