Young Professional Goes Viral for Clever Way to Get Cheap Headshots (Exclusive)

In today’s world of polished, high-end professional headshots, some people may forget the days when families headed down to a department store for group portrait sessions.

One young professional brought back that nostalgic practice by opting for an affordable headshot session at JCPenney Portraits by Lifetouch. And, spoiler alert: she loved it.

At 29 years old, Kristin Cummins found herself in need of a professional headshot — but ideally without the high price tag. Local photographers offered sessions priced at an upward of $300, but that wasn’t a realistic option for someone just starting her career.

“As much as I would love to support a smaller, local photographer, I ultimately chose JCPenney due to budget,” Cummins tells PEOPLE exclusively. “I was quoted $200-$300 for a 30-minute session with local photographers and around a 1-2 week turnaround. I needed my photo much sooner.”

“I did not have that kind of disposable income to use on a single photo that would only end up on a meet-the-team section of my company’s website,” she adds.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.  

Luckily, Cummins remembered JCPenney’s photo services, which could give her the professional photo she needed at a fraction of the cost. “It came out to around $26, but that is because they had a Groupon,” she admits. It was a deal too good to pass up, especially considering the professional quality she received in return.

“I think they turned out great for the price,” Cummins shares. “Are they the most stunning, magazine-worthy pictures ever? No. Would I use them for my wedding? No. But they are great for young people looking for a nice, professional headshot for their LinkedIn when they’re just getting started and don’t have much money to spend. I would definitely recommend it.”

As a soon-to-be manager in an aesthetic medical spa, Cummins understands the value of a good headshot in today’s career-driven world. 

“I think that they are important because it helps create a professional first impression. It helps to communicate that you take yourself and your work seriously,” she explains. “I can now use this photo on my social media accounts and email address to potentially network through that as well.”

For Cummins, however, JCPenney is more than just a place for professional headshots — it’s also a reminder of cherished childhood memories. “Some of my earliest memories were going with my sister to get pictures at JCPenney. My parents took us every year!” she tells PEOPLE. 

For many families, the department store has been a go-to spot for portraits for decades, and it’s clear that nostalgia played a role in her decision.

“It reminds me of simpler times. When no one had a smartphone they could take a picture on and upload instantly,” Cummins reveals. “It was always a special occasion to get your portraits done.”

She says her all-time favorite photo taken at JCPenney was on one of her birthdays, in front of a Blue’s Clues backdrop. It had been her favorite TV show when she was younger, and she was so excited to be part of it. The studio even gave her a little pail and shovel to pose with.

“It makes me smile to think about it because nowadays moms will only dress their kids in beige and aesthetic backgrounds with a filter that matches their Instagram feed,” Cummins says. “It makes me nostalgic for the colorful world we used to live in.” 

Ultimately, JCPenney Portraits by Lifetouch gave Cummins a budget-friendly headshot that hit the mark. But whether you’re launching a career or simply looking for a fun and affordable photo session, this nostalgic option proves that you can look great without breaking the bank.