I'm surprised they invite people to rate them here! As others say, photo packages with unhelpful sizes and quantities designed to extract the maximum cash and upsell you to packs with things you... See more
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Review summary
Created with AI, based on recent reviews
What people talk about most
Reviews shaping this summary
Baffled that school continues to use this company. Poor experience year on year. Very difficult to choose from individual photo options as the photos are so blurred and you cannot select them to show... See more
Company replied
I feel very coerced. The photos cannot be selected by size etc, only ordered as packages which means not getting the prints I want for different family members. There is some reference to digital down... See more
Company replied
Packages designed to trap you into spending too much on more photos than you need. Delivery also overpriced unless you again spend more. They also invest in Isreal through their use of Barclays Bank s... See more
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Company details
Information provided by various external sources
Founded by Horace Tempest over 80 years ago, Tempest Photography has been at the forefront of the photographic industry for nearly a century. As the first school photography company in the UK to move to full digital processing, with a digital laboratory that is the most state-of-the-art in Europe, you can be sure of first-class images, every time.
Contact info
H TEMPEST LIMITED, TR26 3HU, ST IVES, CORNWALL , United Kingdom
- 01736 751555
- tempest-orders.co.uk
1.9
Poor
2K reviews
Replied to 99% of negative reviews
Typically replies within 24 hours
How this company uses Trustpilot
See how their reviews and ratings are sourced, scored, and moderated.
I had an issue with my graduation…
I had an issue with my graduation picture. I emailed them and they were very helpful and kind. They agreed to amend the error, free of charge and post the new pictures for free!
I would recommend this service to everyone. They are kind, professional and very helpful!
I wish them all the best!
15 January 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Tempest Photography
Hello Aisha, thank you for your five-star review!
I am delighted to read that my colleague was able to amend the error and everything was arranged free of charge for you. Whilst amendments can sometimes be chargeable, I am happy that the circumstances made the issue free of charge and we reissued your order at no further expense for yourself.
I hope that should you have any further issues, you will be able to contact us and we can rectify the issue further.
Kind regards, Olly.
Photographer is the only person who can…
Photographer is the only person who can get my son to sit still and look to the camera. We have always had lovely pictures from Tempest.
Unfortunately the pictures are expensive for us but I think that’s just the nature of that business.
3 December 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Tempest Photography
Hello Laura, thank you for your five-star review!
Tempest Photography always aim to make the children comfortable for their photographs taken as we do acknowledge that it can certainly be a daunting experience. Therefore I am delighted to read that our photographer was able to continue the streak of capturing the best photograph of your son for you.
Kind regards, Olly.
Awful experience. Overpriced and late.
I ordered a digital download on 24/11/2025 which I expected would be the quickest way to receive my photograph with Christmas upcoming.
By January 2026 I had not yet received the photograph and therefore made a general enquiry as to its whereabouts.
A person contacted me back telling me that it had been personally emailed to me 1st Jan 2026 when it categorically had not. I was assured I was to be ‘re-sent’ the image within the next 48 hours.
The next day (6/1/26) I received the image via email from the very person that handled my query.
1. The image is below par standard.
2. The image is still unable to be retained via the reference number they gave via the original email confirming the order.
3. The image was not sent via email on the 1/1/2026 as they had stated. That is a complete fabrication.
This will be taken further and the school from which they are commissioned will certainly be notified (multiple times) about their shocking service. I am certainly not the only person who is dissatisfied at the very least with the service received.
Horrendous.
24 November 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Tempest Photography
Hello Jade, thank you for your review.
We have received your email in Customer Service. You sent your enquiry on the 4th January and we were closed from the 19th December 2025 to the 5th January 2026 due to the Christmas period.
On the 6th January, the person advised that the product that you had ordered was sent to your email address on the 1st December 2025, within the 28 days that we advise on the confirmation, this may have ended up in your spam/junk folder. They then resent the image the very same day. The image downloads for this particular product (background replacement) is not an automatic process, they are manually sent. Therefore, the download would not have been sent on the 1st January 2026 as we were closed at this time.
There is currently an issue with regards to the product you have selected not being available through the information provided on the email confirmation hence why they are sent via email. We do apologise about this issue, and this is being investigated.
Please accept my apologies that you are unhappy with the quality of the image, I shall investigate this further and reply to your email.
Kind regards, Olly.
Awful photos, no photo mounts
Yet again (for the 3rd year in a row I have had the misfortune of having to use this company) they haven't sent photo mounts, although I asked them to. The photos are awful but they are all I have got. Yet another disappointment from this cowboy company.
20 November 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Tempest Photography
Hello Hannah, thank you for your review.
I am deeply sorry to learn that you have received repeated errors with your orders.
I have located your email in our Customer Service inbox, and I shall reply to you further there.
Kind regards, Olly.
Shocked by the poor quality
Shocked by the poor quality. The photos that I've received are more cropped and closer up than the image I wanted and does not match the image provided on the receipt or the one on the QR code.
I also didn’t realise how poor quality the frames would be - cheap flimsy cardboard and they don’t even have anything to cover over the photo so are sure to be a dust magnet.
17 December 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Tempest Photography
Hello Hayley, thank you for your review.
The frames/mounts that you are referring to are complimentary with the order if requested with your initial order. However, if you are looking for a wooden frame with Perspex to protect the photographs, we do offer these on our website www.tempest-orders.co.uk.
With regards to the quality of the prints and them not matching the receipt, please can you email us at customerservice@htempest.co.uk so we can investigate this further?
Kind regards, Olly.
I recently ordered a Christmas tree…
I recently ordered a Christmas tree decoration of my child's school photo. Rather concerned as the image I received was of another child, not even the same school! The worry now would be what hands is my child's photo in !
When contacting them i was advised my order will be going out today for delivery in the next week as my decoration is still on the shelf, do i have to just take their word on this ?
Surely this would be a safeguarding issue ?
10 December 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Tempest Photography
Hello, thank you for your review.
Once we received your call, my colleague raised this further as we take issues such as this very seriously as this is something that should not have happened.
So we have a better understanding of the situation, please can you email us at customerservice@htempest.co.uk so we can investigate the matter further? Please provide as much information as possible.
Kind regards, Olly.
If only I could give NO stars!!!
If only I could give NO stars!!!
Discriminate against children with additional needs. Extortionate prices. Low quality. Poor service. Absolutely would NOT recommend to anyone!!! Need shutting down
23 October 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Tempest Photography
Hello Leanne, thank you for your review.
We’re really sorry to read your feedback and to hear that you feel this way. That’s never the experience we want anyone to have. Please get in touch with our Customer Service team on 01736 751555 (opt 5, Mon-Fri 8:15am-4:15pm) and we’ll do our best to look into what’s happened and put things right.
Kind regards, Olly.
What a money sucker company this is!!
What a money sucker company this is, charging an enormous amount of money for digital photos in this digital age, just because they have a monopoly and they are coming directly from school as a vendor. None of us would have gone through with it personally if we had an option based on the reviews they have.
9 December 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Tempest Photography
Hello Uzair, thank you for your review.
I am sorry to hear you are unhappy with the pricing of our digital download. It is important to understand the nature of the product. You are not simply buying an electronic file (for customers wishing just to have an electronic memento, we would suggest the Image to Mobile product), you are buying it with the license release for unlimited printing/file sharing, so the more you use and share the file, the better value for money it becomes.
However, I shall certainly pass your feedback onto our Marketing department who will assess your comments further.
Kind regards, Olly.
Very unprofessional service
Very unprofessional service. It's impossible to order through the website. They charge for the photo, but you won't receive it, or you'll have to wait several months.
2 December 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Tempest Photography
Hello Elena, thank you for your review.
I am sorry to learn that you have experienced issues with our e-commerce system.
I have spoken with my manager regarding your review and you have emailed in previously and you have been in communication with our Direct Order department. They advised that you finalised your order with them yesterday and you should receive your order within 7-10 working days.
If you have not received your order by the 10 working days, please do not hesitate to contact us and we can investigate this further.
Kind regards, Olly.
Should be behind bars!
They came to take photos on my son's graduation day at university. The lady taking the photos was great but unfortunately the company doesn't follow. There is no choice of photographs, you're forced to buy unsuitable packages that are not put together in a logical way. I want one of each photo full stop. I feel that this company highjacks those precious moments then holds you at ransom. Im looking into legal action and I will complain to the university for using them. I emailed but they haven't even replied. They are criminals posing as professional photographers. Very worrying to have such people in schools with kids.
24 July 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Tempest Photography
Hello, thank you for your review.
I am sorry to learn that you are disappointed with the products that we have on offer. We do offer single prints and these can be viewed on our website and they are also available through our Direct Order team on 01736 751555 (opt. 3, Mon-Fri 8:15am-4:15pm).
I have requested further information from you so we can investigate this further, as with the information provided we are unable to locate an email. If this is something that you would not like to do, please can you forward your email to Customer Service at customerservice@htempest.co.uk and mark it for my attention so we can hopefully rectify this situation.
Kind regards, Olly.
Quality reasonably ok… but the Bundle ordering system is 100% madness
I'm reasonably happy with the quality of the hardcopy prints. Can't speak fro digital downloads - in any case so much depends on the computer/phone screen and ambient light: I really don't think it's a sensible option but I suppose it suits some people.
What really irritates me is the bundle system - if orders could be just: size required (from Tempest's predetermined choice, I suppose) & how many copies at that size, ditto frames & acrylic etc, the ordering process would take a tenth of the time & the pricing would be clear and unambiguous. Bundles just complicate the whole thing. Typical of today's bureaucracy and inflexible computer programmes.
30 November 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Tempest Photography
Hello, thank you for your review.
Whilst I am happy that you are pleased with the quality of the prints, I am sorry to learn that you are irritated with the bundle system that we have on offer.
We try to offer a wide range of packages including single prints to multi packs, and the digital download which comes with the licence for unlimited printing on the high street should you wish to have these printed elsewhere.
However, I have passed your feedback onto our Marketing team who can assess the comments further.
Kind regards, Olly
Disgusting prices and even charge £5…
Disgusting prices and even charge £5 delivery for one medium sized photo! Shocking.
27 November 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Tempest Photography
Hello William, thank you for your review.
The delivery charge only applies if the order is placed outside of the free 14-day back to school delivery option, if the school has requested for direct ordering only or the customer opts for home delivery. It also is not just postage, packaging and individual handling, but also postal insurance, so if the order is damaged or lost in transit, we replace it free of charge.
Kind regards, Olly
I’m not happy with the fact this…
I’m not happy with the fact this company over chargers parents. So expensive to have your child photo. And to top it off the sizes they do are not great either a large should be 8x10 😡 ripoff company. School need to find a decent one.
10 November 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Tempest Photography
Hello Jade, thank you for your review.
Our pricing reflects more than just the print or digital file, it covers professional photographers, high-quality equipment, post-production work, and a secure online ordering system. For larger group photos, the cost also incorporates specialist staging, organisation, and setup to ensure every child is captured clearly and safely.
Tempest Photography provides schools and PTAs with an excellent fundraising opportunity through a sliding commission on every photo sold. This commission helps support school programs and resources. It could be worthwhile to reach out to your school to see if parents are taking advantage of our more affordable photo options.
Whilst our large prints may be an 8x6, but we do offer for an extra large print which is a 10x8, it may be worth speaking with our Direct Order team on 01736 751555 (opt. 3, Mon-Fri 8:15am-4:15pm) who should be able to advise you on the best package for you.
Kind regards, Olly.
Zero stars if possible
Zero stars if possible. I’m very disappointed with my recent experience with Tempest Photography. In my view, there’s very little care taken in the way they photograph children. The pictures felt rushed and randomly taken, with no effort to help the children pose or even check that their hair or clothes were tidy—especially frustrating when parents aren’t allowed to be present to assist.
On top of that, being charged £28 for a single digital photo feels incredibly unreasonable for the quality provided. The arrangement many schools have with this company puts parents in a position where they’re expected to pay high prices for what I feel are poor-quality results. Overall, I don’t think families are getting good value, and I hope schools consider alternative photography providers in the future.
26 November 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Tempest Photography
Hello Simonescu, thank you for your review.
Unfortunately, when photographing at schools, we have to adhere to the efficient running of the school timetable to ensure minimal disruption to the school day. This means that often, the school will only allow us a limited window to capture each student. Furthermore, our photographers are advised not to comment on expression or appearance incase of causing upset or offence.
Our prices for a single digital photograph are at a maximum £23.00 and anything above is for multiple digital bundles.
Tempest Photography provides schools and PTAs with an excellent fundraising opportunity through a sliding commission on every photo sold. This commission helps support school programs and resources. It could be worthwhile to reach out to your school to see if parents are taking advantage of our more affordable photo options.
We do appreciate your comments and will share this with our management team.
Kind regards, Olly
I am very disappointed with our…
I am very disappointed with our experience with Tempest Photography. My daughter (18 months old) is a happy, confident toddler who poses for photos naturally and is used to the camera — yet the photographer here was unable to engage her in any meaningful way.
Instead of making even a minimal effort to adapt or show patience, we were told that “she wasn’t herself”, which is an astonishing conclusion considering this is a child — not a trained adult model.
We prepared carefully for this session: choosing outfits, coordinating schedules, getting ready late at night… all of which feels wasted.
Rather than focusing on creating a warm, child-friendly atmosphere and using professional approach, the interaction felt rushed, impersonal, and not suited to working with young children.
A professional children’s photographer should know how to work with children — including those who may need a moment to relax, smile, or feel comfortable. Unfortunately, this was not the case here.
Very disappointed and wouldn’t recommend based on this experience.
26 November 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Tempest Photography
Hello Izabela, thank you for your review.
I am sorry to hear of your disappointment with the photographs we have captured of your child. Our photographers always endeavour to obtain the best expressions of the children that are possible on the day and we do not share the intimate knowledge you have of how your child would usually respond or react when having her photograph taken and we are sorry that the results did not match your expectations.
So we can investigate the comments made about your child, please can you email my manager at customerservice@htempest.co.uk with the school details and image references?
However, should we be fortunate enough to photograph your child again in the future, hopefully we will capture some images that are to your satisfaction.
Kind regards, Olly.
Reply from Tempest Photography
Hello JS, thank you for your review.
I am sorry to hear you are unhappy with the pricing of our digital download. It is important to understand the nature of the product. You are not simply buying an electronic file (for customers wishing just to have an electronic memento, we would suggest the Image to Mobile product), you are buying it with the license release for unlimited printing/file sharing, so the more you use and share the file, the better value for money it becomes.
Our pricing reflects more than just the print or digital file, it covers professional photographers, high-quality equipment, post-production work, and a secure online ordering system.
It may be worth speaking with our Direct Order team on 01736 751555 (opt. 3, Mon-Fri 8:15am-4:15pm) to see which package would be more beneficial for yourself.
Kind regards, Olly
Very disappointing pictures
Very disappointing pictures. Such a shame as school photos used to be fab.
23 November 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Tempest Photography
Hello Katherine, thank you for your review.
I am sorry to0 learn that you are disappointed with the pictures that you have received. Please can you contact Customer Service on 01736 751555 (opt. 5, Mon-Fri 8:15am-4:15pm) or email us at customerservice@htempest.co.uk so we can look into this further to see if we can help?
Kind regards, Olly
Photos do arrive on time and it is…
Photos do arrive on time and it is relatively easy to order, but two things put me off. First is the quality of the school photos (photographers do not fix children's hair or clothing).
Second is the fact that if you just want to order printout photos, they use their own unique sizes and they "force" to buy their own stands and frames
21 November 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Tempest Photography
Hello John, thank you for your review.
Unfortunately, our photographers do rely on the pupils being presented to them "photo-ready", as they are limited in their interactions with the children in terms of commenting on or adjusting appearance. This is in case they inadvertently cause undue upset or offence.
You will need to request for complimentary mounts at time of ordering, and any other frames would need to be paid for as extra. If you did not have the option for the complimentary mounts and you have received your order, please contact Customer Service on 01736 751555 (opt. 5, Mon-Fri 8:15am-4:15pm) where we can despatch these mounts to you.
Alternatively, you can email us at customerservice@htempest.co.uk.
Kind regards, Olly
Very helpful
Our school had issues with the photographs being sent across, we were only receiving them for one child. Tempest advised the school to take an alternative email, once this was provided I received the other images straight away. I purchased digital downloads but only one child’s photograph had been received. I phoned and got through to Rachel who was very helpful and emailed me the downloads as soon as we were off the phone.
21 November 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Tempest Photography
Hello Holly, thank you for your five-star review!
Whilst I am disappointed to learn that you have experienced issues with us, I am delighted to read that we were able to amend the issues and my colleague Rachel was able to email the digital images over to you.
Kind regards, Olly
Not good!
My little one is quite young and would have needed some direction from the photographer to look smart, which she evidently wasn't given: top button undone and hanging open. I put her hair in two long plaits for the photos but only one visible so it looked lop-sided. Only this one photo to choose from. These school photos are such important momentoes; it's a bit frustrating/upsetting.
Also, why can't you just choose size of print and how many you'd like of that size; instead, there are only set packs with set numbers, meaning you usually end up having to get more than you need...wasteful!
5 November 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Tempest Photography
Hello Jo, thank you for your review.
It is disappointing to read that you are unhappy with your children's pictures. Unfortunately, our photographers do rely on the pupils being presented to them "photo-ready", as they are limited in their interactions with the children in terms of commenting on or adjusting appearance. This is in case they inadvertently cause undue upset or offence.
Furthermore, unfortunately, when photographing at schools, we have to adhere to the efficient running of the school timetable to ensure minimal disruption to the school day. This means that often, the school will only allow us a limited window to capture each student.
I shall certainly pass your feedback onto our Marketing department who can assess your comments regarding the packs further, but I would advise speaking with our Direct Order team on 01736 751555 (opt. 3, Mon-Fri 8:15am-4:15pm) who can discuss the packs on offer and what would be best for you.
Kind regards, Olly
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