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
Company replied
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.
Cropping on photos was awful
Cropping on photos was awful, begs the question as to whether it is conducted or overseen by a photographer. Despite a request to adjust to include full hand for example and standardise empty space etc revisions were probably worse. Not impressed at all.
10 October 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Tempest Photography
Hello Bridgeen, thank you for your review.
I am sorry to learn that after your request, the crop is still not sufficient. If the hand is cut off from the side of the image, it may be the case that we are unable to build up on your child's hand, however we can always attempt to make it work.
Please can you email customerservice@htempest.co.uk so we can investigate this further?
Kind regards, Olly
Absolutely appalling company
Absolutely appalling company. Last year we didn’t purchase any photos due to the quality of the proof print. This year we bought 3 pictures and they don’t even give you the cheap cardboard frames anymore. Delivery took weeks and the digital download didn’t work. The digital download issue was resolved over email but shouldn’t have to chase a company for something you’ve bought. Going to email the trust of our school and ask them to look at the reviews of this company and consider using another photography company in the future. Steer clear of this company unless you have no choice because your school use them.
19 November 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Tempest Photography
Hello David, thank you for your review.
I am sorry to learn that you have repeatedly been disappointed with our service, and we can certainly investigate this matter further for you.
We do say to allow up to 28 days for delivery, and this is to accommodate for the 14 day back to school window along with up to 14 days to be processed, packed, despatched and distributed, any home orders cut out the initial 14 days.
Whilst I am happy to read that your issue with the digital download has been rectified, this still should not have happened.
So we can investigate this further, and provide replacement mounts for you, please can you email us at customerservice@htempest.co.uk so we can action accordingly?
Kind regards, Olly.
Disappointing and expensive
We've just received the school photos of our son from Tempest. We're quite disappointed with what we've received, especially given the amount of money spent.
The photography itself is pretty good and he looks great in the pictures. But the smaller pictures are uncut and for the 'fun prints', the captions are separate from the pictures or upside-down. Also the captions are a bit strange.
Going on what we have received, we can see why Tempest only have a 1.8 rating out of 5.
We were much happier with what we received from the previous photography company that the school used.
19 November 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Tempest Photography
Hello Paul, thank you for your review.
I am delighted to read that you were pleased with the initial photograph but I am sorry to learn that you are disappointed with what you have received.
Some of our size prints require some self-assembly and this is how they go out as standard to all customers who purchase from the wallet, fun, bookmark, desk or medium prints range.
However, I shall pass your feedback onto our Marketing department who shall assess your feedback further.
Kind regards, Olly
Worst photographer ever encountered
It’s so sad that my daughter school uses this company for the school photos. They are incredibly overpriced! And on top of that the photos are blurry, grainy, of poor quality and the borders are not even cut!
I have been complaining to the school since last year, will continue to do so until they stop using Tempest.
18 November 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Tempest Photography
Hello Hilary, thank you for sharing your feedback.
We understand that school photography is a personal and important purchase, and we’re sorry to hear that you were disappointed with the experience.
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.
So we can investigate with the issues further, please contact our Customer service team at customerservice@htempest.co.uk so a representative can investigate this further.
We do appreciate your comments and will share this with our management team.
Kind regards, Olly
Greed
2k+ reviews..... 66% 1star or less yet I watch OLLY time and time again say im sorry there wast something to suit your budget, cant you see that the greed is the problem £23.50 for one single photo..... not everyone who reviewed you can be wrong, you surely can see that your business model isnt working and people feel exploited for photos of their children.
18 November 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Tempest Photography
Hello Kenny, 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.
We do appreciate your comments and will share this with our management team.
Kind regards, Olly.
Good customer service.
Slight problem with the school photo I ordered, there was a weird shadow at my son’s glasses. I emailed customer svs explaining the issue and Shannon had the photo retouched and replaced and again sent it to me. Cannot fault the service from her.
18 November 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Tempest Photography
Hello, thank you for your five-star review!
I am delighted to learn that my colleague Shannon was able to assist with your query and you were happy with the outcome and your order. I have forwarded your compliments over to Shannon and if you need any more advice, please do not hesitate to contact her again.
Kind regards, Olly
expensive
More expensive than other photography companies, child is smirking rather than smiling, image packs are expensive and have too many things we won’t use, ridiculous expensive to purchase on own without bundle. Money making company were all tied to. When is someone going to start taking better school photos than we had in the 90s?
17 November 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Tempest Photography
Hello Joy, thank you for your review.
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.
We do offer an extensive range of various products to suit all pockets, including multi-image packs and electronic downloads. I am sorry to read that from the selection available, there is not something which is exactly what you are looking for. We introduce new items on a regular basis, so hopefully there will be a product available in the future that meets your requirements.
Kind regards, Olly
1 star
Poor quality of the wallet prints compared to the rest. All prints needed trimming, for the price paid I didn't expect that. Also delivery times stretched to the last day possible. 1star at best
13 November 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Tempest Photography
Hello Mihail, thank you for your review.
I am sorry to learn that you are disappointed with what you have received.
We have recently received an unprecedented number of order through the laboratory, and all the orders are hand-packed so at the moment we do advise to wait for the full 28 days.
If you could please contact us at customerservice@htempest.co.uk and include photographs of what you have received with a brief summary explaining the poor quality, one of our representatives will be able to investigate this further for you.
Kind regards, Olly.
Bad quality photo not even cut properly…
Bad quality photo not even cut properly so we will have to cut it ourselves. Not what I would expect considering how much we had to pay!
14 November 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Tempest Photography
Hello Susie, thank you for your review.
It is disappointing to hear you are unhappy with the images as provided. We do not trim all sizes of photographs to expedite the orders to our customers, but would be happy to arrange for them to be returned so one of our team can trim and mount these for you. if you would like to accept our offer, please contact Customer Service and an advisor will be happy to help further.
Kind regards, Olly
Absolute Bandits
What an awful experience trying to order photos from these bandits. They actively go out of their way to make it a nightmare to order the photos you want and force you into a position where you have to order way too many photos.
Companies like this, I truly hope will go bust one day and they’ll only have themselves to blame.
13 November 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Tempest Photography
Hello Kieran, thank you for your review.
I am sorry to hear that you found our e-commerce platform difficult to navigate and that from the vast range of different packs and products available including multi-image packs and electronic downloads, the latter holds the licence for unlimited printing on the high street.
We regularly review our products and run discounted pack offers and seasonal sales, so it is always worth checking to see if there is something suitable in the future.
Kind regards, Olly
No response to queries sent
I sent an enquiry through the website on 10th October. Hadn't had a response by 21st so sent a direct email. The reply said I would get a response within 2-3 days. Now to 13th November and still no response. Awful customer service and all I asked was a simple question. Now missed the free back to school deadline. Will be taking our own photos this year and writing to both our children's schools to try and use another company.
21 October 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Tempest Photography
Hello Phil, thank you for your review.
We received your email in Customer Service on the 21st October but as the email was about ordering, it was forwarded to our Direct Order department so please accept our sincere apologies that they have not replied.
I have responded to your query myself.
Kind regards, Olly.
Would not even give 1 star don't why…
Would not even give 1 star don't why school use this company he only gives you 2 photos so you can use most off the prints as you need 3 photos but they know that so paying £35 for 1 photo and waiting whole 28 days to get it find that shocking from now on will print them out myself .... thats lies there is nothing there you can put 2 photos on they all need 3rd and waiting full 28 days for i payed £35.aye you offer more but its alot more money you dont give anyone the chance to get cheaper on cause you only done 2 photos
12 November 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Tempest Photography
Hi Lynsay, thank you for your review.
The amount of photographs taken per student would be discussed between the photographer and the school as we have to adhere to the strict school schedule, and there is no sitting fee applicable to the parent for the child's photograph to be taken in school unlike an attendance charge for a wedding photographer.
We do offer multipacks that would include two or three references in the pack, it may be worth speaking with our Direct Order team on 01736 751555 (opt. 3, Mon-Fri 8:15am-4:15pm) to make sure you have selected the correct package for yourself.
Kind regards, Olly.
Consistently awful photos!
This company have consistently taken the worst photos of both of my children through many years of the school using them. The photos are aimed up causing double chins on children who don’t even have them, often not even central with literally the worst smiles! If I could rate it zero I would!!!
5 November 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Tempest Photography
Hi Emma, 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.
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
Expensive and the bundles don't make sense.
I have 3 children in school I want a simple 10x8 print of each child and the siblings picture. It will cost £80, £85 with delivery and it can take up to a month.
The bundles don't work for me as the maximum is 3 images, and I need 4 images.
I cannot afford to get the pictures in time for Christmas for gifts, so will only be buying the sibling photo for Christmas gifts unfortunately.
10 October 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Tempest Photography
Hello, thank you for your review.
I am sorry to hear that from the vast range of different packs and products available, there was not something on this occasion which suited your budget, it may be best to speak with our our Direct Order team on 01736 751555 (opt. 3, Mon-Fri 8:15am-4:15pm) who can discuss the various packages that we have on offer.
We regularly review our products and run discounted pack offers and seasonal sales, so it is always worth checking to see if there is something suitable in the future.
Kind regards, Olly.
Safeguarding? In your dreams
Tempest have no care for our children’s information in the slightest. My mum ordered a photograph of my son to her house as we don’t live close to eachother and she’s not only received my son’s photograph but a little boy who we don’t know. I know the name, address and his school!!!! Thank god she is a good person who will be forwarding these on. But what if they were delivered to someone who wasn’t? You should be ashamed of yourselves!!!! Is there any wonder you have such a poor reputation? Look at your reviews!!! You have the monopoly over the schools in the country and us parents don’t have a choice. Your prices are completely outrageous and for those who can afford to order, be cautious you never know who will end up with your order. I tried to call today and the company was closed… closed at 4.30pm when normal working people can call? Very convenient. No doubt I’ll have a standard response as all the other reviews seem to do. With any luck your days are numbered
6 November 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Tempest Photography
Hello Victoria, thank you for your review.
This is a very serious issue and we are deeply concerned regarding this, and I have raised your review to higher management who is going to assess this situation further.
So we can have an accurate investigation, please can you email us at customerservice@htempest.co.uk and mark for my attention? Please include your child's image reference and your mother's name and address and the name and address of the pack that was included so I can raise this further.
Kind regards, Olly.
Awful photo!!
Awful photo
Child is hunched and not smiling, he is biting his lip
Sibling photo has arm thrown round sibling like a casual ‘day out’ shot!
Awful lighting, no effort from photographer to make kids smile or even look at camera.
Sit - click - next. That’s £££££ please!
Please please schools don’t book these!!!!
5 November 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Tempest Photography
Hello Rachel, 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.
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
Extremely worrying
Extremely worrying, they added a picture of a different child to the bundle of my own, phoned to tell them and was told “please speak to the school”
Just take the photo off! Now worried that photos are not being sent to the right parents at all!
Sounds like a potential safe guarding/GDPR issue
Update:
Emailed, got a response and had to send lots of information, phoned and had to reapeat all the information.
Never got an apology.
Then finally got an apology but as of yet still have the difrent childs photo on the portal. Never been removed.
I wouldn’t bother even allowing this company to take photos of your children as they are completely unprofessional, 0 understanding of safe guarding and the potential risk and simply treat parents as cash cows…..
6 November 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Tempest Photography
Hi David, thank you for your review.
We are very concerned to hear about this issue. Could you please contact us at customerservice@htempest.co.uk with further information and we can investigate this issue further.
Kind regards, Olly
Awful company
Awful company, They discriminate against children as well cutting out the children with disabilities which is disgusting. I will never ever purchase from this company.
5 November 2025
Unprompted review
Hair colour changed!!
My daughter has lovely long curly blonde hair, and good skin tone, her first year school photo is awful!! She looks pale and her hair is bright ginger!! I have emailed the company twice and still no reply. My son who is in another school had amazing photos by a different company, which were reasonably priced. Tempest prices are ridiculous. Very annoyed as I always buy my children's first school year photos but I won't this year as it looks nothing like my daughter! Hoping the school changes company next year!!
23 October 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Tempest Photography
Hello Rachel, thank you for your review.
We have recently received an unprecedented number of calls and emails and please accept my sincerest apologies that your email was missed.
Please be rest assured that we have located your email and will be replying in due course.
Kind regards, Olly.
difficult to order
I tried several times to order my son’s school photos on the website but the payment wouldn’t go through and was advised to contact the email address stated. No response to the email I sent, finally got the payment processed today but of course was now charged a delivery fee. I wasn’t aware of the 14 day free delivery to the school. Seemed coincidental that the payment wouldn’t go through but now outside of the 14 days it suddenly works? Just hope when the photos do arrive they look good, very expensive in comparison to other photographers doing school photos.
4 November 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Tempest Photography
Hello, thank you for your review.
I am sorry to learn that you had experienced issues with placing an order, and nobody in our Direct Order team has been in contact regarding this issue.
With regards to payment, we have not had any issues regarding the matter, however, if you could please contact us at customerservice@htempest.co.uk and send it for my attention, I will be able to investigate this further for you.
Kind regards, Olly.
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