I cannot say enough good things about this business. I've been a customer for years ranging from running a small photography business to creating small, artistic designs, to printing personal photos. I will not go anywhere else. I love their matte quality and professional attention to detail. Their prices vs their quality is unmatched It's one of the few places in town that allow square prints. And their staff always goes above and beyond to provide the most exceptional service. I cannot recommend this space enough! read more

Today makes the second time that I have tried to give them business. A year ago I brought in a DSLR to get checked out and was told that they don't work on anything that old, and only worked on mirror-less cameras. Fast forward to today. I called them and asked if they would look at my Sony A7xxx series camera and was told now that they don't work on them and directed me to send it to Sony. ( that is another thing altogether). They used to be a lot more customer friendly. I will never go back there and advise anyone not to go either. read more

This is the best place to go for passport or citizenship application photos for Canada (I'm sure for other non-US countries too) in the Des Moines area- and if you have infants or little kids for their US passport photos too. Sure if you're an adult, for US passports you could just have them taken at the post office if that's where you're submitting your app, but if you want/need photos done before submitting your US passport- definitely go to Christian photos above Walgreens/CVS, etc. They actually have proper lighting and the set up to do infants and younger kids, and the knowledge and patience to get it right. Print off a copy of the photo spec sheets to leave with them- they request that so that they can refer to it while sizing and printing the photos, to ensure they meet the specs. The attention to detail is appreciated. Save yourself the time and headache of asking around at all the drugstores and shipping places that do passport photos on the side, because those folks usually don't know how to change the settings on their machines to do anything beyond US passport photos, or just don't know how picky some other countries can be (Canada for example) about the specs, shadows, head and shoulders squared, etc. And definitely aren't going to be equipped to do all the takes it requires to do infants or little kid photos. It's only slightly more than doing them at a Walgreens, and well worth the peace of mind knowing that it's not going to get rejected because your photos weren't done correctly. If you need this type of photo- definitely go check out Christian photo! read more

Very cool place with a wide variety of cameras and great prices! The customer service was amazing. I'll definitely be coming back!

Best camera store in the Midwest period. Staff is top notch and prices are competitive. I give it 2 thumbs up cause I've only got 2.

Love this place. Everyone here is just super nice and knowledgeable. I only started playing around with film photography and it's always a little upsetting that places don't have in-house lab anymore and sends it out. They do develop their own so it's nice there's still a place in the metro area. The only flaw at the moment and I believe it's because of the pandemic that this place seems to only operates when I'm also at work, I only have my Saturdays to drop off and pick up film the next Saturday. The print quality is great and the only way you can get a digital copy from them is through a CD... I had to go to my parent's house to dig up an old external disc drive because what computer in 2021 has a disc drive? Really feel they can step up their game and offer a temporary cloud base storage or email but guess they're set in their ways. I guess if you think about it, I'm using a camera that's older than I am so burning to a CD is moving forward... Besides all that, the staff is friendly and will offer to help if you need it. I think they offer classes as well if you're just getting into this world. read more

The staff at Christian Photo knows their stuff and they care about the satisfaction of their customers. The owner is nearly always present and the staff reflects his caring nature. They provide great gear, both new and used at competitive prices, while providing LOCAL AND PERSONALIZED services that are hard to come by in today's "life on the Internet!" I suggest you always shop here if you need camera related gear or want to have your pictures immortalized in print. Randy read more

This store is a gem. The staff is wonderful - both in terms of being nice and in terms of knowledge. It is a joy to step in this store. With local camera stores becoming more rare, Christian Photo is a treasure for people all around Iowa. read more

I am from Omaha,NE which is about a two hour drive to this store. However with professional camera stores becoming more and more rare, I decided I wanted to make a trek to find the better stores not just where I live but in the Midwest. There's a reason this one is still around and it did not disappoint. I've been a hobby photographer for 10+ years but recently decided to get more serious. I purchased my first professional camera, a Canon 1DX. Omaha's best photography store, Rockbrook camera is pretty good, but when they didn't have a replacement battery (they carry it but were sold out), I decided to call around to find one in my area. Mind you, my camera is not cheap and it's a bit specialty but I was pretty surprised to find that after calling all the stores in Omaha and even Kansas City, I called a few in Des Moines with success. That is, until I called another local Des Moines store and when I started expressing my journey one of them said "we don't carry your battery, but you should probably just give Christian a try. If anyone will have it, they will." A short call confirmed this and I decided to head that way on my next day off. I was happy just to find an OEM replacement battery just for my model, but when I walked into the store I was even more impressed. I won't lie, the store is a bit old fashion in decor, but it's not "Bells and whistles" that I need on the wall. The selection there of camera bags, memory, stands, tripods, lights, camera and lenses were fantastic for professional level photography. The sign even mentioned they buy and sell used cameras. They do sensor cleanings and other services (such as printing and framing) which is what you want from a great store. I think the thing that impressed me the most was the several older workers in the store that took the time to not only answer your questions but really get to know you and your shooting style. I called ahead and I knew they had what I wanted, but they took the time to ask what I was shooting and actually listened. And it wasn't to qualify what else they could sell me. Bryan even shared a story about the owners of my hometown store in Omaha just to relate and "shoot the sh*t". You can tell they are passionate about their photography and they entrench themselves into the photography community. I'm a little old school, but this place has the charm and selection I like and I was blown away with their hospitality. It's those simple thing like actually listening and relating to a customer that make a repeat customer. Due to the distance I'm not sure I'll honestly make this my immediate go-to camera store, but I'm certainly glad I stopped by and won't hesitate to recommend this place to the camera/photography enthusiast as a must try. If you just own a point and shoot and aren't fully into photography and just need a little advice, I wouldnt hesitate to try this place either. It may not blow you away with the modern-ness, but for the service alone you should give it a try. Thanks to both Bryan and Chuck for the top notch service at Christian Photo! read more

LOVE LOVE LOVE this business! I haven't had one bad experience here. These guys know their stuff! I had brought my daughter here, since she had purchased a vintage film camera, and they walked her though how film works and explained the full process to her. They offer all film essentials and developing. I've also taken photography classes that are offered by Christian photo and it was very informative! The teacher gave us his personal email and answered all our questions!! It was fantastic!! Will always use them over big box stores to keep them around as long as possible!! read more

Thank you, Christian Photo for the great customer service. After getting the run around from some of the big box stores, I called Christian Photo in search of a portable projection screen. The gentleman who answered the phone was helpful in describing what he had in stock and made me feel like my business was important. I will definitely think of Christian Photo again when I have camera/video needs. They even loaded my purchase in the car for me. read more

If you are looking for a good selection of photography gear and the best customer service in Des Moines, Christian Photo is your go to place. I have bought severa bodies and lenses as well as supplies from them and have always gotten a fair price and excellent customer service. You will never get the level of technical advice or recommendations buying from a big box store. Check them out! read more

They lost our camera that was being serviced and (honestly) didn't care. They said it wasn't their fault and gave us major attitude! This was years ago and I've never been back. You don't treat people this way. Own up to your mistakes and be nice! read more

Best place to go for camera related anything. Staff is beyond excellent. Very fair. They go out of their way to help. Thoroughly impressed by this place. read more

Christian Photo was recommended to me by a trusted friend, an experienced photographer. I purchased my first high-end camera there, and experienced nothing but excellent service from day one. They truly know their stuff and want to make sure you're satisfied with your experience there. I recently brought my camera in for some issues I'd been experiencing and they were incredibly helpful from the first experience to the last. Super-big shout out to Grant, who wanted to make sure my questions were answered and issues were resolved to their fullest. He's an example of what outstanding customer service is all about. Excellent service, quality products, and gorgeous prints. Highly recommend!! read more

They are very friendly and willing to answer questions about gear. They have a good selection of accessories and things. As far as cameras and lenses, last time I was there, they had Canon, Nikon and Sony, but no other mirrorless options like Olympus, Panasonic or Fujifilm in stock. They are a Fujifilm licensed retailer, so I don't understand why they don't carry any products from them. Prices are full on retail. Will not negotiate a dime to earn your business. I'll be surprised if they can make it with that kind of attitude. Also, I think their return policy is 7 days or something not so generous. Nice people though. I'll continue to shop there when I need something in a pinch. I have not used their processing or printing services so I can't comment on that. Update: they now stock Fujifilm cameras and lenses! Very cool. read more

I been a customer of Christian Photo over many years and have always found the staff to be helpful almost all of the time. I've purchased lens, bodies and accessories and other assorted goodies. I really almost hate to say it, because having a "local camera shop" is a luxury that most don't enjoy, but man, their prices are tough to swallow 99% of the time. They simply don't have the buying power of an Amazon, B&H, Adorama and even BestBuy and the prices of full MSRP reflect that. Otherwise, from novice to professional, the advice and "must have it now!" situations, they are the place to go in the Des Moines area. Hope this helps. read more

Christian Photo is a great place to meet all your photo needs. The service is excellent, knowledgeable, and friendly. Prices are extremely competitive. They act like they want my business and they will get it. They actively support local photographers with classes and events. read more

They were the best, no photoshoping as they have the right lighting and cost less than Walgreen's or CVS. Only $10, super professional, knowledgable and friendly. I will go back!!! read more

Walked into Christian Photo today to have my Canon Rebel camera repaired as the flash gets stuck and cannot pop up when needed. The gentleman helping me didn't even attempt to diagnose the problem. He said is would cost over $200 to "take the camera apart" to fix the flash and suggested I buy a flash attachment for over $100 because that was cheaper. Did not feel like my business or satisfaction was at all important and felt like he was just trying to take advantage of a simple issue by selling me something vs. fixing it. read more

I had an odd experience here. The owner (at the time, I didn't know he was that) called my sons 'ladies' and 'girls' and wanted to personally give them suckers when there was a basket right next to me where I was working on a photo order. When he didn't get the reaction he'd hoped for out of them, he came back around to needle them. At that point I spoke up for them, saying they just hadn't found it funny. I knew they were ticked. I guess they are not used to being treated like that. I initially wanted them to brush it off, but it was odd that he came for a second pass. I could hardly place my photo kiosk order, because, out of trying to help me, he hovered, standing way to close, and, probably trying too hard to be buddy-buddy-friendly, asked too many questions about where we live, where the pictures were taken. I ended up deleting my order, grabbing all of the tapes I'd wanted to transfer, and leaving. I don't think I've ever done that at a business before. I was disappointed as this place had come recommended and I'd driven across town. Their prices sounded good. I called to let them know of my experience and was told that they have a lot of regular customers and, basically, maybe implying that that's the way they roll and people like being treated like that. Ok - well, you just lost a potential new regular customer. I get that he was probably just trying to be down-home, small-town, but he was trying way too much. read more