How to prepare and Tips
STORY TIME WITH SANTA
STORY TIME WITH SANTA
STORY TIME WITH SANTA
I have a few tips on how to prepare your child for his/her Santa Session. However, If you feel your child will need to warm up to Santa. I will have a couple of Santa story time. Dates yet to be determined at my studio in Santa Ana. Only cell phones are allowed to meet-and-greets with Santa, no professional cameras. ONLY families that signed up for the photo sessions will be allowed regardless.
Fee for meet-and-greets is $20 per child.
PLAN ROUTE
STORY TIME WITH SANTA
STORY TIME WITH SANTA
Please leave with plenty of time and double-check your route the day before your session. If you run late, your session will be shortened! All sessions will start and end at the times booked. The retainer is NON-refundable due to the high cost to produce every session. Full Session fee will be due for any no-shows or cancellations done less than 48 hours before the session. .
ARRIVE EARLY
STORY TIME WITH SANTA
COME PREPARED TO JUMP IN
Arrive a few minutes early, However, stay hidden from the session before yours. Usually the children that are in session get very distracted when they see other children walk in to the area. so I know you have arrived. DO text me though so I know you are waiting. If your session is at the beach or an outdoor location plan on arriving with enough time to find parking and to walk to the spot. It may take longer than just 5 minutes..
COME PREPARED TO JUMP IN
BRING A GIFT FOR YOUR CHILD - Optional
COME PREPARED TO JUMP IN
If you are not doing family session with your child and Santa I suggest the parents to come prepared and dressed up in case child needs your support or is too afraid to approach Santa.
BRING A GIFT FOR YOUR CHILD - Optional
BRING A GIFT FOR YOUR CHILD - Optional
BRING A GIFT FOR YOUR CHILD - Optional
If your child is under 5, bring a small to tiny toy or object. It may be one he already owns. Your child must NOT know you are bringing this toy for him/her. Please box it in organic colors like deep red, forest green, beige, brown packing paper without a patterned design so it won’t clash with the scene of the session. The box cannot be bigger than 5x5x5. We will discretely hand the gift to Santa so he can gift it to your child. This will encourage your child to approach him/her by his/her own will.
Special requests, POSES
BRING A GIFT FOR YOUR CHILD - Optional
BRING A GIFT FOR YOUR CHILD - Optional
Don't wait to tell us at the very end of your session!
You may request a special pose for your family, but only at the very beginning of your session. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate pose requests once your session is wrapping up. Due that we need to run on time for our next appointment.
Please keep in mind that due to the limited time during mini sessions, I recommend limiting your requests to no more than three poses or ideas. I cannot guarantee that we will be able to fit every request into our session, I will do my best to incorporate them into the flow I have planned.
Additionally, not all poses may be feasible, as this depends on various factors.
SPECIAL NEEDS
REMOVE KEYS, PHONES, WALLETS
If your child has special needs. please let us know in advance to insure we have anything he/she needs to make things as comfortable as possible.
REMOVE KEYS, PHONES, WALLETS
REMOVE KEYS, PHONES, WALLETS
Bring a bag to place your keys, wallets, phones and anything in your pockets.
These items do pop on your photos and they don't look good. I will keep an eye on it too but best if you keep that in mind and bring a bag or box to keep them away from your oufits.
WELL RESTED CHILD
Make sure your child is well-rested before the session, perhaps timing it an hour before you need to leave
LETTERS TO SANTA
Have your child write a letter to Santa and have him/her bring It to the session. Write the letter the night before the session.
READ AND WATCH MOVIES
READ AND WATCH MOVIES
Start reading books and watch movies about Santa a few days before your session. Build up excitement.
Preparing Your Child for Santa Photos: Positive Language Tip
Preparing your child for Santa Photos
We want your child’s experience with Santa to be magical and fun! Here are some tips on using positive and affirming language to help set the stage for a joyful session:
Talk About Santa as a Friendly Helper:
- Use phrases like, "Santa is so excited to meet you!" or "Santa is here to celebrate with us!" This helps frame the experience as something special and friendly.
Focus on the Fun of the Experience:
- Encourage your child by saying, "We’re going to have so much fun with Santa!" or "You get to tell Santa your favorite thing about the holidays!" This emphasizes the joy of the moment rather than the pressure to perform.
Use Curiosity and Excitement:
- Spark their curiosity by asking, "What do you think Santa will say when he sees you?" or "I wonder if Santa will recognize how much you’ve grown this year!" This encourages anticipation and excitement.
Reinforce Their Feelings:
- Validate their emotions by saying, "It’s okay to feel a little shy; Santa understands!" or "You can take your time; Santa is here just for you." This lets your child know it’s okay to express themselves and that Santa is patient.
Encourage Interaction Without Pressure:
- Instead of pushing for a perfect pose, say, "Let’s go see Santa together," or "Would you like to give Santa a high-five or wave hello?" This promotes a more relaxed interaction.
Celebrate Their Bravery and Participation:
- After the session, praise them with, "You were so brave to meet Santa!" or "Santa loved seeing you today; you made his day!" This reinforces their positive experience.
Avoid Forcing a Smile
Remember, it’s perfectly fine if your child doesn’t smile or poses in a way that feels natural to them. The goal is to capture their genuine reactions, whether that’s curiosity, excitement, or even a little shyness. A natural expression will make the photos even more special!
