As we get close to the Christmas season, a lot of parents are trying to decide between having their child's picture taken with Santa at the mall or booking a Santa mini session with a professional photographer. Considering that I am a professional photographer who loves the Santa mini session experience for my clients children and my own grandchildren, you can probably guess which side of the issue I am on. I am not saying there are not advantages to going to see the Santa at the mall, but rather there are more advantages to having a quality experience with Santa and having a photographer who will make sure you get the best images.
You may decide to choose the mall Santa because it costs less and in times of high prices and the holidays right around the corner I totally get that. From my perspective you can't put a price on memories and having a fun and stress free experience is well worth a few extra dollars.
Regardless of which Santa experience you choose, the tradition of seeing Santa is one that children have loved for generations. Pick what works best for your family and enjoy these precious moments with your little ones because they grow up fast.
Let's Go To The Mall And See Santa!
Ok! Everyone get in the car we are going to see Santa at the mall! This can be a time honored tradition filled with long stressful lines of parents and children just trying to make it up to see Santa for a quick visit and get a candy cane. There are some advantages of going to the mall to see Santa.
1. Go anytime - As long as the mall is open and Santa is there you can go! If you are lucky and you get there at the right time you may not have a long wait.
2. Cost - This is probably a more economical option. This is because their model is based on quantity not quality. And you should probably factor in the cost of any impulse buying while you are at the mall.
3. Instant gratification - You get your photo that day! You don't have to wait but that also means you have limited choices in what you receive, you cannot reorder if you decide later that you want an extra picture for grandma and they do not offer custom made items.
Let's Go See Santa at Lifesong Photography!
The biggest advantage of having a Santa mini session with me (or any studio photographer) is the quality of the experience your child will have and the quality of the products you order. But here are some more advantages you get when you book a session with me
1. No Waiting in Line - Once you book your session with me all you have to do is arrive on time. We will be ready for you when you arrive.
2. Time to Warm Up to Santa - meeting Santa is a big deal and although some kids will run right up to Santa and start a conversation, other may be a little shy and need a few minutes to warm up. Both are totally normal! We work with all kinds of feelings and Santa is very experienced handling all situations for the best photo results. Santa also comes prepared with tricks and magic to captivate his young audience. He will interact with your child and make their experience special.
3. Private Session - When it is your session time, it is just your family with Santa, no one behind you expecting you to hurry. Your family can relax and enjoy your time.
4. Certified Professional Photographer - I am a certified professional photographer with Professional Photographers of America so you can be assured that you will get amazing photos capturing your time with Santa.
5. Attention to Detail - We do this every year and we are prepared way in advance. When you book your session you will fill out a short questionnaire which will help Santa talk to your child on a personal basis from the start. We will also give you tips on what to wear, how to prepare and answer any questions you have before your session.
6. Same Santa - Although I obviously can't guarantee the same Santa every year, this is an important part of what I do. I want kids to look back at their pictures and see themselves with the same Santa. This helps keep the magic going a little longer. And Santa Carl is one of the best. He graduated from Santa school (yes there is a Santa school) he brings pictures of the reindeer, magic tricks and can answer any question your child has about Santa and his life at the North Pole.
7. Special Treats - Every Santa session includes special holiday treats and a special surprise for each child. Not only surprises the day of your session, but you child will also receive an letter from Santa in the mail after your session, saying how great it was to see them and a reminder to continue being good.
8. Custom Gifts & Cards - We offer custom made ornaments, books, holiday cards and more. Everything is ordered at a professional photo lab and is of heirloom quality so that your memories will last a life time.
9. Stress Free! - We want you and your family to enjoy this time and love your images! We will walk you through the whole process. All you have to do is show up, we will take care of the rest!
Client Love!
"Sharon is so great. Her Santa pictures can't be beat and we love the family pictures she did for us last fall. She made ordering so easy."
~ Amber B.
" Working with Sharon was magical. She has a great eye for detail, making wonderful photos."
~ Patti C.
"Sharon is such a talented photographer. She always seems to capture the best photos of my kids. She takes her time and makes them feel comfortable. Highly recommend!"
~ Amber N.
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