The Santa Experience at Crabapple Photography :: A Boston Area Photographer

Here at Crabapple Photography’s studio north of Boston in Andover MA, we call our annual photos with Santa Claus The Santa Experience. And that’s because an experience is exactly what it is! We strive to create an entire experience for children and their families that they will remember forever. This experience has been offered in our studio for over a decade now. Which means that myself, the photographer, and my team of assistants are well versed in these portrait sessions. And together with Santa, we have all come up with a truly fool-proof plan to make the most of the 15 minutes we have together with each kiddo or family.

Because the truth of the matter is there are so many different variables that we need to contend with for each mini session with Santa Claus. Some kiddos have serious Stranger Danger that needs to be worked around. Others just take a few minutes to warm up. Keep reading to see the full breakdown of our Santa Experience!

There are still limited spots available for my Santa Experience mini sessions. Reach out now to book!

For more Santa photos check out some examples from last year here: Photos With Santa Near Me. And click here for my Christmas & Holiday Photos Pinterest board!

Step 1: Get Kiddos Comfy With the Set

First things first, we start off with just the child, or children, on the set. I change up the set designs every year and typically have one darker set and one lighter set. These photos from last year included this adorable Santa’s Workshop set design that I adored. We get the kiddos sitting sweetly on set, maybe distract them with a toy or prop. And I get a few solo photos of your little one decked out in their Christmas best (or pajamas!) with a festive backdrop.

Step 2: Santa Comes Out Behind Them

When I give a secret code word, Santa Claus comes out from the backroom and stands behind your little one. This way even if there is some semblance of Stranger Danger, we know we can get at least one photo of them with the big man himself! Plus I’ve learned that it does a lot for your child if they see that you are totally calm, cool, and collected in front of strangers. Once Santa has come out, we get to the introductions.

Step 3: Introductions, Sitting on Santa’s Lap, and Sharing Christmas Lists

Once Santa is out in the studio, it’s time to make introductions. And then we start seeing about having your little one sit on Santa’s lap. Not every kiddo is up for that right away, so we simply work around it. Whether that means having them sit or stand next to him, or we ease our way into it. This is also a great time to remind children that they can give Santa Claus their wish list for Christmas presents. And trust me, this can also go a long way with some of the older kiddos to get them comfortable with Santa.

Step 4: Reading a Book, Chatting, Asking Questions

Once the first step of actually interacting with Santa happens, it’s time to add in some of those super sweet moments that you can only get with a Santa Experience like this one. Santa will read a sweet Christmas storybook to your child, and they get the opportunity to chat with Santa. Sometimes that means going into detail about their wish list. Sometimes it means Santa explaining how he makes certain toys, how the elves are doing, or whatever else your child comes up with. Since this is truly a full experience, we want your little one to be comfortable asking Santa questions and making a real connection with him. While 15 minutes might seem short, I promise you we pack so much into those 15 minutes that it will feel like much longer!

Step 5: Clinking Cocoa Mugs and Giving Hugs!

And last but not least, our step 5. Which is a continuation of all those special interactions. Your kiddo gets to clink hot cocoa mugs with Santa and, if they’re comfortable with it, give him hugs. Then it is sadly time to say bye to Santa for the year. He is a busy guy, after all! These photos tend to be some of my favorites from the entire sessions. By the end of the session most children have become so comfortable with the set, myself and the assistant, and the big man himself that the smiles are huge and real. The hugs are beyond sweet. And the little mugs of cocoa add the perfect cozy touch. I look forward to our Santa Experience all year long, and I hope that your family will enjoy it just as much!

Are you looking for photos with Santa in the Boston area? Crabapple Photography is located north of the city in Andover MA and serves clients from around the area for our Santa Experience. This is including the towns of Stoneham, Cambridge, Medford, Nashua NH and beyond. Kate McKenna has been photographing babies and children of all ages since 2009. Contact Kate today to learn more!