Baby in red outfit touches large golden bell ornament with Santa Claus beside Christmas tree.

It JUST TURNED jUNE.

The sun has finally decided to show up. The weather forecast no longer starts with a "4." I'm cautiously optimistic that I can put away my winter coat until at least October. Things are looking up.


So naturally, I'm here to talk to you about Christmas.


I know.


It feels ridiculous.


Most of us are still trying to recover from Rochester's longest season: "Is this spring yet?" Meanwhile, the kids are counting down to summer vacation, the pool bags are coming out, and nobody wants to think about holiday planning.


And yet...


If there's one thing I've learned from photographing Santa photoshoots year after year, it's that the families who get the dates they want aren't thinking about Christmas in November.


They're thinking about it right now.


The families who end up with their favorite time slots, stress-free Christmas cards, and a much calmer December are usually the ones who booked months before they ever needed to find their snow boots.

 

Santa Claus reads a Christmas storybook with a young boy in plaid pajamas during the holiday season.

I'll admit it.

I am usually not the poster child for planning ahead.

In most areas of life, I'm very much a "fly by the seat of my pants" kind of gal. Ask my husband. Ask my friends. Honestly, ask anyone who knows me.


But when it comes to Santa?


I like to be prepared.


Before I ever became a photographer, we did the traditional mall Santa visits. And listen — no offense to the mall. Thank you for your service and for supporting my shopping addiction all these years.


But I always wished for something a little more personal.


My oldest, Henry, was born at the beginning of the COVID shutdown. He is calm, thoughtful, and about as opposite from his little sister as two children can possibly be. Big crowds make him nervous. New situations take a little time. He's not the kid who's going to run into a room and immediately become best friends with everyone.


When I started photographing families, I knew I wanted to create a Santa experience for children like him.



The kids who need a minute.The kids who want to observe first. The kids who aren't quite sure about the giant man in the red suit.

Because the magic doesn't happen when you rush them.


The magic happens when they're given the space to settle in.


Now if you ask Ruthie about Santa, that's a completely different story. She'd probably move into the North Pole tomorrow if given the opportunity.


But truthfully? Henry isn't too far behind her these days.


The kid who once approached Santa with a healthy amount of skepticism now walks out grinning from ear to ear and talking about his visit the entire ride home.


And every year I leave thinking the same thing:


This is exactly why I do this.


Not for the photo.


For the experience.


For the wonder.


For the chance to slow down and let kids experience a little Christmas magic in a way that feels personal, relaxed, and real.



It's something I wish every family could experience.

Family with two children laughs joyfully with Santa Claus during festive Christmas photo session.

 

 

 

So...

When Should I Actually Book My Santa Session?

 

 

 

The short answer?


Anywhere from July through October.


The slightly longer answer?


The earlier you book, the better your chances of getting the date and time you actually want.


My Santa calendar officially opens on July 25th every year.


Why July 25th?


Because it's exactly six months until Christmas and apparently that's when I begin my annual transition from "summer photographer" to "slightly unhinged North Pole event coordinator."


You won't find me wrapping presents in July.



You probably won't find me wrapping presents on December 23rd either, if we're being honest.


But you will find me making long-distance calls to Santa to verify that he and his reindeer will, in fact, be landing on my studio roof come November.


Before the public booking date, I open the calendar to my VIP Santa families on July 23rd.


And let's be honest — who doesn't like first dibs?

These families get the first opportunity to choose their preferred dates and times before everyone else.


How do you become a VIP member of Santa's Squad?


Easy.


If you've attended Santa sessions within the last two years, you're automatically on the list.


The next level of insider information comes from my email subscribers.


Every Monday morning, I send out an email filled with what can only be described as organized chaos.


One week we're discussing upcoming mini sessions.


The next week I'm questioning why I can't successfully use a curling brush.


Sometimes we're talking photography.


Sometimes we're talking Summer House.


Sometimes we're discussing whether I've figured out how to act like a proper adult yet.


(Results remain inconclusive.)


But those emails are also where session announcements, early access opportunities, and important booking dates are shared first.


If you're not already receiving them and want in, send me an email and I'll happily add you to the list.


Here's the part that surprises most families:


The date I consider "almost full" arrives much earlier than most parents think.


Many families start thinking about Santa photos in October or November and feel like they're getting ahead of the game.


Meanwhile, my VIP families have often been selecting their favorite slots since July.


The families who get the first pick of dates aren't necessarily the most organized people in the world.


They're simply the ones who knew when booking opened.


And trust me, first dibs is a beautiful thing.


Especially when you're trying to coordinate holiday schedules, school events, sports, family gatherings, and approximately seventeen other things happening during the month of December.


My advice?


If Santa photos are part of your family's holiday tradition, get on the email list now.


Future-you will be very grateful.

Joyful young girl in red outfit laughs while sitting on Santa Clauss lap during Christmas photos.
Santa Claus sits on a cream sofa holding a young boy in a Nordic sweater near a Christmas wreath.
Young girl in red dress whispers her Christmas wishes to Santa Claus on a white couch.

What Does the Best Time Slot Actually Mean?

Let's clear something up right away.


There is no universally perfect Santa session time.


The best slot is the one that works for your family.


For example, my children are operating at approximately 80% good behavior before 11am.


After that? We start rolling the dice.


If you're booking for younger children who still nap (or at least acknowledge naps as a concept), earlier sessions are often a great fit. They're rested, happy, and less likely to melt down over things like socks, Christmas sweaters, or the fact that someone looked at them the wrong way.


Of course, you may also have children like mine who viewed naps as a personal attack from the beginning.


In that case, I salute you.


What even is sleep?


For slightly older kids, mid-morning sessions can be wonderful. They have time to wake up, ease into the day, eat breakfast, and arrive ready to enjoy the experience.


And if your children sleep past 7am on weekends?


I have no advice because I have no personal experience with that.

 

When it comes to siblings, I usually recommend choosing a time that works best for the youngest child.


The older kids can usually rally.


The toddler running on fumes? That's a tougher sell.


As for first-time Santa families, I often recommend booking a little earlier in the day if possible. Younger children tend to warm up more easily when they're rested, and it gives everyone a little extra breathing room.


Repeat families usually know exactly what works for their crew. Some have a favorite time they've booked year after year. Others know their child needs a little extra sleep before they're ready to discuss important matters with Santa.


If I were booking for my own kids?


I'd probably grab one of the earlier morning spots.


Not because I'm organized.


Not because I'm ambitious.


Simply because I've met my children.


And trust me on this one.

 

Young girl in red dress whispers her Christmas wishes to Santa Claus on a white couch.

How Do Santa Photos Fit into the Christmas Card Timeline?




Let's talk about something most parents don't think about until it's suddenly December 10th and they're panic-ordering holiday cards at midnight.


Christmas cards don't start with the card.


They start with the photo.


And there are actually quite a few steps between your Santa session and that beautiful card showing up in Grandma's mailbox.


First, you need the photos.


Then you need to choose the photos.


Then you need to design the card.


Then you need to order the card.


Then the cards need to be printed.


Then they need to be delivered.


Then you need to address them.


Then they need to somehow make it to the post office.


I'm exhausted just typing that.


Personally, I like to have my Christmas cards finished before Thanksgiving. It makes me feel wildly successful and organized for approximately six minutes.


After that, I'm usually back to my normal chaos.


But having your photos done early gives you options.


You have time to choose your favorite images, browse card designs, wait for a good sale, and place your order without feeling rushed.


And trust me — there are always good sales.


Minted. VistaPrint. Artifact Uprising. I stalk them all.


And while we're talking holiday preparedness, here's my annual public service announcement:


Buy your holiday stamps in October.

Every year I order my cards early, feel incredibly accomplished, and then immediately get humbled when I remember how much it costs to mail them.


Every October I walk into the post office thinking, "This won't be too bad."


And every October I leave wondering if I accidentally purchased a small piece of real estate.


Good lawd.


This is also one of the reasons I schedule Santa sessions before Thanksgiving.


Looking at my calendar, it's usually a whirlwind of reindeer minis, Santa sessions (WOOOO!), and tree farm sessions all packed into a few magical weeks.


Those are typically the only holiday sessions I offer each year.


After that, I like to focus on delivering galleries quickly and preparing for Christmas with my own family.


I'm also wildly impatient when it comes to editing.


I tell families to expect about a two-week turnaround, but if we're being honest, it's often much faster than that.


I know how excited parents are to see their galleries.


And I know Christmas card deadlines wait for absolutely no one.


Booking your Santa session earlier in the season gives you breathing room.


Breathing room to choose your photos.


Breathing room to design your cards.


Breathing room to order prints and gifts.


Breathing room to realize you forgot stamps.


Breathing room to buy the stamps.


And breathing room to actually enjoy the holidays instead of adding another thing to your December to-do list.

The biggest piece of advice I wish I could give every December mom?


Don't wait until you're thinking about Christmas cards to start thinking about Christmas photos.


By then, you're already behind.


The families who seem calm every holiday season aren't necessarily more organized than the rest of us.


They just gave themselves a little extra runway.


And honestly?


That's one of the best gifts you can give yourself during the holidays.

Overhead view of two children sharing cookies with Santa Claus on a white fur rug at Christmas.
Three hand-drawn four-pointed sparkle star outline illustrations on white background.

The Holiday To-Dos That Get Easier Once Your Gallery Arrives

The earlier your gallery arrives, the easier everything else becomes.


And by "everything else," I mean the seventeen holiday tasks currently living on a sticky note somewhere in your kitchen.


Once your Santa gallery is delivered, you're no longer thinking:


"We still need photos."


Instead, you're thinking:


"Okay. One thing checked off the list."


And during the holiday season, that feeling is priceless.


One of the biggest advantages of booking Santa sessions early is the breathing room it creates afterward.


You have time to choose photos for your Christmas cards.


Time to compare card designs.


Time to wait for a sale.


Time to actually order them before Thanksgiving instead of stress-ordering them while hiding from your family in the bathroom on December 12th.


You also have time to think about gifts.


Some of my favorite conversations with clients happen after gallery delivery when they tell me what they ended up doing with their images.


I've seen families create ornaments, photo books, framed prints for grandparents, and all sorts of meaningful gifts that become part of their holiday traditions.


And let's be honest — who wants to be worrying about shipping deadlines in December?


The earlier your photos are finished, the earlier those gifts can be ordered, wrapped, and checked off the list.


Which feels especially important when we're all relying on an army of delivery drivers to make Christmas happen.


A sincere thank you to every mail carrier, Amazon driver, UPS driver, FedEx driver, and anyone else delivering packages during the holiday season.


You are the real MVPs.


One of my favorite Santa stories actually happened after the session was over.


I photographed a family one year whose mom had everyone dressed in the most perfect holiday outfits.


The session was beautiful.


A few weeks later, she sent me a photo of her mantel decorated for Christmas.


And right in the middle of it was a huge framed print from their Santa session.


I almost died.


There is something incredibly special about seeing a photograph become part of a family's traditions and memories.


Those moments make my photographer heart ridiculously happy.


While I don't offer printed products directly, I do provide high-resolution digital images so families have the flexibility to print however they'd like.


And if you're local, I always recommend Scott's Photo by Rowe.


Nothing against the pharmacy photo kiosks of the world, but if you're looking for beautiful quality prints while supporting a local business, Scott's Rochester Photo is always my recommendation.


Scott is your guy.


Or maybe Scott isn't actually there anymore.


Truthfully, I've never asked.


But the prints are excellent.


And if I'm being completely honest?


One of my favorite holiday traditions is receiving Christmas cards from clients.


Every year they start showing up in my mailbox, filled with photos I've had the privilege of taking.


And every year I stand in my kitchen getting emotional over other people's Christmas cards.


It's fine.


Everything is fine.


The point is this:


When your photos are finished early, December feels different.


Instead of worrying about when you'll take the photos, edit the photos, order the cards, and buy the gifts, you get to enjoy the season.


The photos are done.


The memories are preserved.


And you can spend a little more time focusing on what matters most.

Three hand-drawn four-pointed sparkle star outline illustrations on white background.

When Should I Actually Pick Outfits for a Santa Photoshoot?

Let's talk about the real source of holiday stress.


The outfits.


Raise your hand if you've ever spent more time planning what your children were going to wear than planning the actual session itself.


Same.


Okay, I'll tell you exactly what I do every year.


I march myself into Janie and Jack and proceed to spend entirely too much money.


Is it necessary?


Probably not.


Do I continue to do it?


Absolutely.


YOLO.


The good news is that booking your Santa session in the summer or early fall gives you plenty of time to figure all of this out.


You can shop sales.


You can wait for discounts.


You can order things.


Return things.


Order different things.


Change your mind seventeen times.


And still have plenty of time before your session arrives.


Because let's be honest — finding the outfits is one thing.


Finding the outfits in the correct sizes is a completely different challenge.


Every holiday season I find myself hunting for one very specific size.


I just need a 3T.


That's it.


Just one tiny 3T.


Come out, come out wherever you are.


The closer we get to Christmas, the harder it becomes to find popular sizes, styles, and coordinated pieces. Shipping gets slower, inventory gets smaller, and suddenly everyone in America is looking for the exact same sweater.


One of the biggest mistakes I see families make is waiting until the last minute to coordinate siblings.


And notice I said coordinate.


Not match.


Matchy-matchy isn't necessary.


In fact, I usually recommend against it.


Instead, choose colors that work together and let each child's personality shine through.


Think coordinated rather than identical.


Trust me on this one.


The goal is for your family to look like they belong together, not like they're reporting for duty in matching uniforms.


Shortly after booking, I send every family a Santa styling guide filled with tips, examples, and outfit inspiration to help take some of the guesswork out of the process.


Because while I may enjoy spending far too much money at Janie and Jack, I fully support using items you already own.


Some of my favorite Santa session outfits have come straight from a family's closet.


A beautiful dress passed down from a sibling.


A cozy sweater Grandma bought.


A pair of suspenders that somehow only gets worn once a year.


The pieces themselves matter far less than how they work together.


If I could give every Santa family one piece of outfit advice before they start shopping, it would be this:


Coordinate.


Don't match.


Choose colors that complement one another.


Think about comfort.


And remember that your child's smile is going to matter a whole lot more than whether the buttons on their cardigan perfectly match their sibling's dress.


Although if you happen to find a 3T in stock, let me know.

Does It Really Feel Too Early to Book in July?



Yes.


That's exactly the point.


Every year I announce Santa sessions in July and can practically hear the collective response from Rochester parents:


"You are asking me to think about WHAT now?"


Friends, we just survived approximately eight months of winter.


The weather has finally climbed above blizzard temperatures.


We're trying to figure out summer camp schedules, not Christmas lists.


I get it.


Thinking about Santa in July feels ridiculous.


But here's the thing:


The families who seem the calmest in December are almost always the ones who pushed past that "this feels way too early" feeling in July or August.


They're not scrambling for a time slot.


They're not wondering if they'll get holiday cards out in time.


They're not trying to coordinate outfits three days before their session.


They already handled it.


And now they get to enjoy the season.


I actually think about this every week when I'm writing my Monday morning newsletter.


Could I write it at 10:00pm on Sunday night?


Sure.


Do I occasionally do exactly that?


Also yes.


But whenever I can get it written a few days in advance, Monday morning feels a whole lot calmer.


I get to sleep that one extra minute.


I'm not racing to my computer wondering what I forgot.


Which, let's be honest, is probably something because it's me.


Booking Santa sessions early works the same way.


You're simply giving yourself a little extra breathing room.


One thing that surprises many first-time Santa families is that photographers operate on a completely different timeline than the rest of the holiday world.


Booking opens in the summer.


Sessions happen in the fall.


Photos are delivered well before Christmas.


Just because you're booking in July doesn't mean you're taking Christmas photos in July.


It simply means you're reserving your spot before the calendar fills up.


And trust me, it fills up much faster than most families expect.


I've had parents tell me they almost didn't book because it felt too early.


Then a few months later they'd message me and say they were so glad they did.


One mom told me she booked early simply because she wanted to spread out the expense.


And honestly? I completely understand that.


Photos are a want, not a need.


Although if you ask me personally, I need all of them.


Every single one.


Take all my money.


But the reality is that many families appreciate having one less thing to worry about when the holidays arrive.


The session is booked.


The budget is handled.


The date is on the calendar.


Done.


Because here's the truth:


Time is a thief.


Our babies grow quickly.


The calendar moves even quicker.


And one day you'll find yourself looking back at photos of tiny faces that somehow aren't so tiny anymore.


That's why I believe so strongly in preserving these moments.


Not because Christmas photos are another thing to check off a holiday to-do list.


But because these seasons don't last forever.


And if booking in July helps you hold onto a little piece of it?


I'd say that's time well spent.

A blue-eyed boy in a red cable-knit sweater leans against Santa during a Christmas photo session.

What Happens If I Wait Until October to Book?


First of all, don't panic.


October isn't too late.


But it is when the conversation starts to change.


By October, my calendar is already in full holiday mode.


Fall sessions are happening.


Leaves are peaking.


Everyone is suddenly realizing Christmas is, in fact, coming.


And I'm usually moving from one session to the next wondering if I've consumed enough caffeine to survive the weekend.


One of the reasons I open Santa sessions so early is because I want families to have options.


Maybe you're dreaming of Santa.


Maybe you're a tree farm family.


Maybe your child would rather spend time with a reindeer.


(All valid choices, honestly.)


I open my holiday calendar early so families can decide what type of experience they want and choose the date that works best for them.


By October, many of those choices have already been made.


The conversation starts to shift from:


"Let's find your perfect date and time."


To:


"Let's see what we can make work."


And listen, I'm a mom too.


My children and my family are my biggest priority.


My husband works in the ICU, which means his schedule is somehow even crazier than mine.


True story.


So if there's one thing I've learned, it's this:


Get something on the calendar.


Because once school events, holiday parties, sports schedules, family gatherings, and life start happening, all bets are off.


The earlier you book, the more flexibility you have.


By October, the slots that tend to remain are often later in the day.


And late-day sessions can be a gamble for younger children.


Have you met Ruthie after 3pm?


I have.


And I proceed with caution.


Every child is different, of course, but many younger kids are happiest earlier in the day when they're rested, fed, and not running on Christmas-cookie fumes.


By November, the conversation shifts again.


And unfortunately, that's often when I find myself telling families we're fully booked.


Which is never fun.


The good news is that I'm a little ridiculous when it comes to gallery delivery.


Most photographers stop accepting holiday bookings well before Christmas so they can guarantee galleries arrive in time.


Meanwhile, I'm over here editing like a woman possessed.


I tell families to expect two weeks.


It's usually much faster.


My personal goal is to have everyone's galleries delivered with plenty of time for Christmas cards, gifts, and holiday planning.


So if you're reading this in October?


You're probably okay.


If you're reading this in November?


Send the inquiry anyway.


You never know.


If you're reading this after the holiday season?


Perfect.


Now you're exactly where I want you.


Thinking ahead.


Because one of my favorite types of Santa families are the ones who tell me:


"Last year I waited too long, and I wasn't making that mistake again."


Those are the moms booking in July.


Those are the moms getting their favorite slots.


And those are usually the moms sending me messages in December saying,


"Okay, you were right."

A young girl in a red dress approaches Santa Claus seated near decorated Christmas trees on a fur rug.

What a Santa Photo Session Looks Like When You Work with Me?


If you've made it this far, you're probably wondering what actually happens once you decide to book.


First things first: I'm currently putting the finishing touches on this year's Santa booking site. It should be ready in the next week or two, just in time for booking season.


And friends...


I'm excited.


This year's experience will be very similar to last year's because honestly, when Santa and his reindeer are landing on your studio roof, you don't mess with a good thing.


The biggest addition this year?


Families will have the option to drop off a wrapped gift ahead of time for Santa to deliver during their session.


And let me tell you...


The look on a child's face when Santa hands them a gift from the North Pole is absolutely priceless.


I usually have Santa give my own two matching Christmas pajamas each year.


Yes, I know.


Earlier I told you not to match.


Coordinate.


But matching Christmas pajamas are my weakness and I refuse to apologize.


This year there will be two session options.


Simply Santa is a shorter visit designed for families looking for classic Santa portraits and a little holiday magic.


Milk & Cookies with Santa is the full experience.


Extra time.


Extra interaction.


Cookies.


Milk.


Conversations with Santa.


Possibly chocolate milk if you're ready to really party.


Honestly, it's my favorite.


And judging by past years, it's a favorite for many families too.


Once booking opens, the process is simple.


You choose your time slot.


You complete your booking.


You submit payment.


And your reservation is confirmed automatically by email.


Done.


Some families even book back-to-back sessions with cousins or friends and turn the whole thing into a holiday outing.


Which is always a lot of fun.


When session day arrives, Santa will already be waiting.


No lines.


No crowds.


No rushing.


Just your family and a private visit with Santa.


Some children run right in.


Some need a few minutes.


Some are immediately suspicious.


We've seen it all.


And all of it is okay.


One of the questions I get most often is:


"What happens if my child melts down?"


The answer?


We roll with it.


As a photographer and a mom, I can confidently say that children do not read the schedule.


The best moments often happen when we stop trying to force perfection and simply follow their lead.


Between booking and session day, you'll also receive a Santa styling guide filled with tips, outfit inspiration, and suggestions to help you prepare.


My biggest piece of advice?


Coordinate.


Don't match.


Unless we're talking Christmas pajamas.


Then all bets are off.


Now let's talk about the question every parent worries about:


"What if my child gets sick?"


Unfortunately, because Santa is only visiting my studio for one day, I can't offer traditional rescheduling.


The man is a hot commodity.


That said, I will always do my best to work with families when unexpected situations arise.


If a session can't happen, your payment can be applied toward a future session with me.


We'll figure something out together.


One thing families consistently tell me after their session is that they didn't expect it to feel so personal.


And honestly?


I think that's because this isn't just a photo session.


It's an experience.


Santa knows their names.


He takes time to talk.


He listens.


He laughs.


And somehow manages to convince every child that he genuinely flew to Rochester just to see them.


I mean... the man lands on my roof with reindeer.


Can it really get any better than that?


If you're hoping to join us this year, booking opens for VIP Santa families on July 23rd before opening to the public on July 25th.


VIP families include anyone who has attended Santa sessions within the last two years, along with my email subscribers.


And if you're wondering which sessions tend to disappear first?


It's usually the shorter Simply Santa sessions.


People see the lower price point and move fast.


The funny part?


The Milk & Cookies families are usually the ones who come back year after year.


More time.


More magic.


More memories.


Simply the best.


So if you're interested, keep an eye out for the booking link, join the email list, and get ready.


Christmas in July is coming.

 

Let's recap.


Book Your Santa Photoshoot Before Sessions Sell Out

If you've made it this far, here's the short version:


Booking your Santa photoshoot between July and October isn't about being early just for the sake of being early.


It's about getting the slot that actually works for your family.


It's about having time to plan outfits without stress.


It's about having your gallery back in time for Christmas cards.


It's about ordering gifts before shipping deadlines become a personal attack.


And most importantly, it's about giving yourself the kind of December where the photos are already done instead of becoming one more thing on an already overflowing to-do list.


After years of photographing Santa sessions, I've noticed something.


The families who seem the calmest during the holidays aren't necessarily the most organized.


Trust me, I know plenty of wonderfully chaotic people.


They're simply the families who gave themselves a little extra time.


They booked early.


They got their preferred slot.


They had room to breathe.


And by the time December rolled around, they weren't worrying about photos anymore.


They were enjoying them.


One of the things I love most about families who book early is watching the entire experience unfold differently.


There's time to prepare.


Time to get excited.


Time to find the perfect outfit.


Time to dream about Christmas.


Time to enjoy the process instead of racing through it.


And honestly, that's what I wish every parent knew before their first holiday season with kids.


Because nobody tells you how quickly it all moves.


One minute you're rocking a baby who can't sit up on their own.


The next minute they're whispering Christmas wishes to Santa and asking complicated questions about reindeer flight patterns.


Time is a thief.


And the holidays have a way of reminding us just how quickly these little seasons pass.


If a brand-new mom asked me today when she should start thinking about her first Santa session, I'd probably tell her:


Earlier than feels necessary.


Not because the photos are important.


Because the memories are.


Because one day you'll look back at those tiny Christmas pajamas, those missing front teeth, those nervous smiles, and those wide-eyed moments of belief and wonder.


And you'll be so glad you have them.


So yes.


It probably feels ridiculous to be thinking about Santa while you're applying sunscreen and planning summer vacations.


I get it.


But future-you?


The version of you addressing Christmas cards, wrapping gifts, and wondering where the year went?


She's going to be very happy you did.


I'll see you in July. 🎅🤍

 

Two little girls in red dresses sit with Santa Claus examining gift in Christmas photo studio.

FAQ

When should I book a Santa photoshoot?

I recommend booking your Santa photoshoot between July and October. Booking early gives you the best selection of dates and times, while families who wait until late fall often have fewer options available.

 

How early is too early to book a Santa session?

Honestly? There is no such thing as too early. My Santa calendar opens July 25th each year, with VIP families receiving early access on July 23rd. Joining my email list is the best way to stay in the loop.

 

Can I still book a Santa photoshoot in November?

Maybe! Availability varies each year, but many prime time slots are already booked by November. If you're interested, send an inquiry anyway. If Santa is full, I'll make sure you're first to hear about next year's openings.

Why don't photographers do Santa sessions in mid to late December?

Most photographers need time to edit and deliver galleries before Christmas. I typically hold Santa sessions before Thanksgiving so families have plenty of time for cards, gifts, and holiday planning.

 

When will I get my Santa photoshoot gallery back?

I tell families to expect about a two-week turnaround, but it's often much faster. My goal is always to have your gallery delivered with plenty of time for Christmas cards, gifts, and holiday orders.

 

Can I order Christmas cards, prints, and gifts through you?

I provide high-resolution digital images, which gives families the flexibility to order cards, prints, ornaments, and gifts wherever they'd like. For local printing, I always recommend Scott's Rochester Photo for beautiful quality.

What if my child is sick on our Santa session day?

Because Santa only visits my studio for one day, traditional rescheduling isn't available. However, if illness strikes, I'll work with you to apply your payment toward a future session and help find the best solution possible.

 

get ON SANTA'S

NICE LIST!


 

Santa Claus sits on a cream sofa holding a young boy in a Nordic sweater near a Christmas wreath.


Current North Pole Status:

✅ Santa Confirmed

✅ Reindeer Confirmed

✅ Cookies Confirmed

✅ Chocolate Milk Confirmed




The Third Annual Santa Experience is November 7th, 2026.

Booking opens    July 2026.