There are so many little moments during Christmas that I wish I could bottle up forever. The excitement when your child spots Santa for the first time, the way they carefully whisper their Christmas wishes, or the little giggles after Santa tells a silly joke. Those are the moments I want parents to remember long after the decorations are packed away.

Over the years, I’ve learned that the best Santa pictures don’t happen because every child smiles perfectly at the camera. They happen when kids feel comfortable enough to simply enjoy being with Santa.

That’s exactly why I created my private Santa experience here in Minneapolis. Instead of waiting in long lines at the mall and hoping for one quick photo where everyone is smiling, families can enjoy a quiet, unhurried visit where Santa already knows each child by name, their interests, and even what they’ve been wishing for this Christmas. For returning families, he remembers details from previous years too. Watching kids realize that Santa really knows them never gets old.

Hi! I’m Ashley, a Minneapolis family, newborn and motherhood photographer who loves creating meaningful holiday memories for families. 

Every part of my Santa experience is designed to feel calm, personal, and magical so you can enjoy the moment while I capture it all. If you’re looking for beautiful Santa pictures that tell your family’s story, I’d love to welcome you into the studio this Christmas. Read more below for some tips to make the most of your personal Santa session, or visit my contact page to send a message! 

1. Choose Outfits That Complement the Holiday Set

One of the easiest ways to elevate your Santa pictures is by thinking about clothing ahead of time.

Since my holiday set has a warm, timeless feel, outfits in coordinating colors help create classic, beautiful portraits.

Some of my most recommended colors and fabrics include:

• Creams, ivory, and soft whites
• Deep greens
• Rich reds
• Warm browns
• Classic plaid accents
• Cozy sweaters or velvet dresses

Although it might seem tempting to match all of your children, coordinating colors can typically create a more natural look while letting everyone’s personality shine through. That being said, matching holiday jammies always look adorable too!

Skip clothing with large logos or busy graphics, since those tend to pull attention away from your family.

If you need a little help gathering coordinating Christmas outfits or some advice on where to shop, check out my blog here on my favourite places to look in Minneapolis! 

2. Arrive Early to Help Everyone Relax

Kids pick up on our energy.

If everyone is rushing through the door because you’re running behind, it can take a little while for everyone to calm down and settle in.

I always recommend arriving a few minutes early so everyone has time to breathe. Many families appreciate being able to relax before their session, and one mom even mentioned loving the cozy waiting area with activities and snacks while they waited for their turn.

Those few extra minutes can often make a big difference in creating calm, genuine Santa pictures.

3. Talk to Your Child About Meeting Santa Ahead of Time

One of the most wonderful parts of this experience is watching children realize Santa already knows them.

Before your session, you’ll fill out a short questionnaire telling us about your child, where you’ll share things like:

• Their name
• Favorite hobbies
• Special interests
• What they’re hoping Santa brings this year

When Santa greets them using those details, the magic feels incredibly real.

Preparing your child ahead of time by talking about what they’ll do during the visit can also help them feel more excited instead of nervous.

4. Bring a Favorite Comfort Item Just in Case

Even children who are excited about Santa can feel reserved or shy once they arrive.

If your little one has a favorite stuffed animal, blanket, or comfort item, feel free to bring it along.

It might stay tucked away in your bag, but sometimes it’s exactly what helps your child relax enough to enjoy the experience.

If it ends up in a few Santa pictures, that’s okay too. Years from now, you’ll probably smile remembering that beloved teddy bear came everywhere.

5. Focus on the Experience Instead of Perfect Smiles

This might be my biggest piece of advice.

Don’t spend the session asking everyone to smile at me.

Instead, let your children experience being with Santa.

Maybe they whisper their Christmas list, or ask him a hundred questions. They might laugh when he tells a silly joke, or just stare at him with wide eyes because they’re completely amazed.

Those candid moments might just be the ones you’ll treasure forever.

Wondering what actually happens during a Santa session? Now that you know how to prepare, take a peek behind the scenes. In What to Expect at Your Photo Session With Santa, I’ll walk you through exactly what your visit looks like from the moment you arrive until your little one says goodbye to Santa, so you can show up feeling completely prepared.

6. Let Kids Interact Naturally with Santa

Every child experiences Christmas differently.

Some are eager to jump onto Santa’s lap, while some want to stand nearby for a while. Others might jump right into long stories about dinosaurs, ballet, or their new puppy before they even mention presents.

I never rush those interactions.

Our private sessions are intentionally designed to give children time to warm up naturally. Santa might read a story, ask thoughtful questions, or simply chat with them while I quietly photograph the entire experience.

Those authentic conversations create meaningful Santa pictures that you may not get during a loud or rushed mall visit.

7. Trust Your Photographer to Capture Genuine Moments

Oftentimes parents will worry their child isn’t looking at the camera enough, but the truth is, I’m usually watching for something else entirely.

I’m looking for:

• Wide-eyed wonder
• Tiny smiles
• Sweet glances
• Curious expressions
• Quiet conversations
• Genuine laughter

Those are the moments that tell the story of the magic of Santa. 

Along with candid interactions, I’ll guide everyone into a few classic portraits too, giving you a gallery filled with both timeless portraits and heartfelt memories.

8. Keep Sessions Fun and Stress-Free

Children don’t often perform well under pressure, and they need permission to be themselves.

If your child gets silly, that’s okay, and if they’re quiet, that’s okay too.

Some of the best Santa pictures have come from children simply sitting beside Santa while taking everything in.

There is no perfect way for kids to experience Christmas, there is only their way.

9. What Parents Should Do During the Session

Believe it or not, your biggest job is simply to enjoy watching your child.

I’ll handle the photography, Santa will handle the conversation, and you get to soak it all in.

Many parents tell me afterward that watching their child’s face light up became one of their favorite Christmas memories.

Rachel shared this after her family’s visit:

“Ashley and her team put so much thought into making it a joyful experience for our family. I loved the quiet, cozy ambience they created. The kids had more time to actually chat with Santa, and the details like the seating area with activities and snacks while they waited made everything feel so special. Great photos were truly icing on the cake.”

Hearing stories like hers reminds me why I love creating these special Santa pictures every year.

Now that you know exactly what happens during a Santa session, you might be wondering why so many families make it part of their Christmas tradition. Read Holiday Memories That Last to discover why these images become some of the most treasured keepsakes parents own.

10. Enjoy the Memories Long After the Session

Christmas comes and goes so quickly.

One year they’re whispering wishes to Santa, and before you know it, they’re too grown up to believe.

That’s why I believe Santa pictures are about so much more than holiday portraits.

They’re a way to remember the wonder, excitement, joy, and the belief that Christmas truly is magical.

Every family leaves with a gallery that brings those feelings rushing back every time they look through it. Your online gallery is delivered within three weeks, and you’ll choose your five favorite digital images with the option to upgrade to the full gallery so you never have to leave a single magical moment behind.

Want to see if my Santa sessions are the right fit for your family? Head over to my Instagram and check out the Santa highlight! I’ve saved everything you need to know there and plenty of beautiful Santa photos to help you get excited for Christmas.

Let’s Make Christmas Feel Magical

If you’re looking for Santa pictures that feel personal instead of rushed, I’d love to photograph your family this Christmas.

My private Santa experience is designed to give your children an unforgettable visit while I document every genuine smile, curious question, and magical moment. Sessions include a private 10-minute visit with Santa in my cozy Minneapolis studio, where he already knows each child by name before they even walk through the door.

If that sounds like the kind of Christmas memory you want to hold onto, I’d love to welcome your family. Join the waitlist or reserve your spot for this year’s Santa experience, and let’s create Santa pictures you’ll treasure for generations.