Worried that your Santa photos may end up with tears??

(pssttt….don’t stress!! Check out this guide to making your Santa Experience MAGICAL!)

Dress for Festive Success!

Plan Ahead for Outfits

Wardrobe choices will really make a difference in your holiday photos, so don’t put off planning your outfits! Be sure to leave plenty of time for online orders to ship and arrive, and keep in mind that some items may need to be returned or exchanged. Retailers have caught on to the recent trend of “the earlier, the better” for getting holiday photo shoots done (=more time to get those holiday cards ordered!), and most start putting out their festive styles in early October.

Go for Cute AND Comfy

This mindset is ESPECIALLY important when shopping for the littles! If outfits are tight and uncomfortable, your little ones are more likely to be cranky and pulling at their clothes during picture time. There are tons of adorable sweater-knit options (tops, bottoms, rompers, playsuits) for babies and toddlers that will look great, and be super comfy…which will definitely = more smiles!

Be Mindful of Patterns

When mixing patterns and colors, I always say that simple is better. If you choose a bold pattern for one child, opt for simple solids and textures for siblings; a great way to add variety without going overboard on patterns is to work in a neutral cable knit sweater or cardigan. Check out some of these options in my Holiday Wardrobe Guide!

Prepare Children Beforehand

Santa, Santa, Santa!

About a week before your Santa session, really start talking up the big guy! Make sure your kids (especially those between the ages of 1 year to about 2 and a half years old) know what Santa looks like; his stature and costume can be overwhelming for the little ones, especially if they are in their “stranger danger” era. Books, cartoons, and movies are all great ways to prepare them for the big day! I will also let Santa know ahead of time if your kids are in that age bracket where they tend to be nervous, so he can be extra mindful of his movements and demeanor.

The Christmas Wish List

Some children may get a little star-struck around Santa (I mean, can you blame them?!), so going over their Christmas wishlist ahead of time (even on your way to the session), can be super helpful!

Plan Around Naptime

If your child gets fussy or tired right before naptime, keep that in mind when scheduling your Santa session and try to plan accordingly.

No Mess is Best

Avoid Colorful Candy

Stains to your child’s mouth/face from colorful food or candy (ie, lollipops, fruit snacks, gum, hard candy, etc.) are almost impossible to remove later on in Photoshop, so please avoid giving them those items on the day of your session.

Eat Before Dressing

Hungry children (and adults) will not make for a happy session! Be sure everyone is fed BEFORE it’s time to put on those precious little outfits, so you don’t end up with stained/messy clothes and cranky kids.

Just Go With It…

Your Mood Matters

Children can pick up on even subtle hints that mom or dad are stressed out, which may, in turn, make them uncooperative and irritable. Trust me, I know it can be tough, but even if there are hiccups beforehand, just try to go with the flow and stay positive! Santa and I have lots of patience, as well as a few tricks up our sleeves, to ensure that your session goes as smoothly as possible. 😉

Embrace the Tears

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you just have to embrace those tears! And, honestly, when you look back on it years later, those Santa sessions with the sad faces will probably be some of the most memorable (and talked about!) holiday photo sessions! I mean, seriously, could that picture of little Bennett up there be any cuter???

I have a few spots left for this year’s Santa Experience, Click here for all of the info!