Throughout the early years of parenthood, you are constantly searching for ways to preserve all the magic. And while every season has its own bit of whimsy, nothing compares to the memories you will make throughout Christmas time. As a Springfield family photographer, I am wild about working with parents to help them make this season a little extra jolly! In fact, it’s exactly why I decided to start offering my Santa sessions. When you book these photos, your child will have a chance to take a step into the North Pole and see all the magic for themselves. It’s the perfect way to ditch the long lines of the mall in favor of something far more personal. Here’s everything you need to know about taking pictures with Santa in Springfield, IL!
3 Types Of Sessions With Santa In Springfield, IL
The very first thing you need to decide before booking your appointment is what you want your child’s session to look like. I offer a few different Christmas and Santa options that let you tailor your Springfield, IL visit accordingly. Here are the options you can pick from.
Santa’s Room
So, you wait an hour at the Springfield, IL mall and finally get the chance to let your child meet Santa, only to realize they are terrified. Most kids have been taught about stranger danger right from the very beginning, and the anxiety doesn’t exactly fade just because that stranger is decked out in crushed red velvet. This is why I created Santa’s Room. When you book this option, your child is going to get a first-class ticket to the North Pole, where they can sit in Santa’s chair and try on his coat.
While there is a portrait of Santa hanging in the background, we won’t have a physical Santa there. That way, your child can come in, get comfortable, and not have to worry about meeting anyone new. These mini sessions will last for 20 minutes, and you will get 10 digital images. They are also pet-friendly, so you can bring along your four-legged friend to join in on the celebration!
Christmas Minis
If you want something with the entire family, the Christmas Minis might just be the best option! Once again, this is an option without Santa to ensure you can get adorable, tear-free pictures in Springfield, IL. During these sessions, you are going to have 20 minutes to get comfortable and take pics in a Christmas-themed space. While siblings are invited into Santa’s Room, the Christmas Minis sessions will include parents as well. You can also bring along your pet to celebrate. Then, once you are done with your session, you will receive 10 digital images that you will be able to print out and frame.
Santa Minis
Are you looking for the man, the myth, the legend? Then you will want to book Santa Minis for your Springfield, IL session. During this time, Santa Ray graces the studio. This is going to go above and beyond your standard mall Santa experience. Your child is going to get the chance to step into the space and meet him before it’s time to take the pictures.
Then, once you are done, your child is going to get a treat from Santa himself. Because I only get a short time with Santa Ray, these sessions are a little faster with up to 10-minute appointment slots. However, I understand that you don’t want to rush these trips too much. If you decide that 10 minutes just aren’t enough, you can book multiple appointment slots. In the end, you will receive 10 images you can download. The Santa Minis are best for individual kids and siblings (please no pets!).
Meet Santa In Springfield, IL
So, who, exactly, is Santa Ray? Over the years, I–like many people in the Springfield area–have fallen in love with Santa Ray. He takes his sleigh all across the city, bringing smiles and cheer to everyone who meets him. He has been on the scene since 2007 and has visited schools, festivals, and even homes. I have personally been working with him for over 5 years now, and I am continuously impressed. He has the ability to remember each and every child who walks through the door. As a result, kids are able to glide past any potential discomfort so they can have a joyful visit. With Santa Ray, your child’s session will become a treasured memory!
Booking Your Session
So, if you think a Santa session might be right for your Springfield, IL family, all you have to do is book. Lucky for you, I’ve made it as easy as possible! You can head over to my website and select which option you would like for your family. Choose your appointment times and even book multiple if necessary. You will pay a deposit ahead of your session and leave a comment on your booking letting me know your child’s name as well as their age. Then, once your day arrives, you will pay the rest either by check or with cash.
Because both studio space and time are limited, I highly encourage you to take care of all the styling before you arrive at the studio. Comb your child’s hair, wipe any crumbs from their face, and straighten up their outfits. If you are bringing along a pet for these sessions, it’s always a good idea to book a session at the groomer’s ahead of your appointment so they can look nice, too!
Lastly, let’s chat about time. Typically, I will open up my books around the summer to ensure people can reserve their spots as early as possible. The actual appointments will then take place around the first week of November. Slots fill up quickly, so if you are considering booking your appointment, be sure to do it right away! Following your appointment date, I will make sure you get your pictures back with plenty of time for your annual Christmas cards.
Your Little Ones Will Love Meeting Santa In Springfield, IL
If you have been considering booking your Christmas session with Santa in Springfield, IL, I really hope this answers everything! If you still have questions, however, you can head over to my inquiry page and send me a message. I would love to have a conversation so you can decide if my Santa sessions are right for your crew. I can also tell you about my year-round family sessions to let you celebrate each and every milestone. Let’s chat soon!
