--- title: Tips for a Great Christmas Photo from Professional Santas and Photographers description: Stressed out about getting the perfect Christmas Family Photo? Relax, here are some ideas and tips from professional photographers and Santas for getting the best Christmas Picture ever. Crying babies? Surly teens? Anxious adults? Cranky children? Great tips to help families, photographer and Santa. image: https://www.timlorang.com/hubfs/Family-Photos-1.jpg --- ## ![Northwest Santa Snowflake](https://www.timlorang.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Santa%20Icons/snowflake.png?width=35&name=snowflake.png "Northwest Santa Snowflake") SANTA NORTHWEST | SEATTLE & PUGET SOUND [**](https://www.facebook.com/SantaNorthwest) [**](https://twitter.com/SantaNorthwest) [**](https://www.yelp.com/biz/santa-northwest-seattle-2) [**](https://www.instagram.com/santanorthwest/) **Call: 206-947-4001** ![Family-Photos](https://www.timlorang.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Family-Photos.jpg?width=750&name=Family-Photos.jpg "Family-Photos") # Tips for a Great Christmas Photo from Professional Santas and Photographers Posted by [Santa's Helper, Tim](https://www.timlorang.com/santa-northwest/blog/author/santas-helper-tim) on Jul 6, 2018 4:31:19 AM Find me on: [Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/SantaNorthwest) [Twitter ](https://twitter.com/SantaNorthwest) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Christmas is a happy, joy filled time, but it can be stressful for some. Nothing seems to cause more stress than the family Christmas photo with Santa Claus. It does not matter if you are waiting in line for a Department Store Santa photo, scheduled a Santa photo shoot with a local photographer or hired a Santa and professional photographer for a private, in-home sitting, the process of actually taking the picture can be very stressful for many. The small kids may be cranky, the teenagers may be surly, Mom may be stressed, Dad may be bored and the baby may be screaming. I've asked some of my Santa Claus friends and professional photographers for their best tips to get a great Christmas Photo for the entire family. Some of these tips are for Santas, some for photographers and some for the family. All of the tips will help anyone who is a little bit stressed out about getting the perfect family photo for Christmas. ## Take Lots of Photos ![Santa Dennis](https://www.timlorang.com/hs-fs/hubfs/form-uploads/04a48305-b185-4339-acf9-ee219e93d5e1/17fd107c-01e2-40f7-b701-3266a3904ee1-upload_a_photo_of_you_jpg_or_png_-Santa-Dennis-Tree.jpg?width=250&name=17fd107c-01e2-40f7-b701-3266a3904ee1-upload_a_photo_of_you_jpg_or_png_-Santa-Dennis-Tree.jpg) Since most families are using digital cameras of some nature to get that perfect photo let Santa do his magic and just start snapping pictures as fast as possible. That one perfect photo will be in the ***many you took. Save the best and delete all the rest.***           ***Santa Dennis aka Dennis Simpson  ****Website: [Kitsap Santa ](http://www.kitsapsanta.com/)Email: [dsimpson@wavecable.com](mailto:dsimpson@wavecable.com)* ## All Smiles ![Santa Seattle ](https://www.timlorang.com/hs-fs/hubfs/form-uploads/04a48305-b185-4339-acf9-ee219e93d5e1/14fe0537-5856-454a-8729-8d9585578bbf-upload_a_photo_of_you_jpg_or_png_-Santa-2018-005.jpg?width=300&name=14fe0537-5856-454a-8729-8d9585578bbf-upload_a_photo_of_you_jpg_or_png_-Santa-2018-005.jpg)If Mom and Dad are not happy you are not going to get good pictures. Know your photographer. Have an appointment so you're not waiting in long lines and suffering infant melt down. Grownups should be all in with big smiles. Don't think the little ones can't feel the vibe if you are only partially checked in.     ***Santa Seattle aka Jerry Nebel **Website: [Santa Seattle ](https://www.facebook.com/SantaJerryinBallard/)Email: [santaseattle@comcast.net](mailto:santaseattle@comcast.net)* ## Come well rested ![Workshop Santa Jon and Mrs. Claus](https://www.timlorang.com/hs-fs/hubfs/form-uploads/04a48305-b185-4339-acf9-ee219e93d5e1/a01949e4-19ee-43cb-bb94-25857736537a-upload_a_photo_of_you_jpg_or_png_-2744C2FC-1C09-4EE6-82DF-5FE62D4FF9BA.jpeg?width=250&name=a01949e4-19ee-43cb-bb94-25857736537a-upload_a_photo_of_you_jpg_or_png_-2744C2FC-1C09-4EE6-82DF-5FE62D4FF9BA.jpeg) Make sure that everyone is well rested before the scheduled photo session with Santa. Don't rush, allow plenty of time for the session. Remember that everyone in the picture needs to be able to see the camera. Then relax and be yourself.             ***Workshop Santa Jon *** *Website: [Santa's Workshop ](http://workshopsanta.com/)Email: [santasworkshop.sc@gmail.com](mailto:santasworkshop.sc@gmail.com)* ## Aid for a potentially crying child ![Santa Bob](https://www.timlorang.com/hs-fs/hubfs/form-uploads/04a48305-b185-4339-acf9-ee219e93d5e1/b822e712-5ca7-4003-afc9-d494b9dc7b3d-upload_a_photo_of_you_jpg_or_png_-20171219_0769_1.jpg?width=250&name=b822e712-5ca7-4003-afc9-d494b9dc7b3d-upload_a_photo_of_you_jpg_or_png_-20171219_0769_1.jpg) This is called Bait and Switch. If you know the child is going to be a crier or screamer ask one of the parents to hold the child on their leg closest to Santa. Have the parent sit as close as possible, perhaps on Santa's chair arm, with the child. The other parent can sit on the other side. Santa should talk calmly with the parent and the child. The photographer can take some photos during this part. This helps the child get used to the flash. On a pre-arranged signal with the parent and photographer, perhaps a count of 1-2-3, have the parent quickly hand the child over to Santa's thigh, then the parents can quickly back off. The photographer should start taking pictures right away. Santa can put two fingers, 2 to 3" below one of the child's knees to keep the legs from flailing. DON'T GRAB THE LEG!! Just keep it from kicking out with those two fingers. The other leg usually won't kick. Keep your other hand on the child's tummy, and keep your face close but clear of their head to keep the child from injuring you if they buck their head back hard. (Rare, but happens). A good photographer will get at least 3 good shots before the child is taken back by the parent. This process works! ***Santa Bob aka Robert Howard*** *Email: [sawdustsucker@gmail.com](mailto:sawdustsucker@gmail.com)* ## Santa makes the family comfortable ![Santa Pat Costello](https://www.timlorang.com/hs-fs/hubfs/form-uploads/04a48305-b185-4339-acf9-ee219e93d5e1/8182c276-99c6-40ac-a665-e0f0c54c688f-upload_a_photo_of_you_jpg_or_png_-Liston.jpg?width=250&name=8182c276-99c6-40ac-a665-e0f0c54c688f-upload_a_photo_of_you_jpg_or_png_-Liston.jpg) Santa should greet the family like an old friend. Have the family arrange themselves as they choose but make sure they're balanced on their feet, seated, posed next to Santa, secured in his lap and ready to go. Santa can be formal and go by the book or share his humor. Santa should remember that this is THEIR visit. Prioritize the families wishes. If the child's Christmas list is important, share that. Finally, be all they expect and more. Don't be routine, be special.           ***Pat Costello*** *Website: [Santa Pat Costello ](https://www.santapatc.com/)Email: [pat2355@aol.com](mailto:pat2355@aol.com)* ## Keep shooting!!! ![Highfill-santa](https://www.timlorang.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Highfill-santa.jpg?width=300&name=Highfill-santa.jpg) When everybody’s assembled and seated Santa should instruct the photographer (with the family listening) to start shooting and not to stop shooting until the family gets up to leave. There will be at least one good picture in all of that, do not wait for the perfect picture, it will be among the ones you take!   ***Ron Highfill aka Santa Ron*** *Email: [retiredron@earthlink.net](mailto:retiredron@earthlink.net)* ## Keep it simple and do what you already know... ![Anita Nowacka](https://www.timlorang.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Anita.jpg?width=250&name=Anita.jpg)Family communication with the photographer prior to the session is key to creating a great family photo. Make a point to arrive on time since there are others who signed up for photos as well. Here are some more tips to help with the process: 1. Make sure everyone gets a good night sleep. 2. Everyone should consider having a meal before hand, don't come to see Santa while hungry. 3. The family can bring hot chocolate in a thermos for kids to have after the session! I have witnessed children loving the idea of having a warm beverage after "all is done with the photos". These simple steps will ensure you are prepared and your family holiday photo session goes well with results that you look forward to, bringing a smile to all those who receive your photos and share them with others. Keep it simple and you will have a great experience as a family! ***Anita Nowacka*** *Website: [Anita Nowacka Seattle Family Photographer ](https://anitanowacka.com/)Email: [anita@anitanowacka.com](mailto:anita@anitanowacka.com)* ## Children with an attitude ![Santa Chuck Parrish](https://www.timlorang.com/hs-fs/hubfs/form-uploads/04a48305-b185-4339-acf9-ee219e93d5e1/a8303769-5f24-4923-b374-982229dc404a-upload_a_photo_of_you_jpg_or_png_-IMG_6493_8x12.jpg?width=250&name=a8303769-5f24-4923-b374-982229dc404a-upload_a_photo_of_you_jpg_or_png_-IMG_6493_8x12.jpg) At the recent Santa workshop one of the Santas had to pretend that he was taking pictures with a family that included a teenager with an attitude. The photo that they came up with was with the Santa and the teenager back to back, arms folded across the chest and both looking towards the camera. That image stuck in my head. Loved it. Thought I would share that with you.           ***Santa Chuck Parrish*** *Email: [chuckparrish2009@gmail.com](mailto:chuckparrish2009@gmail.com)* ## HAVE FUN! ![Erinn J Hale Photography](https://www.timlorang.com/hs-fs/hubfs/form-uploads/04a48305-b185-4339-acf9-ee219e93d5e1/ab40e880-8a23-49bb-ab86-4500b3a5cc21-upload_a_photo_of_you_jpg_or_png_-stoupsanta2017-9594.jpg?width=250&name=ab40e880-8a23-49bb-ab86-4500b3a5cc21-upload_a_photo_of_you_jpg_or_png_-stoupsanta2017-9594.jpg) As a candid photographer, my goal is to capture you at your most joyful and your kiddos at their most authentic. Even when you're posing for a photo, it's possible to create natural, relaxed portraits. The trick is to remember that this is supposed to be fun. The kids don't have to be smiling, you don't have to be looking straight at the camera, chaos DOES photograph well and honestly captures that moment in time. Embrace the moment and try to release control of HOW everything will look. You might be surprised by the result.     ***Erinn J Hale*** *Website: [Erinn J Hale Photography ](https://www.erinnjhale.com/)Email: [erinn@erinnjhale.com](mailto:erinn@erinnjhale.com)* ## There's no crying in Santa pictures ![Santa Steve and Mrs. Claus](https://www.timlorang.com/hs-fs/hubfs/form-uploads/04a48305-b185-4339-acf9-ee219e93d5e1/5abd51b6-f52b-41c9-808d-a24e2e7db45d-upload_a_photo_of_you_jpg_or_png_-Santa_and_Mrs_Claus.jpg?width=250&name=5abd51b6-f52b-41c9-808d-a24e2e7db45d-upload_a_photo_of_you_jpg_or_png_-Santa_and_Mrs_Claus.jpg) In my opinion a crying baby photo is never OK. It is easy to get around this. Have the child sit in Santa's chair with Mom and/or Dad and have Santa and/or Mrs. Claus stand behind the chair with fun expressions. For example holding Santa's finger to his mouth, the quiet pose; or sneaking a peek around the chair at the young interloper. The child is happy and you have a cute Christmas memory. There are many ways to solve this problem, without tormenting a child. *** Santa Steve ****Website: [Santa and Mrs. Claus ](http://www.santa-and-mrs-claus.com/)**Email: [santaandmrsclaus@wavecable.com](mailto:santaandmrsclaus@wavecable.com)* ## Belly Full of Jelly! ![Karli Goetz Photography](https://www.timlorang.com/hs-fs/hubfs/form-uploads/04a48305-b185-4339-acf9-ee219e93d5e1/9b7e37a0-8afd-4148-ad3c-ae74a02130ae-upload_a_photo_of_you_jpg_or_png_-Pics-3.jpg?width=300&name=9b7e37a0-8afd-4148-ad3c-ae74a02130ae-upload_a_photo_of_you_jpg_or_png_-Pics-3.jpg) Make sure you go into your Santa experience with full bellies... that includes adults!! There is nothing worse than having your blood sugar drop while you're waiting in line, and you don't want to get out of line to grab a quick bite! (if there is even food near by?) Kids and adults with full bellies are happier and will make the picture experience much better! So eat before you leave, and bring snacks just in case!   ***Karli Goetz*** *Website: [Karli Goetz Photography ](https://www.karligoetzphotography.com/)Email: [karligoetzphotography@gmail.com](mailto:karligoetzphotography@gmail.com)* These are some great suggestions for families, Santas and photographers for getting great Christmas photos. What are some of your suggestions for getting a great Christmas photo? Do you remember a time when the photo session didn't seem to be going well and someone had a suggestion that saved the day and resulted in a wonderful photo? Share your ideas and thoughts below. Also, feel free to reach out to these great Santas and Photographers. It is never too early to start planning for your Christmas Photographs. 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