Why are your sessions more expensive than traditional Santa photos?
The Upstate Santa Experience is designed to be far more than a quick picture with Santa. Each family enjoys a private, unhurried visit in a thoughtfully designed setting with a professional Santa, personalized details, and heirloom-quality artwork. You’re investing in an experience your children will remember—and memories your family will treasure for generations.
What should my children wear?
We recommend timeless, neutral clothing that complements the cozy Christmas setting. Soft textures, sweaters, dresses, corduroy, and classic holiday colors photograph beautifully. We have a blog post that goes a bit more in depth about this.
Can parents be in the photos?
The focus of The Upstate Santa Experience is on your children’s interaction with Santa. However, parents are always welcome to step into a few images at the end of the session if time allows.
What happens after our session?
Within a few weeks, you’ll receive your private online gallery where you can select your included images and purchase additional portraits or heirloom keepsakes. Your artwork will then be professionally produced and delivered in time for Christmas.
When should I book?
Santa sessions sell out quickly each year, and availability is limited. We recommend joining the waitlist or booking as soon as reservations open to secure your preferred date and time.
Can I purchase additional images?
Absolutely. Your session includes a select number of digital images, and you’ll have the opportunity to purchase additional portraits, artwork, albums, ornaments, and other keepsakes after viewing your gallery.
Are pets allowed?
Because Santa will be interacting closely with children throughout the day, pets are not permitted during Santa sessions.
(Unless you’re planning a pet-specific Santa day.)
What if someone is sick?
If your child or anyone in your family is feeling unwell, please contact us as soon as possible. We’ll do our best to accommodate a reschedule if availability allows, helping keep Santa and the other families healthy during the busy Christmas season.
Are grandparents welcome?
Absolutely! Grandparents are welcome to attend and enjoy the experience. If you’d like them included in a few photographs, we’ll do our best to accommodate that as time allows.
What if my child is shy or doesn’t want to talk to Santa?
That’s completely okay.
Children are never expected to perform, speak, or engage in any specific way. Some children talk right away. Others warm up slowly. Some simply observe — and that’s respected just as much.
Santa follows the child’s lead at every moment. There is no pressure to answer questions, smile, or interact before they’re ready.
Often, the quiet moments become the most meaningful ones.
Does my child have to sit on Santa’s lap?
No.
Children are never required to sit on Santa’s lap.
Some children choose to. Others prefer to sit beside Santa, stand nearby, or simply stay close while listening or observing. Every option is welcomed, and no child is ever asked to do something that makes them uncomfortable.
What if my child cries or changes their mind?
It happens — and it’s handled gently.
If a child becomes overwhelmed, we slow things down. There is no rushing and no forcing a moment to happen. Parents are always welcome to stay close, offer comfort, or take a break if needed.
Sometimes children surprise everyone and re-engage. Sometimes the moment looks quieter than expected — and that’s okay too.
Real moments matter more than perfect ones.
How long is a Santa session?
Mini sessions are up to 15 minutes and the full Experience is up to 30 minutes.
Can siblings be photographed together?
Yes.
Siblings are always welcome to share the experience together, and the session naturally flows based on their dynamic. Whether they’re both interacting with Santa at the same time or taking turns, the focus remains on comfort and connection.
These sessions are tailored for up to two children but not limited to two. If there are more than two children, interactions will be more group focused due to time constraints.
What ages is this experience best for?
This experience is designed for children of any age.
From babies to older children, every interaction is guided by the child’s personality and comfort level — not their age. There is no “ideal” age to participate, only what feels right for your family.
Can we have all the kids from multiple families together?
Yes, absolutely. We love welcoming extended families. Each family will reserve their own session, and we’ll gather everyone together at the end for group photos — a beautiful way to capture all the cousins and siblings in one timeless image.
What makes this different from traditional Santa photos?
The Upstate Santa Experience is not about posing or rushing through a checklist.
It’s about:
- allowing children to lead
- creating space for belief
- honoring quiet, thoughtful moments
- capturing connection rather than performance
The goal has never been to simply get a photo of a child with Santa.
The goal isn’t simply to photograph a visit with Santa. It’s to preserve the wonder, imagination, and joy of believing in Christmas—so your family can relive those moments for years to come.