Pictures with Santa capture more than smiling faces. These moments hold the magic that falls when Santa steps into a family’s living room. Children’s eyes widen in awe, parents’ smiles soften, and the everyday transforms into something unforgettable. These sessions become stories and memories, little pieces of magic and togetherness that feel like Christmas itself, year after year.
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A December visit to the Brutsche family brought wide eyes and giggles as the children welcomed Santa. Little ones perched on Santa’s lap, entranced by the stories he read aloud. Parents and Grandma watched with soft smiles, hearts quietly capturing the enchantment. Genuine interactions like these are what make timeless photos.
Pictures with Santa at Home
Did you know Santa can visit your home? We can help make that happen. The Santas we work with are highly recommended and among the best in Jacksonville. They all have real beards, a warm presence, and a genuine love for families, especially children. Each Santa is experienced with kids of all ages so that you can expect a safe, professional experience.
Pictures with Santa Mini-Sessions
Private Santa picture sessions are limited, and mini-session spots fill up fast as the holidays get closer. Kids feel at ease, and parents can relax without worrying about crowds.
Every Christmas, we team up with local bakeries, businesses, and studios to offer an exceptional Santa Experience. If you’d like to partner with us, please reach out to contact Russ today.
Moments I cherish in Pictures with Santa
- The “Christmas Card” photo. Everyone looking and smiling is the goal.
- We try to find moments where everyone is in the “moment” and document the experience.
- Children gazing in awe at Santa as he reads their wish lists or tells stories, completely enthralled by the moment.
- Soft, intimate moments like a child leaning in to whisper a secret wish to Santa or tugging gently at his sleeve.
- Parents’ candid reactions—smiles, laughter, or tears of joy—as they watch their children interact with Santa, often from the edge of the frame, reflecting authentic family connections.
These photos aren’t about perfection. Some are posed, but many are natural. I encourage you to enjoy time with your family while I capture the moments.
After all, children are only little once!
What’s Included: Pictures with Santa at Home
Each session is planned in three stages: Arrival, Wonder, and Farewell. Sessions last about 1 hour. Each Santa drives the interaction, but most are interested in providing a quality experience! This gives families plenty of time to enjoy Santa’s visit and make special memories. You’ll receive at least 10-20 high-quality photos capturing your family’s experience with Santa.
What to expect from the experience:
- Warm-up and conversation & greeting the family
- Santa can start by checking his “nice” list.
- Reading “Twas the Night Before Christmas” and pointing out “Eye Spy” objects in the picture book.
- Sharing cookies with Santa
- Santa can do magic tricks and play the harmonica (based on availability)
- Relaxed family pictures with Santa. Individuals and groups. We can include pets who are willing.
You’ll have a variety of photos to use for social media, printed albums, holiday cards, or custom wall art. Session prices are reasonable and depend on the package you choose.
The basic package includes a private online gallery of your photos, while the premium package offers extra prints. Contact us for detailed pricing. Every session is unique, and we always do our best for your family.
What to Wear for Pictures with Santa
Keep it classic and simple:
- creams, greens, navy, burgundy
- soft textures and layers
- avoid bright logos or neon
- formal wear or your Christmas morning PJs
A clean living room and gentle tree lights make a big difference.
Lighting for Pictures with Santa
My goal is to create a cozy atmosphere that feels just like home. I avoid harsh flashes (although off-camera strobes are needed for most sessions) and use gentle lighting that helps everyone feel comfortable. By balancing the Christmas lights with soft light on faces, the room keeps its warm, relaxed feeling.
Natural window light works best for these photos, and we’ll arrive early to check the space and make any needed adjustments. To get ready, tidy up the living room, clear away clutter, and set up the tree lights. Usually, we turn off other lights to keep the lighting consistent. Trust the process, and we’ll make sure you look your best.
Booking Pictures with Santa in Jacksonville, FL
- RBP wants you to experience and remember.
- At-home Santa photos are relaxed and authentic.
- Sessions focus on genuine family moments, not perfection.
- Booking is limited, offering a stress-free alternative to mall photos.
If mall photos feel rushed, having Santa visit your home is a much calmer choice. Last year, all sessions were booked by December 10th, so booking early is essential. Santa experiences start booking in July. That may sound extreme, but if you want this for your family, you can never be more prepared.
To reserve your session, visit our contact page or call our office. After booking, you’ll get a confirmation email with all the details. Sessions last about 1 hour, and you’ll receive 10-20 high-quality photos of Santa’s visit. These sessions fill up fast, so don’t wait—once they’re booked, they’re gone.
Pictures with Santa FAQ
Q: How do I book a Pictures with Santa session, and what dates are available?
A: Pictures with Santa are booked online. You can contact me directly. Dates are limited and released in advance. Availability is shown in real time and is first-come, first-served.
Q: Is Santa experienced and background-checked?
A: Yes. Santa is a professional, background-checked performer with experience working with children of all ages. He is calm, patient, and knows how to make kids feel comfortable.
Q: How long are the pictures with Santa sessions, and how many photos will we receive?
A: Pictures with Santa are designed to feel relaxed, not rushed. The one-hour sessions allow time for kids to warm up, interact naturally, and enjoy the visit. You’ll receive a gallery of professionally edited images, with the final count based on the flow of the session.
Q: How should we prepare for pictures with Santa at home?
A: Tidy the main living areas, turn on the Christmas lights, and keep the décor simple. Classic outfits photograph best. No need to prep kids—comfort and authenticity matter more than perfection.
Russ suggests reading:
Prepping Kids for Santa Pictures
Q: Can I split an hour with an in-home session with another family?
A: Yes. Host your Santa in-home session for the first 30 minutes, then let your neighbors, church friends, or another family swap in for the last 30 minutes with Santa—a great way to share the experience and the cost.
Q: Russ, if we do this in the morning, I will look sleepy! Can you help us look our best?
A: Yes, add a light retouch to your session photos. You can add retouching when booking. This retouch add-on covers skin, hair, and wrinkles on clothes. This will lift your look, but not feel retouched or AI’d to death. Seriously, no one wants to look like a Barbie, right? Just a light natural retouch! Promise.
Holiday Extras
Track Santa Online: Track Santa with your Kids on the NORAD Santa Tracker
Jacksonville, Florida Holiday Events
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