contact laurie today for more information!

Questions & Answers

A:  There's no guesswork on your part - it's the easiest step of all.  Make sure your child/children have had a healthy meal or snack prior to the session.  Well rested, fed, hydrated children are optimal!  Children should be clean, too.  They will be barefoot during the session so pay special attention to clean feet and toes.  No special clothing is required; Laurie has a beautiful collection of vintage Christmas pajamas for girls, women, grandmothers as well as boys, men, and grandfathers. They will change into Christmas pajamas prior to meeting Santa in his workshop.

Additionally,  Laurie will work closely with you prior to the session to gather basic information about each child coming to Santa's Magical Workshop.  It's all done step by step, making the experience even more enjoyable!

Some families choose to bring something meaningful to be included in the workshop setting.  This is just one more way that makes your session different than any other.  Items such as Elf Of The Shelf, a favorite blanket or stuffie, or another sentimental object is welcomed and encouraged.  This is completely optional; please notify Laurie prior to your session if you have an item to bring.






Q:  How do we prepare for the session?




A:  Believe it or not, this is a fairly common question.  Some people have a hard time believing that this quality of artwork can be achieved with a real Santa in such a nostalgic, colorful, and busy workshop setting.  Yes, Santa is very real.  The toys and furniture have been carefully selected for the set and come from across the US.  They are authentic antiques, thoughtfully placed with purpose and with the final artwork in mind.  They are frequently moved during the session as we move from one activity to another.  Every part of the experience is meticulously planned with YOUR family in mind.





Q:  Is this a real Santa?






A:  Following the session, you and Laurie will coordinate a convenient time to meet for your private viewing appointment.  This is where you'll view your images from the session, choose your favorites, and place your order.  The Proofing Session is held in the comfort of  Laurie’s Bishop, CA studio or on Zoom for long distance clients.  Have your shopping list ready!

Laurie will walk you through the wide range of keepsake product offerings and help you select the perfect image for each product, whether it's a Wall Portrait, Keepsake Storybook, or Christmas Cards.




Q:  How do we choose our pictures from the session?



A:  It happens. . . you have children of varying ages and one doesn't believe.  Does that spoil it for the rest of the children?  Not at all.  Before the session ever happens, Laurie communicates closely with the parents/grandparents to uncover little nuggets such as this.  Knowing this information helps her prepare Santa, the parents, and the child for the session by asking the child to be Santa's helper.  It's when they assume that role during the session that they actually forget they don't believe - and that's a beautiful thing.




Q:  What if one of my kids is older and doesn't believe in Santa?


A:  Laurie has an exquisite collection of vintage pajamas for all sizes.  From newborn to grandparent, for both boys and girls.  All are clean, sanitized, and pressed; ready to be changed into upon arriving at the studio.  Laurie will make the pajama selection based on her artistic eye.



Q:  What about clothes for the session?

A:  This session is so much more than just a picture of kids with Santa.  It's a thoughtfully crafted storytelling session that begins well before the click of the shutter.  It's an experience being played out in real life, captured on camera, and turned into timeless, nostalgic artwork.



Q:  Can i just get a picture of my kids with Santa?

Your child’s time with Santa in his Magical Workshop lasts about an hour. Upon arriving at the studio, your child/children will change into special Christmas pajamas before joining Santa in his workshop. Along with Santa, your child/children will do a variety of magical activities together such as fixing broken toys, sharing milk and cookies, storytime, checking the Nice List, and so much more. You’ll laugh, you might cry, and will surely be entertained. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that will live in your hearts forever.

what to expect

more

Children get to check Santa's Nice List!

A:  This can happen too!  However, with knowledge of fearful children ahead of time, Laurie has plenty of methods to help them overcome any fears they have.  Sometimes it takes a little extra time for a child to warm up to Santa, this is where an extra dose of patience comes in handy and Laurie has plenty of that.  You can rest assured that she will work tirelessly to make your child's experience with Santa the most magical, memorable, and amazing, even if it requires a little extra time and attention.



Q:  What if my child is afraid of Santa?




A:  Definitely NO!  One thing is for sure, Santa's Magical Workshop is nothing akin to a mall experience.  A mall experience can be a dreaded experience.  Lines and waits only to have a meltdown when it's your child's turn to sit on Santa's lap.  Santa's Magical Workshop is designed, planned, and provided with each individual family in mind.  It is a happy place that brings joy to children and grownups alike.  Laurie has years of experience with photographing children which translates seamlessly to having them in Santa's  Magical Workshop.  From the beard to the belly, Santa is real, authentic, and ready to answer the most provocative questions from littles such as "where ARE your reindeer?"

Truly the most MAGICAL, MEMORABLE, AND AMAZING experience you can give a child!


Q:  Is this like going to see Santa at the mall?




A:  The list is short but important:  well rested, fed, and hydrated children are optimal!  A favorite toy, blanket, or other sentimental object that you'd like included in the set is welcome.  Please inform Laurie of anything you wish to bring and plan to get it to her prior to the session.


Q:  Do I need to bring anything?




A:  Absolutely!  Families grow and change.  Your children will never forget their time in Santa's Magical Workshop, whether it's their first time or 4th time.


Q:  We came last year, can we come again this year?




To Gallery