Every fall, the Parents Club of Crofton and The Backpack Project are excited to give kids the chance to meet Santa! To help capture these special moments, Joanna Nolting, your local family photographer and PCC board member, shares her top tips for capturing the best photos of kids meeting Santa.
The photo above was taken with my cell phone at a PCC Santa event!
1. Prepare your child
Talk about Santa, read stories, or write a wishlist together. Browse past PCC Santa Photos on the club’s Facebook page. Keep preparations positive by talking about how excited you are to meet him and how kind he is.
2. Get down to their level
Crouch or kneel so you’re eye-level with your child and Santa. This creates a natural, connected photo. Make sure all faces are visible, especially with multiple children, and tap your child’s face on your phone screen to set focus and exposure.
3. Capture their emotions
Introduce your kids to Santa and let the moment unfold naturally. Snap candid shots before and after they talk with him. Let the kids lead: whether they’re excited or a little nervous, these authentic moments make wonderful memories to look back on and see how they change year to year.
4. Offer posing choices
Some kids feel most comfortable sitting next to Santa, standing in front of him, or peeking from afar. They might want to whisper a secret, sing a favorite holiday song, or give a high five. Younger or more nervous children may feel more at ease with a parent joining them in the photo.
5. Prompt natural smiles
Instead of saying “cheese,” ask them to repeat silly or festive words, like “Santa!”, “Candy cane!”, or “Jingle bells!” to capture genuine smiles. You can also bring up something personal, like a favorite toy or a question for Santa, to make the moment even more authentic.
6. Mix up your angles and framing
Step to the side for a fun view or include decorations in the background. Take wide shots to show the full scene and close-ups for faces and little details.
7. Keep it quick and lighthearted
Be ready before you walk in with your phone out and camera app open to capture those first magical expressions. Make eye contact with your child, speak to them softly, and respond to their reactions with encouragement or gentle praise. Your positive energy helps them feel safe and results in natural, joyful photos.
