If you’re seeing this in August or September and your first thought is ‘isn’t it way too early to think about Santa photos?’, I promise it isn’t. The moms I admire most are quietly handling their Santa session booking somewhere between August and October. They’re not stressed about Christmas card deadlines in December because their photos came back weeks ago. They’re not scrambling in November hoping someone has a leftover slot. And they’re definitely not the ones reaching out in December wondering why every photographer in town is fully booked.

Last November, I got a message from a mom asking if I had any Santa photo openings left. By the time she reached out, our Santa session event was completely booked, every slot was taken. I felt terrible telling her no. That conversation is exactly why I now talk about Santa session bookings starting in late summer, because the moms who plan ahead get the entire experience to feel calm. The ones who wait get whatever’s left, if anything.

 

Here’s the thing nobody tells you about Santa photos: you need to be prepared for our Santa photoshoot launch in September.  Wait until closer to November and you’re likely stuck on a waiting list.  That was me back in 2013.  I had my first child, and never even thought about holiday photos and Christmas card photo timing.  I was so last minute, and felt so scrambled trying to get everything together.  It wasn’t the best feeling- I felt unprepared. 

So learn from my mistakes!  Registration for our 2026 Santa photoshoot opens on September 14 for our Elf Pass holders and Collective members, and September 15 for our Nice list (sign up here) https://valeriemariaphotography.myflodesk.com/santa2026

 This gives our families enough time to plan for their Santa picture outfits, leave room in their calendar, and anticipate the best Philadelphia Santa Photographer!   Can’t wait to see you here!