‘SYDNEY SANTA PHOTOS’
PRIVATE STUDIO SANTA SESSIONS
BOOKING LINK BELOW, BUT FIRST … SOME HELPFUL INFORMATION
*BOOKINGS CLOSED* - 2024 SANTA SESSIONS AT PHOTOGREFF IN PICTON, NSW
We are Picton’s original and best secret Santa Session studio. Secret because Santa isn’t on set when the children arrive. He magically appears when they’re seated and I’ve begun to take their photo. This has worked out to be ideal for most young children who are a little frightened of Santa as I usually manage to get a couple of shots with Santa behind the children before they realise he’s there. After the first few shots we introduce Santa to the children and get more shots of Santa engaging with them.
Our packages include digital images delivered via private online gallery. Prints are not included.
Please read all of the information throughout the booking process to ensure that you’re aware of the session inclusions, booking T&C’s and to avoid any disappointment. We offer different session types for immediate and extended families.
Session Types:
IN 2024 WE OFFER VARIOUS SESSION TYPES WITH DIFFERENT PRICE POINTS FOR EACH MONTH. OCTOBER IS OUR LEAST EXPENSIVE MONTH FOR SESSIONS.
Quick and Easy session. (1 IMMEDIATE FAMILY - LIMITED TO 10 PEOPLE).
Santa will magically appear when I begin to take photos of the family. This package includes a minimum of 5 images from the shoot. (The number of images provided can vary depending on how quickly the children settle into the set and their level of co-operation.) This session has a fixed shot list, either the parents and kids are in every shot or we start with the kids then the parents join them half way through. All children are in every shot, we don’t switch children in and out during this short session. Santa is in every image. The session is allocated up to 5 minutes and includes shoot time of around 2 to 3 minutes. One immediate family per booking, do not book for cousins or addition of grandparents. Book via link at bottom of the page.
Magical Santa Session with bonus Christmas Portrait. (LIMITED TO 10 PEOPLE, 1 IMMEDIATE FAMILY).
We start by capturing a family portrait style shot (without Santa) of the kids and the kids with parent(s), on the beautiful Christmas set. Santa will then magically appear for the remainder of the session time. This package includes a minimum of 10 images from the shoot. (The number of images provided can vary depending on how quickly the children settle into the set and their level of co-operation.) We usually start with the family portrait including Mum and Dad, then just kids and mum and dad jump in again for shots with Santa at the end. One immediate family per booking, i.e. both parents and their own children but no Aunts/Uncles, cousins, friends etc. Book via link at bottom of the page.
-NEW SESSION TYPE- ‘MY KIDS ARE ADULTS’ Magical Santa Session. (LIMITED TO 10 PEOPLE).
Great for families with older children who might also like to bring their partners. Includes a Christmas family portrait without Santa and 3 other portrait shots (e.g. each couple) before Santa joins the family. You receive at least 10 jpeg images via online gallery. Shoot time: approximately 5 to 6 minutes. We can switch people around in Magical Santa sessions making it ideal for blended families.
Double Family Session. (limited to 10 people).
Each immediate family unit will receive a quick and easy session of up to 5 minutes (see Quick and Easy session for inclusions). The extended family group will then return to the set for group family photos for the remainder of the session time. Santa is in every shot. You will receive a minimum of 15 images from the shoot. (The number of images provided can vary depending on how quickly the children settle into the set and their level of co-operation.) Book via link at bottom of the page.
Triple Family Session. (limited to 10 people).
Each immediate family unit will receive a quick and easy session of up to 5 minutes (see Quick and Easy session for inclusions). The extended family group will then return to the set for group family photos for the remainder of the session time. Santa is in every shot. You will receive a minimum of 20 images from the shoot. (The number of images provided can vary depending on how quickly the children settle into the set and their level of co-operation.) Book via link at bottom of the page.
GRANDPARENTS SESSION. (LIMITED TO 10 PEOPLE).
This is new session type caters to families who like to bring the grandparents along. Please note there is a limit of 10 people per booking. In this session we capture the equivalent of a Magical Santa Session for the family with children then we capture an additional two shots for each set of grandparents (e.g. grandparents with children, grandparents with whole family). Shoot time is approximately 10 to 12 minutes.
COUSINS SESSION. (LIMITED TO 10 PEOPLE).
When it's just the kids and their cousins. Similar to a Quick & Easy session but for cousins, all together, no parents or individual family shots (book a Double or Triple family session for individual family shots). You receive at least 6 edited jPegs via online gallery. We capture a photo of all the kids on the set with secret Santa by the fireplace & then Santa interacting with the children from a distance. Santa is in every shot. Shoot time: approximately 3 to 4 minutes. It is important to note that every family must arrive together and on time or they miss out.
FRIENDS & COLLEAGUES SESSION, 16+ YRS OLD. (LIMITED TO 8 PEOPLE).
When you’re friends or colleagues and you just want group shots. Everyone is in every shot except in the case of a work team where we allow one change to people on set. You receive at least 5 edited jPegs via online gallery. We capture a photo with secret Santa by the fireplace & then Santa with the group. Shoot time: approximately 3 minutes. It is important to note that every person must arrive together and on time or they miss out.
SPECIAL NEEDS session. (LIMITED TO 10 PEOPLE).
Only for families with special needs. We allocate extra time for these sessions to ensure we can take additional time to settle the family into the set. Please note that quite often the shoot takes much less time than allocated. We don’t play music during special needs sessions but we do use large strobe lights that fire with each shot. There are two steps to get down into the studio. Santa will magically appear when I begin to take photos of the family and he will be in every shot. This package includes a minimum of 5 images from the shoot. (The number of images provided can vary depending on how quickly the family settles into the set and the level of co-operation.) One immediate family per booking. Book via link at bottom of the page.
EXPECTATIONS:
Consider these shoots as short, fun and and perfectly imperfect. Kylie captures relaxed & spontaneous moments during a Santa Session unlike an ideally positioned and styled longer portrait session. There should be a reasonable expectation of what Kylie can and can’t control or achieve during the session time with your family, particularly if little ones aren’t co-operative.
Image editing and delivery:
Kylie applies a general edit to your images to balance tone, contrast and crop. Your images will be delivered via a temporary online gallery approximately 4 days after the shoot for download. You can order professional quality prints from the gallery (** they may not be delivered before Christmas if ordered in December) or arrange your own prints using the downloaded high resolution files.
NO REFUNDS BUT RESCHEDULES ARE OK - if available:
Be aware, before booking, that we don’t offer refunds. You can reschedule your session on-line to another time within the same month of your original booking, with sufficient notice. If you need to reschedule to a later month, you’ll need to pay the price difference and provide Kylie with at least 48 hours written notice (via @photogreff facebook messenger or email) to move your session.
Santa:
Santa is sponsored by Loan Market Specialist and he is great with kids. He also has an American accent, just like Santa in the movies. He’s the real deal, just ask him.
THE SET:
The set will be the same as 2023 with a few minor changes to the props used. Inspired by my favourite Christmas movie, The Holiday, we’ve given the set a Cotswold Cottage theme. New rock fireplace feature, towering slabs of rich timber and regency panelling in a neutral tone. See pic.
Studio:
Our studio is in Picton, NSW. A 40 minute drive from Wollongong, twenty minutes from Camden, 35 minutes from Mittagong and an hour from Sutherland. We suggest you arrive in town early if you’re travelling from out of the area to ensure that you avoid any last minute road closures or delays. Although you can’t arrive at the studio earlier than your session time you will find great local retailers on the same street. We also have a Sportspower right next door and a great café on the other side.
Kylie:
Kylie is an award winning Accredited Professional Photographer. She began the private Photogreff Santa Sessions in 2013 after noticing that her own children didn’t like standing in line at shopping centres where their photo was taken with a large audience of onlookers. The number of families attending Photogreff Santa Sessions has grown considerably and the dates have booked out for the past four years. We recommend you book early.
Click here for more information (THE NITTY GRITTY) and to book your session
WEEK BEFORE CHRISTMAS SESSIONS: not yet released
We will have extra hands on deck to assist us with delivery of images before Christmas Day.
FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS
Kylie has been building her successful Santa Session business since 2013 when there were very few alternatives available. She has gone through a significant planning and learning experience to present Christmas Sessions that are both beautiful and efficiently managed. Kylie is available to share her knowledge as a mentor for Professional Photographers who are interested in running a successful Santa or Christmas photography business.
Rather than clone IP from her website, consider creating something magnificent and unique to you. Kylie’s guidance can help you skip through the tricky stages of product and process development. Kylie has more than 20 years of experience in successful management of small and medium business, specialising in customer service, business growth, efficiency and of course creativity. Contact her at education@photogreff.com to discuss your needs.