A Story with Santa, Santa Express, Child's Fine Art Holiday Portrait - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

PLEASE read this page carefully!! There is a LOT of information here that should answer all of your questions. If, however, you have a question that is not addressed, or you need further clarification regarding any of the information given here, please contact me. I can be reached by email at lisa@LJonesPhotography.com.

What is the difference between A Story with Santa and the Santa Express session?: A Story with Santa is a 40 minute interactive experience that you and your child will remember for a lifetime! This session is most suitable for children aged 3 and up. During the session Santa uses a wide variety of props and invites the children to interact with him as he works through various storylines. A few of the storylines include:

The story of the First Christmas

Prayers with Santa

Checking the Nice List

Santa's Nice list book

Peeking into Santa's Bag

Reindeer bells

Santa's Workshop

Musical Instruments/Sing-A-Long

Traveling the Globe

Cookies and milk

A Call from Mrs. Claus

And more...

A Story with Santa Exclusive is an extended version of the classic storybook session that is perfect for families who want to include a family portrait either with or without Santa or for the grandparent who wants to book a session for all her grandchildren.

The Heirloom Storybook Album is only available with the Story and Story Exclusive sessions.

Santa Express sessions were designed specifically for children under 3 who aren't quite ready for the full experience or for those who only want a few magical images with Santa. These are 8 or 15 minute sessions that may start with a few images of your child on the Christmas set without Santa. Santa will quietly enter the set and we will then work to get photos of your child with Santa. The Storybook Album is not offered with the Santa Express session. These sessions include a set number of images delivered digitally.
What is the Child's Fine Art Holiday Portrait?: This session is designed to create a fine art portrait of your child that will exist as wall art for your home. These images will be photographed on a fine art backdrop with a few subtle holiday props. This image will be an art piece that can hang in your home and be enjoyed year round. The goal with this session is not to capture a large number of images but instead to capture that one perfect image.

After booking you will receive an email with wardrobe suggestions. During your image reveal and order session you will choose your favorite image along with the wall art size and medium of your choice. Choices include framed fine art prints and canvas in a variety of styles. Your session fee includes a product credit of 795 that you can apply to your wall art of choice.

While my goal is to capture that one perfect image, should there be other images that you love, you will have the opportunity to purchase additional images during your order session although additional purchases is not required.
Where are you located?: I am located in Cullman, Alabama. My studio is only 5 minutes from I65 if traveling from out of town. Cullman is centrally located in North Central Alabama. Booking clients will receive detailed directions to my studio.
How do I book the session?: Booking is easy! You can book your session online using the book now buttons included with each session description.
How much does it cost?: A Story with Santa Exclusive - 1,595 - includes a 10 x 10 Heirloom Storybook Album with 12 images or 1,495 credit towards the products of your choice

A Story with Santa - 995 - includes a 7x5 album with 10 images or 895 credit towards the products of your choice

Santa Express Plus - 595 - includes 10 digital images

Santa Express - 295 - includes 5 digital images

Child Fine Art Holiday Portrait - 895 - includes 795 credit towards the wall art of your choice

When booking you have the option of paying 50% down with the remainder due a week before the session date or you can pay the full amount at the time of booking. 150 of every session is a non refundable booking fee.
What is the non refundable booking fee?: 150 of your session fee is a non refundable booking fee that reserves your spot on the calendar. This fee is used to pay Santa and his assistant. If you miss your session or cancel at the last minute, Santa and his assistant still have to be paid therefore this fee is nonrefundable.
Are there any other date options other then the ones listed?: Possibly but not likely. Santa stays very busy during the holiday season and most of his available dates are already booked. If you are interested in booking A Story with Santa session and the listed dates do not work, please email me and I can check to see if there are any other dates available. You can reach me at Lisa@LJonesPhotography.com
What should my child wear?: Since this is a very stylized session with the goal of creating beautiful artwork and storybook albums that you will treasure for a lifetime, I highly recommend that you adhere to the suggested dress code. I have provided a WARDROBE GUIDE to help with your clothing selection. Most of my sets have an old world/vintage/antique look and feel. You have the option of dressing your children in pajamas, casual, or dress attire as outlined HERE.
What backdrop/set will be used and can I request a past set?: While many of my props and antique toys show up on every set, I'm always acquiring new props and backdrops that will create a unique and beautiful set. From year to year I often do not know which backdrop will be used until I start building the set. I do however tend to stick to the aesthetic that I have come to love for my Santa offerings. Building the sets take a lot of time and effort so meeting requests for specific backdrops or sets is not an option.
Can I book a single session to include more than one family (Grandma wants to book a single session for all her grandchildren)?: Because of the size of my set and the space needed for Santa and the children, my studio can not accommodate large groups. With a large group of children, specifically younger children, one time slot is not enough time for each child to be able to interact with Santa. Depending on the number of children, the A Story with Santa Exclusive session might be a good fit. However, before you book a session for all the "grandkids" please contact me directly to discuss options. You can reach me via email at Lisa@LJonesPhotography.com.
What is your cancellation policy?: 150 of the booking fee is nonrefundable. My Santa is reserved for the days of my sessions and if you cancel I still have to pay Santa and his assistant. Once you have booked your session, please place your date and time on your calendar and plan around your scheduled time. If you have to cancel for some unforseen reason, any amount over the 150 that you have paid will be fully refunded.
What happens if my child is sick on his session date?: If your child is sick, please notify me ASAP. Do not show up for your session with a sick child. In the event that your child is sick on the day of his session, I will do everything possible to reschedule. If that is not possible, your booking fee can be applied to a future session. Failure to show up for your session for any reason will result in a forfeiture of your booking fee/retainer.
How long is the session?: A Story with Santa Exclusive is a 60 minute session.

A Story with Santa is a 40 minute session.

Santa Express Plus is a 15 minute session.

Santa Express is an 8 minute session.
Are there any age restrictions?: The short answer is no. A Story with Santa is most suitable for children aged 3 and up. Santa uses a wide variety of props and invites the children to interact with him as he works through various storylines. If you have more than one child, it is best to book the session most appropriate for the oldest child.

Santa Express sessions were designed specifically for children under 3 who aren't quite ready for the full experience. This is a much shorter session that starts with a few images of your child on the Christmas set without Santa. Santa will quietly enter the set and we will then work to get photos of your child with Santa. The Storybook Album is not offered with the Santa Express sessions.

Age is not necessarily the deciding factor on how well any child will do with Santa. You know your child and your child’s personality better than anyone. If you have a child older than 3 who is very timid and not sure about Santa then you are more than welcome to book the Santa Express session. Because of the short time frame with the express sessions, these sessions are best suited for one or perhaps two children. If you have more than two children it is recommended that you book the Story session.
What if my child cries?: Then your child cries! Some of my very favorite Santa portraits are images with crying children! We never want to traumatize any child and will never try to force any child to interact with Santa or "sit on Santa's lap". We will work with every child and do our very best to capture images within the time frame given. With the Santa Express session we can start by capturing a few images of the child on the Christmas set without Santa. If a child reacts negatively towards Santa we have several distractions that normally work including musical instruments, singing songs, the wooden rocking horse or rocking airplane, musical carosel and of course bubbles! If your child has a favorite security toy you are free to bring it. While each child gets a sugar cookie at the end of the session, we do try to refrain from using food during the session as a bribe.

Because these sessions are booked back to back, we will have to end the session at the set time to prepare for the next client. Booking fees are non refundable due to a crying child.
What happens if my child is afraid of Santa?: One of the benefits of having a private session is that your child will have ample time to warm up to Santa. My Santa and his assistant are both wonderful with children so please allow them time to interact with your child (we have a few tricks up our sleeves). If needed, one, or both parents may be asked to join the child and sit next to Santa. If you know that you have a child who is especially shy or might be hesitant, please come appropriately dressed to join your child for photos if needed. We will patiently work with your child to ensure that he/she has an enjoyable experience resulting in photos that you will treasure for a lifetime. However, the maximum amount of time we can spend with any child/family is 40 minutes if booking A Story with Santa and 10 to 15 minutes max with the Santa Express sessions.
When do I get to see the images?: Those booking the A Story with Santa session will return for an in person image reveal and order session. You will book this time when filling out your questionnaire. During the order session you will view a selection of images and order your prints and products. My goal is to make it easy for you to get what you love in a pressure free atmosphere. I walk you through the entire process and help guide you to select the products that are best suited for display in your home. After booking, watch your email for a questionnaire that you will need to fill out and submit before your portrait session. On this questionnaire, you will choose the date and time you wish to return for your order session.

Those booking the Santa Express and Santa Express Plus sessions will receive a gallery link approximately one to two weeks after the session. Once you receive the link you will have one week to choose which images you want. These images will then be retouched and delivered to you via a download link. Once you receive your gallery you will have the option to purchase any additional images that may be available. If you do not choose your images in the alotted time I will chose my favorites and send you a download link.
How do I order prints and products?: All orders for A Story with Santa and A Story with Santa Exclusive will be placed during the in person image reveal and order session so it is very important that all decision makers be present during this appointment. It is recommended that you not bring young children to the order appointment. I have allotted 1 hour for this process. As with the portrait session, it is important that you arrive on time. The fees for these sessions include an album. During your order session you will choose the images you would like for your album. You will have the opportunity to upgrade to a larger album, add more images to your album, order wall art, prints, Christmas cards, ornaments and more. There is no obligation to purchase additional prints or products.

Santa Express sessions will receive a gallery link. You will view your images online, choose the ones you want and will have the option to make additional purchases online.
What products to you offer?: Product offerings include a leather bound, limited edition storybook album (available only with the A Story with Santa sessions), handbound photo albums, heirloom hand painted wall portraits on canvas, framed fine art wall portraits, gift prints, Christmas cards, and more. Upon filling out your questionnaire and booking your order appointment you will receive a link to the full product menu.

Images from the Santa Express sessions will be available via digital download. You will have the option to purchase prints once your gallery is delivered.
When do I pay for my order?: A Story with Santa sessions include an album. During your in person image reveal and order session you will choose the images you want for your album. During this time you will have the option to upgrade to a larger album. You will also have the option to purchase wall art, prints, Christmas cards, ornaments and more. Additional purchases are not required. Payment on any additional purchases that you make are due at the time of order.
How long will it take to get my prints and products?: Once you place your order, please allow up to 6 weeks for your product to be ready for pickup. Hand painted portraits typically take longer than 6 weeks. You will be notified once your order is ready. All orders will be available for pickup at my studio.

Digital images from the Santa Express sessions will be available for download as soon as they are retouched and ready. Please allow up to 4 weeks. You will receive an email with download instructions.
Do you offer digital images?: You will receive a watermarked digital image sized for social media sharing of each image that you order. I do offer print and digital packages that include a high resolution digital copy of your ordered images printable up to size 8x12. Santa Express sessions include downloadable digital copies of your chosen images printable up to an 8x12 size.
Can I use my images to order Christmas cards?: I offer Christmas cards as an add-on item to any collection, wall art or album orders. If you would like to print your own cards, you do have the option of purchasing a digital copy of any photo ordered for print.
Can the parents watch?: Yes, but quietly! Once you enter the studio, there will be a specific spot where the parent/s will be allowed to sit and quietly observe. Parents must turn off all cell phones before entering the studio. Absolutely NO photos or videos are to be taken during the session. Parents are to remain quiet and refrain from interacting with or giving direction to the children during their time with Santa. Santa, his assistant and the photographer are all trained to work with the children. Our goal is to create and maintain a calm and enjoyable atmosphere for the children with a goal of capturing natural expressions, whatever those may be! Our hope is that the children will be focused on Santa and their magical time with him and not on the parents. No coaching whatsoever is allowed from the parents.
Can I take my own photos or video during the session?: No. All cell phones must be turned off before entering the studio. IPads are not allowed. I encourage you to sit back and enjoy watching your children experience the magic of Santa during their session. I know your children are going to look adorable dressed for their time with Santa and that you will want to capture your own cell photos but PLEASE refrain from taking photos of your children until after their time with Santa. Young children have a very limited attention span. My experience has led me to know that if you wear them out by having them perform for your cell phone photos before they get to me, by the time they get to me, they have nothing left!
Can the parents be included in any of the photos?: Yes, if you are booking A Story with Santa session. Towards the end I will allow parents to join their child/children for a quick photo. Please refer to the wardrobe guide if you want to be included in a photo.

Unfortunately the Santa Express sessions do not allow enough time for family photos.
Can the grandparents come to watch?: My studio space will allow me to accommodate no more than 4 adults.
Can you accommodate a child with a disability?: Absolutely! When filling out the questionnaire that you will receive after booking A Story with Santa session, there will be a space where you can let us know about any special needs your child may have. If your child is wheelchair bound or requires the use of a walker or other aid, we will arrange for you to park and enter the studio directly when it is time for your session. If you have a child with any special needs, please let me know so that we can do our very best to ensure that your child has an amazing experience with Santa.

If you are booking one of the Santa Express sessions you will not receive a questionnaire. However, if your child has a disability that we need to be aware of or you need any kind of special accommodations, please email me directly at Lisa@LJonesPhotography.com
Can my child bring his favorite toy with him?: Yes. If your child has a small toy he is attached to that provides comfort for him, then by all means let him bring it. However, please keep in mind that large sized items can impede my ability to capture your child’s face and trying to remove or rearrange these items for photos will only serve the purpose of upsetting him. I would limit toys to one, keep them small, and try to choose an item that will blend with the aesthetics of the set.
Can I bring a gift for Santa's bag?: Absolutely if you are booking A Story with Santa session!! If you wish, please bring a small, wrapped gift for each child with his or her name on the tag. Place the wrapped gifts in a bag and present them to the greeter when you arrive. We will slip the gifts into Santa’s bag. Towards the end of your time with Santa, he will reach in his bag and present each child with their gift.

Unfortunately the Santa Express sessions do not allow enough time for gifts to be presented and opened during the session.
Do you allow pets?: If you are booking A Story with Santa session then maybe, but please keep in mind that session time is limited and unless your pet is highly trained, any pet can distract from the children's time with Santa. If your pet is a service dog then absolutely yes. Any pet must be up to date on all vaccinations, freshly bathed and recently treated for fleas. Pets must be on a leash. Please contact me to discuss including a pet.

Pets can not be included in the Santa Express sessions.

I do offer Santa sessions just for pets!! Watch for more details coming soon or contact me for information regarding a Santa session for your pet.
What happens if I am running late for my appointment?: If you see that you are running late, you must text me asap. I will not be monitoring email during session times so please do not email. Any family running more than 5 minutes late for their session may have to forfeit their time or have their session time cut short. Booking fees/retainers are nonrefundable.
TIPS TO HELP ENSURE YOUR CHILD HAS A POSITIVE EXPERIENCE WITH SANTA!!: Prepare your child ahead of time by talking about the experience in a positive way.

Build excitement leading up to the event.

Include them in preparations, like selecting wardrobe.

Do not schedule a session during what is typically your child's nap time.

Make sure your child is well rested.

Do not schedule a session after another activity your child might be involved in. If they have another activity (sports, dance, gymnastics, etc.) on the same day as their portrait session, please consider skipping the other activity for that day.

Make sure your child is well fed before coming for the session. Feed them a snack or meal BEFORE coming and before you dress them in their portrait attire.

Do NOT bring food with you to the session to use as a bribe. No food is allowed in the studio. All children will be given a cookie to take home with them after their session.

Please do not use bribes or threats to try and coerce your child.

Please refrain from taking your own photos of your child until after their time with Santa. Young children have short attention spans and tire easily. If you wear your child out taking photos before they arrive for their session, it is very likely they will have nothing left for the photographer!

Please make sure that your child's clothing is pressed and wrinkle free. I'm not talking about the wrinkling that can occur with the use of car seats and seat belts, I'm talking about the deep set wrinkles that are present when you remove clothing from the package. Please iron or steam out those deep wrinkles and hang the clothing until time to dress for the session.

Please arrive dresses and ready. There will not be time for you to dress your child once you arrive for the session.
SESSION AGREEMENT - PLEASE READ: Copyright Notice, Model Release, Release of Liability and Other Legalities

Lisa Jones/Lisa Jones photography retains copyright and ownership of all images and retains the right to use, reproduce and publish the images in any medium for self-promotion, publicity, advertising, photographic competition, publication, exhibition or for any other lawful purpose. The images may be published either in print or online for these purposes by third parties as submitted by Lisa Jones only. Client hereby waives any right to inspect or approve Photographer’s use of the images produced in any media. Client will not screenshot, save, scan, copy, print, or reproduce images in any manner or medium without written consent from the Photographer. Client may not authorize any reproductions of the images for commercial use, personal use, or for photographic competitions/displays without written consent from the Photographer. Copyright infringement is punishable by law, and violators will be prosecuted.

I understand that some parents may not want their child's photos published or posted online for various reasons. I completely respect the privacy of my clients. If you do not want your child's photos posted online or used for publications, please email a written request to lisa@LJonesPhotography.com.

Lisa Jones/Lisa Jones Photography reserves the right to reschedule or cancel any or all sessions in the event of illness or an emergency on the part of Santa or the photographer. In such a case, if the session can not be rescheduled or has to be cancelled, a refund of the booking fee/retainer and any advance payment towards portrait orders will be offered. In the rare event that Santa has an emergency or illness that prevents him from fulfilling his duties, and a replacement can not be found, client may be offered an alternative Christmas themed portrait session.

Lisa Jones/Lisa Jones Photography, Santa, assistants, team members, or anyone assisting or associated with Lisa Jones Photography cannot be held liable for any exposure to the Covid-19 virus or any other contagion or infectious disease that you may come in contact with during your time at the studio. While efforts will be made to sanitize props and common areas, participation in these portrait sessions could include possible exposure to an illness from an infectious disease including but not limited to Covid-19. In booking a session, you knowingly and freely assume any and all risks involved from possible exposure.

Client releases Lisa Jones/Lisa Jones photographer, Santa and any other employee or team member from any claims in connection with production of the images produced. In the event of any disagreement both parties agree to mediation with a third party arbitrator prior to legal action. By signing client claims to have read and understand this agreement, and is competent to execute it. Signer is either at least 18 years old and the subject of the photographs or certify that they are the parent or legal guardian of the minor subject being photographed and gives consent without reservation on behalf of all persons photographed. This agreement is governed by the laws of Alabama.

Whew! That was a LOT!!! I hope you made it to the end. All information provided is for the benefit of ensuring that your child is prepared for the best experience possible! You will be asked to check a box on the booking form agreeing that you have read this page. A pop quiz might be given... be prepared!

ONLINE BOOKING NOW AVAILABLE FOR A STORY WITH SANTA & SANTA EXPRESS!

A Story with Santa, Santa Express, Child's Fine Art Holiday Portrait - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

lisa@ljonesphotography.com