Every year, Santa Minis remind me of the beauty of simplicity and connection. Writing this blog post is my way of reminding myself to stay true to my style and vision as a photographer.
I’ve never been someone who gravitates toward elaborate props or highly stylized backgrounds. Give me sunshine and a field of weeds, and I’m in my element. For me, the focus of any session is always the people—their personalities, connections, and stories.
Now, to clarify: when I say “props,” I mean objects that are solely decorative and don’t hold personal meaning to the people in the photo. Items like cherished toys, musical instruments, or “lovies” are different—they’re part of the story and help tell who my subjects are.
I’ve embraced this minimalist approach for most of the year. I admire the creative sets and adorable props other photographers use, but they’re just not my style. That said, there’s something about Christmas that makes me second-guess myself when it comes to Santa Minis. I start to wonder, Should I add more Christmasy elements? Do I need props to make these sessions special?
This year, I decided to keep it simple with just a single wrapped gift and a lantern next to Santa. That plan lasted for about half of the first session. I quickly found myself moving them out of the way—they felt like distractions when I zoomed in on my subjects. I realized (again!) that simplicity is what feels most authentic to me.
By keeping the focus on the kids and their interactions with Santa, I’m able to capture moments that feel timeless and genuine. My favorite shots are often the unscripted ones: Santa walking hand-in-hand with a little one, or the quiet moments of a child deep in conversation with him. These photos pull at my heartstrings every time.
And, as always, Nashville Santa did not disappoint—he’s truly the real deal.
One of the things I love most about these sessions is the tradition. Every single family who booked this year was a repeat client. I’ve watched these kids grow over the years, and it’s so special to see how their relationships with Santa evolve. We’ve gone from Santa reading The Night Before Christmas to little ones, to older kids reading the book to Santa.
This year also brought new additions—babies born to families who’ve attended for years. While the first six sessions were miraculously tear-free, the littlest ones in the last two sessions brought some (adorable) tears. When that happens, I try to capture them from a distance, with Santa in the background. It’s not about forcing smiles; it’s about honoring the moment for what it is.
What I’ve learned is this: I don’t need elaborate sets or staged perfection to create meaningful photos. My goal is to document the magic of childhood and family in a way that feels real and unposed. And giving kids room to explore and roam during these sessions only adds to that magic.
For me, Santa Minis mark the start of the holiday season, and this year was no exception. I feel so grateful to be a part of this tradition for so many families, and I can’t wait to see what next year brings.
Save Your Spot for 2025!
If you’re interested in booking next year’s Santa Minis, make sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe to my newsletter for early booking announcements. These sessions fill up quickly, and I’d love to see your family there.