Behind the Scenes of Santa Mini Sessions in Nashville, TN

Behind the Scenes: Dolly DeLong Photography’s Santa Mini Sessions in Nashville, TN

The thing I will always remember about my Santa mini sessions is watching people light up. Not just the little ones. I have photographed newborns sleeping in Santa Scott’s arms, four-year-olds who could barely hold still, middle schoolers who walked in acting way too cool, and grown dads who came in planning to stand off to the side and ended up grinning like they were eight years old again. Every single age group gets that same look on their face.

That is the part families do not see when they are scrolling through pictures online. As a Nashville and Franklin family photographer, I get asked all the time what a Santa mini session day actually feels like from the inside, so I want to walk you through it. If you already know your family is in and you just want a time slot, you can book your Santa mini session here. If you are still deciding, keep reading, because I think the behind-the-scenes version is what makes people say yes.

What a Santa Mini Session Day Actually Looks Like

Santa mini session day runs on a calm 15-minute schedule at Studio Ivoire in Franklin, TN, with one family inside the studio at a time and no waiting room chaos.

I arrive at Studio Ivoire a couple of hours early, and honestly, that early quiet is one of my favorite parts of the whole day. I make sure that all the Christmas decor is set up just right, test my light, sit in Santa’s bench myself to check the angles, and make sure every ornament is where I want it before a single family walks through the door.

Santa Scott shows up next, already in full costume, and we run through the schedule together. He likes to know how many kids are coming, how old they are, and whether any of them might need extra time to warm up. Because families fill out a questionnaire before the event, we already have a head start on names, ages, and what each child is hoping for.

Then the day begins, and it moves in a steady rhythm. One family arrives, comes inside, and has the studio to themselves for 15 minutes. No line snaking around a mall kiosk. No stranger rushing you along while your toddler melts down. When your time is up, the next family comes in, and we start again. The studio is indoors and lit with natural light, so the whole event happens rain or shine, which takes one more worry off your plate.

*It also helps that I have a helper (assistant) who welcomes families into the studio and keeps the timeline running too (a special shout-out to my helper elf!) 

How Santa Scott Makes Every Child Feel Special

Santa Scott has over 50 years of experience with children, and he never rushes a nervous child. He stays seated, keeps his voice low, and lets kids come to him on their own timeline.

I have watched Santa Scott work with hundreds of kids, and his approach is why families keep coming back. When a toddler walks in wide-eyed and unsure, he does not stand up, lean in, or say anything loud. He stays right where he is and asks the child a small, easy question. Something about their shoes. Something about the dog at home. Something that has nothing to do with sitting on his lap.

Nine times out of ten, curiosity wins. The child inches closer. Then a little closer. And by the time they are ready, the whole thing feels like their idea, because it was.

With older kids, he shifts gears completely. He asks real questions and listens to the answers. He wants to know what position they play, what book they are reading, whether they have started their list yet. Kids who walked in a little too cool for Santa usually end up leaning in, asking him how the reindeer handle Tennessee weather.

And with babies, we keep it simple. Santa holds them for a few frames, mom stays just out of the shot, and we work quickly while the baby is happy. No forcing. No tears for the sake of a picture.

The Moments I Love Capturing Most

The best Santa mini session photos are usually the unplanned ones: the first look, the whispered wish, the sibling giggle, and the family hug at the end.

Here is what I am watching for during your 15 minutes.

The first look. That half-second when your child spots Santa and their whole face changes. Wide eyes, open mouth, hands flying up. I keep my camera ready from the moment your family walks in for exactly this reason.

The whispered wish. Kids lean in and tell Santa their Christmas list like it is classified information. Santa leans in to listen. The picture that comes out of that is my absolute favorite frame of the day, every single time.

The sibling moment. Two kids on Santa’s lap, one whispering something to the other, both of them cracking up. These are the images parents email me about years later.

The full family portrait. I always make sure we get everyone together, including Mom. Not just the kids. You in the picture too, because your children will want to see you there someday. I will make sure to get one with and without Santa. 

The small details. Little hands on Santa’s sleeve. A candy cane gripped too tightly. Scuffed boots swinging off the edge of the chair. These are the images that bring the day right back to you.

After the event, I edit your gallery and deliver it online with up to 10 high-resolution digital images and a print release, plus the option to upgrade to the full gallery if you want every frame from your family’s time with Santa. If you want the full breakdown of pricing and how the reservation works, I walk through it all in my post on how to book Santa mini sessions in Nashville.

What Families Are Saying About Working With Dolly DeLong Photography

Families consistently mention the same three things in their reviews: clear communication, a relaxed pace, and photos that actually look like their family.

I could describe the experience all day, but I would rather let past clients do it.

“Dolly was a joy to work with! Her communication was excellent and very responsive. We are so happy with how our newborn family photos turned out. Her photography skills are excellent, and you can tell how passionate she is about providing memories for each family she works with.” – Michelle Frazier

“My family had a wonderful photo session with Dolly. She made everyone feel comfortable, and it showed in the photos taken.” – Taylor Davis

“Dolly came highly recommended to us by a friend, and she didn’t disappoint. She took the most beautiful family photos for us! Not to mention she was so sweet. Loved working with her and definitely will book again.” -Rachel C.

Frequently Asked Questions About Santa Mini Sessions in Nashville

How long is a Santa mini session? Each family gets 15 minutes of private time with Santa Scott inside the studio. That is enough time for your children to visit with Santa, share their Christmas wishes, take photos together, and get a full family portrait with and without Santa! I make sure to let you have a variety of portraits. 

What is included in a Santa mini session? Your investment includes 15 minutes with Santa Scott at Studio Ivoire in Franklin, TN, plus up to 10 professionally edited high-resolution digital images delivered in an online gallery with a print release. You can upgrade to the full gallery after delivery if you want every image.

What if my child is scared of Santa? This happens often, and it is completely normal. Santa Scott never rushes a nervous child. He stays seated, speaks softly, and lets your little one warm up at their own pace. We can also start with family photos first and bring Santa in once your child feels settled.

Where do the Santa mini sessions take place? The sessions are held at Studio Ivoire in Franklin, Tennessee, a natural light indoor studio just outside Nashville. Because we are inside, the event happens rain or shine.

What should my family wear? Soft neutrals, deep reds, creams, and gentle plaids photograph beautifully in this studio. I put together a full guide on what to wear for Santa mini sessions with outfit ideas for every age.

How do I reserve a time slot? Choose your time slot on the booking page, then sign your contract and pay your invoice in full. Your spot is not held until both are complete, and slots go quickly.

Ready to Be Part of This Year’s Santa Mini Sessions?

Every year I watch families walk out of that studio a little lighter than they walked in. The kids are giddy. The parents are relieved that it was so much easier than they expected. And a few weeks later, those images are hanging on the wall or tucked inside a Christmas card going out to grandparents in three different states.

Childhood moves fast. The year your daughter still believes with her whole heart, the year your son insists on wearing the same dinosaur shirt to everything, the year your baby fits in Santa’s arms. Those seasons are short, and I believe they are worth honoring well. Capturing them is a small way I get to help families hold onto what God has given them.

Want your family to be part of this year’s Santa mini sessions in Nashville? Book your time slot now. I would love to photograph your family this Christmas. I keep this page open ALL year, so even if it’s closed on a date you click on that link,  I will still have a waitlist on that page (so you will stay in the know!) 

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