How to Have a Successful Santa Photography Campaign

Santa photo sessions can absolutely be worth doing, but their success depends on how well you plan, market, and execute them.

There are a couple of different Santa session styles.

The kind that are based on fast quick times with a dollar average that is based on multiple sessions per hour

2. The kind that are all about the experience. There is plenty of time allowed with an experienced and skilled Santa for the ultimate experience. The end product typically involves an album that requires a fair amount of post production time.

Both of these types of sessions have a track record of being successful, but require 2 totally different approaches to the time invested in the photography, promotion, session, products offered, and sales.

Think – IPPH, Income Per Photography Hour. Let’s say you can do 6 sessions in an hour with the fast type sessions that have an average sale of $250. That would equal $1500 IPPH. Now, let’s say you do the session that is more about the experience and the album type storybook that has an average of $3000, but it takes you 2 hours to do the photography and the post production layout, etc. Both types of sessions offer the same average in this scenario, but they require completely different approaches to everything.

Decide which is right for you, your brand, your philosophy, your own passion, and the opportunity in your market. Know your competition and how unique your session can be in your community with this type of promotion.

Here’s a breakdown of the pros, cons, and key considerations to help you decide if a Santa promotion is right for you.

1. High Demand, Limited Timeframe

Parents love capturing magical moments with their young kids and Santa.
You’re tapping into holiday excitement and nostalgia.
A short, defined window (usually Nov–early Dec) creates urgency and high booking rates.

2. Great for Upselling

You can offer themed packages: prints, ornaments, holiday cards, digital downloads.
Many parents are willing to splurge for a “once-a-year” event.

3. Opportunity to Attract New Clients

Ideal for first-time customers who may later book family portraits, senior photos, or seasonal minis.

Considerations

1. You Need a Great Santa

A convincing, kind, and patient Santa can make or break the experience.
Professional Santas can be expensive and need to be booked early.

2. Setup Can Be Time-Intensive

Creating a magical, cozy Santa set (lighting, props, backdrops) takes effort and space.
You need kid-friendly helpers to keep things running smoothly.

3. Short Booking Window

You must market aggressively starting in October (or even late September).
After mid-December, interest drops sharply—it’s a tight revenue window.

Tips for Success

Book early: Secure your Santa and venue by summer.
Offer packages: Tiered pricing (mini sessions, premium edits, add-ons) can boost profits.
Time slots: Keep sessions short (5–15 mins), but leave buffer time between.
Marketing: Promote on social, local parent groups, schools, and email newsletters.
Deliver quickly: Offer fast turnaround so families can use images for cards and gifts.

Santa photo sessions can absolutely be worth it—financially and for brand-building—if you: