Newport Beach, CA & Gilbert, AZ • Sessions by appointment only

How to Do Santa Minis: A Step-by-Step Guide

We want to help you learn How to Do Santa Minis: A Step-by-Step Guide

Running Santa Mini Sessions can be a game-changer for photographers during the holiday season—but only if done right. Whether you’re new to the concept or looking to improve your current setup, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start.

The truth is, planning, pricing, marketing, and executing a successful Santa Mini Session requires more than just a festive backdrop and a Santa suit. It’s about creating an experience that families will remember—and come back for year after year. We have been doing Santa Minis since 2017 and our clients RAVE about them every year.

Why Santa Minis Are Worth It

Santa Minis can be one of your most profitable sessions of the year—if you do it right. But many photographers struggle with booking out sessions, managing costs, or keeping the experience magical for every family.

If you’re feeling unsure about how to plan, price, or market your Santa Minis, I’ve got you covered. That’s exactly why I created the Santa Experience Workshop. This 4-week video course shows you everything you need to know to run successful, profitable Santa Mini Sessions—without the stress and guesswork. It’s designed to be done in 4 weeks, but it is a self-paced course so you can go through it as quickly or slowly as you would like.

What You’ll Learn Inside the Workshop

  • How to plan your Santa Minis from start to finish
  • How to Do Santa Minis: A Step-by-Step Guide
  • Pricing strategies that maximize your profit
  • Marketing techniques to fill your sessions
  • Tips for working with Santas and families
  • Workflow and editing tips for quick turnaround

Want the full breakdown? Click here to join the workshop: Santa Experience Workshop by Gilmore Studios

Your Next Steps

If you’re serious about running successful Santa Minis and maximizing your profits, don’t do it alone. The Santa Experience Workshop takes you through every step, from planning and pricing to marketing and delivering a final product families will love.

You don’t have to figure this out on your own. Let me walk you through every step so you can create magical, profitable Santa Minis this holiday season!

Meet the Gilmores:

Gilmore Studios serves Orange County, Los Angeles, and Phoenix. We specialize in wedding photography, family portraits, newborn and branding photography. Our studio has been in business since 2002.

Fun Facts:

PLace we call home:

Newport Beach & Queen Creek

Number of kids:

3 boys

Years in business:

Since 2002

As seen in:

Family photography

Featured On the blog

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Simple Sophistication

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We photographed this sweet newborn in December, and it’s a question I get all the time: When should we book our newborn session?
	•	The ideal window is within the first few weeks so your baby is extra sleepy and curled up.
	•	But don’t stress if you miss that. Sessions can be beautiful at any stage.
	•	I’ll guide you through family photos, sibling shots (if needed), and solo portraits so every detail of this season is remembered.
This baptism session was extra special because we have known the family awhile. The baptism took place in a beautiful church on Balboa Island.
	•	The sacred space adds so much meaning to the portraits.
	•	Including details like the font, stained glass, and family prayer moments makes the photos timeless.
	•	And of course, we always capture family groupings because this day is about legacy as much as it is about your little one.
🎓 Want a graduation party keepsake that’s actually personal?
A Senior Press Book is the perfect way to print and showcase your senior’s photos and their story.

Filled with your favorite portraits, this custom-designed album becomes a modern-day yearbook — ready for display, signing, or flipping through with family and friends at the party.

Because digital images are great, but printed memories are forever.

#PrintYourPhotos #SeniorPressBook #GraduationPartyIdeas #Classof2025 #SeniorKeepsake #GilmoreStudios #SeniorPhotographerNewportBeach #HighSchoolGraduationIdeas #SeniorPortraitInspo #OCPhotographer
For twin cake smashes, I create one cohesive set that works beautifully for both. We start with family and sibling photos, then photograph the twins together before it is time for cake. Outfit changes are a great way to add variety without switching sets. This way, parents get a gallery that feels polished and cohesive while still showing each child’s personality.
🌈 The Rainbow Luncheon is one of our favorite NCL events to photograph — a celebration of every hour, every project, every moment these senior girls gave back to their community from 7th–12th grade.

It’s more than a luncheon, it’s a legacy.

Newport Beach, CA & Gilbert, AZ

Session by appointment only

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