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

How to Plan and Book Santa Minis for the Holidays

How to Plan and Book Santa Minis for the Holidays

Thinking about offering Santa Mini Sessions this holiday season? It’s a fantastic way to boost your income and create magical experiences for families—but it takes the right strategy to make it work.

Planning and booking your Santa Minis can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re worried about filling your schedule or getting everything set up just right. The good news? You don’t have to do it alone!

Why Planning Matters

Santa Minis aren’t just about showing up with a Santa suit—they’re about creating a holiday experience that clients will love and book year after year. From the setup to the marketing to booking, every step matters.

If you’re unsure how to plan and fill your sessions, I created the Santa Experience Workshop by Gilmore Studios just for you. This 4-week video course breaks down every detail, from finding the right Santa to creating a booking process that works.

What You’ll Learn Inside the Workshop

  • How to Plan and Book Santa Minis for the Holidays
  • Step-by-step planning tips for seamless sessions
  • How to book out your calendar without feeling overwhelmed
  • Pricing and package ideas to increase your profit
  • Tips for client communication and setting expectations
  • Workflow strategies to keep things stress-free

Don’t let planning hold you back this holiday season. Learn exactly how to create successful Santa Minis that book out fast!

Ready to get started? Click here to join the workshop: Santa Experience Workshop

Make this holiday season your most profitable yet!

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

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How do you prepare to say goodbye for two years?

This family has six boys, and one was about to leave for Finland on his mission. They scheduled this session a few weeks before he left, knowing how important it was to have everyone together in one place before such a big change.

These are the photos that hold so much weight later on. Not because everything is perfect, but because everyone is there. If you are heading into a season of transition, this is your reminder to pause and document it.
Have you documented this stage yet?

Sitting up sessions are one of my favorites. We started with family, then slowed things down and focused on baby’s expressions and personality. Simple backgrounds, no distractions, just this moment in time.
Have you ever noticed how the most meaningful moments don’t need much at all?
The power was out in the church during this baptism, which made everything feel quieter and more intentional. Just family, faith, and a moment that truly mattered. Sometimes simplicity has a way of stripping things back to what is most important.
Who says Christmas photos have to be serious?

This family showed up in red, brought the energy, and leaned fully into the fun. The funny poses, the laughs, and the personalities are exactly what made this session feel so them. These are the photos you smile at every time you walk by them.
Do your headshots actually feel like you?

This one was done at Balboa in the fog, and honestly, it worked perfectly. Soft light, calm energy, and nothing distracting. A great reminder that headshots do not have to be stiff or overly polished to feel professional.

Newport Beach, CA & Gilbert, AZ

Session by appointment only

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