“Look Over Here!”

***Disclaimer***

The Santa Blog is written by Dave, not Santa. It is designed to be fun, humorous, and informational. It is not written in character and not for “true believers.”

Santa just took a family trip to Disney World, and it seemed like the perfect time to pop this blog up. What do Disney and Santa have in common? Well, it’s a wonderful opportunity to meet & greet with your favorite characters! We took a big family trip, so we had toddlers to grandparents, all trying to take photos with one Mickey Mouse. And it was chaos.

The same things I see happen while I’m in the big guy chair were happening in front of my own eyes.

So let’s chat about the big family photo. Or more aptly, the big family visit to Mr. Claus when you just want the kiddo, whether four-legged or two.

Picture it in your mind’s eye. You’ve got grandma, grandpa, mom, dad, uncle Rico, cousin Taylor, and little Jimmy and Janie. You’re all excited to see the reaction when Janie finally meets Elsa, or Minnie, or Santa. You’ve got your phone out. So does everyone else. You all want to capture that moment. Then Jimmy runs in front because he’s bossy. Now Uncle Rico is trying to tell Jimmy to let Janie go first. Chaos. Oh, and behind you is a photographer taking pictures of your backs.

Now we’ve finally gotten the meet part done and we’re ready to take the picture of just the kids, and mom decides Jimmy’s standing funny, so she rushes in to “help.” Now Janie runs over to mom. We get them settled again and now someone is putting their fingers in their mouth. Everyone starts yelling “put your hand down!” Yay, they’re set again — but now they’re looking at the character and not the camera. Everyone starts trying to get their attention again. But with seven people trying to get their attention, they don’t know who to look at… or worse, seven people have cameras out and they all want the kids looking at them.

You’ve been there, I’m sure.

Well dear reader, I have a solution. You’re not gonna like it, but it’s true: get everyone out of there. Yes, I know we all want to experience that wonder and joy. It’s great to see that look of wonder. It’s a lovely moment, and I’m lucky enough to get to see it time after time from my seat. But once that moment is over, everyone scatter. Get out of frame and out of the way and out of the view of the kids if possible. They’re distracted enough — they don’t need more.

Ok, that’s not always feasible, but you get the point. Especially when there’s someone of a semi-professional nature taking pictures too. It’s done, we can share pictures easily, not everyone needs their own picture. That time is over.

But now for the real plan, and it’s just that. Have. A. Plan.

Designate someone to be the group photographer. Designate someone to be the attention grabber. Bring something that will get their attention. A squeaky toy, or a treat, or for the human kids, something that will grab their attention more than whatever else is going on. A toy, an iPad, something that makes noise. Especially for the youngest that don’t see so good yet.

Once you’ve done that, get as directly behind the camera as possible. When I was working the large retail store this was a tough one. There was an angled fence that blocked the photographer station. And parents were trying to kneel below the fence and they still weren’t in the right angle or were in the picture. Then everyone else was off to the side making noises and yelling the kids’ names.

If you aren’t in line with the camera, don’t make a peep. Let the photographer handle it. I know you’re trying to help, but you’re not. If you’re in the photo and pointing or trying to direct, that’s even worse. Let the people doing it do it. If it’s not working, it’s probably not going to work — just let them take the pictures. I promise they will turn out better. You’ll be more upset when your arm is awkwardly pointing in the distance than you will if your kid is looking at Santa. That’s why you came, right?

And if you do want that absolutely perfect portrait, hire me and a photographer for a full or mini session (yes, it’s an ad). We’ll have plenty of time to work together, get the kids comfortable, and get that portrait you can hang on your mantle.

But for the most part, the pictures you want are for the memories. The moment of awe on their face when they realize “Man, he’s real.” When they finally aren’t scared of Kris Kringle and run in for a big hug. And for those moments, you want to be out of the way. Watch it through your eyes. Not your phone or camera. Especially when someone is being paid to capture that moment for you.

So, to recap:

1. Make a plan. Designate the people to do the tasks.

2. Get behind the camera or clear out.

3. Enjoy the moment. The pictures should remind you of the moment, not be the only reason.

I know this won’t always be possible, but if you can, it will make your pictures better and your visit so much more enjoyable.