1) Make sure that all camera batteries are charged, and that you have all your film, videotape or DVD disks ready before the visit.

2) Be sure Santa and Mrs. Claus have a parking spot as near as possible to where their appearance will be.  Also please remember that Santa and Mrs. Claus's suits are heavy and very warm, so if possible please have a fan to move air around them, and please be sure to not set them too near a furnace or lit fireplace where it tends to be very warm.

3) A comfortable and sturdy place for Santa to sit for pictures will be needed.  Low chairs, soft chairs or folding chairs are not very good for him.  A solidly built chair with a strong sturdy back is ideal and depending on the chair, a small footstool may also be needed so that Santa can put his foot up on it to allow his knee to be sat on.  Also remember that Mrs. Claus will be there too, so she should also have a comfortable and sturdy chair to sit on beside Santa.

4) Be sure the chairs are in a good spot for taking the photos or videos and bring the Holiday feeling to the photos.  Perhaps near the tree but with room around the chair for people to stand. Any personal cards or children's drawings etc. add a personality to the photos.

5) Be sure everyone is ready for Santa and Mrs. Claus's arrival. Sometimes Santa and the Mrs. are only available for a certain time frame and valuable picture time may be lost if you are not prepared.   Santa and Mrs. Claus will also need a small room or a area away from the children and guests so that they can get ready for their visit.  The North Pole is a long ways away, and Santa and Mrs. Claus are usually in their travel clothes, so they will need a place to change and get ready before the visit.  Anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour would be best for their needs.  During that time you can also have someone who knows the children and guests co-ordinate with Santa and Mrs. Claus so everyone has time to enjoy their visit and for any last minute or special arrangements.

6) If gifts are to be handed out, Santa can carry 1 bag of gifts that should be well labeled as to who they belong.  Santa always carries a large "Santa Bag" with him just for this possibility.  Write directly on presents so there are no tags to fall off.  Any gifts not able to fit in the bag can be placed near Santa's Chair to be handed out.  If possible, have someone who knows the children hand Santa the gifts and call the name of the recipient.

7) Santa can pose in different ways. For example, he can stand with someone who does not want to sit on his lap, or a hug for parents and grandparents also can make for a nice photo. Santa will work slowly with shy children but be aware that some children can be extremely shy or frightened and just don't want to sit on Santa's lap.  In that case they will sometimes go instead to Mrs. Claus.  Remember that Mrs. Claus is also there to enhance your photographs.  She is always available for photos with Santa or even on her own.  Rest assured that in any case Santa and Mrs. Claus will try their best to get you a nice picture opportunity.  Remember that group photos are nice to have as well as an individual shot.

8) If there is a payment due Santa please put it in a card and tell Santa that it is a card from everyone.  It is never appropriate for Santa to take cash in front of the children and guests.

8) Remember that Santa & Mrs. Claus are there to make your Holiday visit memorable. If there is anything special you wish them to do just ask and if at all possible we will try to help with your needs.