Bill's Blog

Not that I’m one to pretentiously drop names or anything, but . . . I’ve just talked to Santa Claus himself.  Yeah, I called him, I’ve got his personal cell number.  Don’t think of me as some big-shot, though, just because he sometimes calls me first.  I’m still just common-as-an-old-shoe, puts-his-pants-on-like-everyone-else, mr. bill.  I’m no big deal, except when you scroll through my phone contacts, you’ll see “Sally’s Help-For-Adult-Bedwetters Hotline,” then “Santa,” then “Scalps-Are-Sexy Support Group.” I know that you’d love to hear more about how important I am, but I’m actually writing to talk about Santa–and your kids.

We’ve been shooting photos with the big man for several years now, and each year has gotten better and better.  [The image above is from 2008.]  Through the years, I’ve noticed a trend, a pattern that might surprise you.  With almost every Santa session, we sell large wall portraits.  If that doesn’t seem odd to you, it shocks many of my Photographer buddies.  Let me stun you even more with my humble opinion:  If you buy 3 wall portraits, 1 of them absolutely should be a Santa print!  Why?  So glad you asked . . . .

Childhood is fleeting, and portraits actually stop the hands of time. When I look at photos of my own kids–or even of ME!–I go back to that place in time.  Is it any wonder why EVERY time capsule includes photographs?!  The ability to freeze time:  As a specialist in Children’s photography, it’s one of the most important elements of what I do.  More than almost any other sitting, portraits with Santa capture the wonder,  magic, and dreams of childhood.  [If you don't believe me, be sure to watch the slideshow at the end of this blog.]  So why should you have a wall portrait with Santa?

Every year, we drag out the Christmas tree, lights, decorations, etc., and dress the home for the holidays.  Many of our clients include their Santa Portraits in the holiday decor.  What could be better?  When they decorate their homes, they include a beautiful print that immortalizes the dreams of Christmas past.  Each look at the photo takes them back to a moment when their own kids still believed.

One day, Sheree and I will pass our Santa images to our kids.  Later, our grandchildren will laugh at their Mom or Dad, but the parents, my kids… they’ll go back in time, and remember.  That moment lasts forever.

ramsey boys - 2004

ramsey kids - 2008

THIS YEAR’S SANTA PORTRAITS ARE LIKE NONE WE’VE EVER DONE.  “How?” you ask.  So glad you did . . . .

*we’re shooting at two spectacular homes–

-Home of John & Timothy Olaimey, Chenal Downs in Little Rock — November 5th-8th

-Home of Tad & Robyn Thornton in Pine Bluff — November 20th-21st

*our theme is “A Norman Rockwell Christmas.”

*we’re offering Full Sessions, and for the first time, Santa portraits as a Quick Pic.

Let me clarify what that all means by answering a few of the most common questions I hear.

*I love the idea, but what if my kids don’t like Santa?

Kids love the IDEA of Santa, but meeting him in person is often intimidating.  Kids also love dinosaurs, but meeting one in real life wouldn’t be so great, either.  If your child doesn’t like Santa, never fear.  By the time Santa arrives in the session for photos, we’ve already captured several great images of your kid(s) on the Christmas scene.  Santa then peeks into the scene, in the background, while I keep your child’s attention away from him.  After this, we then introduce the Man in Red.  If spotting Santa is the end of your session [which isn't totally uncommon], we’ve already captured a great session, and you’ll have ample images for your Christmas photo selection.  Santa is extremely sensitive to a child’s reaction to him, and proceeds slowly with those who aren’t sure of him.

*Do you charge extra to have more than one of my kids in the session?

No.  In fact, we encourage Mom and Dad to come prepared for a few images of the entire immediate family.

*What clothes should we wear?

Every year, our scene is markedly different from any other scene we’ve created.  We always plan our Christmas scenes with “variety” in mind.  We’ll see a great deal of formal Christmas clothing, which is spectacular.  We’ll also see more of the rustic look–like jeans and sweaters–also fantastic.  Several kids will also come with their pajamas, as if they’ve just awakened to find Santa in the living room, and it’s really cute.

*What is the difference between a “Quick Pic” and a full session?  Why would I choose one over the other?

We’re shooting both types of sessions for Christmas this year.  Here’s the difference:

FULL SESSIONS

• will allow me much more time to capture much more variety–usually around 80-120 images to view.  I’ll reserve more time for you, and shoot for approximately 45 minutes, which will give me far more time than I’ll need to create a volume of work.
• you’ll have the luxury of returning the following week (November 12-13 for Little Rock and November 24th for Pine Bluff) to view your images.  You’ll see a beautiful slideshow, and we’ll walk with you through the ordering process as you choose your portraits/albums/cards/etc.
• if you think you’d like a wall portrait, I’d strongly encourage a full session.  If you might like an album, you’ll certainly need a full session.
• your kids will have much more time to chat and play with Santa!
• our Santa Reservation Fee is $350 ($25 Santa Fee & $325 Portrait credit)  [click here to pay session fee].  This fee is required in order to reserve your time.  Because of our limited sessions, we do not hold appointments without our reservation fee.  If you would prefer to call with your credit card info, feel free — 501.847.7899.
• our standard price list applies to full session [click here to see our prices].
• understand that the Reservation secures Mr. Bill’s time just for you!  Therefore Santa Reservation Fees are non-refundable.  If you call within 72 hours to reschedule your session, we will do our best to accommodate your request.  If you have a friend that would like to take your appointment, we’ll be happy to assist you.  Otherwise, your deposit will not be refunded unless we can re-book your appointment.

QUICK PICS

• obviously, are much faster.  Our session will last no longer than 15 minutes.  I’ll still shoot with and without Santa, but have much less variety–about 10-20 images to view.
• you’ll select your portraits immediately after your session.  [Sorry, we won't have time to prepare a slideshow.  Images will show straight from the camera--no cropping, color correcting, retouching, etc--all of that work will apply to the prints that you order, you simply won't see it during the preview session.]
• we have very few appointment slots available for Quick Pics on Friday evening through Sunday.  Most of these appointments will be on Thursday or Friday morning.
• our Santa Quick Pic Reservation is $175 plus tax ($25 Santa Fee & $150 Portrait credit).  If you want to schedule this type of session, you will need to call as we might not have any more sessions available.
• due to the quick nature of shooting, and ordering in a large volume, Quick Pics are slightly discounted  [see below].  We do alow you to order more than one package!
• you may purchase different poses on the Additions pricing, however we do ask that your purchase a wall portrait 16×20 or larger or one portrait package when you order.
• we will have many beautiful custom-designed Christmas cards — we do ask for a minimum $259 portrait purchase.
• understand that the Reservation secures Mr. Bill’s time just for you!!  Therefore Santa Quick Pic Reservation Fees are non-refundable.  If you call within 72 hours to reschedule your session, we will do our best to accommodate your request.  If you have a friend that would like to take your appointment, we’ll be happy to assist you.  Otherwise, your deposit will not be refunded unless we can re-book your appointment.

*How long will it take to get my portraits/cards/gifts back?  Where will I pick them up?  Will I have time to mail my Christmas cards?

• Little Rock Santa Sessions — Portraits and Card Orders will be available for pick-up from Monday, Nov. 30th – Dec. 1st, 10:30 am – 6:45 pm at the Olaimey’s Home, plenty of time for mailing cards and wrapping presents.   Albums will be mailed to your home, arriving no later than December 16th.   We guarantee your order will arrive in time or we will refund your money.  This is our 6th year to shoot Santa portraits and haven’t refunded money for anyone.  Time and service are always our top priorities!!
• Pine Bluff Santa Sessions — Portraits and Card Orders will be available for pick-up on Friday, Dec. 4th, 12 noon – 6:45 pm at the Thornton Home, plenty of time for mailing cards and wrapping presents.  Albums will be mailed to your home, arriving no later than December 21st.  We guarantee your order will arrive in time or we will refund your money.  This is our 6th year to shoot Santa portraits and haven’t refunded money for anyone.  Time and service are always our top priorities!!

We look forward to seeing you this Holiday season!!  As always, call or email with any questions.  Thanks again for trusting us with your precious memories!  We consider it an honor!

Mr. Bill & Sheree