Beers With The Big Guy!
Santa Photos for the Kids at Heart
It’s your turn to get on the Nice List.
By Aisling O’Brien Photography | Your Auckland Santa Photographer
This year, we’re giving grown-ups their own slice of Christmas magic — cold beers, or a bubbles, Christmas tunes, and a few laughs with the Big Guy himself.
No kids. No awkward elf hats. Just you, your mates, and a chance to get your photo with Santa like the legend you are.
Capturing Christmas photos shouldn’t feel stressful
Most Auckland parents love the idea of Santa photos — but dread the mall.
We all know the drill:
Circling the carpark, dragging tired kids through noisy shops, then waiting in long queues for one rushed snapshot.
By the time you reach the front, the kids are overwhelmed and no one’s smiling.
And when there’s no better option, you’re left with:
• A cranky day no one enjoyed
• A blurry photo you paid too much for
• Another thing ticked off — but not remembered
Christmas memories shouldn’t come with a meltdown.
Dragging tired kids through crowds, fighting for a car park, bribing them through the queue, it takes the magic out of Christmas instead of adding it in.
And all for one rushed photo, where the kids look scared and you’re gritting your teeth trying to hold it all together.
I remember the Santa visits I had as a kid. There was one place that felt truly special, where you got time in the grotto with Santa himself. I was a nervous child, and I always needed time to warm up. Looking back, I wish I’d had space to settle in, feel safe with my family close by, and then watch the magic unfold in a way that felt calm and joyful.
That’s exactly what I’ve created here — for your kids and for you.
— Aisling, Photographer. Mum. Reformed sensitive kid.
The search is over.
Meet the Santa Experience Minis.
Santa Experience Minis are short and sweet Christmas photo sessions designed for Auckland families who want something more meaningful than a rushed mall photo.
I work with:
Parents who want real smiles, not awkward poses
Families looking for a calm, fun Santa experience
Mums and dads who value beautiful photos that actually feel like their kids
All looking for one thing — a Christmas photo experience that brings the joy and the keepsakes.
If you're ready to:
Get art-worthy Christmas portraits you’ll proudly share long after December
• Give your kids a Santa experience they’ll never forget
• Let them hand-deliver their Santa letter (I’ll send you a printable version in your prep guide)
• Sort Christmas gifts in one go, grandparents will love these photos
• Skip the crowds, the car parks and the chaos of the mall
• Spend the rest of the day exploring the beautiful Northwest Auckland region, my prep guide has ALL THE ideas from cafe’s to waterfalls to wineries, all close by, to make sure your day is extra special.
You’ll also get everything you need to feel prepared before your session, from what to wear to how to prep your kids, it’s all covered in your welcome email.
And most importantly, your kids can show up exactly as they are.
My studio is an inclusive space where I match your family’s energy.
High energy? I’ve got you (think Miss Rachel meets Christmas spirit).
Prefer calm and low key? That works too. This is your session, your way.
If you want calm, connection and joy this Christmas — you’re in the right place.
Here’s exactly what’s included in your Santa Experience Mini:
Early bird: $300 (available until 18 October)
Standard price: $350
15 minutes at the petting zoo, some of the cheekiest and friendliest lambs around! Perfect way to get everyone in the zone!
A 15-minute private portrait session in my cosy, styled Christmas set in Helensville
Family portraits and natural, joy-filled solo shots of the kids
Santa’s surprise entrance, time for a chat, and a small gift for each child
A private online gallery of beautifully edited images to view after your session
Five high-resolution digital files included with your booking — simply choose your favourites
Love them all? Most families do. You’ll have the option to upgrade and keep the full gallery
A full prep guide and style guide sent before your session so you feel relaxed and ready
These sessions are calm, fun, and built around real connection — not staged smiles or forced moments.
Meet your photographer…
Hi, I’m Aisling
(pronounced Ashling, it’s very Irish)
a photographer, a mum, and the one behind the Santa Experience Minis.
I know stepping in front of the camera can feel a bit awkward, but that’s why I’m here. My job isn’t just to take photos. It’s to help you feel relaxed, bring out the real connection in your family, and capture the joy that’s already there.
I’ve built my little studio here in Helensville to feel like an extension of home. Warm, calm, and full of heart. When you arrive, I want you to breathe out, let the stress go, and just enjoy being with your kids.
You don’t need to worry about what to do, where to sit, or how to pose. I’ll guide you through the whole experience. Just show up as you are — I’ll take care of the rest.
I know how to help families feel relaxed, have fun, and walk away with photos they truly love.
Here’s what a few of my clients have said:
“Ais made us feel very welcome. Her space is beautiful and well thought out. The kids had a great time and the photos are such a taonga. Thank you for capturing everything so candidly.”
— April
“This photoshoot truly exceeded my expectations. The moment I stepped into the studio, I felt completely at ease.”
— Nikki
“Absolutely amazed by Aisling’s work. Our images are more amazing than I could’ve imagined. We’ve had several sessions and we’ll keep coming back.”
— Dave
HOW IT WORKS
1. Book Your Spot
Head to the booking page, choose your time, pay online and fill out a short questionnaire.
Only 6 sessions are available, so once they’re gone — that’s it for the year.
The questionnaire helps me get to know your family ahead of time (and gives Santa all the important names).
2. Show Up Ready
You’ll arrive fully prepared thanks to the prep guide and style tips I’ll send in advance.
The first few minutes are for beautiful family portraits and solo shots of the kids.
Then the magic begins — Santa arrives, there’s time to chat about Christmas wish lists, and each child receives a little gift.
3. Get Your Photos + Start Gifting
A few weeks later, you’ll receive a private online gallery with your final images.
You’ll also get access to your very own store — perfect for turning your photos into Christmas gifts in just a few clicks.
WHAT YOU'LL WALK AWAY WITH
This isn’t just ticking off the yearly Santa photo.
It’s a calm, meaningful experience your whole family will actually enjoy — and remember.
Once you’re booked in, you’ll get:
• Time together in a beautifully styled Christmas set that feels like home
• Photos that show real connection — not just forced smiles
• A special moment with Santa that your kids will talk about all season
• Gifts for the grandparents, sorted
• Beautiful portraits you’ll want to keep up all year
• A relaxed session, handled with care — no rushing, no pressure, no chaos
It’s Christmas magic, without the stress.
IS THIS RIGHT FOR YOU?
The Santa Experience Minis are perfect for you if:
• You want calm, meaningful photos — not chaos and crowds
• You’d love portraits that feel like your family, not a rushed snapshot
• You’re happy to invest in a beautiful, personal experience for your kids
• You’d rather skip the mall and make a memory instead
It’s probably not the right fit if:
• You’re after a quick, cheap photo and don’t mind waiting in line
• You want group shots with extended family or a longer session
• You’re not comfortable with the 15-minute format
• You’re looking for lots of props or a traditional Santa “set”
Book Your Session
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Show Up Relaxed and Ready
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Enjoy the Christmas Magic
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Book Your Session | Show Up Relaxed and Ready | Enjoy the Christmas Magic |
Let me answer some questions that might come up!
