Your Santa Experience Prep Guide
Everything you need to feel calm, confident, and ready to make the magic happen.
The day is nearly here and I couldn't be more excited to welcome your family to the studio.
This guide has everything you need to know to feel fully prepared for your session — from what to bring, to how to talk to the kids about it, to what happens when you arrive.
Your Santa Experience Mini runs for 15 minutes of photography time, followed by a relaxed visit to the on-site petting zoo for your family to enjoy. The whole experience is designed to be calm, simple, and joyful — no pressure, no queues, and no chaos.
Let’s get you ready.
Prepping Your Kids
Honesty is always the best policy with kids. Let them know they’re going to visit a cosy little studio on a family farm, where my friend Aisling (that’s me — pronounced Ashling, very Irish!) will be taking some photos of you all having fun together. Nothing stiff or awkward, just real smiles, cuddles, and connection.
Before the session starts, your child will have the chance to meet some of our friendly farm animals.
It’s a lovely way to settle in, shake off any nerves, and help them feel more at home before we begin the session.
What about Santa?
You get to decide when to tell them.
You might choose to build up the excitement... or keep it as a surprise and see their face light up when he walks through the door.
You know your child best — do what will make it the most magical experience for them.
Top tips to help them feel ready:
Aim for a restful night before (an early bedtime or some big-energy play that afternoon can help)
Bring some dry, non-messy snacks to have beforehand
Pack their printed Santa letter (you’ll get a download link in your prep email)
Let them know they’ll have a chance to chat with Santa and receive a wee gift
And above all — let them be themselves. I’ll guide the session in a way that feels fun, natural, and pressure-free.
Prepping the Adults
Let’s be honest — most adults aren’t wild about being in front of the camera. I totally get it. But I promise, you don’t need to perform or pose. Just focus on being present with your kids, and I’ll take care of the rest.
These sessions are short, sweet, and built around connection — not perfection. I’ll guide you gently through everything so you never have to wonder what to do with your hands.
A few things that can really help:
Lay out your outfits the night before. The less rushing on the day, the better
Pack the car early (snacks, spare clothes, shoes, Santa letters — all the bits)
Drink plenty of water in the lead-up — hydrated skin photographs beautifully
Do something simple and grounding as a family before the session — even just a calm breakfast or a silly playlist on the drive
It’s also worth remembering this:
Photos of just your kids are for your memories.
Photos with your kids — those are for theirs.
Showing up in the frame is one more way you show up for your family. It doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to be you.
Sessions are timed back-to-back with other families, but there is plenty of parking — and it’s absolutely fine to hang outside and meet the animals while you wait. Our own trusty farm kids will be around too, happy to answer questions about farm life or introduce you to the fluffier locals.
Pre-Session Magic Kit
(aka: your fun homework before the big day)
Write Your Santa Letter
A little download, a big moment.
Whether your kids write, draw, scribble or dictate — this is such a sweet way to pause and connect before the chaos of the season kicks in.
You can tell them Santa will be there (and build the excitement), or keep it as a surprise for the day. You know what will make it magical for your child.
Print it, grab a cuppa, and sit together at the kitchen table. It’s one of those grounding, heart-filled little things that adds to the magic — and gives you a sneak peek at what they’re hoping for this year
They’ll get to hand it straight to Santa on the day.
Set the Mood — Your Santa Drive-In Playlist
You’ve packed the snacks, everyone’s (mostly) dressed, now hit play on the drive in.
This playlist is made to ease the energy and gently build the Christmas buzz.
It’s Disney meets Mariah, with a few feel-good millennial throwbacks for you.
Kids will love it. You’ll love it. And it feels like Christmas.
Styling Your Session
What you wear is completely up to you. I’ve seen everything from perfectly styled outfits to full-blown matching Christmas pyjamas — and I love it all.
(We own several sets of matching Christmas PJs… never worn them all at once, but we have them. Type C mum energy.)
You might go full festive — or you might prefer a more timeless look. Either way, it’s all welcome.
The studio set will bring the Christmas cheer, so you don’t need to overdo it with your wardrobe unless you want to. I’ll also be capturing portraits you’ll want to keep up all year round, so neutrals, soft colours, and comfy textures are always a safe bet.
A few light tips if you're unsure:
Stick to 3–4 colours that work well together
Avoid big logos or bright characters — they can pull focus
Cotton, linen, and knit textures always look great on camera
Bare feet? Totally fine (especially for little ones)
A cosy cardigan or simple accessory can add warmth and interest
Whatever you choose, make sure it feels like you.
You’ll also get a full style guide with your booking, in case you want some extra inspiration.
Checklist!
Here’s your quick session-day checklist — run through it the night before so you’re not throwing snacks and socks into the car at the last minute.
Outfits laid out (including layers, shoes if needed, and accessories)
Comfy clothes for after (especially for kids who hate being “dressed up”)
Printed Santa letter (you’ll get the download link in your email)
Snack bag packed (non-messy is best — and yes, bring it into the car, not the boot)
Wet wipes. Just... always wet wipes.
Water bottles
Hair ties, plasters, spare nappies, favourite toy
Your playlist queued up for the drive — something to set the vibe
No need to stress if you forget something — I’ve got you. But ticking this off ahead of time will help the day feel smooth and relaxed.
How to get here!
Aisling O’Brien Photography
66A Kaipara Coast Highway, Helensville 0871
Pop the address into Google Maps — it’ll bring you straight here. We’re just two minutes from central Helensville, tucked into the hills with big views over the Kaipara River.
As you arrive, look for a black house and a big black barn with barn doors — that’s the studio.
You’ll also spot the petting zoo, and you’ll be greeted by my trusty team (aka the farm kids — child labour at its finest).
Heads up — the driveway is a decent hill. It’s fully drivable, but it is long, gravel, and winds its way through our family’s working farm. You might spot the odd sheep, tractor, or grandparent on the way up.
Everyone here knows the sessions are running, so we’ll make sure the track is clear and everything is running smoothly for your arrival.
There’s plenty of parking near the studio, and you’re more than welcome to arrive early, meet the animals, and let the kids settle in before we start.
The studio is built to feel like an extension of my home — relaxed, warm, and full of heart. You are so welcome here.
One last note: we’re still finishing a few areas. There’s no bathroom in the studio just yet, but you’re welcome to use the one in our home a short walk away.
What Happens After?
Once your session is wrapped up, you’re free to head off — hopefully feeling relaxed, accomplished, and already picturing which photo’s going to Nan for Christmas.
You’ll receive your private online gallery a few weeks after your session. From there:
Choose your favourite five images to download (included with your session)
If you just can’t leave the rest behind (most people don’t), you’ll have the option to upgrade to the full gallery for $150
Your gallery also includes access to a curated print store — and these aren’t your average prints.
These are museum-grade, cotton paper prints with rich texture and depth — the kind that make you say “whoa” when you hold them. Once you’ve seen them, you’ll never go back to the regular stuff.
Each order is personally overseen by me, and everything arrives beautifully packaged in handmade velvet or linen. Perfect for gifting — or keeping.
I’ll let you know as soon as your gallery is ready, and you’ll have everything you need to download, upgrade, or order with just a few clicks.