What types of photography sessions do you offer?

We specialize in fine art children's portraits, including studio sessions, outdoor sessions, fairy tale themes, and seasonal offerings like Magical Santa Sessions.

Where are you located, and which areas do you serve?

Our studio is located in Evans City, PA. We serve clients throughout the greater Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania areas, including Cranberry Township, Mars, and Fox Chapel, PA

How can I book a session?

Our session fees vary depending on the type and length of the session. For detailed pricing information, please visit our Investment Page.

Do you offer seasonal or themed sessions?

Yes, we offer seasonal sessions such as the Magical Santa Sessions. These are limited-time offerings, and details can be found on our Magical Santa Sessions Page

What should my child wear for the session?

We recommend classic, timeless outfits that complement the fine art style of our photography. Upon booking, we provide a detailed guide to help you choose the best attire for your child.

How long does a typical session last?

Session lengths vary: standard sessions typically last about an hour, while themed or seasonal sessions may be shorter or longer. We'll provide specific timing details when you book.

When will we receive our photos?

You can expect to receive your edited images within 2-3 weeks after the session. We'll notify you when your gallery is ready for viewing.

Do you offer prints and albums?

Yes, we offer a range of high-quality prints, albums, and wall art. Details and samples are available during your consultation and on our Investment Page.

What is your cancellation policy?

We understand that plans can change. Please notify us at least 48 hours in advance to reschedule. For full details, refer to our policies outlined during the booking process.

Santa Session Photographer Mars, PA — It started with one desk

Christmas Journal

Week 1 • August 10, 2026

Every year, our Magical Santa Experience begins long before the first child walks through the door.

August 10, 2026

I can't believe we not only found the inspiration piece for Santa's Office—one of the two rooms that will make up this year's Elf Academy—but that it's finally sitting downstairs in the room where this year's story will unfold.

It all started with a phone call. My son had spotted a desk on Facebook Marketplace.

"Mom," he said, "I found the perfect desk for this year's Santa Experience... but we have a problem."

The day it needed to be picked up, he was going to be out of town.

"No problem," I thought.

My husband, our sixteen-year-old grandson, and one of his friends could make the trip. They had a trailer, and picking up the desk sounded simple enough.

At least... that's what we thought.

None of us had any idea that what should have been a quick trip would turn into a six-hour adventure, a flat tire on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, and the first story behind this year's Santa Experience.

Getting It Downstairs Was Another Adventure

The first thing they did was remove every drawer they possibly could to make the desk lighter.

It was still incredibly heavy.

It took three men to move it.

And then they reached the stairway.

The desk didn't fit.

The door stops had to come off. The handrail had to come off the wall. Then came the lifting, turning, measuring and maneuvering as they tried to find just the right angle to squeeze it through.

There are moments during these projects when you start wondering if perhaps you should have measured first.

Somehow, they got it through.

With about half an inch to spare.

Unfortunately, our hallway floor didn't survive the adventure quite as well as the desk did. Somewhere along the way, it was scratched badly enough that it will now need to be refinished.

Apparently Santa's Office isn't the only thing getting a makeover this year.

But the important part is that the desk finally made it downstairs.

And after everything it took to get it there, we've already decided one thing:

It may never make it back upstairs.

Now We Can Really See What We Bought

Once the desk was finally sitting in the room, we could step back and really look at it.

Until then, we had only seen the Marketplace photographs.

And yes... it needs some work.

The top is covered in scratches. There are nicks and worn places throughout the piece, and it is definitely going to need a makeover before Santa ever sits behind it.

But that was to be expected.

Because those scratches aren't what caught our attention in the first place.

Look at the design around the front.

The beautiful carving. The curved shape. The shelves. All of those little details that give this desk so much character.

Scratches, nicks and all... can you see the possibilities?

We didn't buy this desk because it was perfect.

We bought it because we knew it was PERFECT for our Santa Experience.

We've Done This Before...

Actually, this isn't the first time an old Facebook Marketplace find has become part of our Santa Experience.

Last year, it was a fireplace.

Daniel and Julie Jingles brought home an old fireplace surround that certainly didn't look very magical when it first arrived.

It needed work.

Quite a bit of work.

Ask Us About the Santa Experience

Wooden fireplace mantel with surround by paint cans, and cleaning supplies on the floor

But slowly, that fireplace began to change.

And by the time our Magical Santa Sessions began, that same Marketplace find had become the main focus of the room where so many of last year's Christmas memories were made.

That's why when I look at this year's scratched and worn desk, I don't worry too much about what it looks like today.

We have Julie Jingles.

At this point, I'm fairly convinced she can make just about anything look like it came straight from the North Pole.

Over the next several weeks, we'll repair it, refinish it, decorate those shelves, search for just the right old books and Christmas treasures, and probably change our minds a dozen times along the way.

For now, I'm just thrilled that it finally made it downstairs.

Scratches, nicks, half an inch of clearance, one damaged hallway floor and all.

Until Next Week...

SCHEDULE YOUR MAGICAL SANTA SESSION HERE!

This Week Behind the Scenes...

While the desk found its place in Santa's Office, a few other projects quietly moved forward this week.

✔ Began writing the single-child version of this year's Storybook Album.

✔ Created this Christmas Journal so you can follow our journey each week.

✔ Delivered our new Santa cards to Buttons & Bows. Thank you for helping us share the magic of Christmas with more families this season.

✔ started painting toys and props that will be part of our Magical Santa Sessions.

✔ began to update Dan's Website to include the Elf Academy

The Journal Continues...

Introduction
Building Our Santa Experience – A Christmas Journal

Week 1

It All Started with One Desk (Current Entry)

Week 2
Every Christmas Begins with a Blank Page (Coming Soon)

Experience the Magic Yourself

If you're looking for a Magical Santa Experience near Mars, Cranberry Township, Pittsburgh, Wexford, or Butler, Pennsylvania, we'd love to welcome your family this Christmas.

Our Magical Santa Sessions are private, story-driven experiences where children step into Santa's world, become part of a personalized Storybook Album, and create memories your family will treasure for years to come.

Learn more about our Magical Santa Sessions and view our remaining available dates here.

SCHEDULE YOUR MAGICAL SANTA SESSION HERE!

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Building Our Santa Experience – It All Started with One Desk

Christmas Journal

Week 1 • August 10, 2026

August 10, 2026

Getting It Downstairs Was Another Adventure

Now We Can Really See What We Bought

We've Done This Before...

Until Next Week...

This Week Behind the Scenes...

The Journal Continues...

Experience the Magic Yourself

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Thank you for contacting us!

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