January 11, 2025
This holiday season, I had the incredible opportunity to photograph Santa Claus at Holly Hill Farm in Campbell River on the weekends from November 23rd to December 15th. Let me tell you, it was every bit as magical as it sounds! From the festive decor to the heartwarming moments with children (and even some furry friends), it was truly an unforgettable experience.
The Setting
Holly Hill Farm was transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with sparkling lights, rustic holiday décor, and of course, the star of the show—Santa Claus himself. The backdrop for the photos was perfectly curated to capture the essence of the holiday season. There were cozy seating areas by a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, festive props, and a warm, welcoming vibe that made every family feel at home.
Santa’s Magic
One of my favorite parts of this experience was watching Santa interact with the kids. From the moment they saw him, their faces would light up with awe and excitement. Santa was absolutely incredible—taking the time to chat with each child, ask about their Christmas wishes, and even share a few laughs. There were so many priceless reactions: the shy smiles, the giggles, and even the occasional nervous peek from behind mom or dad. Capturing those genuine emotions and moments was an absolute joy.
Santa didn’t just stop at making kids feel special—he also had a way with the adults and even the animals! Seeing him hold a baby with such tenderness or pose with families in their Christmas best made it clear just how much love and care went into his role.
The Animals of Holly Hill
Speaking of animals, Holly Hill Farm is home to the sweetest creatures, and they definitely added to the charm of the experience. From donkeys sporting festive accessories to curious goats peeking in to see what was happening, the animals were a big highlight for me. Watching families interact with the animals after their Santa photos was heartwarming, and I couldn’t resist snapping a few extra candid shots of those moments. Let’s be honest, is there anything cuter than a donkey with a Santa hat? I think not.
The Highlights
While every session was unique, there were a few standout moments that I’ll treasure forever:
- A baby meeting Santa for the very first time, wide-eyed and curious.
- A family surprising Santa with an ultrasound photo, announcing a new addition on the way—it was such a special moment to capture.
- Watching kids share their biggest wishes with Santa while their parents stood off to the side, soaking in the magic.
- and of course, Santa doing “the floss”
And of course, I’ll never forget the peaceful, quiet moments between sessions when the farm’s animals wandered over for some attention. The connection between people and animals is always something special, and Holly Hill Farm provided the perfect backdrop for that magic.
A Holiday to Remember
Photographing Santa at Holly Hill Farm was more than just a job—it was a chance to be part of something truly special. The joy, the laughter, and the holiday spirit were infectious, and I’m so grateful to have been able to capture these memories for so many families.
To everyone who came out for a session: thank you for letting me be a part of your holiday season. And to Holly Hill Farm, thank you for creating such a magical space for the community to gather and celebrate. Here’s to more festive moments in the future!
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