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Hofstra26
Love to Bake!
Member since 7/06 27915 total posts
Name:
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"The Santa Experience"
Has anyone done this photo shoot? I booked it months and months ago and we have our shoot in November. Just wondering what to expect, how long is the shoot, and if you liked your photos. Thanks! 
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Posted 10/15/16 7:50 AM  |
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Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
PrettyPeonies
GAW my baby boy <3
Member since 8/10 3874 total posts
Name:
Pino
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Re: "The Santa Experience"
I haven't done it yet, but like you we have appt in Nov. One of my very good friends did it last year and loved the photos and experience, that's why I booked. I saw all the photos and can honestly say there wasn't a bad one there. She said the Santa was fantastic along with the photog, I forget her name. She has a daughter who was 1.5 at the time. Btw, she is booked for Nov again too.
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| Posted 10/15/16 9:39 AM |
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Hofstra26
Love to Bake!
Member since 7/06 27915 total posts
Name:
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Re: "The Santa Experience"
Posted by PrettyPeonies
I haven't done it yet, but like you we have appt in Nov. One of my very good friends did it last year and loved the photos and experience, that's why I booked. I saw all the photos and can honestly say there wasn't a bad one there. She said the Santa was fantastic along with the photog, I forget her name. She has a daughter who was 1.5 at the time. Btw, she is booked for Nov again too.
Awesome! Thanks!! I loved the photos I've seen online too, I love how they have that Norman Rockwell quality to them. I just found outfits for them, I am so excited for the whole thing. I just hope my kids cooperate! 
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| Posted 10/15/16 9:45 AM |
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Lara&Aidansmommy
For mom i miss u ETC ILOVEU
Member since 3/07 13921 total posts
Name:
ETC I LOVE YOU
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Re: "The Santa Experience"
Posted by Hofstra26
Has anyone done this photo shoot? I booked it months and months ago and we have our shoot in November. Just wondering what to expect, how long is the shoot, and if you liked your photos. Thanks!
So jeolous. Would love to see a couple of proofs
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| Posted 10/15/16 9:50 AM |
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MC09
arrrghhh!!!!
Member since 2/09 5674 total posts
Name:
Me speaks pirate!
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Re: "The Santa Experience"
Haven't done it but saw some photos and they're so awesome! Man now I want to do it lol how far in advance do you have to book? I'm sure it's too late for this year.
Message edited 10/15/2016 1:01:54 PM.
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| Posted 10/15/16 1:00 PM |
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WannaBeAMom11
LIF Adult
Member since 1/11 7391 total posts
Name:
Name
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Re: "The Santa Experience"
Posted by MC09
Haven't done it but saw some photos and they're so awesome! Man now I want to do it lol how far in advance do you have to book? I'm sure it's too late for this year.
If you want the more expensive package she still have some spots open. I know this as I had to switch my early Nov date due to a scheduling conflict.
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| Posted 10/15/16 1:52 PM |
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muffaboo
LIF Adult
Member since 12/10 3797 total posts
Name:
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Re: "The Santa Experience"
We went in September. My daughter (almost 2.5) had 3 full blown meltdowns from the second we walked into the studio until the end with Santa. Kristen (photog) was really nice but her assistant was even better at trying to get DD happy. I just got my proofs, 34 in total (took 3 weeks because they were having server issues). I selected my top 12 and now I should have them sent to me within 24-48 hours.
I'm bummed bc we only got 3 pics with Santa (none of them interacting...just him behind her so she wouldn't see him & freak out. Again) and none of them are really any good. It's not their fault...my daughter just didn't cooperate. But for $250 it's really disappointing. We did get some cute pics, just none with Santa and I feel like the whole point of having these pics taken are for the awesome interactions with Santa  . I'm jealous of other people's photos.
ETA: And the shoot is 20 mins. long
Message edited 10/15/2016 3:05:36 PM.
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| Posted 10/15/16 2:51 PM |
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muffaboo
LIF Adult
Member since 12/10 3797 total posts
Name:
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Re: "The Santa Experience"
Posted by MC09
Haven't done it but saw some photos and they're so awesome! Man now I want to do it lol how far in advance do you have to book? I'm sure it's too late for this year.
I know it's crazy but she opened her booking for this year in January. I signed up on FB for early access booking and booked on the first possible day and still had to get a September appt. bc I needed a weekend and all the other weekend slots were booked. I know people cancel though so I am sure she might have some slots available. She shoots thousands of sessions.
Message edited 10/15/2016 3:01:18 PM.
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| Posted 10/15/16 2:56 PM |
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Hofstra26
Love to Bake!
Member since 7/06 27915 total posts
Name:
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Re: "The Santa Experience"
Posted by MC09
Haven't done it but saw some photos and they're so awesome! Man now I want to do it lol how far in advance do you have to book? I'm sure it's too late for this year.
I booked it earlier this year, sometime in the winter. It booked up REALLY fast.
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| Posted 10/15/16 7:14 PM |
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WannaBeAMom11
LIF Adult
Member since 1/11 7391 total posts
Name:
Name
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Re: "The Santa Experience"
Posted by muffaboo
We went in September. My daughter (almost 2.5) had 3 full blown meltdowns from the second we walked into the studio until the end with Santa. Kristen (photog) was really nice but her assistant was even better at trying to get DD happy. I just got my proofs, 34 in total (took 3 weeks because they were having server issues). I selected my top 12 and now I should have them sent to me within 24-48 hours.
I'm bummed bc we only got 3 pics with Santa (none of them interacting...just him behind her so she wouldn't see him & freak out. Again) and none of them are really any good. It's not their fault...my daughter just didn't cooperate. But for $250 it's really disappointing. We did get some cute pics, just none with Santa and I feel like the whole point of having these pics taken are for the awesome interactions with Santa . I'm jealous of other people's photos.
ETA: And the shoot is 20 mins. long
That is so disappointing. Since it's early can you request another appt? It can't hurt to ask especially since you did pay a lot of money.
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| Posted 10/15/16 7:51 PM |
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muffaboo
LIF Adult
Member since 12/10 3797 total posts
Name:
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Re: "The Santa Experience"
Posted by WannaBeAMom11
Posted by muffaboo
We went in September. My daughter (almost 2.5) had 3 full blown meltdowns from the second we walked into the studio until the end with Santa. Kristen (photog) was really nice but her assistant was even better at trying to get DD happy. I just got my proofs, 34 in total (took 3 weeks because they were having server issues). I selected my top 12 and now I should have them sent to me within 24-48 hours.
I'm bummed bc we only got 3 pics with Santa (none of them interacting...just him behind her so she wouldn't see him & freak out. Again) and none of them are really any good. It's not their fault...my daughter just didn't cooperate. But for $250 it's really disappointing. We did get some cute pics, just none with Santa and I feel like the whole point of having these pics taken are for the awesome interactions with Santa . I'm jealous of other people's photos.
ETA: And the shoot is 20 mins. long
That is so disappointing. Since it's early can you request another appt? It can't hurt to ask especially since you did pay a lot of money.
I feel bad asking for another appt at no cost and I def don't want to throw more money into pics...and honestly, I don't want to put DD (or any of us lol) through the torture again.
My best friend went last year with her son (1.5 at the time) and his pics are really good. This year, she is taking her kids (2.5 and 3 months) PLUS her 5 nieces and nephews. She wants to surprise her parents with the photos. I can't even imagine 7 kids at once 
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| Posted 10/15/16 9:19 PM |
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pumpkinmom
LIF Adult
Member since 5/12 2911 total posts
Name:
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Re: "The Santa Experience"
We went already, but too recently to get our pics. I was surprised that Kristin wasn't our photographer with the more expensive package. She has two sessions going on at the same time - the 20 minute and the 30 minute.
It was a lot of fun for my girls. I feel like DD2 didn't smile a lot - she was more intently watching and then when the assistant got her to smile with santa, I didn't hear the shutter clicking at all. We'll see what we get.
It went fast, felt a little rushed from one scene to the next, but my DDs didn't seem to mind and maybe it keeps them interested.
They were running about a half hour behind schedule, but our session took exactly 30 minutes.
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| Posted 10/16/16 1:11 AM |
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pumpkinmom
LIF Adult
Member since 5/12 2911 total posts
Name:
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Re: "The Santa Experience"
Posted by muffaboo
Posted by WannaBeAMom11
Posted by muffaboo
We went in September. My daughter (almost 2.5) had 3 full blown meltdowns from the second we walked into the studio until the end with Santa. Kristen (photog) was really nice but her assistant was even better at trying to get DD happy. I just got my proofs, 34 in total (took 3 weeks because they were having server issues). I selected my top 12 and now I should have them sent to me within 24-48 hours.
I'm bummed bc we only got 3 pics with Santa (none of them interacting...just him behind her so she wouldn't see him & freak out. Again) and none of them are really any good. It's not their fault...my daughter just didn't cooperate. But for $250 it's really disappointing. We did get some cute pics, just none with Santa and I feel like the whole point of having these pics taken are for the awesome interactions with Santa . I'm jealous of other people's photos.
ETA: And the shoot is 20 mins. long
That is so disappointing. Since it's early can you request another appt? It can't hurt to ask especially since you did pay a lot of money.
I feel bad asking for another appt at no cost and I def don't want to throw more money into pics...and honestly, I don't want to put DD (or any of us lol) through the torture again.
My best friend went last year with her son (1.5 at the time) and his pics are really good. This year, she is taking her kids (2.5 and 3 months) PLUS her 5 nieces and nephews. She wants to surprise her parents with the photos. I can't even imagine 7 kids at once
I can't even imagine that many people fitting in the little areas, especially not with parents watching. Plus, the info I got said immediate family only. I guess she makes exceptions though because there were two families (I think kids were cousins) sharing a session when we went.
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| Posted 10/16/16 1:56 AM |
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muffaboo
LIF Adult
Member since 12/10 3797 total posts
Name:
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Re: "The Santa Experience"
Posted by pumpkinmom
Posted by muffaboo
Posted by WannaBeAMom11
Posted by muffaboo
We went in September. My daughter (almost 2.5) had 3 full blown meltdowns from the second we walked into the studio until the end with Santa. Kristen (photog) was really nice but her assistant was even better at trying to get DD happy. I just got my proofs, 34 in total (took 3 weeks because they were having server issues). I selected my top 12 and now I should have them sent to me within 24-48 hours.
I'm bummed bc we only got 3 pics with Santa (none of them interacting...just him behind her so she wouldn't see him & freak out. Again) and none of them are really any good. It's not their fault...my daughter just didn't cooperate. But for $250 it's really disappointing. We did get some cute pics, just none with Santa and I feel like the whole point of having these pics taken are for the awesome interactions with Santa . I'm jealous of other people's photos.
ETA: And the shoot is 20 mins. long
That is so disappointing. Since it's early can you request another appt? It can't hurt to ask especially since you did pay a lot of money.
I feel bad asking for another appt at no cost and I def don't want to throw more money into pics...and honestly, I don't want to put DD (or any of us lol) through the torture again.
My best friend went last year with her son (1.5 at the time) and his pics are really good. This year, she is taking her kids (2.5 and 3 months) PLUS her 5 nieces and nephews. She wants to surprise her parents with the photos. I can't even imagine 7 kids at once
I can't even imagine that many people fitting in the little areas, especially not with parents watching. Plus, the info I got said immediate family only. I guess she makes exceptions though because there were two families (I think kids were cousins) sharing a session when we went.
My other friend took her one son and her one niece last year (so cousins) and it wasn't a problem and my friend and her SIL split the cost of the package.
I am sure with 7 kids they are paying more than the price of just one package but not sure of the details. She's also a returning customer so maybe that helps too.
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| Posted 10/16/16 6:54 PM |
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kabr13
LIF Toddler
Member since 2/09 470 total posts
Name:
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Re: "The Santa Experience"
We had our pictures done the first week they opened in September and just got the pictures this week (so much for the 10-12 day turnaround). Some of the pictures came out good but overall I think the pictures posted last year were much nicer. I'm glad I did it but wouldn't do it again. I hope everyone has a faster turn around for receiving their pictures!
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| Posted 10/16/16 8:02 PM |
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jlwd
LIF Infant
Member since 2/09 118 total posts
Name:
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Re: "The Santa Experience"
We did it last year and the pictures came out amazing. We are doing it again this year because my kids were so amazed at seeing the "real" Santa.
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| Posted 10/17/16 10:38 PM |
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Bebelove
LIF Adolescent
Member since 8/12 742 total posts
Name:
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Re: "The Santa Experience"
Is this in West Islip? I read on FB that they are really running behind.
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| Posted 10/18/16 10:40 AM |
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Hofstra26
Love to Bake!
Member since 7/06 27915 total posts
Name:
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Re: "The Santa Experience"
Posted by Bebelove
Is this in West Islip? I read on FB that they are really running behind.
Yes. I hope not, ugh. I needed those pics for my Xmas card and we're not going until Nov 23rd
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| Posted 10/18/16 11:29 AM |
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noni882
LIF Toddler
Member since 7/06 377 total posts
Name:
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Re: "The Santa Experience"
We went last Saturday. It was a lot of fun. My DC are 5 and 7 and they liked it.
It went by fast though- quick shots with Santa reading to them and looking at the good list.
We then moved to 2 other set ups- 1 a winter scene where they threw snowballs and then Santa's workshop which was my favorite.
At the end, they had cookies and milk with Santa and he then had them sit separately on his lap and tell him what they would like for Christmas.
The place is adorable and decorated so cute!
Have fun!
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| Posted 10/18/16 11:45 AM |
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WannaBeAMom11
LIF Adult
Member since 1/11 7391 total posts
Name:
Name
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Re: "The Santa Experience"
Posted by noni882
We went last Saturday. It was a lot of fun. My DC are 5 and 7 and they liked it.
It went by fast though- quick shots with Santa reading to them and looking at the good list.
We then moved to 2 other set ups- 1 a winter scene where they threw snowballs and then Santa's workshop which was my favorite.
At the end, they had cookies and milk with Santa and he then had them sit separately on his lap and tell him what they would like for Christmas.
The place is adorable and decorated so cute!
Have fun!
That makes me happy to hear such a good experience. I think quick is good. Holds the kids attention.
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| Posted 10/18/16 12:42 PM |
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WannaBeAMom11
LIF Adult
Member since 1/11 7391 total posts
Name:
Name
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Re: "The Santa Experience"
Posted by Bebelove
Is this in West Islip? I read on FB that they are really running behind.
Yes. That's why I booked early Nov since I figured this would happen.
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| Posted 10/18/16 12:43 PM |
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pumpkinmom
LIF Adult
Member since 5/12 2911 total posts
Name:
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Re: "The Santa Experience"
Posted by noni882
We went last Saturday. It was a lot of fun. My DC are 5 and 7 and they liked it.
It went by fast though- quick shots with Santa reading to them and looking at the good list.
We then moved to 2 other set ups- 1 a winter scene where they threw snowballs and then Santa's workshop which was my favorite.
At the end, they had cookies and milk with Santa and he then had them sit separately on his lap and tell him what they would like for Christmas.
The place is adorable and decorated so cute!
Have fun!
Santa didn't read to my girls... I thought that was supposed to be a scene.
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| Posted 10/18/16 12:44 PM |
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WannaBeAMom11
LIF Adult
Member since 1/11 7391 total posts
Name:
Name
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Re: "The Santa Experience"
Posted by pumpkinmom
Posted by noni882
We went last Saturday. It was a lot of fun. My DC are 5 and 7 and they liked it.
It went by fast though- quick shots with Santa reading to them and looking at the good list.
We then moved to 2 other set ups- 1 a winter scene where they threw snowballs and then Santa's workshop which was my favorite.
At the end, they had cookies and milk with Santa and he then had them sit separately on his lap and tell him what they would like for Christmas.
The place is adorable and decorated so cute!
Have fun!
Santa didn't read to my girls... I thought that was supposed to be a scene.
That's the scene I'm really looking forward to. I will be annoyed if we don't get that one.
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| Posted 10/18/16 12:58 PM |
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Re: "The Santa Experience"
Posted by muffaboo
Posted by pumpkinmom
Posted by muffaboo
Posted by WannaBeAMom11
Posted by muffaboo
We went in September. My daughter (almost 2.5) had 3 full blown meltdowns from the second we walked into the studio until the end with Santa. Kristen (photog) was really nice but her assistant was even better at trying to get DD happy. I just got my proofs, 34 in total (took 3 weeks because they were having server issues). I selected my top 12 and now I should have them sent to me within 24-48 hours.
I'm bummed bc we only got 3 pics with Santa (none of them interacting...just him behind her so she wouldn't see him & freak out. Again) and none of them are really any good. It's not their fault...my daughter just didn't cooperate. But for $250 it's really disappointing. We did get some cute pics, just none with Santa and I feel like the whole point of having these pics taken are for the awesome interactions with Santa . I'm jealous of other people's photos.
ETA: And the shoot is 20 mins. long
That is so disappointing. Since it's early can you request another appt? It can't hurt to ask especially since you did pay a lot of money.
I feel bad asking for another appt at no cost and I def don't want to throw more money into pics...and honestly, I don't want to put DD (or any of us lol) through the torture again.
My best friend went last year with her son (1.5 at the time) and his pics are really good. This year, she is taking her kids (2.5 and 3 months) PLUS her 5 nieces and nephews. She wants to surprise her parents with the photos. I can't even imagine 7 kids at once
I can't even imagine that many people fitting in the little areas, especially not with parents watching. Plus, the info I got said immediate family only. I guess she makes exceptions though because there were two families (I think kids were cousins) sharing a session when we went.
My other friend took her one son and her one niece last year (so cousins) and it wasn't a problem and my friend and her SIL split the cost of the package.
I am sure with 7 kids they are paying more than the price of just one package but not sure of the details. She's also a returning customer so maybe that helps too.
This year I was told that it was ONLY siblings. I called and spoke to Kristin about it and had to cancel my appointment because we always do our pictures with my niece and nephew. She said years prior it was ok but this year she was strictly doing silbings. I'm going to be REALLY upset if I find out people were allowed to do cousins!!
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| Posted 10/18/16 1:00 PM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Re: "The Santa Experience"
I'm surprised more local photogs haven't cashed in on this type of experience yet!
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| Posted 10/18/16 1:06 PM |
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