Q: Where do the photos take place?
A: We do our Santa and Bunny portraits in downtown Brenham at Hermann Furniture, 213 W. Alamo Street. Every year, Hermann’s generously allows us to use the back room of their store for our photos. Parking is available on the streets in front of and behind Hermann’s.
Q: Do I need an appointment?
A: Yes, we use an appointment-only structure for all our seasonal portraits to cut down on wait time. We have four to five appointment slots for every fifteen minutes, so while you may have to wait a few minutes for your turn, you won’t have to wait in a long line like at the mall. We ask that you do not arrive more than 10 minutes early for your appointment to help the process flow smoothly.
Q: How do I make an appointment?
A: Call us at 979-836-1700 or email scott@brenhamportraitgallery.com. If you email us, please include your name, phone number, how many children you have, and their ages. We cannot make your appointment until we have this information. We try to respond as soon as possible, although you may experience a slight delay if you contact us right after the dates are released. Please note that phone and email are our preferred methods for you to contact us.
Your appointment time is for one pose, so if you would like to do more than one (for instance, one photo of your children and one photo of you with your children) please let us know when you make the appointment so we can give you the correct number of time slots. If you have to cancel your appointment, please call or email us and we can help you reschedule if desired. We do appreciate you letting us know if you do have to reschedule, because many times we have a waiting list for people wanting to get an appointment.
Q: Will my kids get to talk to Santa?
A: Of course! We give the kids plenty of time to talk to Santa about their wish list either before or after we take the photo, depending on what your child is comfortable with.
Q: How long does my appointment last?
A: All our seasonal photos are one-pose. They are not mini sessions. Each one lasts approximately 3-5 minutes, and Scott takes several pictures and works with your child to capture their genuine smile for one wonderful image.
Q: Will I get all the pictures?
A: Although Scott takes several pictures to capture the best look, each appointment produces one top-quality portrait for your prints and/or digital file.
Q: How much are pictures?
A: You can view our bunny order form here. We will have plenty of these forms when you come for your appointment, or you can print one out and fill it out ahead of time to bring with you. We accept cash, check, or debit/credit card. All the prints in a package will be of the same image, and if you add the digital file to any package it is the same image as the prints in that package.
Q: Can I see the photos there and pick which image I want?
A: To make the process as quick and easy as possible for our customers, we do not display the images there. We know it can be difficult enough to choose your favorite out of similar images without having to do it while keeping track of wandering little adventurers! Instead, Scott goes through the images at a later time and picks the best look for your order.
Q: What if my child is crying?
A: It’s natural for young children to be unsure of Santa, or even the bunnies! We do our best to make each child feel as comfortable as possible, and Scott is often able to turn a pouty face into a smile. Your child can watch other kids have fun taking a picture, and they can sit on your lap next to Santa and talk to him for a few minutes before the photo to see that he’s not so scary after all. Every child is different though, and Santa certainly ends up with plenty of crying kids on his lap. These portraits make for great memories, and many of our long-time customers agree that the crying photos are their favorite ones! However, we will also refund your money if you would prefer to not have a crying photo.
Q: Can I get in the picture with my child? Can you take a picture of my child and then do one of them with their cousins?
A: Yes, you can take photos of multiple groupings. Because each appointment is for one pose, you will need to let us know how many groupings you want when you make an appointment so we can give you the correct number of time slots. Also keep in mind that each photo package or digital file is of one image only, so you will need to purchase a separate package for the portrait of a different grouping.
Q: Can I get a family portrait on the holiday backdrop without Santa?
A: Absolutely! We offer the same structure, prices, and packages as Santa portraits for a quick and easy professional holiday photo of your family. We offer appointment times after each photo day, once we have finished with Santa. If you would also like a Santa photo, we can schedule the appointment at the end of the day so you can stay after your Santa picture for your family portrait.
Q: When and where will I get my portraits?
A: When you come for your Santa or Bunny appointment, we will tell you the exact day your photos will be ready. Typically, prints will be ready in 7-10 days and digital files will be emailed in about a week, although our turn-around time is quicker the closer it gets to Christmas or Easter. The prints and digital files from the final days of Santa and Bunnies will sometimes not be available until after Christmas and Easter. See the calendar page for specific information.
We will send the digital file to the email you provide on your order form. Please check your spam folder; as sometimes our emails end up there. When your prints are ready, we can mail them to you for a small shipping fee or you can pick them up at our studio, 1804 W. Main Street, in Brenham. They will be around the back of the house on our covered porch in a file box, filed by last name. You can come pick them up any day between 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Q: Do you offer Christmas cards?
A: Yes, our slimline greeting cards feature your Santa photo on different holiday-themed cards and up to three lines of personalized text. Our separate card order form will be available at pictures if you wish to purchase cards in addition to or instead of a package, and they would be ready the same time as your prints. You can also purchase a digital file to print your own cards instead.