Santas in the Sand: Holiday Magic by the Sea By Writer and Contributor NJ Jaeger
A Santa visit at the beach captured by founder and photographer Mark DeJohn may be South Bay’s most unique celebration of the holidays.
To help make your child’s Christmas wish come true “Santa Craig”, and Manhattan Beach native “Santa Steve”, greet them on the beach north of the Manhattan Beach Pier dressed in iconic Santa attire, welcome them by name, and share magical stories of Santa’s elves and Santa’s reindeers in a relaxed healthy coastal setting.
Mark says, “One of Santa’s most remembered and creative stories is the one about the secret location of his reindeer stables. As you stand on the beach at the Manhattan Beach Pier looking north towards LAX and Malibu, you can see the well-known red and white smokestack that looks like a candy cane. Santa points out the landmark to the children and reveals that this is the top-secret location for his reindeer stable. Smiling parents have told me that every time they drive by the stack their kids delight in telling them that this is where Santa’s keeps his reindeer.”
Mark founded Santas in the Sand eleven years ago as an alternative to the stressful mall environment and since then its popularity has grown across the South Bay. Mark says,
In addition to their names and nicknames, booking information should include something special Santa can acknowledge about each child during their visit, such as a favorite show, favorite song, favorite player or sport accomplishment etc. Bookings begin in August and continue through the last weekend before Christmas.
To provide each family with quality time during their visit with Santa, a maximum of 8 family members per visit.
Everyone at Santas in the Sand embodies the spirit of the season and is honored to capture the precious expressions of childhood joy for you to cherish forever.
The most asked questions by parents are:
Q: How many pictures will we receive?
A: We guarantee 20 images. These will be a selection of pictures with and without Santa as well as some candid.
Q: How long does it take to receive our pictures?
A: We guarantee you will receive your pictures in 5-7 days. And in some cases, we are even able to get them to you sooner. You’ll receive an email with a link and password, where you will be able to download the images and use them for your own personal use.
Q: What if it rains on the day of our shoot?
A: If it rains on the day of your shoot, you have the option of rescheduling the shoot to any other available date. In some cases, we may be able to provide some additional dates (make-up dates). If unfortunately, no dates are available are convenient for you, you will receive a 100% refund.
Q: I'm a little concerned. My little one was really scared of Santa last year when we visited the mall and what if he has a complete melt down at the shoot?
A: We hear this concern a lot. No need to worry. We have some noteworthy “tricks of the trade” that allow us to incorporate Santa into the pictures quite stealthily so we’re pretty confident you’ll be very happy with the results.
Q: Okay, but what if it takes longer than 20 minutes to work your magic and get the shots for us?
A: If we have another family scheduled directly following your shoot, then we will have you hang out on the sidelines, and once we are finished we will take over with your family exactly where we left off. In fact, we found that little ones that are initially frightened by Santa warm up to him after they have watched the little ones interact with him.
Q: Is Santa in the Sand / Santa in the Wilderness available anywhere else besides Manhattan Beach
A: Yes, we offer one day only “pop-up” locations at various cities throughout the year. Check our website regularly for more information or email us with a suggestion.
Q: Does the Photographer shoot anything else besides Santa?
A: Yes, he sure does. He’s available for family, Maternity and Wedding Photography. You can see some of his work on his website; www.dejohnphotography.com
https://www.santainthesand.com/
Manhattan Beach Pier
2 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Mark DeJohn Photography
DeJohn.Photography@gmail.com
310-692-5675
NJ is a storyteller who has written in many voices for clients in health, education, entertainment, food, sport and politics. Her firm managed publicity for documentary films, book authors and the U.S. Championships. NJ received the Lynn Weaver Award from the Entertainment Professional Publicists Society for her lifelong commitment to philanthropy and community volunteerism.