It was an dreary rainy day at the studio, and then...
We have to admit, we blinked many times and stared at each other when we saw a giant red sleigh pull up in front of our studio. This just can't be real Shannon and I said almost at once!
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Santa asked as he walked in our front door along with Mrs. Claus. Well, he was dressed COMPLETELY differently for one thing and even had sunglasses on! "You live in Texas and wonder why I'm wearing shades?" Now he looked at ME a little funny.
As it turns out, Santa and Mrs. Claus are on a 'QA' inspection tour of studios prior to their visits around the world to be a part of creating beautiful portraits with good little boys and girls, and today was our surprise inspection and interview!
We hadn't even put out cookies, we were mortified...
Santa was all business and immediately sat down on our couch with Mrs. Claus to start the interview. (You probably know that Santa is a real security freak when it comes to secrecy, so I'm going to present as much of the interview as he allowed.)
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HGP: So Santa, we know this trip is totally undercover, what are the other stores going to say when they see that giant red sleigh outside?
SC: (Smiling as if talking to a toddler, which, truthfully is how Hayward often feels in Santa's presence) Hayward, Hayward, I can travel around the world in one night, visit EVERY SINGLE CHILD, get in and out of their homes undetected and you think hiding one sleigh at The Alley would really be a challenge?
HGP: Ahem, we see your point.... So, Santa, how long have you been doing inspections this year?
SC: Oh we just started this week, San Antonio is one of our first stops.
HGP: Oh Wow! We are so honored, but why is San Antonio one of your first stops?
SC: Hayward, I'll be honest with you, you are a good photographer and all, but its really the tacos. In the winter when we do all the children's photography, everyone just wants to talk about tamales, and we like them and all, but the missus and I really just felt like a good taco to start the trip off. (Mrs. Claus nodded enthusiastically)
HGP: So Santa, we are incredibly honored that you have put us on your calendar yet again, we know a lot of little boys and girls who are going to absolutely LOVE spending time with you to have their portraits done... can you tell us the most common misconceptions people have about bringing their children to you?
SC: Two things that really take the jingle out of my bells: First, I'm NOT Tim Allen (Shannon and I can readily attest to this, he isn't), second I'm NOT that guy who put his boot on that little boy's head in 'Christmas Story' and kicked him down the slide making that ridiculous sounding 'Hooooo, hooooo, hoooo' the whole time.
HGP: Do people really think that?
SC: What can I say; between television and social media even a good myth can become unrecognizable!
HGP: Speaking of recognizable, can we get a photo of you and Mrs. Claus?
SC: Like this? No Way! We have a brand to uphold! But seriously, its really because of the children. The world is confusing enough and they need to be focused on the good things in the world and me and the missus always try to keep one consistent happy image for them. So, you'll have to wait till we come back in November and we are visible to the children. (It's not a good day when Hayward can't create a photograph, seeing this, Santa offered an alternative) Tell you what, here, use my camera to take a photo of my sleigh out front since your camera won't be able to see it.
HGP: Really! I can use your camera? (Hayward reverted to that toddler momentarily again as he ran outside to capture a photo of the sleigh while Shannon was shaking her head and smiling) Santa, what are all these sparkles all over the image?
SC: Thats the Magic Pixiedust Visibility Sensor at work. It does leave artifacts - what can I say, its pure magic! (Hayward looks relieved that he won't have to deal with magic in Photoshop!)
HGP: So Santa, as one of your trusted photographers, what's most important to you about these sessions?
SC: Time! I hate rushing... especially when I get to spend time with boys and girls on the 'good' list. Me and the missus love that we actually have enough time to talk with the boys and girls and get to know a little about them so we can create the perfect Christmas gift for them. You know, at their age, they don't always express themselves in their letters too well. (Santa gave me one of those patented finger beside the nose winks)
(Santa and Hayward then reviewed the plans for the photography sessions. This of course is top secret at Santa's request. He DOES like his big surprises. He did say we could use one of his publicity stills from last year for this article, but he is one sly elf and made NO promise that he will appear the same way to the children this year!)
HGP: (Noticing Mrs. Claus tapping her watch and looking at Santa) Oh no, do you have to leave already?
SC: Yes, we do have other stops in San Antonio, very few, but you know you aren't our only photographer Hayward.
HGP: (A bit crestfallen, but accepting his place) Of course... Anything else you want to tell everyone Santa?
SC: We only have 12 spots on your calendar, make sure the boys and girls know that!
HGP: Oh we're telling them Santa, we have already filled 3, so we are down to 9!
SC: Ok then, off we go. Until November!
HGP: Umm Santa, there are no reindeer out there.
SC: Unions! They will ONLY work one night a year - what can I say? The rest of the time, its all about the Magic Dust Propulsion System.
HGP: (We chose not to ask further about this) Thanks for coming by Santa - we can't wait for November!
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