Eileen is a phenomenal photographer with a knack for getting the perfect shot. She goes above and beyond to create the most memorable holiday photos. We have been coming to see her and Santa C for four years now. Two of which my son didn't mind, one he absolutely loathed, and this year he was a bit apprehensive. Since there was no line, Eileen allowed us the time to help our son warm up to him to get a great photo. Santa C also did an amazing job helping my son warm up to him. It's an incredible thing watching all they do for kids. We will wait in lines no matter how long, because she's just so wonderful. So please, Poole who get mad about the lines. Just remember it's the holidays and plan ahead or prepare to wait, everywhere. read more

The Easter Bunny - Session Photography Near Me - La Mesa, California

Awesome Santa experience with enthusiastic photographer and helpers. Santa Lady and crew takes their time with your littles so there is a little time to warm up, if needed. I've been going here for several Santa & Easter Bunny pics for four years. :) The line can be a little crazy on the weekends so if you can, try coming midday during the week. No line today and it was great! This Santa is LEGIT! Loved the real beard, gold trimmed glasses and he was just wonderful with all the kids. I was prepared for another Santa disaster with a keepsake photo of my terrified child on Santa's lap. Instead we got a joyful photo to treasure! This had everything to do with their patience and skill level. Thank you for a great experience! Happy holidays! read more

The Easter Bunny - Session Photography Near Me - La Mesa, California

Came here with my 2 year old, Yorkie and wife for our 2nd year in a row. I love this santa because the line isn't crazy and the setting is super cute, I also want to come for Easter because they have an awesome looking Easter Bunny I've seen from my friends pics. Anyway, santa is suuuuper nice and thoughtful. My son always gets a big smile when the owner of the business uses her patented "tickler" (a feather tipped magical wand) that she uses right before the pic to capture the perfect smile. The background and setting are wife approved, the weather is always gorgeous and lunch is around the corner. The package prices are very fair and Adding a usb to any package is about $15 (totally worth it for reprints). The owner is super sweet and goes above and beyond for sure. She's been doing it for over 40 years she said and I'm definitely a fan. See you next year for another Christmas Miracle! read more

Love Eileens photos...she is so good with crying kids (which is mine) and patient in helping you get the perfect shot...she even made one of my kid screaming on the Easter Bunny funny! (Oh yeah she also does Easter Bunny, besides Santa!) Thanks Eileen for catching some holiday photos to remember, view, and cherish for years to come. PS: I also love that Eileen gives you the option to own the photos she takes for you to reprint and share with family, friends, and facebook, at a VERY affordable price. read more

The Easter Bunny - By far, my favorite. - Session Photography Near Me - La Mesa, California

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Oh my lord the wait time was 2 1/2 hours long which would not be a big deal but the line wasn't even that long! Everyone in line was super irritated and haven't a clue why on earth it would take this long. Also, the woman inside the Santa house was uber cranky and did not like kids which baffled me! My family that came along was not impressed. Pass next year as the wait time is just unbearable! Happy Holidays! Ho ho ho jokes on you if you dare take the kiddos!! read more

This was so much fun!!! The line was super short too. They give you a usb so you get all the photos they take. Love the quality of the photos. And with covid they did an amazing job read more

I wish I could give 10 stars. My little girl has had her picture taken with Santa every year for the past 5 years down at Seaport Village. Eileen is so sweet and takes the time to get each picture that a parent requests. She's an awesome photographer! It's just an amazing experience. You stand in line at the mall for hours to receive a package deal that is outrageous and the picture quality is horrible. Eileen has an option to even have all the photographs on a drive and you take that home as well. Love her!! I refer family and friends to Seaport each year to get their Santa pictures. It's the only place to get that perfect picture with a Santa with a REAL beard. LOL I have actually seen Eileen hug parents before that have an upset child. She just smiles and has them come back and try again. She's so sweet!! You might have to wait in line on Sat and Sunday but it's so worth it I promise. :) read more

We absolutely LOVE Eileen and have been following her around San Diego for our yearly picture with Santa for years. Seaport Village has been a wonderful spot! She is always welcoming, warm and friendly to us and our kids. My kids tend to have the fake smiles, but she pulls out all her tricks and takes her time to get a great shot. We even got there too late one year for Santa, but her and her crew came up with a fabulous idea...they were able to Photoshop a picture of Santa over the mantle looking down on us! It made a potential terrible outcome wonderful. So grateful for her and her staff's professionalism! We will continue to have our pictures taken by Eileen with Santa as we have been for the last 15 years! BTW...Her Santas are the BEST!! read more

We went to Santa at Seaport Village...and we will go there from now on! Eileen is awesome with kiddos who are scared of the man in the red suit! She knew the moment we walked into the gazebo that our little one would have a tough time and told us exactly what to do. After a moment of cries on Santa's lap...we got some great smiles! Eileen knows what she is doing :) AWESOME! We saw Santa A - and he is awesome! The backdrop has a nice and cozy warm feeling. The value is great!!! We opted to buy just the CD...and we got 8 digital high resolution photos for $20! Gotta love that! This is a big improvement from last year's experience at the Mission Valley Mall which was 1-5x7 for $20. See you next year Santa Lady! read more

My Daughter has visited with Santa "A" 3 years (this will be her 4th year). The pictures are so fantastic and Santa takes his time to listen to the wishes. It's awesome to have the same Santa year after year! Eileen is great with kids. My niece is autistic and Eileen was so patient with her. read more

For $45 I would expect photos that are in focus. Only 2 out of the 8 photos we received on the USB drive were in focus. Giving this one star because the Santa was nice and was very personable. read more

We went to this location to see Santa because of the shopping nearby and it's right on the water. You should plan to get there early. We got there at 11:15 am on a Saturday (opens at 11am) and still had to wait in line for a good 45 minutes to an hour. Pictures are taken in a gazebo with the usual Santa / Christmas tree set up. Pros: the Santa is very patient and funny (at least he made us laugh even though our kid was crying!); they have treats and coloring toys for the kids after the session; staff is friendly Cons: the photographer wasn't patient and didn't try to make our daughter feel comfortable. I tried to help but she told me to stand to the side. As a result we have an SD card filled with pictures of our kid screaming. The one thing that salvaged it is the number of poses Santa made reacting to her crying -- hilarious! Bottom line: Don't go here if you want to get a memorable photo session, especially if your kid is toddler age and under. You can never predict how kids will act in photo sessions and the photographer is not good enough to accommodate every personality type (she was extra nice to kids who were quiet or behaved well). Three stars. read more

Santa is wonderful! He brought a tear to my eye posing with my baby girl. He was gentle, merry and kind. I highly recommend taking your children here - my pictures came out better than I imagined! read more

Great pictures and easy to work with! Even with COVID they made it work and the kids were very happy. I am really glad we got our Santa pictures this year! read more

I found "our"Santa,almost 5 years ago. We have been going to Eileen ever since. Eileen is a wonderful lady that truly LOVEs her craft and her clients. We are so utterly devoted to her Santa Photos that we recommend her to everyone. Top it all of she has THE SWEETEST Santa(s) around,Wonderful and great with the little ones. Where can you go and have someone remember you year after year. Beyond the wonderful spirit her prices can not be beat, with great quality. read more

This place has the best Santa. No skinny young guy with a fake beard. Their Santa is real bearded, jolly and realistic. Not just in looks but in interaction also. The owner really wants to get you memorable pictures. No big photography company with briefly trained kids taking your pictures here. The sole owner of 40 years and often the photographer has some pride in her product. The prices are reasonable especially in comparison to larger malls. Packages are offered but I don't think that there is any pressure to purchase. There can be a wait but it is less than many other malls. read more

Let me start off by saying I am a professional photographer so when it comes to photo quality and prints I probably expect a lot more than what someone might usually expect! I was so disappointed with this Santa experience I took my kids to another one that same day (and had a significantly better experience)! The staff there was nice enough but not what I'd expect for a $54 package that we were pushed to purchase while we were in line. I had heard such nice things about this Santa experience that I figured the $54 package would be worth it. My kids were happy to meet him and brought in letters that they had written him. After they took their photos, they showed him their letters.. which was nice and memorable and photo-worthy, until I saw him roll his eyes at my 7 year old daughter! She was reading her letter to him, and I guess it was taking her a while to read some of the words out loud, and he rolled his eyes! Come on, man! I know it's probably not the easiest job, and I know my kid isn't perfect, but being outwardly annoyed with someone who is genuinely excited to meet you is not cool! This also happened around 11:45am, and they opened at 11am! My daughter was given a candy cane and a nice coloring book and markers. She was thrilled about this, and I thought it was a nice touch. She realized her almost 3 year old brother wasn't given one so she asked Santa for a set for him (which I didn't realize because I was paying). Apparently he told her they aren't for toddlers, which I told her was fine, until she asked me why the baby who went before us came out with a set. Sigh! Then we got our prints. Printed on cheap inkjet paper. The photo backdrop is a simple blue velvet which wasn't the most regal ever, and call me picky (when paying a high cost for a Santa photo) but I personally like Santa photos that are portrait-oriented, versus landscape-oriented. At that moment, I thought, oh well, since the printed photo is important to me and not my kids I'll just take them to the other place where I've had great experiences later. When we got home and I loaded the sd card that came with the photo package, I noticed that all of the photos are alot blurrier on the left side, and the right side of the photos are sharp. Bummer! I debated on giving 1, 2, or 3 stars and settled on 3 because I know that being a photographer isn't easy, and this photographer did a fine job. It was more of Santa himself that bummed me out, and I imagine (and HOPE!) he isn't the only Santa working for this company. And the equipment was technically faulty, but as I said given what I do for a living, it's probably more of a big deal to me than anyone else. In case the company reads this, I just want to offer some comparisons with the other Santa we visited at a 'world-famous San Diego location'. It took the same amount of time at both locations. That Santa seemed much more interactive with the photographer (whereas this Seaport one just kind of 'sat there'), gave them a warm greeting and invited them to visit with him (this one was a bit more silent, and waited for the photographer to instruct the kids to sit). Photos were snapped portrait and landscape, and after that Santa visited with the kids. He was excited to read their letters and acknowledged the kid's names and ages. Purchasing the photos happened outside of the room he was in, and that might have contributed to the overall experience. The Seaport experience definitely has potential, and clearly after reading the other reviews here there are many happy customers! I would just suggest this company reevaluate their overall process and the quality of the Santa they employ! read more

The Santa Lady is a wonderful photographer who does not rush her customers in any manner. Not only does she have real beard Santas but also has a beautiful venue. Her clientele have followed her for generations now with over 40 years of professional Santa photos. Watch for her this Spring when she is there taking photos with the Easter Bunny. Eileen is the BEST! read more

Last year, I took my kids to the mall for a photo with Santa. Frankly, it was a disappointing experience - the wait was long, Santa was tired, etc. This year, I went to the Seaport Village and WOW! The wait was not long at all, and Santa (I got Santa K) was sooooo friendly and enthusiastic with my 7 and 5 year olds. He was able to converse with them in such a way that my kids are convinced he is real! The photos by Eileen are great poses, and fun! And the cost for the thumb drive was much less than what I paid at the mall for a greater variety of poses, and better quality photos. I HIGHLY recommend the Seaport Village for Santa photos! Thank you Eileen, and of course Santa K! read more

Very friendly and Santa was so cute. Our 13 month old would say otherwise though... ;)

There was an hour wait to see Santa which I totally expected. My two year all son did amazing he was having a blast waiting in line up till the very end. We where next and I don't know why but my son started screaming and yelling. So he was very upset. Eileen didn't even try to make him smile. She snapped 4 pictures and she said I quote "Oh well looks like you wont be getting a smile this year." After waiting for an hour we where in the gazebo for maybe 2 minutes and four pictures. After reading all these great reviews I was really bummed out. We are not a family made of money, being able to take pictures with Santa this year was a huge deal and I expected my little boy to be taken care of, that its what all the reviews said. He was not, it was like she didn't want to deal with us. If we are able to do this next year we will not be coming back to Sea Port Village if Eileen is the photographer. read more

If I could give her 10 stars I would!! I've been going to see Eileen for Santa and Easter Bunny photos for 5 years now and I've never been disappointed. I don't have children, so I take my dogs. It started out with just my first dog, and eventually our pack grew to 4. Every year Eileen welcomes us with a smile and a hug, and knows just the trick to get our dogs focused on camera to get the perfect shot. If you've ever tried to get 4 dogs to stare at a camera and smile, you'll know this is nearly an impossible task. We always know we will get the perfect photo for our Christmas cards when we go see her! She has several different packages available for printed photos, or you can also get all of your photos on an SD card or USB drive. We always get the SD card because when you're photographing dogs, you get some perfect shots and then some funny ones in between. Her prices are incredibly reasonable for the great quality photos she takes, and she always makes sure that each family gets a minute to visit with Santa. So you dont just get great photos, you get a whole experience! Her Santa's are always the best (and they all have REALLY beards!!!). Her Easter Bunny is also the best! Totaly adorable! The first time we met it was because I found out there was an Easter Bunny photographer at Seaport Village that allowed you to bring dogs as well. I though that was pretty awesome, and then found out she did Santa photos too, and the rest is history. I know we'll continue to see her every year for Santa and Easter bunny photos for years to come!! Having watched her photograph other families and children each year, I can say she's incredibly patient and takes pride in making sure everyone had a great experience and takes home an equally great photo!! I definitely recommend her to anyone looking to take a great Santa or Easter Bunny photo with their children, family, or pets! read more

The Easter Bunny - Anyone that can get 4 dogs to stare at a camera and smile deserves an award. I can always count on Eileen for a perfect photo! - Session Photography Near Me - La Mesa, California

This is the best place we've been to for Santa. Last place we went to, we bought the USB and we were only given one photo to choose from. This place let us have all the photos they took on the USB. Another place we went to only had a metal-type of background, so I didn't like it. This one is decorated very nicely. I recommend it here, but you do have to make sure you plan to be there at least an hour; like most Santa places. read more

Eileen is the best! The liveliest looking Santa we've seen all day - from two earlier lines :) Came here with our 9 month old and they were awesome, friendly, and accommodating...even got change of clothes in. Many thanks for helping us capture the moment! We'll definitely be back. read more

Best Santa experience ever!!!! My two year old loved Santa and Eileen got one of the best pictures of my son I have! Thank you for making our Christmas so magical! read more

Great experience! Santa was super nice with some treats for the kiddies and the photographer was a baby whisperer shooting some great pictures. We were there 15 minutes before they opened so we didn't have to wait long in line, we will definitely be back next year! read more

What a great place to visit and have your Santa picture taken with such professional people!

Eileen truly is amazing and the only person that would actually get the kids to smile! She takes her time with the kids and as a result you get great pictures. I highly recommend. She also has the easter bunny!! You must go to her next year and Easter time! read more

We LOVE Eileen, the Santa Lady! We have been coming here for the past 5 years even travel an hr now just to see her every Christmas. I don't know about your kids but mine would notice if it wasn't the same Santa every year. I love knowing each picture every year is with the same one (there is a schedule of the various Santa's so just make sure you always go when yours is scheduled to be there!) She has a great charm with kids and takes her time to produce a good picture, even those stubborn kids who won't smile. She is by far a much better experience than the mall Santa's who rush you through. Prices are competitive too! You won't be disappointed, I plan on coming back to her for many years. read more

I miss Eileen....the photos she got off my girls our 4 years stationed there I will cherish. She met my second born at the Christmas shoot and watched both girls grow seeing them twice a year. Her Santas look like the real deal and are sweet as can be. .and her easter bunny is so amazing. Great prices. ..she'll remember repeat customers. ..worth every penny read more

DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY COMING HERE!!!!! I wish I could give 0 stars! This lady is all talk as a photographer shooting In manual on a canon t3i ...no talent here. Can't even adjust the lighting due to the bright sunny days in San Diego and her "set up" is in a crowded tiny gazebo... for the expensive price of printed photos I would at least expect decent quality but the photos were blurry. read more

Going somewhere else next year. It's a fun event for our family to go to Seaport Village for Santa photos....until we see the results. We went for Santa pictures last year when our son was a newborn, for Easter, and again for Santa this year. After wanting to love her, we just don't. Maybe we caught her on all of her bad days? We basically paid a boat load of money for the same poses and got better pictures on our own before and after the shoot. The Easter Bunny was a huge disappointment, with a petitie lady (it seemed), with a high pitched voice, dressed in a Trix costume. The Santa this year sat there and just pawed at my blouse in our pictures and it was SO not worth the money. I look at my friends' Santa and Easter Bunny pictures with envy. I don't expect my child to be glowing with joy in each and every one, but at least a variety of poses. Why pay $40 for the same shot 9 times? No wonder we've never had more than 1 or 2 families waiting in line before us. We wanted to make it a tradition, but moving on.... read more

Eileen and her Santa are the best ones in San Diego!, she has everything for the perfect Santa's pictures, even tricks to make our girls laugh, we really love to see her every year, she is welcoming, professional and fun to work with. Now is our tradition to take pictures with her, and after, since she has the perfect location, we go for a delicious dinner!, what a deal! We love Santa's picture day, that is why we go with the best! read more

Best Santa EVER! We have been visiting Santa and the Santa Lady since they were in the basement at the Sears in Parkway Plaza. Seaport Village is an outstanding location. Great options for photos at reasonable prices. You can bring your well behaved pets. You can get silly or serious photos. Eileen, the Santa Lady, and all of the Santas are very friendly and fun. There is always a wait because they are so good and give you all the time you need to get the shot you want. We are never pressured to buy anything. But we always gets warm greetings and great pics. My kids are adults and we still do the family photo with Santa and the Santa Lady every year. Thanks Eileen. We LOVE you! read more

Don't waste your time with mall Santas!!! We started getting our pictures done here almost 3 years ago at Easter with the bunny. I won't bother going anywhere else for Santa or the Easter bunny! Santa is perky and jolly and Eileen is great at getting the kids to smile and get the cutest pictures!! I recommend them to everyone!!! read more

This was the worst photography experience I've ever had. There was zero line. They pressured us about packages from the first step going up the stairs. Rushed the poses and neglected to tell us there would only be a few photos taken. They all turned out awful as they didn't allow us to adjust in between pictures even though we had a chance to see the image on a large screen. Instead of allowing us to look, she rushed the next shot forcing us to look away from the monitor. Oh, and then wanted to charge us another five dollars to take more pictures. It felt more like hustle than a holiday experience with santa. The worst part is the photo quality. Printed on cheap inkjet paper, blurry and bad detail, not archival so it is likely to fade AND the colors were all washed out due to the sun streaming into the studio. Awful. Awful. Awful. Awful. If i could only go back in time i would go to ANY of the mall Santa options over this place. The Santa was charming though and looked amazing and was wonderful with my daughter. read more

We've been going to Eileen since my son was a newborn for 2 Easters and his 1st Christmas. She doesn't really have a welcoming or enthusiastic personality. But I really enjoy the quality of the photos and the backdrop as well as the bunny. The other bunnies at the mall look so creepy. Our first experience sucked because the hard drive she gave us didn't convert the pictures onto Windows but rather onto Macs. But I still went back for the Santa photos to see how it would turn out and because we love going to seaport village. Wasn't as impressed with the backdrop that time but the Santa was pretty cool. My son wasn't happy in the last 2 photos but I totally understand that babies will either love it or won't. She didn't try as hard to make my son laugh which is why I didn't give her a 5 star rating. She kinda just snapped 4-6 photos and didn't really ask us to step to the side to try and get him to laugh. If I'm going to pay this much money to snap a memorable once in a lifetime photo of my son I would have wanted at least some effort from a professional that does it best. We usually drive about 45 minutes to her location, we showed up 15 minutes before her closing time & and she had told me she was no longer taking anyone else I was livid but she ended up taking us anyway which is why I'm giving her at least a 3 star rating for making the effort. Unfortunately I don't think we will be going back to her. read more