Below, you'll find answers to our most commonly asked questions. If you have additional questions, please use our contact form here!
General Questions:
Do I need a reservation or Appointment?
Nope! We operate on a first-come, first-serve basis every day.
Can I take my own photos with my phone?
Unfortunately, personal photography of any kind is not allowed. As a small locally-owned business, our sales directly support your neighbors on set. Thank you for understanding!
Do I Have to purchase a photo?
If you would like a photo, yes. However, there is no commitment to purchase. You can view your photos with your photographer on the set before you checkout, so you know you're getting pictures you love. It is always free to visit, but please keep in mind that personal photography is not allowed.
How Much do photos cost?
Easy! Just click on "Pricing" above, or visit us on the set.
Can I bring my pet?
Absolutely, on any of our pet days! You can find more information on the "Events" page above.
Am I too old to Visit?
Nope! We have groups, couples, and individuals who visit from every walk of life. Infants, children, teens, adults, and seniors visit every year for their photos.
How many people can be in a photo?
As many as we can physically fit. We've taken photos of the entire UNT Basketball Team, whole choirs from several different schools, and an entire death metal band. We recommend aiming to visit during the week or earlier in the season if you have a group of more than 8 people to ensure you have time to take and review your photos without the stress of a line behind your party.
Why is my photographer wearing a mask?
We see thousands of kiddos and their families over the course of the season. As such, we take sniffles very seriously. If we feel even a tickle, it is our policy to wear a mask for the protection and comfort of our customers and staff. It's a mild inconvenience for us to ensure we're doing everything we can to keep your family healthy. It's an easy choice for us :)
How do I access my digital photos?
If you purchased digital images, they will be emailed to the email address you provided at checkout within 24 hours of purchase. Please keep in mind that digital delivery speed is based on sales volume, so images may take that full 24 hours to arrive during our busiest days. Please check your spam or junk folder - because there are files attached to the email, your inbox may incorrectly flag the message as spam. If you still don't see your images, you can try searching your inbox for "Hart and Guin" or "HG Digital Delivery" After 24 hours, and trying these steps, please use the "Contact" page above to reach out and we will resend your images for you!
Does Hart and Guin do private parties?
Yes! Please reach out via the "Contact" page above with details of the event, location, date, and number of attendees to discuss having us at your party or event!
Who Owns Hart and Guin Photography?
Hart and Guin Photography is owned by Denton locals Drucilla and Jonathan Saxton-Wallace. Drucilla has been taking Santa and Bunny photos since 2008, and convinced her then-boyfriend Jonathan to work with her in 2017 at a different holiday photo company. After Santa 2020, an opportunity arose for the duo to open their own, independent, photo company. Since then, Hart and Guin has done its best every year to improve and grow. We are proud to offer a $15 per hour starting wage, and we are grateful to have the opportunity to develop long-term relationships with our community and your family. Thank you for choosing us!
Santa Questions:
Do I Have to pay to see Santa?
You don't have to pay to visit with Santa - it's totally free! However, personal photography is not allowed. If you would like a photo with Santa, we would love to take some for you!
Can I take a Selfie with Santa?
Unfortunately, personal photography of any kind is not allowed. As a small locally-owned business, our sales directly support your neighbors on set. Thank you for understanding!
Do I Have to purchase a photo?
If you would like a photo, yes. However, there is no commitment to purchase. You can view your photos with your photographer on the set before you checkout, so you know you're getting pictures you love. It is always free to visit, but please keep in mind that personal photography is not allowed.
How Much do Santa photos cost?
Easy! Just click on "Pricing" above, or visit us on the set.
I bought a package, can I take some candid shots on my phone?
Unfortunately, personal photography is not allowed. If you're interested in candid shots, or specific poses, just let your photographer know and we’ll take care of you!
Can i bring my own camera?
Unfortunately, personal photography is not allowed. If you bring your own camera or attempt to take photos with your phone, you will be gently reminded that personal photography is not allowed. Please refrain from yelling at our staff, photos are our whole business, and our business is our main source of income. If you are interested in specific poses or shots, we welcome you to visit during the week and early in the season so we can spend time working with you to achieve the perfect shot, without the pressure of a line behind you. Please let your photographer know if there are specific poses you would like, and feel free to bring reference images! We reserve the right to refuse any pose that presents a danger to the safety and comfort of Santa and our crew on set.
How do I access my digital photos?
If you purchased digital images, they will be emailed to the email address you provided at checkout within 24 hours of purchase. Please keep in mind that digital delivery speed is based on sales volume, so images may take that full 24 hours to arrive during our busiest days. Please check your spam or junk folder - because there are files attached to the email, your inbox may incorrectly flag the message as spam. If you still don't see your images, you can try searching your inbox for "Hart and Guin" or "HG Digital Delivery" After 24 hours, and trying these steps, please use the "Contact" page above to reach out and we will resend your images for you!
Things were different last year!
We believe in constant improvement, and as such we work to perfect our practices and processes each season. Though you may recognize our photographers from many different malls around the DFW metroplex over the last 15+ years, Denton is currently our only set, and we have proudly operated here since 2021. We work hard to ensure that we're offering the best quality and value in photos! If you have a suggestion or concern regarding our services, please use the "Contact" link above.
What if my child Cries?
There is a lot of excitement and pressure around visiting with Santa! Many little ones cry the first (or second, or fifth) time they meet Santa. This is normal! Sometimes, your kiddo may calm down once they've had a moment to process what's going on. Sometimes sitting or standing next to Santa, instead of in his lap, might help. Sometimes sitting with you might be all that's needed to stop the tears. Ultimately, Santa photos are about the memory, and a crying photo can be a treasured memory of a developmental milestone for your little one. Also, my favorite photo I've ever taken was of two college students who returned to recreate a crying photo from their toddler years. It was incredibly cute, and their mom loved it. However, if you're determined to get a smiling or non-crying photo, we recommend visiting early in the season and on weekdays when there is less traffic, so you have the opportunity to walk around the mall for a bit to calm down, then try again. Remember, there's no charge to visit, and if you're not able to get a smile on your first attempt, coming back on another day when no one is hungry or sleepy might be all you need to get a smile 😊
What if my baby won't smile?
With infants, the ideal Santa photos are either them napping with Santa, or their eyes open, toward the camera. Depending on the age of your baby, they may not yet be able to smile, so we look for a pose where their face is clearly visible and unobstructed by little wiggling hands.
Are my Kids too old for santa?
Definitely not! We have many teenagers and college-age children who still get photos with Santa as part of their holiday traditions. We have adult couples (from 20-year olds to couples celebrating their 20th anniversary and beyond) who visit us every year. We also have adults who never had the chance to see Santa as kids who visit to get their Santa photos for themselves.
Who plays Santa?
It can be difficult to find a good actor to play Santa, so we just went ahead and got the real Santa Claus. It's a lot less hassle that way.
Does Santa Have to be in the photo?
Nope! We have families every year who opt for family photos on our beautiful holiday set, without Santa. If you're interested in this, we may even be able to take your photos during the midday break Santa takes to feed his reindeer! Just let your photographer know.
Can I wear a costume?
Absolutely! We love themed photos. Just keep in mind that your costume should follow the mall's code of conduct, and we ask that you avoid anything extra provocative or scary during peak hours. We have taken photos of people in all sorts of costumes and themed outfits - some of our favorites are a plague doctor mask, full fursuits, tradgoth makeup, and a reindeer costume. PJs are very common, as are formal clothes. While dressing up can be super fun, it also isn't necessary. Whatever feels fun and not-too-stressful is exactly the right thing to wear.
Can I bring my Pet?
Absolutely! We have designated pet days when the mall allows animals to come inside! Find more information on the "Events" page above. Coming with treats, waste baggies, and a leash is a great way to get the best pet photo possible. We also recommend that you be prepared to sit with your pet just in case they are uncomfortable sitting without you for their photo. Dogs and cats are most common, but we have also seen chickens, guinea pigs, and lizards. Any pet is welcome so long as they're friendly. Service animals are always welcome.
When is the best time to visit?
The best times to visit tend to be during the week, especially before 4pm, and early in the season. Mondays and Wednesdays are usually especially slow. However, we don't really see long lines until the last week or so before Christmas. Our busiest days are December 23rd and 24th, so be prepared for about a 30-90 minute wait on those days.
Does santa take breaks?
Yes, Santa breaks daily for about an hour to feed his reindeer, and may take quick cookie breaks throughout the day when needed. Breaks are based on sales volume, so there may be a little variation daily. Check the "Hours" page above for more detailed information on projected break times.
How long is the line?
Depends on the day! The longest lines tend to be on the last two days of the season - December 23rd and 24th. On those days they can reach up to about 90 minutes. For the majority of the season, however, you will likely be able to walk right up with little-to-no wait. Since we don't have prepaid reservations, our line moves very quickly compared to some other photo sets you may have visited in the past.
Bunny Questions:
Most of the most common questions you may have about Bunny are answered above. Below are some specifically Bunny-based questions.
Can I bring my pet?
Absolutely! Check the "Events" page above for our Pet Days! Your pet may find Bunny a little more intimidating than Santa since they're a very large, very fuzzy rabbit. Please be prepared to sit with your pet, as they may not be willing to sit with the Bunny.
Can I take my own photos?
Unfortunately, personal photography of any kind is not allowed. As a small locally-owned business, our sales directly support your neighbors on set. Thank you for understanding!
Do I Have to purchase a photo?
If you would like a photo, yes. However, there is no commitment to purchase. You can view your photos with your photographer on the set before you checkout, so you know you're getting pictures you love. It is always free to visit, but please keep in mind that personal photography is not allowed.
How Much do photos cost?
Easy! Just click on "Pricing" above, or visit us on the set.
Why doesn't bunny talk?
Bunnies don't speak😋But! They do understand you, and they love to play charades!
Is bunny a boy or a girl?
Neither! Bunny is a bunny and thus unbound by human gender. They use they/them and the title Mx.
How many people can be in a photo?
As many as we can physically fit. Our Bunny set is smaller than our Santa set, so there may be a little extra rearranging needed for groups of more than 8 people. We're happy to help get everyone settled in though!