Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!
Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!
Photographer offers unique option
Even those who are still kids at heart, like Elyssa and Austin Iverson, can have their picture taken with a virtual Santa this year.
Fiona and Dahlia Strozyk are captured in a photo with Santa.
DAVENPORT – Celebrating the holidays in 2020 is looking different than in years past in the wake of the coronavirus scare, but one Davenport area photographer is ensuring that photos with Santa aren't missed.
Photographer Nikki Ensor of L3A Fantasy Photography is giving clients the chance to have their photo taken with a scenic winter backdrop but adding Santa post-photo shoot in order to adhere to social distancing guidelines.
Using digital software, Ensor is able to add a Santa to any photo, a fun option that makes for realistic holiday creations.
"I have virtual Santa overlays with 11 different poses available for the photos," Ensor shared. "I choose the Santa pose that works best for the photo and then add it to the image."
When asked how Ensor chooses a particular digital photo, she noted that some characteristics have to be present, including the red and white suit, the white beard and a bit of extra padding from "eating all those cookies."
The virtual Santa photos not only allow for people to keep a beloved tradition going on in spite of virus restrictions, but they may have an added benefit.
"This may be the first batch of Santa photos where kids aren't crying sitting on Santa's lap," Ensor said.
Photography studio highlights mini horses
When she isn't shooting Christmas photos Ensor, 47, offers unique photo options at her studio just west of Davenport. She has a barn converted into a small studio where clients can have their photo taken with some of Ensor's mini horses. The horses are often dressed up as unicorns or the steed for a brave knight in kids photos, creating a new keepsake.
"I have mini horses and donkeys that can be in the photos, along with 25 different backdrops that I can use," Ensor shared.
Ensor does an array of photos from senior portraits to family photos. She said her interest in photography started when she was a kid in 4-H in Davenport.
"I've been dabbling in photography for the last 10 years but when I lost my regular job this year, I decided to start doing photos full time," she said.
Customers interested in getting Santa photos before Christmas can still do so at Ensor's studio. While the year has been challenging, Ensor said she is enjoying this fun photo option.
"The year 2020 has not been traditional by any means but this can be a fun way to create a memory," Ensor said. "It's a great opportunity to embrace change and be creative."
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