We used to take the pictures with a Polaroid. Getting the best deal on film - usually at Sam's - it cost about $1 per picture.
These days, I'd consider digital as well. If at all possible, I'd print them onsite. To me, that's part of the fun. But MonkeyGirl's right - would the printer be fast enough? And you need to consider the cost of photo paper AND ink when you consider the full expense.
As far as what to put them in...THAT was the issue for us. Those nice cardstock frames with the Christmas theme can be very tough to find. Finally, I discovered the secret - they are called "Folios". If you check with photo supply shops and on the internet, you can find them. They have pre-cut slots to fit the pictures.
But then one year we waited too late to order those, so we used folded construction paper(sort of like a birthday card), let the kids decorate it themselves, and affixed the picture with glue stick. BIG HIT! Inexpensive! Kids loved it, plus it gave us one more craft.
We've done it 3 different ways. Years ago we used a polaroid camera. Two years ago, we switched to digital and had a printer there. The pictures were good but the printer was way too slow. Last year, we had printer problems at the last minute so we just took the pictures with the digital camera and then the next day I took the memory stick to Walmart and then printed them all out. I think they are 19 cents a piece. We took down everyone's names but most were just children in the school so we didn't even have to mail many out. We let people know that the pictures would not be ready right away. If you decide to do it this way, you might want to mention it in your flyers you send home. No one minded or said anything about the pictures not being ready right away.
We are planning a Picture with Santa but have never done this before and do not know how to get started could you please give me some advice I am totally lost on how to print pictures and the most cost effective way to do this Thanks
We've had some wonderful discussions about this in the past. You might want to use the SEARCH feature. Type in "Santa" and see what hits you get. Forum members have shared some great info.
