Long Island's Professional Santa Brings 'Magic' To Family Photos

BAY SHORE, NY — Santa, who lives in Copiague, is one of Long Island's professional Santa Clauses. The devoted Santa embodier legally changed his name to Santa and dresses in character at events ranging from Yankees games to charity appearances. He can be spotted around Long Island in his red overalls and authentic white beard and long white hair. He's also been gracing Long Island family Christmas photos for 15 years.

At Lasting Impressions Photography in Bay Shore, West Islip photographer Jennifer Mercurio and Santa team up to capture children's delight at meeting, and posing with, Santa.

"We work together every Christmas to make these magic images," Mercurio told Patch.

"He's the real deal. His name is Santa. It's on his license, credit cards. He wants each and every kid to believe in him. He’s so loving."

Santa and his family photo sessions at the Bay Shore studio were recently featured on a Fox Nation show called "A Craze Called Christmas."

"What sets Santa Clause apart from other Santas is he really believes in Christmas and he really believes in the children," Mercurio said on the show.

Paul Van Guilder of West Islip brings his two daughters to see Santa every year.

"They love him. They believe he’s the spirit of Christmas," he told Patch.

And as Emma Van Guilder, 10, says in the episode: "Seeing Santa is like seeing a very special, magical person."