Leah Davis has had a hard year, so she decided to spread some Christmas cheer by setting up photo shoots that represent the Kiwi Christmas.
Her 14-year-old son Konrad Hills filled in for Santa, who, for obvious reasons, was far too busy to hit the beach.
It’s not the first time she’s taken her photo shoot to the sand. In fact, she’s been photographing some families with their ‘Summa Santa’ for the past five years.
“The first shoot I did just after Covid was just at Rabbit Island. I had four full days booked who were mostly my friends.”
Then the requests started coming in. So, over the past four years Santa has been a lifeguard, had a picnic in the park, been to the bach and this year he’s offering surf lessons – hypothetically, of course.
Leah loves to include all family members and has had plenty of dogs in front of her camera, along with cats, ferrets and a rat.
“Santa always asks the kids what they want for Christmas and has always got knick-knacky things in his bag as well as candy canes,” Leah says.
This year was Konrad’s first paid gig filling in for Santa, but last year he had to step in last minute when Santa couldn’t make it.
“He was a very un-hairy-legged and high squeeky voice Santa,” Leah laughs.
And at 14, he’s possibly the youngest doppelganger Santa has. Leah’s 12-year-old daughter Keyzia often pops along too, when Santa’s elves are otherwise occupied.
To keep an eye out for next year’s theme, check out summasanta on Instagram.
