Ivan, Santa Claus

"I met Ivan in 2015, when he was doing some work on my house. We got into conversation and he told me about his double life as Santa Claus. Year after year, he appears at company parties, at the local department store, and at charity events. I was fascinated by the passion and commitment that he showed as he spoke to me. I asked him if I could take pictures of him while he was preparing himself for the role. He agreed and we met on a number of evenings at his home, where I portrayed him amid his home-made costumes and numerous props. Ivan began growing his long grey beard, an important feature of his alter ego, already back in September. His transformation was magical! He explained that it is his wish, above all, to present children with a realistic experience. He still remembers with great fondness, the Christmas festivities he shared as a child with his family. 

This portrait was taken during one of our sessions. We were sitting together speaking about our common delight in the Christmas season. Ivan had taken off his costume and had slipped back into his everyday role. The picture has something pure about it, revealing Ivan’s good nature and gentle heart.

I come from a working family in the north-east of England. The places, smells and sounds of my childhood have very much influenced my life. My brother passing away in 2017 was a hard blow for the family. We were very close as brothers. That year, my wife and I invited his family to spend Christmas with us. Despite the fateful blow, I wanted to offer them a special evening, so I organised a surprise appearance of Santa Claus. As it was getting dark, Ivan came into the house and festively handed out the presents. Child-like joy twinkled in the eyes of the adults. The magic of Christmas had returned."