A Tradition of Creating Family Memories
Humble Beginnings
The Santa photography business was first established in Seattle in 1943 when Art French, a local newspaper photographer, opened a storefront photography studio in the big corner window of the Frederick & Nelson department store. Credited with being the first photographer to boost small tots onto Santa’s knee for the annual, commemorative portrait, Mr. French memorialized this Christmas moment over the next 20 years.
In 1962, after Mr. French’s passing, the Viydo family purchased the Santa Photography business and set out to build what has become the longest-running Christmas tradition in the country. And like the long tradition that preceded its current ownership, Arthur & Associates is committed to keeping the magic and mystery of Santa alive.
Art French, a Seattle Post-Intelligencer photographer, in 1943. French began the tradition of taking pictures of families with Santa Claus at the downtown Seattle Frederick & Nelson in 1943. (Photo courtesy Museum of History and Industry)
A Thriving Family Business
Arthur & Associates currently provides both Santa and Easter Bunny photography for a variety of malls, department stores and communities in the US and Canada – now serving third and fourth generation visitors.
What makes us unique in the holiday photography business is the timeless devotion to quality and customer satisfaction. Each year, the wishes and smiles are different and uniquely special. Our family owned company remains proudly committed to the quality of the experience and photograph that captures memories to last a lifetime, year after year.
Art French’s legacy continues today.
