A Bit Over Exposed by Chris Fritchie

Chris and Lori Fritchie opened Chris Fritchie Studios in the fall of 2015 with one goal in mind. That goal was to create high end Sant Portraits to the Dallas/Ft. Worth Community. With no experience in the Santa world, they opened the studio in mid- November with a goal of doing 15 sessions. After Christmas the studio would focus on Families, Seniors, and commercial clients. Lori and Chris were not prepared for the surge and popularity of their Santa program. The first year the studio did 45 sessions! At the end of the season Chris and Lori knew they were on to something special. The business doubled in 2016. In 2019 Lori, earned her Master of Education and joined the studio full time. We trademarked “The Magic of Santa®” and now have one of the top Santa programs in the country. 

Chris has been a member of PPA since 2010. During the first 9 years as a member Chris wasn’t active in print competition or trying to earn a degree. Chris’ path to a portrait photographer began in 2006 as an editorial photographer. With over 150 cover images and thousands of published images Chris needed a change. Opening the studio provided that change. Once the studio was on firm footing Chris began his journey into print competition with a hefty goal of earning both his Master Photography and Master Artist degree in 3 IPC’s. At Imaging USA in January of 2022 Lori walked Chris across the stage to receive both degrees. 

Chris has spoken at Imaging USA, taught at Texas School, given programs to various state and local guilds and does private mentoring for those wanting to start their own Santa program. 

Lori has her Master of Education and is our Studio and Sales Manager for the studio. As a professionally trained educator Lori brings years of experience to the programs they offer.  Before working in education Lori worked in a graphics position for an energy company where she taught herself Photoshop and was a hobbyist photographer that did some side work for friends and family.  During Lori’s time in education, including her experience as a high school assistant principal, she learned valuable training on effectively working with instructors to assist them in improving their teaching skills.

Recently Lori has started working towards her PPA degrees and entering print competition.

Lori and Chris are active members in DPPA, TPPA, as well as PPA.