Free holiday portraits with family, friends and pets at Poketo

Sure, those awkward holiday portraits with the mall Santa are funny, now.

But for some of us, those shots of terrified, tearful children trigger memories of frightening Santas and evil-looking elves.

Poketo designer Ted Vadakan said his own memories of such portraits inspired him to host a fun alternative at his downtown L.A. store this Saturday.

Vadakan has invited set designer Adi Goodrich, who has worked for Anthropologie and Barneys and bands including Youngblood Hawke, to create patterned backdrops for free family holiday portraits.

The portraits will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis by lifestyle photographer Meiko Takechi Arquillos.

Participants are encouraged to bring friends, families, pets and props. Poketo will upload the photos on Facebook for everyone to share.

Noon to 4 p.m. at Poketo, 820 E. 3rd St., in the Arts District of downtown Los Angeles; (213) 537-0751

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