Karissa

How to Pick a Theme for Your Camp Hill PA Cake Smash Photo Shoot

If you’re getting ready to celebrate your baby’s first birthday - first of all, congratulations! This is an exciting milestone and your family should cherish it for the beautiful moment that it is. For many families, that means commemorating the occasion with a fun tradition: cake smash photos. If you’re making plans for a Camp Hill PA cake smash photo shoot, here are a few tips for deciding on a theme.

Baby girl smiles on little bed prop surrounded by purple balloons at her first birthday cake smash photoshoot in Camp Hill PA Cute baby girl poses on her all purple set during her studio cake smash photo session with Karissa Zimmer Photography

Think About What Your Baby Loves

At almost one year old, your baby is, of course, a little young to express genuine interest in specific topics. Still, you’ve probably noticed if there are certain things that make your baby’s eyes light up like certain toys that fascinate them or songs that bring a smile to their face. If so, any of your baby’s favorites could make a perfect theme for their cake smash photos. This can be an extra special reminder of what brought your baby joy (and brought you joy too, because who doesn’t adore those baby giggles?) at this moment.

adorable baby girl in purple at her custom first birthday cake smash photoshoot with best baby photographer near Camp Hill PA

Consider Your Decor and Aesthetics for Your Camp Hill PA Cake Smash Photo Shoot

Another great way to come up with your theme for cake smash photos - or for any photo shoot, for that matter - is to think about where you want to display the portraits. What type of decor and colors are in that room and what types of themes will complement that decor?

The adorable baby girl’s cake smash photos featured in this blog, for example, have a cute strawberry theme. They’ll look amazing in a room that has pinks or reds in its color scheme, or colors and decor that align with this look.

One year old baby girl smashes her first birthday during her photo session with Camp Hill Photographer, Karissa Zimmer

Don’t Overthink it

Your cake smash photo theme doesn’t have to be something elaborate, specific, or meaningful. Photos are meant to be aesthetic, after all, so your theme could just be something you think is cute! Or it could be something you enjoy that you’re excited to share with your child someday, like baseball or cooking.

In fact, you don’t even have to have a theme, per se. You can just choose a color scheme you love that will look wonderful in the room where you plan to display your baby’s photos.

Best baby photographer in Camp hill PA cake smash photography first birthday photography near camp Hill PA

 

Let’s Plan Your Camp Hill PA Cake Smash Photo Shoot!

Already have some exciting ideas in mind for your baby’s cake smash photos? I can’t wait to hear them! Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography and let’s book your session and start planning your baby’s once-in-a-lifetime cake smash photos.

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How to Prepare Before Your Camp Hill PA Senior Photo Shoot

There are so many exciting events and milestones in your senior year of high school. You’ll have your last prom and homecoming, you might have senior night for whatever sports or activities you’re involved in, and your school probably has some fun senior-exclusive events too. Your Camp Hill PA senior photo shoot is one of those milestones, and here are some prep tips to make sure you get spectacular senior portraits.

High School senior poses with his mom and family dog during his senior portrait session

Invest Time in Skin Care

One of the best things you can do to make sure you look your best for the big day is to spend some time on your skin care. Yes, modern editing puts a lot of power in my hands to tidy things up in your photos, but still, no one wants to worry about pimples during their senior photo shoot. Plus, if you’re wearing makeup, a smoother complexion makes your makeup look better too. You don’t have to get too fancy and it’s not ideal to try out any new products too close to your photo shoot. But for a few weeks, be diligent about the basics like cleansing your skin twice a day, using any acne products you use, and applying non-acne-causing moisturizer.

Trinity high school senior pictures by Karissa Zimmer Photography High School Senior photoshoot with Trinity High school senior boy

Think About How You Want to Represent Yourself for Your Camp Hill PA Senior Photo Shoot

Senior photography is an amazing milestone that you’ll only get once, so even though you probably have plenty of other things keeping you busy, spend a little bit of time thinking on it. Think about how you want to represent yourself at this exciting juncture in your life. What interests and passions do you want to highlight? What’s most important to you at this time in your life? What do you want the general feel and look to be?

Senior photos next to graffiti wall downtown Harrisburg Senior Photos in downtown Harrisburg PA

Get a Fresh Haircut…But Not Too Fresh

One of the most common mistakes for photo sessions is getting a haircut a day or two before the photo shoot. You want it to be fresh, sure, but haircuts often need some time to settle in before they really look natural. Plus, if it doesn’t look the way you wanted, you need time to get it fixed. I recommend getting your haircut a week or two before the session.

High School senior boy photos near Harrisburg PA with Karissa Zimmer Photography

Plan Ahead for Props

In a senior photo session, props are a great way to create snapshots of what your life is like at this age. But you don’t want to be scrambling to get your props together at the last minute so plan ahead to decide what you want to bring and to make sure they’re ready. For example, make sure your athletic jersey will be clean and wrinkle-free, have your musical instrument polished, and so on.

Best High School Senior Photographer in Harrisburg PA captures black and white image of senior boy with his violin Trinity High School senior Boy poses with his violin at his senior photo session in Harrisburg PA

Preparing for Your Camp Hill PA Senior Photo Shoot

These tips will get you started, but part of the benefit of hiring a professional photographer is the guidance we can give. You don’t have to worry about a thing! At Karissa Zimmer Photography, I’ll guide you through a checklist and help you plan the perfect Camp Hill PA senior photo shoot.

Mom poses for a shot with her son during his Harrisburg Senior Photo session with Karissa Zimmer Photography Mom poses for a shot with her son during his Harrisburg Senior Photo session with Karissa Zimmer Photography

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Choosing a Location for Your York PA Maternity Photos

Your maternity photos should be one of your favorite mementos of the epic and unique journey that is your pregnancy. The magic all starts with the right photo shoot location. As you scroll through my maternity portfolio you’ll see portraits in countless different settings, so how do you choose the best location for your own York PA maternity photos? Start with these steps.

1. Decide Between a Studio Session or Another Location

First things first: do you want a studio maternity photo shoot or do you want a separate location? My studio has all the equipment and comforts we need and gives you the most versatility as far as what types of looks and styles you want me to create. On the other hand, outdoor portraits are incredibly popular because of the stunning landscapes in our area and the beautiful natural look that many moms want. You might also have an option for indoor portraits at a location like your home or another venue you might have available to you, but most maternity photo shoots are either in my studio or outdoors. There’s no wrong answer, it’s just a matter of your preference.

Expectant mother and father are photographed in beautiful hydrangeas near York PA by Karissa Zimmer Photography

2. Envision the Look You Want

What do you see in your mind when you envision your ideal maternity portraits? What’s the overall style you want and the feel you want your portraits to have? Maybe you want them to be dramatic or fashionable or maybe you want them to be natural and airy. The location really sets the tone for your session.

York PA couple photographed outdoors during their maternity session with Karissa Zimmer

3. Consider Somewhere Sentimental

This isn’t a must-do, but some moms have a special location in mind for their maternity portraits. In the portraits featured in this blog, the mom-to-be chose to take her maternity portraits with her husband at the Stone Mill Inn, the venue where they got married. I was thrilled that the owner gave their permission for this photo session and it makes the portraits so much more special because of all the memories tied to the location.

Pregnant mother interacts with her toddler son during their outdoor Maternity Photography session

4. Use Your Photographer’s Expertise for York PA Maternity Photos

I’ve been a photographer for nearly 20 years and I know all the best spots in the area for maternity photos! While you and I plan your session together, we’ll talk through the aesthetic you want and the season when your portraits will be and I’ll have plenty of location recommendations to create the maternity photos of your dreams.

Pregnant mother-to-be is photographed in a beautiful outdoor setting near York Pennsylvania

Planning Your Maternity Portraits

You deserve maternity photos that you’ll remember and love for a lifetime and I’m here to make that happen! Reach out to Karissa Zimmer Photography and let’s get started.

Best Maternity Photography near York PA

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What to Know Before an In-Studio Session for Hershey PA Newborn Photography

Newborn photography is one type of photography that’s especially near and dear to my heart. I know how incredibly special these portraits are to your family and how much more special they’ll become as the years go by and your baby grows up, so I make sure your portraits are truly amazing and one of a kind. The magic happens in my studio, here are a few tidbits you’ll want to know for your Hershey PA newborn photography.

Newborn Baby girl posed studio photography on silver in newborn photo studio near Hershey

You Don’t Have to Bring Your Own Baby Outfits for Hershey PA Newborn Photography

Preparing for a newborn photo shoot is easier than you might think, especially when you come to my fully equipped studio. I have plenty of wraps and accessories to dress up your little one for their portraits as well as everything else we’ll need for your session. The only outfits you need to pick out are your own outfits you and your spouse or partner will wear in your portraits with your baby. Of course, you’re always welcome to bring anything specific that you want to incorporate into the session too like a homemade blanket or a sentimental outfit.

Hershey PA studio newborn Photography by Karissa Zimmer

I’ll Set Up the Studio for Your Baby’s Comfort

During your photo session, we want your baby to be sleepy and relaxed. I’ll set up my studio to be the perfect environment for a napping newborn. In fact, you’re welcome to take a nap if you like, too! You’ll be able to see your baby at all times during the session and you can just relax while I create your beautiful portraits.

Baby girl is posed in a bucket prop during a studio newborn photography session near Hershey PA

We’ll Follow Your Baby’s Lead

During your baby’s photo session, your baby calls the shots. While I’ll have plenty of ideas and options for poses, I won’t force your baby into any poses that are uncomfortable for them. I’ll also take as many breaks as they need for feeding and soothing. Not only does this ensure your baby’s safety but it also lets us get the beautiful and peaceful newborn photos you want.

Best Newborn Photographer near Hershey PA captures image of a newborn baby girl in a blue prop set.

Let’s Book Your Hershey PA Newborn Photography

Whether you have a studio session or a lifestyle photo shoot in mind, I’ll put together a stunning custom photo shoot that you and your growing family can treasure. Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography to book your session or to learn more.

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Top Tips: What to Wear for Fall Family Photos in Mechanicsburg PA

A lot of parents worry that planning a photo shoot for fall family photos in Mechanicsburg PA will be too much work, but it doesn’t have to be as difficult as you might think! In fact, as a full-service photographer, I can help you with all the details. The beautiful family featured in this blog chose their own location but I can help you with that, and I can even help you with choosing your family’s wardrobe. These tips can get you started, though.

Take Advantage of Layers

For fall portraits, layers are your best friend! For one, they photograph well and they have a great fall look. For two, they’re comfortable and versatile. You never quite know what the weather will do, and it will depend on the shooting location too – it might be breezier there than it was at your home when you got dressed. Layers let you adjust to anything,

Choose Deep Colors and Jewel Tones for Fall Family Photos in Mechanicsburg PA

Generally, deep, rich colors work well for fall portraits. They go great with the colors of fall foliage, complementing the background while making sure your family stands out. Fall is a great time for jewel tones like ruby red, emerald green, or deep purple, along with neutrals and earth tones like shades of brown, sage green, and cream.

Dress Mom First

In most families, especially if your kids are younger, Mom is the most difficult person to dress. We have curves and we want to wear something that makes us look and feel our best. That’s why it helps to find an outfit you love for yourself first. This gives you a starting point and you can then create the rest of the family’s outfits to complement it.

Complement, Don’t Match

You’ll notice that I said that your family’s outfits should “complement” yours, and that’s a key word here. The trend is no longer for the family to match perfectly but instead to have a color palette of around four colors that look great together. This way, your family looks put-together but also natural. Plus, frankly it’s incredibly hard to find outfits when you’re trying to match exact shades, so broad palettes and color families are much easier.

Balance Comfort and Style for Your Footwear

Footwear is easy to overlook but it’s such an important part of everyone’s outfit, and it should align with your overall style. I’m mostly looking at you, moms! Heels can flatter your body shape wonderfully in photos, but choose the right ones for the location. For outdoor photos where you’ll be standing on a grassy or dirt surface, choose block heels or wedges rather than stiletto heels that can sink in.

Planning Your Wardrobe for Fall Family Photos in Mechanicsburg PA? I’ve Got You!

As a full-service photographer, I’m here to make your photo shoot experience a breeze and that includes advising you on your wardrobe. To start planning, contact Karissa Zimmer Photography and let’s chat!

 

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Why Fall Is a Great Time for Harrisburg PA Family Photos

It’s that time of year again, folks – get ready to see your social media feeds overflowing with adorable fall family photos! As a photographer, I love to see families coming together for portraits during this time of year, like the beautiful young family featured in this blog, but have you ever wondered fall is so popular for Harrisburg PA family photos? There are several reasons, actually.

Fall Aesthetics

Especially in Pennsylvania, the outdoor landscape in the fall is absolutely stunning! With beautifully colorful trees and a cozy aesthetic, mother nature creates a backdrop for us that’s perfect for family photos

Getting Ahead for the Holidays

When it comes time for Christmas, Hanukkah, and other winter holidays, there are so many reasons you might want to have a recent family portrait on hand. Many of my clients use photos for Christmas cards, for example, and there are so many meaningful gifts you can give that involve family photos, from framed portraits to mugs to ornaments. While the main goal for a family photo session is to create custom artwork for your home, it’s always handy to have a recent portrait during the holidays.

Comfort and Convenience for Harrisburg PA Family Photos

As beautiful as fall family photos are, the autumn also happens to be a convenient time to take family portraits. For one, it’s a wonderful middle temperature – not so hot that you get sweaty during your session but also not so cold that you’re shivering and uncomfortable. The middle temperatures of the fall can help your whole family look and feel great during the session (which means we get great smiles and great portraits!).

The other convenience in the fall is the timing. Everyone loves photos taken during what we call the “golden hour,” which is the hour before sunset when there’s a gorgeous glow in the air. During the summer, though, golden hour might not be until 8:30 or 9:00 which is tricky if you have little kids with early bedtimes, and during the winter, golden hour might be at 4:00 which is challenging for working parents. Golden hour during the fall is usually around 6:00 or 7:00 which is much more schedule-friendly.

Creating Your Harrisburg PA Family Photos This Fall

Want to capitalize on the fall with your own family portrait session? Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography and let’s make it happen!

 

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Mechanicsburg PA Newborn Photography Tip: Hire the Same Photographer for Each Baby

Welcoming a new baby into your family is a monumental and life-changing time, and that needs to be celebrated and commemorated in a way that will last. What better way to do this than with newborn portraits? Your Mechanicsburg PA newborn photography will create stunning artwork for your home that will forever transport you back to these special memories. Here’s one of my top tips for making the experience even better: hire the same newborn photographer every time. I’ll explain why.

Getting to Know Your Photographer (and Vice Versa)

Photography isn’t a science, it’s an art form. It’s all about capturing the beauty of this moment in time and carrying your family’s spirit and personality into the portraits. As a newborn photographer, I can tell you first-hand that the better I know my clients, the better I can make their portraits special and personal. The client whose beautiful baby girl is featured in this blog, for example, is a returning client. Not only does it make the experience more enjoyable when you already know and are comfortable with your photographer but it lets me bring more of your personality into the shoot.

Consistent Aesthetic Style

As I said, photography is an art form and not a science, and this means that every photographer’s style will be slightly different. If you have a different newborn photographer for each child, you might not realize how different they look until you go to put the portraits next to each other on your wall and they clash. On the other hand, if you work with the same photographer each time, you’ll be able to hang your babies’ portraits together with a consistent and complementary look so you get the full benefit of this custom artwork.

An Easy and Convenient Mechanicsburg PA Newborn Photography

It’s no secret that when you’re pregnant and preparing for a newborn while you already have a child at home, you’re exhausted and don’t have a lot of time or energy to spare. Simply put, going to the same newborn photographer for each child makes the planning and logistics easier for you. You don’t have to comb through portfolios to see whose work you like, you don’t have to vet a photographer or worry about whether they have the skills and newborn safety knowledge to do a good job…all you have to do is reach out to book and you’ll have the process started. It’s a great way to make life easier on yourself.

Booking Your Mechanicsburg PA Newborn Photography

I’d be thrilled to get to know your growing family and create stunning portraits that will become heirlooms for your family. Let’s talk! Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography to learn more.

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Celebrating New Chapters with Hershey PA Family Photography

Life might feel like it goes by in a flash, but when we look back at our life, we tend to see it in chapters. You might remember a fun story and think, “Oh that was when we were living in Such-and-Such Town” or “That was during those years when all the kids were at home and hadn’t started school.” When those types of life changes happen and launch a new chapter, like moving to a new city or just a new home, each child starting kindergarten, and each child leaving the nest, what better way to celebrate and memorialize them than with Hershey PA family photography? Here’s why.

1. Documenting the Start of Something New

In your family photo albums, these portraits will mark the beginning of a new chapter in your story. You’ll be able to bring yourself back to this moment when life changed in some way, and you’ll forever have this image of how your family looked and who you all were at this juncture. Years later when you embark on your next adventure together, like when you move to another new city, you’ll be able to look back and see how much your family has grown and changed in these years.

2. Creating Memories Together in Your New Chapter with Hershey PA Family Photography

A family photo session is about so much more than the photos themselves. The session is an experience that you have together as a family. When you have a family photo session to commemorate a move or another big change in life, the session can be a bonding experience with your family and a way to say, “We’re all in this together.” It can bring you closer amid all of life’s changes and it creates memories of the photo session that you can all look back on fondly.

3. Celebrating New Experiences Together

Big changes and new chapters in life bring new experiences for the whole family, and family portraits can be a way to remember those new experiences. Take the family whose photos are featured in this blog, for example. They recently moved to the Hershey area and this is the first time they’ve lived somewhere that had a traditional fall – chilly weather, colorful foliage, falling leaves, the works. This family portrait session is a way to remember the start of this exciting chapter of life (living in Pennsylvania) and to remember the first traditional fall they’ve shared. I know that, years down the line, they’ll absolutely love having these portraits to look back on.

Honor Your Family’s Story with Hershey PA Family Photography

As a family photographer, I’m passionate about giving every family the joy and beauty of professional family portraits, and it’s even more special when those portraits are celebrating the start of a new adventure you’re taking together. If your family is moving into a new chapter of your story, whether it’s a move, a graduation, a new baby, or whatever it might be, contact Karissa Zimmer Photography and let’s preserve this moment with family photos.

 

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Family in All Forms: Nontraditional Family Photos in Harrisburg PA

When you think of family portraits, you probably picture a conventional family, as most of us do: two parents and a few kids. While that’s what most of my family photos in Harrisburg PA look like, every so often I have the joy of photographing a nontraditional family or chosen family. Recently I had that joy in my family photo session with two wonderful best friends and their children and it reminded me of how truly special these types of nontraditional family portraits in Harrisburg PA are. 

What Do Nontraditional Family Portraits Look Like?

Nontraditional family portraits can look so many different ways! In this case, it was a mom and her child with her dear friend and her child. It could also be a co-parenting family – children with their parents and stepparents. Or, your photo session could be your traditional family along with someone else who plays a strong role in your family, like your kids’ nanny or an extended family member who lives with you.

Ultimately, your nontraditional family portraits can include anyone who feels like family to you (within reason of course, because a family photo shoot with 20 people is a whole different ball game!). And that’s what makes it so special: it’s the people who are your family in a truly authentic way.

The Beauty of Nontraditional Family Photos in Harrisburg PA

Nontraditional family photo sessions hold a special place in my heart for so many reasons.

First, they honor the relationships in your life that go beyond the bounds of genetics and our typical ideas of family. There’s no reason that your best friends or your cousins, for example, should have the joy of a photography session together just because it’s not a societal tradition (yet).

Second, these sessions celebrate the amazing fact that as people we can form amazing bonds with each other regardless of details like genetics or marriage certificates. Sometimes the most important and meaningful relationships in our life aren’t with our birth family, and in fact, it can be even more special that you and these people found each other in the world and developed such a deep relationship.

Third, I believe that a family photo session is a joy that everyone deserves to have. There are so many people who don’t have close family members or who don’t have a relationship with their family for countless different reasons. A nontraditional family photo session opens the door for all of these people to have the same joy and memories of a family photo shoot that people with traditional families get to enjoy.

Creating Your Own Nontraditional Family Photos in Harrisburg PA

Whoever those people are in your life who are family in your heart, even if they’re not family by blood or marriage, I’d be honored to create stunning portraits for you! Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography and let’s start planning.

 

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How to Choose Locations for Your Mechanicsburg PA Senior Photos

Your senior portraits are an exciting milestone in your life and they’ll serve as a lifelong link to this moment in life before you embark on the adventure of adulthood. As a local photographer I can’t wait to help you create the Mechanicsburg senior photos of your dreams, and a big part of the planning is choosing the locations for your photo shoot. Here are my top tips for finding the perfect photo locations for your session.

The #1 Tip: Use Your Photographer’s Expertise

When you hire a professional photographer, you’re not just getting someone to wield a camera - you’re also getting all the photographer’s expertise too. I’ve been photographing seniors and other photo sessions throughout the area for years, so I know all the best spots! During your pre-session consultation we’ll talk about the types of looks you want for your portraits and I’ll be able to recommend locations based on your vision.

Consider the Mood or Tone of Your Mechanicsburg PA Senior Photos

One of the aspects of senior photography I love most is that they can have so many different ideas from one person to the next because they’re all about celebrating who you are at this time in your life. Where you take photos can immediately set the tone for your portraits, so we’ll choose your locations together based on the looks you want.

For example, if you want an edgy or industrial vibe there are plenty of locations with that look, or if you want something that has more of a girly and lighthearted tone we can choose a field of flowers or something with that type of atmosphere. These are just two examples but there are countless looks we can create and I can always find a location that matches the vibe.

Think About Meaningful Locations

For some seniors, there are certain locations that mean a lot to them or are a big part of their lives, and these can make fantastic backdrops for your senior portraits. For example, if you’re a baseball player, we could take photos at a local baseball field. You don’t have to incorporate meaningful locations but it’s an idea to consider.

Keep an Eye on Convenience

Of course you want to have the perfect locations for your photo shoot, but particularly when we’re going to several locations, convenience does need to play a part. It would take a lot of time out of your session if we have to drive 20 minutes or so between locations, so ideally, we want to choose locations that are within a few minutes’ drive.

Planning Your Mechanicsburg PA Senior Photos

Ready to get started planning the senior photo session of your dreams? Let’s jump in! Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography and let’s start dreaming.

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