Why You Should Still Get Family Photos with Your Adult Children: Camp Hill PA Family Photos at Every Age

07.01.24

If you flip through my gallery of Camp Hill PA family photos (and just about any gallery of family portraits, actually), you’ll mostly see photos of parents with their young kids. And sure, young families make up most of my family photography clients. But I’ve watched so many families enjoy the magic of family portraits when their children are adults too. There are so many reasons why family photography is still so important when you have adult children.

A Mother and father pose with their adult son for family photos at a beautiful outdoor location near Camp Hill PA. — Outdoor Family Photos with grown child near Camp Hill PA

Celebrating Unique Stages of Life with Camp Hill PA Family Photos

One of the most beautiful things about families is that these are such living, dynamic relationships. Your relationships with your children (and often your relationship with your spouse or partner) are so very different when your children are adults than when they were little. Your relationships will even continue to change throughout your children’s adulthoods as each person in the family changes.

A family photo session creates lifelong mementoes of not only what your family looked at this moment in time but also mementoes of who you each are and of the bonds you share at this time in your lives. Your family should be honored and celebrated just as much at this age as you did when your children were kids.

Family Photographer captures image of a mother and father with their grown son at a beautiful outdoor location.

Photographing Your Expanding Family

As your children grow up, chances are that your family is about to expand! Maybe your children will bring a spouse or partner into the family, and/or have children of their own. Having family portraits throughout the years is a wonderful way to someday be able to look back and watch as your family grew and changed. No matter what age your child is today, you’ll one day cherish the memories of this time and you’ll be so glad to have professional portraits to bring back those memories.

Outdoor Family Photos by best Camp Hill family photographer.

Create a Shared Heirloom for Distant Family Members

It’s so common these days for young adults (and middle-aged adults) to move away from their hometown. Whether they’re moving for a new job or military orders, to be near their partner’s family, or just for a change of scenery and to strike out on new adventures, sometimes these moves can be sudden. A portrait of your family together is a fantastic way for all of you to keep a piece of each other in your homes, no matter how near or far you are.

A mother shares a moment with her adult son during their outdoor photo session

Creating New Family Memories

As your children grow up, they get busy with their new adult lives – careers, dating, friends, travel, the works! Before you know it you have less and less time to spend together. But a family photo session is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy some quality time together and create fun memories while also creating an heirloom that will last.

Outdoor family photographer captures images of a college aged boy with his mother and father near Camp Hill PA

Contributing to Your Own Legacy for the Future with Camp Hill PA Family Photos

It might not be the most fun thing to think about, but one day you will leave this world and your children will want photos to remember you and all the times you shared together. They don’t only want to remember you as you were in their childhood but as you were in later years as well. It’s a beautiful gift for them to have portraits of your family across the many different chapters of your lives.

A father and son pose together at their outdoor portrait session and husband and wife are photographed together as well.

Booking Your Camp Hill PA Family Photos

If you want to celebrate the changing stages of your family’s life, it’s so important not to overlook your children’s adult years. To get your Camp Hill PA family photos on the calendar, reach out and let’s chat!

A husband and wife are photographed beautifully by Camp Hill Family Photographer, Karissa Zimmer Photography.

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When to Book First Birthday Photos in Hershey PA

06.07.24

Your little one’s first birthday is an occasion you start dreaming about as soon as your child is born. It marks the end of what might be the most life-changing year for your family, and a year of amazing growth and change for your little one. What better way to celebrate than with first birthday photos in Hershey PA?

If you’re looking ahead to your child’s first birthday cake smash photos, how soon should you book your session and start planning? As a baby photographer, I’m happy to share my advice.

Baby Girl is dressed in blue and wearing a flower crown, smiles during her first birthday photography cake smash photos with Karissa Zimmer Photography — Custom First Birthday Cake Smash Photography Sessions near Hershey PA

The Short Answer: Book a Couple Months Ahead

I accept a limited number of photo sessions each month to make sure that I can give every client my undivided attention to make their portraits special. That means my schedule tends to book up a few months in advance. If you want your baby’s photo session to be right around their first birthday, I recommend that you contact me 1-4 months in advance to schedule your session.

Baby girl gets ready to smash her cake during her Hershey PA first birthday photoshoot with Karissa Zimmer Photography — Hershey PA First Birthday Cake Smash Photoshoot

The Longer Answer: Taking Other Factors Into Account

Booking a couple of months before your child’s birthday is great if you don’t have a particular date you want their portraits to arrive. But if you do have specific plans for your photos, you’ll want to plan ahead further.

For example, some parents want to unveil the portraits at their baby’s first birthday party. In this case, you’ll need to plan the photo session far enough in advance to allow time for editing and for ordering your wall art or any other display you choose. How far in advance you book can vary because some displays and prints may take longer to arrive than others, and we can discuss your specific plans when you book your session.

Ultimately, if you do have a specific date when you want to have your child’s cake smash portraits or one year portraits, reach out to my studio as early as possible. That way, we can talk it through and I’ll give you a recommendation on when we should schedule your session.

Baby girl First Birthday cake smash session near Hershey PA was created with a custom, pastel balloon garland by Karissa Zimmer Photogrphy — Cake Smash Photography Session

Planning Your Baby’s First Birthday Photos in Hershey PA

Let’s chat about your vision for your baby’s one year portraits! Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography and we’ll start planning the fun.

One year old baby girl smiles with cake on her face at her Hershey Pa first birthday cake smash photoshoot — First Birthday Photographer near Hershey PA

Hershey PA First Birthday Cake Smash Photography baby girl balloon garland — First Birthday Photographer near Hershey PA

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How Often to Take Childhood Portraits in Camp Hill, PA

05.04.24

As a family photographer, I have the absolute pleasure of helping families capture the sweet stages of their kids’ childhoods, from those early baby days through your child’s adolescence as they grow into adulthood. Many of the families I work with will ask the same question: how often should you have professional photos taken for your kids? Here’s the advice I give about taking childhood portraits in Camp Hill, PA.

outdoor Baby photos by best Hershey photographer

The Short Answer: As Often as You Like!

At the end of the day, childhood photography is all about your family’s preferences – they’re your memories and your portraits so it’s up to you! There’s no consistent recommendation that works for every family, it all depends on how frequently you want professional portraits as well as what is reasonable for your schedule and budget.

little girl smells a flower at her family photoshoot

Is It Time for New Childhood Portraits in Camp Hill, PA?

With all of that said, I certainly understand that some families want guidance and recommendations, so I’m happy to help. While nothing is set in stone, here are a few signals that it might be time for updated childhood portraits.

Your child has reached a new developmental level since their last photo session. For example, maybe your little one was a toddler in their last portraits but now they’re elementary age – a new stage of life is a great time for fresh portraits.
You find yourself wishing you had professional photos of your child at this age, even if you love the day-to-day snapshots you take on special occasions or around the house. Both professional portraits and at-home photos have their place in your family’s prized memories.
Your child has reached or is approaching a meaningful milestone in their childhood, like starting elementary school or starting middle school, or a cultural milestone like their bar/bat mitzvah or quinceañera.

While there are no hard-and-fast rules that work for every family, these little life markers can be helpful ways to gauge when you’ll want new milestone photos.

Brother and sister outdoor family photography near 17055

Time for New Childhood Portraits? Here’s How to Get Started

If you’ve decided your family is due for some new professional photos, I can help! Contact Zimmer Photography and let’s start planning your childhood portraits in Camp Hill, PA.

A little girl smells an orange flower at her outdoor childhood portrait session with Camp Hill PA Photographer — Hershey Child Photography

Child Photographer, Karissa Zimmer, captures image of a little blond girl near flowers at an outdoor photo session near Camp Hill PA — Hershey Child Photography

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Camp Hill Newborn Photos: Should You Include Siblings?

01.26.24

Bringing a new baby into your family is such a different experience when you already have children compared to when it’s your first baby. On one hand, you already have a lot of essentials at home like furniture, but on the other hand, there are so many new considerations to plan for and think about like preparing your children for the new baby. One of these considerations is your Camp Hill newborn photos.

If your baby will have a big brother or sister, should you include these siblings in your newborn portraits? What can you expect if you do? As your trusted neighborhood photographer, I’m happy to shed some light.

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Should You Include Your Baby’s Siblings in Their Camp Hill Newborn Photos?

Ultimately, this is purely a matter of preference and it’s a question each family has to decide for themselves. However many of my clients do decide to capture sibling portraits and portraits of the entire family together. Sibling portraits often become parents’ favorites among their newborn photos!

Including your baby’s siblings is a way to capture a look at the one-of-a-kind bond between your little ones from their earliest days. The experience of taking newborn portraits with your baby and their big brothers or sisters can also be a bonding experience in itself, demonstrating to your older kids that you’re all welcoming this new baby together as a family.

What Does it Look Like to Include Siblings in Newborn Portraits?

If your baby’s siblings are over 5 years old, we may be able to include their portraits in your baby’s studio newborn session. For kids under 5, though, or those who might prefer having space to run around, I offer a sibling add-on session. This session will take place in your home within a week of your baby’s studio newborn session. It gives your children the opportunity to be comfortable in their environment and makes the sibling portraits smoother for the whole family.

Will You Miss Out on Solo Baby Portraits if You Include Siblings in Your Camp Hill Newborn Photos?

Don’t worry, if you opt for sibling portraits, you’ll still have plenty of newborn photos of your baby on their own. This is the primary focus of every newborn photography session. Either way, you’ll also have plenty of portraits of your newborn with both parents and each parent separately.

Planning Your Camp Hill Newborn Photos

Every member of your family has their special bond with your new baby. Newborn photography is all about capturing the beauty of these bonds and of this amazing time in your life. Whether or not you choose to add sibling portraits, I’m honored to preserve these memories for your family. Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography to book your session.

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Choosing a Harrisburg Newborn Photographer: Why Your Photographer Matters

01.04.24

Newborn portraits are a special treasure for your family, and you only have one opportunity to capture these beautiful memories for your child. Every Harrisburg newborn photographer is unique, though, so the portraits and the experience will be different based on the photographer you choose. Let’s look at a few of the many reasons your choice of photographer matters.

Mother and baby posed newborn photography

Well-Composed, Quality Photos

Your baby’s newborn photos are an investment - you’re creating family treasures that you’ll cherish for decades to come. You want those treasures to be high-quality! You need a photographer who has the experience and skill to create well-composed, professional photos.

Best newborn photography studio photos in Central PA

A Keen Aesthetic Style

Photography is an art form, so of course, the artist you hire needs to have a style you love for your baby’s portraits. The camera settings, the framing, the way each pose and set is designed - all of this will combine into the finished look.

Best Newborn Photographer near Harrisburg PA

A Positive Experience with Your Harrisburg Newborn Photographer

Newborn sessions are multi-hour photo shoots, and that doesn’t even include the planning, ordering, and more - you want to enjoy the person you’re working with! The photographer you choose will affect your overall experience, not only because of how well you get along with the photographer but also because every photographer handles their planning and process differently.

Father holds baby girl for newborn photos near Harrisburg PA

Designing Display Products for Your Photos

Your choice of photographer will affect your portraits as well as what you ultimately do with those portraits. For example, I sit down with every client and help you plan, design, and order your wall art or other custom pieces to display your newborn photos. Each photographer handles the finished photos differently, with some sending digital files only.

Newborn baby girl photography by Harrisburg PA baby photographer

Choosing Your Harrisburg Newborn Photographer

You’re celebrating a beautiful new addition to your family, and you deserve to get stunning portraits with an enjoyable, attentive experience, and all of this will depend on your photographer. To find out if I’m the right fit for you, contact Karissa Zimmer Photography.

mother poses with newborn baby girl in Harrisburg newborn photography studio

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What to Expect in Your Camp Hill Newborn Photo Session

12.01.23

As a newborn photographer, I serve clients often who have never had a newborn photo session before. Any new experience can be intimidating, and a newborn photo shoot looks very different from family photos or other photo sessions you’ve had in the past. It helps to have an idea of what to expect. Here’s a peek at what to expect in a Camp Hill newborn photo session.

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How a Newborn Photo Session Works

During a newborn photo shoot, you and your spouse or partner will bring your little bundle of joy to my cozy home studio. Based on the details we discussed in our pre-session consultation, I’ll have a plan for what newborn props and sets I’ll use, what wraps, outfits, and accessories I’ll dress your baby in, and so on. You just show up looking camera-ready!

I typically begin with the photos of you and your partner with your baby, creating those precious portraits that highlight the deep bond you have with your new little one. After that, you and your partner can relax on the comfy furniture I have in my studio. I’ll spend the rest of the session gently posing your baby and creating the looks you love for your baby’s portraits. I’ll call on you as needed to feed or soothe your baby, but for most of the session, you can kick back and rest.

Newborn photos in camp hill photography studio

How Long a Camp Hill Newborn Photo Session Takes

Newborn photo sessions run on the baby’s timetable! Whenever your baby needs to take a break for a feeding or to fuss for a bit, we stop and give them what they need. Because of this, expect your session to last about six hours.

Planning Your Camp Hill Newborn Photo Session

Hopefully, your newborn photo session feels a bit less intimidating now that you know the basics of what to expect. If you’re expecting a baby or even if your baby has already arrived, contact Karissa Zimmer Photography to book your session.

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Why Book a Session for Cake Smash Photos in Camp Hill PA

09.02.23

Your baby’s first year is one of the most unique and incredible experiences of life, getting to know your new child and watching them discover the world. If you want to do something truly special to mark the occasion, what about cake smash photos in Camp Hill PA? A cake smash session is a beautiful gift for both yourself and your child, giving you both a fun and exciting experience along with portraits you’ll always treasure.

Why is a cake smash session the perfect first birthday gift? I’ll tell you!

Best First Birthday Photographer Camp Hill PA — Baby Girl First Birthday Photography in Camp Hill PA

Celebrate a Once-in-a-Lifetime Milestone

Your baby only turns one year old once! This is a fabulous milestone to celebrate - it’s the transition from infancy to toddlerhood, and before you know it, your baby will be walking and talking like a pro. Celebrating with a party is great, and you can still throw a party, but cake smash photos create a gift that will become an heirloom for the whole family to enjoy.

Best Camp Hill PA Cake Smash Photographer — Best Cake Smash Photographer near Camp Hill PA

Participate in the Fun Tradition of Cake Smash Photos in Camp Hill PA

Cake smash photography is a tradition that families throughout the US have loved and it only seems to be growing in popularity. Think of it as a more lasting version of the tradition of everyone gathering around to watch your baby playfully dig into their first birthday cake…with the benefit of a professional photographer.

Baby eats cake at First Birthday Cake Smash Photography session — Cake Smash Photoshoot in Camp Hill Baby Photography Studio

Get Portraits Full of Personality

One year is such a fun age for babies. Their little personality is starting to develop and shine through, so every day feels like a new discovery. That makes cake smash photos even better because you can capture those precious giggles and quirks on camera. I can even style your baby’s cake smash session to fit your child’s personality and your family’s style so it’s a true memento of this time in your family’s life.

First Birthday milestone photos in camp hill pa baby photography studio — Baby First Birthday Cake Smash Photography near Camp Hill PA

Booking Your Cake Smash Photos in Camp Hill PA

Have a beautiful baby that’s nearing their first birthday? Let’s chat about a cake smash session! Book your cake smash photography today.

Baby's First Birthday Photoshoot in Camp Hill PA photography studio

Camp Hill Baby Photography studio First Birthday Photos

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Summer Outdoor Family Photos in Mechanicsburg PA: How to Stay Cool

07.27.23

Summer has arrived, and for many local families, this is the perfect time for outdoor family photos in Mechanicsburg. The kids are out of school, there are plenty of daylight hours - it’s perfect for portraits you can treasure for years. There’s one problem, though: the heat can make a photo session uncomfortable. Not to worry, because I have some tricks! Use these tips to stay cool for your summer photo session.

Family Photography session in Mechanicsburg PA

Keep the Session Moving

This is the most important tip of all: be prepared to keep the photo session moving. Kids have short attention spans, and that’s especially true when they’re getting too warm. That’s why I try to make all family sessions brief while still allowing for the time we need to get beautiful photos. While I’ll take care of most of the pacing, I advise parents to be ready to get started as soon as you arrive.

Try a Portable Fan for Your Outdoor Family Photos in Mechanicsburg

Handheld, portable battery-powered fans can be lifesavers for any parent in the summer. Bring one of these little fans and feel free to pull it out every so often during your session to cool off your kids (and yourself).

Choose Breathable Outfits

As you’re planning the family’s wardrobe for your portraits, make sure the outfits are set up with summer in mind. Go for light, airy fabrics like linen. Lighter colors will help you to stay cool too. Ideally, choose items that don’t show sweat easily and are loose enough to allow for airflow.

Booking Your Outdoor Family Photos in Mechanicsburg Today

The summer will be over before we know it! If you want to make time for family portraits this summer, contact Karissa Zimmer Photography today and let’s book your photo session. I'll work with you to plan a photo shoot the whole family will love.

Baby girl at Outdoor Family Photoshoot in Mechanicsburg PA

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Camp Hill Family Photography Tips: Summer Family Photo Outfits

05.25.23

Summer is a fantastic time for Camp Hill family photography. The weather and the scenery are absolutely gorgeous, and with the kids out of school (and school sports), many families have more flexible schedules. If you have a summer family portrait session in the plans, though, what should you and your family wear?

Outfit planning is among the top questions my clients ask, and I’m happy to help. Check out these tips.

camp hill family photography session — Camp Hill Family Photography Session

Choose Neutral Colors That Complement Green

One of the reasons so many people love taking family photos in the summer is that the landscape is lush with beautiful plant life. While there are many places around Camp Hill that make for fantastic photo backgrounds, in most cases, you’ll have plenty of beautiful green scenery in the background. For that reason, choose colors that complement green.

Airy and soft neutrals like white and cream work excellently for summer. Variations of blue often look beautiful with these neutrals, and blush pink is a popular choice too. It’s usually best to avoid greens as they may clash with the background greenery.

Wear Multiple Textures for Your Camp Hill Family Photography

Textures can add dimension and visual interest to any family’s portraits. In the cooler months, you might do this with layers and scarves or other accessories. In the summer, try choosing outfits that have multiple textures. A dress with a lace overlay, for example, can be beautiful for Mom, and denim pants look excellent when paired with linen shirts.

family photography in flowers in Camp Hill PA — Outdoor Family Photography

Consider Floral Prints

Floral prints are excellent for spring and summer, and they can serve as “anchor outfits” that you use to construct your color scheme. For example, Mom can wear a floral dress and the rest of the family’s outfits can pull colors from that floral pattern.

Mother and son outdoor portraits — Mother and son outdoor family photoshoot in Central PA

Planning Your Camp Hill Family Photography Session

Take advantage of the beautiful summer ahead with a special family photo session - I’d be happy to help! Contact my Camp Hill PA photo studio today and let’s start planning.

Father and baby boy at family photoshoot near Camp Hill — Father and son photos near Camp Hill

Camp Hill PA Family Photo session — Father and son photos near Camp Hill

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Carlisle PA Sitter Session Outfits: What You Need to Know

04.27.23

Sitter session photography can create some of the most beautiful, treasured baby portraits you will ever have. Your baby is more alert than they were at their newborn session, able to engage with the session more and showcase their adorable budding personality. But, as with any photo session, parents always have one question for a Carlisle PA sitter session: what should we wear?

6 month old baby boy photographed by baby photographer karissa zimmer — Carlisle Baby Photography Session

Tips for Planning Your Baby’s Sitter Session Outfits

Planning your baby’s sitter session outfits might be easier than you think! If you have a session in the books, follow these tips.

baby boy sitter session photography — Baby Boy 6 Month Sitter Photography

studio 6 month baby boy photo — Baby Boy 6 Month Sitter Photography

Find Out What Your Carlisle PA Sitter Session Photographer Provides

First things first, when it comes to wardrobe, talk to your photographer and find out what they have available. I have a well-stocked client closet so I can provide all the outfits and accessories you need for your sitter session! You can just come with your baby and your diaper bag.

Some families still want to bring some outfit options of their own too, and if you do, the rest of these tips can help.

big sister and baby brother on white at studio portrait session — Baby boy and big sister photoshoot

sibling studio photography by karissa zimmer photography — Baby boy and big sister photoshoot

Consider the Overall Looks for the Session

Before your photo shoot, I’ll take some time with you to plan and style your session, including the looks and themes you want to incorporate. Whether you’re envisioning a particular theme, a vintage aesthetic, a feminine look, or something classic and timeless, I’ll design your session in a way that captures the look you want along with my artistic style.

If you’re planning to bring some outfits or accessories to add to the selection for the photo shoot, keep that planning conversation in mind. Choose items that align well with the looks we’re going for.

baby boy wearing blue studio photography

Go for Snug Over Loose

It’s common to buy clothes that are slightly big on your baby because they grow so quickly, and that’s a great strategy for your home wardrobe…but not for a photo session. It’s better to choose pieces that fit your baby well and aren’t too loose on them. Otherwise, the items won’t lay as nicely and will be constantly moving around and needing to be adjusted during the photo shoot.

P.S., here’s a bonus tip: always have your baby try on the outfits you’re bringing to your sitter session a few days in advance. You always want to know for sure how they’ll fit rather than making your best guess.

6 month old baby boy in box prop photography — Carlisle PA baby photographer

When in Doubt, Go Neutral

For any baby photography (or any photography in general), you can’t go wrong with neutrals. Every baby looks great in white!

If you don’t go for neutrals, stick with pastels and items that aren’t overly attention-grabbing. Avoid bold patterns, bright colors, and anything else that could take attention away from your baby, unless we’re purposely incorporating a particular look or color scheme that we’ve discussed in your planning session.

Don’t Stress About Your Carlisle PA Sitter Session Outfits - I’ve Got You!

You have a big job at home: raising that adorable little one of yours. Please don’t add to your stress by trying to find beautiful sitter session outfits! I have everything you need. If you have items you love and want to bring to the session, that’s great, but if not, I have enough items to create a beautiful and truly special sitter session for your baby.

baby boy in photography studio near carlisle pa

Booking Your Carlisle PA Sitter Session

Sitter session photography is an opportunity to get stunning baby photos at this fun time in your baby’s developmental journey, and I’m honored to make this happen for families throughout the Carlisle, Mechanicsburg, and Harrisburg areas. Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography today to book your sitter session and start planning the baby portraits of your dreams.

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