Camp Hill PA photographer

Mechanicsburg Newborn Photography for a Baby with Clubfoot: One-of-a-Kind Beauty

Every parent has a vision for what their baby will be like when they finally meet them after all those months of feeling them growing. Even a fairly common birth defect can throw you for a loop, but it just makes your family’s journey that much more unique. In my Mechanicsburg newborn photography studio, I recently had the honor of taking newborn portraits of a beautiful baby girl who was born with clubfoot.

Beauty and Awareness Through Mechanicsburg Newborn Photography

Along with showing off this gorgeous baby girl’s newborn photos, I’d like to use this blog as an opportunity to spread awareness of clubfoot and the basics about this treatable condition.

What Is Clubfoot?

The clinical name for clubfoot is talipes equinovarus or EV, but it’s best known as clubfoot. In a baby with clubfoot, their foot points downward and inward. It actually happens more often than most people realize - about 1 in every 1000 babies is born with clubfoot. It may not be common, necessarily, but it isn’t as rare as you might think.

It’s typically treated in a child’s first years of life, though, so by the time they go to school, no one would ever know that they were born with the condition. In fact, there’s a good chance that you know someone today who was born with clubfoot, even if you don’t know it!

What Causes Clubfoot?

Clubfoot is actually a very simple condition: it’s just a short Achilles tendon. This is what keeps the baby’s foot from flexing. It’s largely genetic, but doctors don’t really know why some babies have it and some don’t.

How Does Clubfoot Affect a Child?

Any birth defect is scary when you first discover it, but clubfoot doesn’t have any serious health risks. It’s also very treatable, so babies born with clubfoot can eventually have perfectly healthy, active lives. This little girl has a bright future ahead of her, especially with all those proud big brothers who will help out throughout her treatment!

Treating clubfoot essentially involves stretching the Achilles tendon little by little throughout the first months of the baby’s life so the tendon lengthens to a typical size.

The treatment starts with a process called Ponseti casting. A week or two after a baby is born, the doctor will put their clubfoot in a cast that is designed to slightly stretch the Achilles tendon. Every week to 10 days, the doctor replaces that cast with a new cast that stretches the tendon a bit further, since the tendon has adjusted to the cast it’s in.

That progressive process continues for about a month to six weeks. At this point, the doctor does a small in-office procedure to further lengthen the Achilles tendon, and then puts the baby in one last cast for a few weeks.

After the baby has “graduated” from their last cast, the doctor will fit them for a brace to maintain their longer Achilles tendon. The baby will wear the brace throughout the day and night for two months, and then they only need to wear their brace while they sleep until they reach kindergarten age.

Treating clubfoot can be a long road, but ultimately, your child can have all the function and ability they would have had if they hadn’t been born with clubfoot.

Honoring Every Chapter of Your Family’s Journey with Mechanicsburg Newborn Photography

My Mechanicsburg newborn photography is all about celebrating this incredible time in your family’s life. I want to chronicle your authentic journey of welcoming this precious new child into your family, and sometimes that involves unexpected twists like clubfoot. I’m honored to tell your family’s story, whatever that story may be, and surprises like clubfoot just make your story that much more unique.

I loved capturing these memories so this lovely family can always look back and recall the journey they’ve been on, and I would be thrilled to do the same for your growing family. Reach out to my Mechanicsburg newborn portrait studio and let’s chat!

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Downtown Harrisburg Family Photography: The Advantages of a Fun Downtown Photo Shoot

For many of my clients’ family portraits, we take their photos in one of Harrisburg’s many beautiful parks and outdoor areas. As lovely as these can be, everyone has their own aesthetic style. If nature’s backdrops aren’t your style, you might find your perfect fit with downtown Harrisburg family photography.

Our downtown area has so many fantastic, photogenic spots where I can create portraits that feel authentic to your family. It’s actually a very practical choice too. Check out these benefits of an urban portrait session.

Many Aesthetic Options for Your Downtown Harrisburg Family Photography

Maybe you don’t want the same look for the background of every portrait - you want to mix it up a bit. Downtown Harrisburg has all the options you could want. We could create an industrial look or something more rustic, or take advantage of some artistic downtown lighting. We could also go to a public park where we can take some portraits amid trees and green space and other portraits in front of artsy brick buildings.

Convenient Access to Amenities

When you’re packing for a family photo session, it can be hard to remember everything you need - extra outfits, snacks, water, wipes, items to make the kids smile, and so on. If you’re at a photo session in a remote or rural area and you realize you’ve forgotten something, or if someone needs an emergency bathroom break, you don’t have a lot of options. The downtown area is close to plenty of amenities for your convenience.

Creating Hometown Memories

Who knows what life will bring and where your family will be in five or ten years? The hometown where you are raising your kids at this age will always have a special place in your heart. Downtown portraits can be even more special because you’ll always remember and recognize those streets, those quaint shops, and that neighborly feel of home.

Booking Your Downtown Harrisburg Family Photography Session

Are you due for some new family portraits? Contact my photo studio today to chat about your downtown Harrisburg family photography session.

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Harrisburg Family Photo Locations: Some of My Favorites

When I’m working with a family to plan their family portraits, one of the first details we decide on is the location. The location for your Harrisburg family photo session sets the tone for the entire aesthetic, whether you’re looking for a backdrop that is natural and earthy, historic and charming, or anything in between.

Trying to find a location for your next photo session? Here are some of my top spots (note: the images pictured are not necessarily taken at the locations listed).

Shipoke, PA for a Harrisburg Family Photo Session

Shipoke is one of Harrisburg’s most picturesque neighborhoods. It’s lined with gorgeous rowhouses that would remind you of old-world San Francisco or Charleston’s Rainbow Row. It’s perfect for families who love that style of charm and want a richly colorful background for their portraits.

Fort Hunter Mansion and Park

The Fort Hunter Mansion and Park overlooks the gorgeous Susquehanna River. The mansion’s exterior has a bold historical look and the grounds of its surrounding park have amazing natural beauty. It’s fantastic for family portraits surrounded by bright and lively greenery.

Lower Allen Community Park

Located in Mechanicsburg, Lower Allen Community Park is one of my favorite spots for Harrisburg family photos. It features a variety of different landscapes, like woodsy areas as well as open green spaces, so I can capture a few different looks in the same place.

Downtown Harrisburg and the Harrisburg PA State Capitol

For families who want a stylish and urban aesthetic in their family portraits, downtown Harrisburg is a go-to choice. There are so many spots in downtown Harrisburg that make it easy to create the specific look your family wants.

Milton Hershey School Founder’s Hall in Hershey, PA

For families who live in the Hershey area or who are up for a short drive, I love taking portraits at the Milton Hershey School’s Founders Hall in Hershey. The building and its surrounding area has a lovely, unique look that can create a fantastic family portrait backdrop.

Choosing Your Perfect Location for Harrisburg Family Photos

If you’re due for some new Harrisburg family photos, hiring an experienced photographer will make the rest of the process simple and smooth. As a full-service photographer, I’m happy to help families choose a location, plan their wardrobe, and even design your custom portrait prints and other products. Get started today by contacting Karissa Zimmer Photography. I can’t wait to help you create new memories for this chapter of your family’s life!

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Camp Hill High School Senior Portraits: Questions to Ask Your Photographer

Senior photography is a hallowed tradition that creates a lifelong memento of this incredibly unique milestone in your teen’s life. Every photographer works a bit differently, though, so it’s important to ask the right questions to know what to expect from the experience. As you prepare to book your Camp Hill high school senior portraits, make sure you’re asking these important questions.

How Will You Customize My Teen’s Camp Hill High School Senior Photo Session?

Senior portraits shouldn’t be cookie-cutter copies with the same poses and styles from person to person. These portraits are all about representing your young adult and who they are at this time in their life, so make sure your photographer will customize their session accordingly. For each of my clients, I customize their session based on their interests, activities, and personal aesthetic.

What Should I Bring to My Teen’s Photo Session?

Be sure to make a list of items your photographer recommends that you bring to your senior’s portrait session. That will include all the obvious items, like outfits and accessories as well as anything you might need to touch up their hair or makeup. Along with all this, though, I ask my seniors to bring any props that will help their portraits suit them. That can include anything that represents their interests – musical instruments, sports jerseys, and so on.

What Finished Products Will I Receive?

Before you book your senior portrait session, make sure you know what you’ll have in hand when all is said and done. Does your photographer work with you to design and order quality products like prints, framed portraits, albums, and so on? Or will you only receive digital files? As a full-service photographer, I guide my clients through every part of the process including ordering, sourcing, and delivering printed products so you know that you’ll have prints you can treasure and enjoy.

Booking Your Camp Hill High School Senior Portraits

Ready to get the ball rolling for your teen’s Camp Hill high school senior portraits? Book a senior photo session with Karissa Zimmer Photography today.

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Camp Hill Newborn Portraits: How to Prepare for a Photo Session at Your Home

If you’re browsing my portfolio of newborn portraits, you might notice that some seem to be taken at clients’ homes. These in-home portraits can be a beautiful way to tell the story of your growing family. Let’s take a closer look at in-home Camp Hill newborn portraits and how you can prepare for one of these sessions.

Why Might You Have a Newborn Photo Session at Home?

In-home newborn portraits are often referred to as lifestyle newborn photography. It’s all about creating stunning and genuine portraits of your family enjoying your time together.

I generally perform my clients’ core newborn photography session at my studio. For families who have other young children they want to include in their baby’s newborn photos, though, I offer a sibling add-on session at your home.

With this process, you don’t need to bring your children to your baby’s newborn session and entertain them for the several-hour session. You’ll still get the meaningful sibling portraits every parent loves, though. Throughout my years of specializing in newborn photography, I have found this to be the best of both worlds.

Preparing for Camp Hill Newborn Portraits at Your Home

If you have a sibling add-on session on the schedule, follow these helpful tips to prepare for your home session.

Have Your Nursery Photo-Ready

When I arrive at your home, I’ll be able to see the lighting in various areas of your home and choose the best places for portraits. For the most part, though, I’ll take your photos in the baby’s nursery. There’s no need to have the house spotless but if the nursery is tidy, it helps so much.

Prepare Your Children

Chat with your kids about the upcoming photo session, and be sure to frame it in a fun way. The best family portraits happen when everyone is relaxed and having a great time! Let them know they can just have fun and be themselves.

Booking Your Camp Hill Newborn Portraits

Have a baby on the way? I’d love to help you preserve these special moments. Book your photo session today.

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Hershey Newborn Portraits Tips: How to Get Your Newborn to Sleep

If you’ve browsed Hershey newborn portraits online for inspiration for your baby’s photo session, or if you’ve just seen your friends’ newborn photos, you’re probably already in love with those portraits of cozy, sleepy newborns. Sleeping newborn photos have such a precious look of sweet innocence, and when you look back on them years later, they can bring back memories of watching your little one slumber.

As every parent knows, though, getting a newborn to sleep isn’t always easy. So what is the best way to get your baby to sleep for their newborn photo session?

How to Get a Newborn to Sleep for Hershey Newborn Portraits

Newborn portraiture is one of my specialties as a photographer, so rest assured that I have plenty of tricks up my sleeve for lulling newborns to sleep. As a parent, though, there are some things you can do to make those adorable sleepy portraits possible.

Try to Time Your Baby’s Sleep Purposefully

On the day of your newborn photo session, try to keep your baby awake for a few hours before the session. You might bathe them and play with them for a while, for example. You don’t want them to be uncomfortable – you just want them to be awake and in a good mood if possible. That way, when you arrive for your session, they’ll be ready for a deep nap.

Fill That Baby Belly

Once your baby has been awake for a few hours and is getting tired, you can seal the deal by feeding them right before their session or when you arrive for your session. When your baby has had their fill, they’re likely to fall right into that amazing, deep “full belly” type of sleep.

Some babies start to fall asleep while you’re feeding them. It’s tempting to let them fall asleep right then, but it’s important to burp them before we start the portrait session. If your baby has air in their belly, posing them for photos can make them uncomfortable and wake them up.

Prepare Your Baby for Sleep Before Feeding Them

While we do want a moment to burp your baby after you feed them, we want them to then be able to transition into sleep easily and stay asleep as we start taking photos. If your baby falls asleep clothed, they may wake up when we try to undress them for their portraits.

Consider undressing your baby and wrapping them loosely in a blanket while you feed them. This way, it’s much easier to wrap them or pose them nude without having to take off a onesie or anything else that could be complicated. As an added bonus, a loose blanket won’t leave lines on their skin, so they’ll look especially smooth and soft for their portraits.

Bring Your Trusted Favorites

Many babies will fall right asleep after you feed them, but others need a bit more effort to be lulled to sleep. I have a variety of tricks and tools at my Hershey newborn photography studio to soothe babies to sleep. You know your baby better than anyone, though, so when it’s time for your baby’s newborn session, you will probably have found the newborn sleep techniques that your baby loves most.

I encourage you to bring anything that helps your baby sleep at home. Maybe it’s a book you read to them, a lullaby you sing or play on your phone, a scent you use in their nursery, or whatever it may be. We may need to soothe them back to sleep a few times throughout the session, so anything can help.

What If Your Baby Doesn’t Sleep for Their Newborn Portraits?

With all the tips above chances are that your baby will be asleep for at least part of their session. Regardless, though, don’t worry! I have plenty of experience photographing both awake and asleep newborns, and we can still create absolutely beautiful newborn portraits while your baby is awake.

Keep in mind as well that if you’re stressed about trying to get your baby to sleep, your baby may pick up on that stress, making it more difficult for them to sleep. Just relax, follow the tips above, and know that you’re in the hands of a professional and it will all turn out wonderfully.

If you have a baby on the way, I would love to help you get the heirloom Hershey newborn portraits of your dreams. Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography today and let’s book your session.

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Should You Include Siblings in a Hershey Maternity Photo Shoot?

Maternity portraits celebrate one of the most unique and treasured times in your life. I’m honored to help families throughout the Hershey, PA area to preserve lifelong memories of this meaningful time. If you’re planning a Hershey maternity portrait session, you may have the same question that countless other families ask: should you include your children in your maternity photos?

The Beauty of Family Maternity Portraits

When you’re preparing to welcome a new baby into your family, the entire family is involved. Your older child may be excited to meet their baby sibling and eager to become a big brother or big sister. In many families, there’s already a unique bond before the new baby has even arrived.

This is why including your kids in your Hershey maternity portraits can be so meaningful. You’re paying homage to the fact that the entire family is ready to embrace the new baby with love and warmth. If your older child is somewhat distant from their soon-to-be sibling, this photo session can also be a fantastic way to help them feel more involved in the pregnancy. You can even use the photo shoot as an opportunity to take some solo portraits of your child or children before the new baby arrives.

Celebrating Your Special Time

While some moms-to-be enjoy bringing the entire family for their maternity portraits, it’s also important to remember that this photo session is in honor of you! Amid the discomforts, physical changes, and stresses of pregnancy, maternity portraits can help you remember that you are an absolute bombshell who deserves to feel strong and confident. For some moms-to-be, maternity portraits are incredibly personal in this way, and you may not want to incorporate the entire family.

Your Hershey Maternity Portraits, Your Call!

Ultimately, the question of whether you should include your kids in your maternity portraits comes down to you. This is your photo session, and I’m happy to work with whatever makes you feel comfortable and will help you enjoy your session most. There’s no wrong answer!

To start planning your maternity photos, contact my Hershey area portrait studio today.

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Mechanicsburg Family Photo Tips: What to Bring for Outdoor Portraits

This is a popular time of year for Mechanicsburg family photo sessions in the outdoors. We have all the stunning colors of fall, families are getting new portraits to use on their Christmas cards, and the weather isn’t yet so cold that it’s too uncomfortable to get great portraits.

If you have an outdoor family photo session on the schedule, what should you bring to make the experience and the portraits even better? I help every family strategize and create their packing list so they know what to bring. From a seasoned Mechanicsburg family photographer, add these items to your packing list:

  • A change of clothes for each person (kids have a knack for getting messy at inconvenient times!)
  • Layers like scarves, jackets, wraps, and blankets that coordinate with your wardrobe color scheme
  • Snacks and drinks to keep your kids comfortable (be sure to choose items that aren’t messy or won’t stain, like water, pretzels, and goldfish crackers
  • Tissues and wet wipes
  • A favorite toy, book, or other item for each child in case we need to cheer them up or use it to coax them to smile
  • Makeup in case you need a mid-session touch-up
  • Items to enjoy the outdoors! We often take outdoor portraits at parks, so you may want to stick around after the session to enjoy the park for a while with the kids
  • Accessory options – if you’re not sure what jewelry or accessories to wear, bring them along and I’m happy to help you choose the ones that photograph best or work best with the color scheme

All the items above can help you enjoy a more relaxed portrait session and get photos you’ll treasure even more. If you don’t have a Mechanicsburg family photo session on the books yet and you’re due for new portraits, contact Karissa Zimmer Photography today and let’s chat.

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Camp Hill Newborn Photographer Answers Your Most Embarrassing Questions

So many of the families I work with are experiencing professional newborn portraits for the first time. Whether they’re new parents or they have other kids but they’re trying professional portraits for the first time, they usually have plenty of questions. As a Camp Hill newborn photographer, I’m happy to help and answer any questions you might have!

There are some questions that make parents blush, though, or that you might be too embarrassed to ask. First of all, let me assure you that I’ve been photographing babies and families for many years, so I’ve seen and heard it all! You can ask me anything. To help you know what to expect before your photo session, I’m answering some of the top embarrassing newborn photo questions in this blog.

What happens if my baby pees or poops during the session?

Honestly, accidents happen – a lot! You might notice that you don’t often see diapers in newborn portraits. It’s a risk we willingly take.

If and when your baby pees or poops when they’re diaper-free during their photo session, don’t be embarrassed. Your baby is just being their natural and healthy self. I have plenty of clean-up supplies and extra items available.

However, I do encourage parents to bring an extra outfit for their newborn session. If your baby uses the bathroom on you during your portraits with the baby, a backup outfit lets us still get the sweet family shots we want.

I’m self-conscious about my postpartum body. Do I have to be in my baby’s newborn photos?

First things first: you have no reason to be self-conscious. I get it, your body has changed so much in the past several months (and several weeks), but it’s the mark of all that amazing work your body has done.

With that said, I want you to feel confident postpartum and at ease during your photo session. We don’t have to include you or your partner; we can just focus on solo newborn portraits. As a Camp Hill newborn photographer and family photographer, I can also strategically pose you in flattering ways. I can compose pictures as well that don’t show your belly, like photos of you holding your baby lovingly against your cheek.

Will I be able to pump or breastfeed during my baby’s photo session?

Absolutely! My private studio is designed for newborns and their parents, and I want you to be able to feel at home. I have plenty of quiet places where you can breastfeed or pump. Because newborn sessions can last up to six hours, this is something we plan for in every session.

What if my baby’s older siblings are being disruptive during the newborn photo session?

Is there anything more precious than portraits showing the instant love between your new baby and their siblings? Bringing young toddler siblings to a newborn session doesn’t work well, though, because newborn sessions are so lengthy. What child wouldn’t get antsy after sitting in a studio for six hours? We also want to maintain a quiet, relaxed setting so we can keep your baby asleep for most of the session.

That’s why, for families that want sibling portraits, I offer a sibling add-on option. We’ll do your baby’s full newborn session in my studio, and on a different day, we’ll do a brief sibling photo shoot at your home. This way, you get the stunning sibling shots you want but your kids have the space to have fun and be kids.

I want to maintain my baby’s modesty in their newborn portraits. Can a Camp Hill newborn photographer do this?

Of course! These are your newborn photos, and we can be as modest as you would like to be. Generally, nude poses are done in a way that hides any private areas other than possibly your baby’s butt in some poses. However, if you prefer not to do any nude poses, I’m happy to stick to wrapped newborn portraits.

Questions for Your Camp Hill Newborn Photographer? Ask Away!

As a Camp Hill newborn photographer, I can all but guarantee you that whatever you want to ask, I’ve heard it before! If you have questions or if you want to discuss a newborn photo session for your baby, contact my photo studio today.

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Camp Hill Maternity Photography: Myths and Facts

As a photographer who is fortunate enough to take many Camp Hill maternity photography portraits, I love helping moms-to-be plan for this amazing and fulfilling experience. As glad as I am to answer all questions my clients have, I’ve also noticed that there are many myths and misunderstandings about maternity photography. To help you have a better understanding of maternity portraiture and what you can expect, I’ve dedicated this blog to clearing up some of those common myths.

Myth: You Can Take DIY Maternity Portraits

I understand the impulse to try to take your own maternity portraits. Babies are expensive, so in the midst of trying to budget for adding a new member to your family, it makes sense to want to save money wherever you can.

When it comes to maternity photography, though, that can backfire. For one, DIY maternity photos aren’t as cost-effective as you might think. When you hire a professional photographer, you get access to luxury maternity gowns, top-of-the-line photography equipment, props, a perfected photo studio, potentially a professional makeup artist, and more.

Funding the essentials on your own will be pricey. After all those costs, you still won’t have access to the skill, expertise, and attention to detail that a professional photographer can provide.

Second, quite frankly, professional maternity photography is an investment you deserve to make. You should be able to relax, have fun, and put the work in the hands of a professional while you just enjoy this celebration of your growing family.

Myth: Maternity Portraits Are a Stressful, Work-Intensive Project

I get it – you’re already busy getting ready for your baby so the thought of adding to your to-do list is exhausting. Don’t worry, because if you hire the right photographer, the process will be far easier than you expect.

In my Camp Hill maternity photography, I’ve designed my client experience to be able to guide you smoothly through every part of the process. I’ll get an understanding of your likes and dislikes and then handle all the planning for you. I even help you order the finished portraits you love and manage the process of getting your portraits to you. With less work and time than you expect, you can have once-in-a-lifetime portraits you’ll treasure forever.

Myth: Camp Hill Maternity Photography Is Only for Women with Perfectly Sculpted Bodies

So many women are self-conscious about their pregnant bodies and worry about how they’ll look in their maternity portraits. First of all, allow me to say this: every body is beautiful, and every pregnant body is utterly gorgeous. Your body is working a miracle, and even though it looks different than the body you’re used to, it’s stunning and it deserves to be celebrated.

As a maternity photographer, I’m not just an expert in composing photos; I’m an expert in making every person look their best in photos. I know precisely how to pose you and how to work the lighting to capture your most flattering and beautiful angles.

Myth: Maternity Photos Are Too Sexy for My Taste

You’ve probably seen tons of maternity portraits that are sexy and revealing, with plenty of skin showing – or perhaps entirely nude. If that’s not your style, it might seem intimidating or seem as if maternity photos aren’t your cup of tea.

In every Camp Hill maternity photography session, I have only one focus: you! I tailor every photo shoot to my client and the aesthetic you want. Your maternity portraits can be whatever you want them to be, whether that means sensual and edgy, modest and traditional, or anything in between. We can incorporate a variety of styles into your session as well. Regardless, rest assured that you won’t be pushed to do anything you aren’t comfortable with.

The Next Steps in Your Camp Hill Maternity Photography Journey

I hope that clearing up these common myths about maternity portraits has given you a better understanding of this artistic and sentimental type of portraiture and what you can expect during the process. If you want to learn more or chat with me about booking your Camp Hill maternity photography session, contact my photo studio today. 

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