Can You Have a Mechanicsburg PA Outdoor Family Session with a Baby?

08.25.25

So many of my clients’ families love a Mechanicsburg PA outdoor family session, and I don’t blame them! We have so much natural beauty around us in southern central Pennsylvania that in every season of the year, there are some stunning local parks and other areas that make perfect photo settings. But some ask, is an outdoor photo shoot an option if you have a baby, or do you need to have the structure and safety of the studio when your child is so young?

A family of 3 pose together during their outdoor family photo session near 17050

Can Families with Babies Have a Mechanicsburg PA Outdoor Family Session?

The short answer is yes! You can absolutely have an outdoor family photo shoot when your child is still a baby. The family photos featured in this blog are proof that not only is this possible but it can create some incredible portraits your family will love!

While I do keep newborn photo shoots and sitter sessions (for babies around 6 months to 9 months) indoors, an outdoor session can work perfectly for your family, as it did for the family in this blog with their beautiful one-year-old baby girl.

Best family photographer 17055 captures images of a one year old baby girl smelling yellow tulips.

Tips for Mechanicsburg PA Outdoor Family Session with a Baby

Want to take advantage of central Pennsylvania’s beautiful scenery with a Mechanicsburg PA outdoor family session? Use these tips for a smoother photo session.

A mom, Dad, and their one year old baby girl share a candid moment together near Mechanicsburg with their photographer, Karissa Zimmer Photography.

Be Well-Stocked for Comfort

Depending on what the weather’s like, make sure you have everything you might want to keep your baby comfortable, especially if it’s hot outside. Those little clip-on stroller fans can be fantastic, and bring anything you might need to feed your little one too.

One year old baby girl outdoor pictures

Come Ready for Action

You already know that babies usually have a limited amount of time they’ll be comfortable outside, and keeping your baby comfortable and smiling is a big part of what will make your photo shoot great. So be prepared to get started as soon as your session begins so we can get as many beautiful photos as possible before your baby tells us that our time is up!

There’s something so special and fun about outdoor family photos in a setting where your family is having fun together, and you don’t have to wait until your baby is older to enjoy one of these sessions. Contact Karissa Zimmer and let’s get your session scheduled!

Best Mechanicsburg PA outdoor family photographer An adorable one year old baby girl sits with bright yellow tulips at her family's outdoor photoshoot near Mechanicsburg PA

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My Child is Nervous for Our Harrisburg PA Outdoor Family Photos. What Can I Do?

07.07.25

As a photographer who has spent years capturing dozens of Harrisburg PA outdoor family photos, I’ve worked with families and kids of all ages, and some of the sweetest little kiddos are also very shy in front of a camera. I don’t blame them - plenty of adults are camera-shy too! But as a parent, you want to help your child feel more comfortable for the photo shoot, both because then their beautiful smile shines and because you want them to have fun. These tips can be a huge help.

A mother, father and 2 young children embrace one another during their family portrait session

Go Easy on the Behavior Talk

I know that your family photo shoot is important to you and you want your child to be on their best behavior. As well-meaning as you may be, it might backfire if you put too much pressure on your child to behave or make the session feel like a big deal. Instead, when you’re telling your child about the upcoming photo shoot, talk more about how much fun the photo session will be. It’s great to tell them that the photographer will be telling them what they should do and that the whole family will be following the photographer’s directions, just keep it light-hearted and present the photo shoot as something fun.

A brother and sister jokingly hug each other during their family's outdoor photo session

Introduce Them to Your Photographer Before Your Harrisburg PA Outdoor Family Photos

Whenever possible, I have a consultation in person with my clients before their photo shoot where I meet not only my client but their kids too. This way, your kids can get to know me a bit without the camera, and while they’re in their home where they feel safe and comfortable.

It also helps to use the same photographer each year if you can, so your child feels more comfortable each time. In fact, the family featured in this blog is a family I’ve been working with for many years - I’ve taken family portraits for them nearly every year since their 7-year-old was born! Because of that, every session feels like reconnecting with old friends, and the kids feel comfortable around me, which shines through in their easy smiles.

A young girl hugs her father at a beautiful outdoor location near Harrisburg PA during their family photoshoot with Karissa Zimmer Photography

Consider a Familiar Setting for Your Harrisburg PA Outdoor Family Photos

Your child might be more at ease if the photo shoot is a place where they go often, like your family’s favorite local park, or even your own backyard if it’s well-suited to a family photo shoot. Being in a familiar place means that there’s one less “new” thing that they have to adapt to, so it might be easier on their nerves.

A young girl poses to have her picture taken in Harrisburg PA during her family photoshoot

Planning a Family Photo Shoot Everyone Enjoys

I know how to make your next family photo shoot fun for everyone, including your kids! Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography and let’s chat.

A young boy poses at his outdoor Harrisburg Family photography session

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Tips for Mechanicsburg PA Family Photography with Toddlers

03.05.25

Best outdoor family photographer near 17050

Family photos are irreplaceable and invaluable heirlooms that you and your family will treasure forever, especially as your kids grow up and look back on their childhoods. As much as I love seeing the joy that family portraits bring, I also understand that a lot of parents worry about how their toddler will be during a photo session and whether they’ll actually be able to capture what a sweet and joyful child their toddler is…or whether they’ll have a classic toddler tantrum and make it a stressful experience. In my Mechanicsburg PA family photography studio, I can assure you that there are ways to have a fantastic photo session with a toddler! Try these top tips.

Parents interact with their toddler daughter at their Mechanicsburg PA outdoor family photography session

Put Your Expertise to Use

You know your toddler - you know what puts them in a good mood and what tends to make them cranky. Now is the time to put that knowledge to good use! Plan the day of the photo shoot around making sure your little one is at their best when it’s time for the session: fed, rested, and ready to party!

A father plays with his little girl at their family photo session in 17050

Have Fun with Your Mechanicsburg PA Family Photography

You are your little one’s entire world, and they take so many cues from you - including cues on what activities are fun. If you want them to enjoy a photo session, talk about it the same way you’d tell them with excitement that they get to go to the zoo or see their friend or visit their grandparents. Make sure your spouse or partner does the same, because when your toddler sees that everyone else is happy and having fun, they will too!

A mom snuggles with her toddler daughter at their family's photography session with Karissa Zimmer Photography

Be Strategic with Your Incentives

It’s great to have some tricks up your sleeve to incentivize your toddler to be on their best behavior. Some of these incentives can become more harmful than helpful, though - specifically, bringing your child’s favorite toys to cheer them up. If you hand your toddler that teddy bear that goes everywhere with them, it might put a smile on their face, but when you try to take it away for more photos, they could have a meltdown. The rule of thumb is not to bring any items for your toddler that you don’t want to be in the photos.

A little girl explores outdoors and examines a leaf at her family photoshoot

Choose a Photographer Who Knows Toddlers for Your Mechanicsburg PA Family Photography

As a photographer who has worked with toddlers for many years, I can tell you that it’s a skill that takes time and experience to develop. I have plenty of practice turning tears into smiles and making toddlers feel comfortable during photo shoots, and it makes all the difference! Make sure you book your family session with a photographer who has this expertise.

If you want a beautiful and memorable family photo shoot with your sweet family, I’ll be honored to capture this moment in your family’s story. Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography and let’s start planning your session!

A toddler girl walks through leaves at her outdoor fall family photography session with Karissa Zimmer Photography

Mechanicsburg PA family photographer captures beautiful outdoor family photos

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Hershey PA Family Photo Session: At What Age Should You Start Family Photos?

02.06.25

The beautiful family whose portraits are featured in this blog were an absolute joy to work with! As a photographer who takes family portraits as well as baby portraits like newborn photos and cake smash photos, a family session like this gives me the best of both worlds: I get to work with a sweet baby AND capture the genuine joy and love within their family. But some parents ask if their child is too young for a Hershey PA family photo session, and that brings up the question: when should you start taking family photos?

The fast answer is: as early as you can! Starting to have professional family portraits taken when your child is an infant is such a gift to your future self and your family in several ways.

Hershey PA outdoor family photography session with a mom, dad and their one year old baby daughter

Watch Your Family Grow Together

At this moment, you know every detail of your baby so well - you could close your eyes and picture their little face to the finest detail, and hear their little giggle with precision. But everything about your little one will change as they get older, and as the parent of a teenager, I can tell you that mementos of their earlier days will become more and more precious every year. If you start a habit of taking yearly family portraits when your child is a baby, someday you’ll have the most meaningful storybook made up of family photos from each year of their life, and it will bring you endless joy no matter how old they become.

Best Hershey PA Family Photographer captures a sweet moment between a mom and her one year old baby girl at their family portrait session with Karissa Zimmer Photography

Have the Whole Family in Photos

A lot of parents think, “I have plenty of photos, I snap pictures of my kids all the time!” But you might not realize until years later that there are hardly any with your whole family - including you, the parents, because you’re always behind the camera. Family portraits allow you to not only see and remember your sweet children but they let you reminisce about being with your kids too - that day that you spent playing in the park with them during your photo shoot, taking time out of your busy lives to make memories together.

A father looks at his baby girl during their Hershey PA photo session

A Hershey PA Family Photo Session with a Baby Isn’t as Difficult as You Think

A lot of parents hesitate about taking family portraits when their kids are babies because they worry that it’ll be too hard to get good family pics with a baby or toddler, so they don’t start until the kids are elementary aged or even older. But allow me to reassure you - it’s not as challenging as you might think! I’ll talk to you about how to prepare your kids, and I have some tricks up my sleeve too to get some beautiful and genuine smiles from the whole family. Trust me, it’s well worth having a lifelong reminder of these moments.

A Dad and his one year old baby girl share a moment together at their Family Photography session with Hershey PA photographer Baby girl is all smiles as she sits on a little wooden bed prop at her family photos near Hershey with Karissa Zimmer Photography

If you have a little one at home, now is the time to start the tradition of a yearly Hershey PA family photo session! Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography and let’s start planning your session together.

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

11.21.24

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.

Best Fall family Photographer near Mechanicsburg PA captures a candid moment between parents, their toddler and their family dog at their outdoor family photo session. — Best Fall Family Photography near Mechanicsburg PA

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,

Little boy walks through a patch of orange marigolds at his family photo session with Karissa Zimmer Photography — Outdoor child photography

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.

Little boy sits on his dads shoulders and laughs with delight at his outdoor fall family photo session with Karissa Zimmer Photography

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.

Mother and toddler son share a special moment at their outdoor fall family portait session near Mechanicsburg

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.

Best Outdoor Family Photographer near Mechanicsburg PA

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.

Karissa Zimmer Photography captures a fun moment where parents show their toddler something they found at their outdoor family photoshoot

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!

Outdoor Fall Family photos in Mechanicsburg PA by Karissa Zimmer Photography

Father holds toddler son on his shoulders at their outdoor family photoshoot this fall season

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Celebrating New Chapters with Hershey PA Family Photography

10.08.24

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.

Best Family Photographer near Hershey PA captures a beautiful fall family portrait outdoors amongst flowers. — Best Outdoor Family Photography near Hershey PA

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.

Hershey Photographer, Karissa Zimmer Photography, Captures the bond between two brothers at their outdoor family photo session.

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.

A family of 4 poses on a rock in the river for their portrait session with Karissa Zimmer Photography

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.

Husband and wife embrace lovingly at their outdoor family portrait session in Central PA

Hershey Photographer captures outdoor images of a husband and wife during their fall family photography session.

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.

Outdoor fall family photos near Hershey with Karissa Zimmer Photography.

Best Outdoor Family Photos in Central PA

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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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Hershey PA Family Photography: 3 Common Concerns You Don’t Have to Worry About

05.29.24

The idea of organizing a family photo shoot can be stressful for many parents - I get it! You already have a busy schedule, so how will you find the time for the session, finding outfits, and all the other details? What if you spend all that time and don’t like how you look in the photos? I completely understand, and I’m here to help! The good news is that you don’t have to stress about your Hershey PA family photography as much as you think you do. These are some common concerns I’ve noticed among parents and why you can set your worries aside.

Family of 4 sits together on a little bridge near Hershey PA during their family photography session with Central PA photographer, Karissa Zimmer — Family Photoshoot near Hershey PA

Picking Out Family Photo Outfits

This is a part of the planning that many families stress over, but when you have the help of a professional photographer, it’s so much easier than you think! During your in-person consultation, we’ll talk about color palettes and what I suggest for your family. As you’re choosing outfits, you can even send me pictures and I’ll let you know what I recommend.

Mother, Father and two young daughters pose together during their Hershey Family photoshoot — Hershey Family Photography Session

Looking Your Best in Your Photos

So many people worry that they won’t like how they look in their photos, especially if you don’t like how you look in selfies and quick photos you take on your phone. But trust me, having a professional photographer is a whole different ball game! The families in the photos you see throughout my website aren’t models, they’re real people in the local area that I’ve photographed. Rest assured that I’ll guide your posing and other details to make sure I highlight your best side (and do the same for everyone in your family).

sisters sit together on a little bench at their outdoor family photo session in Central PA — Hershey Children's Photography

Creating a Display for Your Family Photos

Another common worry families have is that they’ll invest their time, energy, and money into a beautiful family photo shoot and then be lost when it comes to displaying those portraits. After all, it’s not easy to find a great printing provider, figure out a display design that will look wonderful in your home, order the prints, and then hang them up. That’s why I make sure my clients can skip all that work! We’ll meet together to go over your portraits and choose your favorites, and I’ll help you design and order a stunning display that’s perfect for your home.

Full service Family Photographer, Karissa Zimmer, creates a wall portrait display for a Hershey family — Full Service Portrait Photography Framed Wall Portrait Grouping

Let’s Get Started with Your Worry-Free Hershey PA Family Photography

So much of the family photography experience depends on the photographer you hire. I make sure that every one of my clients has an enjoyable, low-stress experience. Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography and let’s start planning yours!

Little girl smiles happily at her outdoor family photography session with Karissa Zimmer Photography — Best Outdoor Photography near Hershey PA

Family of 4 embraces each other during their outdoor photography session in Pennsylvania — Best Outdoor Photography near Hershey PA

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Harrisburg Family Photography Tips: How to Choose a Location for Outdoor Family Photos

10.16.23

One of my favorite aspects of Harrisburg family photography is the fact that we have so many gorgeous locations in the area for outdoor portraits. No matter what style or look you want, chances are that there’s a spot nearby that’s perfect for your family photos. Many of my clients ask me for location recommendations, and it’s true that I’ve been able to scout out plenty of favorites in the area, but you’re welcome to choose a location of your own too!

If you’re looking for the perfect spot for your next family photo session, follow these top tips.

Harrisburg PA outdoor family photography — Harrisburg PA Family photoshoot

Consider the Look and Style You Want

Your photo shoot location will literally set the stage for your portraits, so the location you choose can immediately create the style and look you want for your photos. You want a location that suits the style you want, whether that style is rustic, natural, urban and chic, cozy, light and airy, or whatever it may be.

best family photographer near Harrisburg PA

Look for Textures for Your Harrisburg Family Photography

You may be surprised by how much it can enhance a photo when you incorporate some complementing textures, and your photo shoot location is a great way to get those textures. Elements like a brick wall, a wooden structure, or an array of flowers can add a touch more visual interest and balance to your family portraits.

family poses together at their outdoor family photography session

Envision Your Color Scheme

One of the first things many parents do when planning their Harrisburg family photography session is to choose a color scheme based on where they want to display their portraits. Make sure you take that color scheme into account when choosing your photo location, finding a spot with background colors that fit or complement your color scheme.

Be Mindful of Property Laws and Privacy

This is less of an aesthetic consideration and more of a logistical one, but it still matters. It’s critical to make sure you can legally and easily access the photo shoot location of your choice. If it’s private property, get permission in writing to take pictures there. If it’s public property like a public park, try to find an event schedule to make sure the area won’t be occupied by a festival or other event on your photo shoot day.

child portraits by Harrisburg family photographer

Find Space for Kids to Play During Your Harrisburg Family Photography

Posed portraits of your family sitting or standing together neatly are quaint and traditional, and all my Harrisburg family photography shoots will include these types of photos. But every family also loves some candid action shots taken while you and your family enjoy your time together, highlighting the authentic joy you have with your family.

To make it easier to create these types of images, it helps to have a photo location where kids can play and adventure a bit. It doesn’t have to be anything too complex, just some space for kids to explore safely.

little girl plays outside at her Harrisburg family photo session

Look for Plenty of Light

One of the most instrumental factors to consider for any photo session is the lighting. Depending on the time of day, if there are too many big structures in your photo shoot location, there might be too many shadows for me to fully showcase your beautiful family. Look for a location that is open enough that it will get plenty of light rather than an area that is overly shaded.

mother and daughter laugh and play together at Harrisburg family photoshoot

Consider a Space with Variety

It can be helpful to have a location that has several different spots that have their own looks and accents. For example, you might go to a family member’s farm that has a lovely old barn for some rustic looks, an open grassy area for more natural and minimalist portraits, and a flower garden to add some color. This lets us easily move from spot to spot so you have plenty of styles to choose from in your finished photo gallery.

Little girl photographed near Harrisburg pa by family photographer Karissa Zimmer

Booking Your Harrisburg Family Photography

Whether or not you already have a vision and a location in mind for your family portraits, I can create a stunning family photo shoot that will produce portraits you’ll cherish for decades to come. Ready to start planning? Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography today.

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Family Photography in Carlisle PA Tips: How to Choose a Photo Location

09.15.23

The portraits featured in this blog are all from a beautiful session I recently had for family photography in Carlisle PA. There’s something unique about this family (beyond, of course, how sweet and adorable they are)...my clients chose this photo location themselves!

Most of my clients ask for my location recommendations, and I’m happy to provide them. But if there’s a particular spot you think may be perfect for your next family photo session, these are the top qualities you should look for.

Outdoor family photography in flower field near Carlisle PA — Outdoor Family Photography near Carlisle PA

Low Foot Traffic for Quiet Family Photography in Carlisle PA

Your photo session needs to be in a place that is public (or a place you can get permission to take photos), but it shouldn’t be too busy. If there are other people around, this can be distracting for kids and it could make it difficult for us to get portraits without people in the background. Even a busy park usually has some quieter pockets that are picture-perfect, so look for those!

Best Family Photographer near Carlisle PA — Outdoor Family Photoshoot

Lighting

Natural light is so important for your portraits. While I always schedule these sessions for an hour of the day when the lighting is best, your location also needs to let that light in. Skip places like dense forests that block the surrounding light.

Baby photographed during outdoor family photo shoot — Outdoor Baby Photos Carlisle PA

Space and Safety for Your Family Photography in Carlisle PA

The best family portraits show genuine joy and family moments, and I capture these by encouraging your family to play a little in the environment and have fun together. Make sure your session location has enough space for your kids to run and play safely.

Seasonal Colors

What colors are in the landscape at your photo location of choice? Are there lots of yellow flowers, for example, or pink ones? Make sure the colors and imagery will match the look you want for your family photos.

Family photography session photographed in a flower meadow

Creating Beautiful Family Photography in Carlisle PA

The session location is one of many factors that will work together to create stunning family portraits you’ll be proud to hang on your walls, and I can make sure everything aligns the way you want. Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography and let’s get started!

Flower meadow family photos by Carlisle PA Family Photographer Karissa Zimmer Photographyu

Baby boy outdoor family photography in Carlisle PA by Karissa Zimmer Photography

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