Harrisburg PA Family Photos: Why Moms Need Family Photos the Most

12.16.25

As a family photographer in southern central Pennsylvania, and as a mom myself, I know that family portraits are gifts that don’t just keep on giving but that give more and more with every passing year. The more your family changes and your children grow, the more you’ll cherish the memories you made with them and the Harrisburg PA family photos that transport you back to when they were little.

But for moms, family photos give you a little something extra that you don’t often get…photos of you with your kids.

Early Fall outdoor family photos with a family of 4 near Harrisburg PA

Moms Need Photos with Their Kids

We live in a time when we all have a camera with us at nearly all times (in the form of our phone), and it’s wonderful to be able to take snapshots of your day to day life with your little ones. But take a moment to look through the latest photos you have of your kids. How many of them actually show you with your kids? Maybe 1 in 10, at best?

Of course, that’s because you’re always the one taking your kids' photos, especially if you’re a single parent or co-parent. While it comes from a place of the best intentions, with you wanting to take photos of your kids’ daily antics and all the exciting new things they’re doing, you’re an important part of their life that’s missing from those photos. For so many families, professional photo shoots are one of the only times you’ll have photos with your children.

A mother holds and embraces her young daughter while posing for outdoor family photos in Harrisburg PA Mother and Son photos with Karissa Zimmer Photography

Why You and Your Kids Will Treasure Harrisburg PA Family Photos Together

As much as you enjoy having home photos of your kids, there’s something so much more special that is captured when you’re in the photo with them: the interaction and love between the two of you.

For both you and your child as they grow older, those family photos of you and them together will be so much more than a reminder of what you looked like in these years. They’ll capture the way you look at your child and the way your child looks at you. They’ll capture your laughter as the two of you are having fun together. And they’ll bring you both back to this exciting day you shared and to so many other memories that are tied to it.

Being in photos with your kids will give you these more tangible, powerful reminders of the past, and it will give those reminders to your children too, who will one day treasure these portraits as they grow up too.

If you don’t have enough family photos with your kids, I’m here to help! Reach out to Karissa Zimmer Photography to book your own Harrisburg PA family photos.

A mother, father and their 2 young children share a moment and laugh together at their family photoshoot this fall A family of 4 embraces one another at a beautiful outdoor photoshoot location in Central PA Best Harrisburg PA family photographer captures images of a A little girl as she plays in a garden of fall flowers

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What Age Should Your Kids Be for Harrisburg Fall Family Photography?

11.16.25

Fall family portraits are a favorite for so many families because of the beautiful autumn aesthetics. The colorful leaves make the perfect backdrop, so many families take advantage of the season. But are outdoor family photos an option when you have a baby? Is there a minimum age your kids should be for outdoor Harrisburg fall family photography?

A Mother,Father, and their two young daughters pose at a beautiful outdoor location during their outdoor photo session with Best fall family photographer near Harrisburg PA

The Best Ages for Outdoor Family Photos

There’s not a hard-and-fast rule about how old your kids should be before an outdoor family photo shoot, and I’ve worked with families whose kids are all ages, including infants! It’s really just a matter of your child’s development, your comfort level, and your expectations for the photo session. This is one of the many reasons why I have a personal consultation with my clients before their photo shoot - to plan the session and discuss any special considerations that we might have to think about.

Two young sisters laugh together on a little bench at their outdoor family photography session with Karissa Zimmer Photography

Considerations for Harrisburg Fall Family Photography with a Young Child

If you have a baby or toddler, there are several things you’ll want to consider when you’re thinking about whether they’re old enough for an outdoor fall family photo shoot:

Make sure your child is able to be outside in the fall weather for long enough to have your photo shoot. We can discuss how you can make sure they’re bundled up enough to be warm while still looking adorable for your portraits.
Your child doesn’t have to be able to stand or walk to be in a family photo shoot! But if they can’t, keep in mind that someone in the family will need to be holding them in most of the photos.
If your child can’t stand or walk without help, and you want some photos where no one is holding them, this is a perfect opportunity for us to lay down a cozy blanket and take some seat portraits of the family together.
During a family photo shoot, I love to have different combinations of family members - some of the whole family, some of the parents alone, some of the kids together, and so on. For a small or especially playful child, you might consider bringing along a grandparent or family friend who can care for them for a few minutes when I’m taking portraits of just you and your partner.

These are just a few of the things that you and I will discuss when we’re planning your Harrisburg fall family photography session if you have a young child. Rest assured that I work with families of all ages, and even if there’s some extra planning involved, I’ll create a beautiful family photo shoot that you can all cherish for years to come. Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography and let’s start planning!

Harrisburg PA photographer captures a family of 4 as they laugh together in a beautiful outdoor fall setting

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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 Including Siblings in Newborn Photos in Harrisburg PA

04.25.25

Newborn portraits will be some of the most special photos you’ll have in your family because they capture such a brief and meaningful part of your life. And among newborn photos in Harrisburg PA, the portraits of babies with their big sisters or brothers are often especially sentimental because they celebrate the first days in a lifelong bond that your children will share. I mean, as much as I love all of this baby boy’s newborn photos, the portraits with his sister (who I photographed as a newborn too - oh how time flies!) just have a little something extra special.

How can you make these types of photo sessions smooth and fruitful? Check out these tips for your sibling newborn photos in Harrisburg PA.

A mom, dad, and big sister pose on a black backdrop for their first portrait as a family of 4 in a Harrisburg newborn studio

Set Expectations for the Session

Set aside some time to talk to your older kids about the photo session. Tell them what to expect and what the photographer might ask them to do.

But it’s also important to make sure your kids look forward to this photo session, because we want them to have fun! Explain to them that this is a fun way to make memories with their new little sibling and that this is a special experience.

A big sister poses with her newborn baby brother on a light backdrop in Harrisburg newborn photography studio

Plan the Logistics with Your Photographer for Sibling Newborn Photos in Harrisburg PA

As beautiful as sibling newborn portraits are, they do take specific planning and coordination. Especially if you have kids who are toddlers or elementary age, they want to run and play and they might not be able to sit still very long for the session, but we need to keep the environment peaceful during the session so your baby can sleep.

Every photographer has a different way they do this, so make sure you discuss this early in the planning process. In my case, I set aside a separate session for sibling portraits where I actually come to your home to photograph your newborn with their siblings. This way, we get our quiet and peaceful newborn session in the studio and your other children get to have some time in the spotlight while being in an environment where they feel comfortable and confident.

A mom and dad pose with their daughter and newborn son at their newborn photography session

Embrace the Candid Moments

The true beauty of sibling photos with a newborn baby, and the reason they’re close to my heart, is because children can be so genuine. As a parent, I know you want your kids to be perfectly behaved and to follow instructions during the photo session, but some of your favorite portraits may be those that highlight authentic, heartfelt moments that your kids have with their new sibling.

A big sister poses with her newborn baby brother and a teddy bear with a photo of her angel baby brother during a newborn photo session with Karissa Zimmer Photography

Planning Your Own Newborn Photos in Harrisburg PA

I know this blog already has you dreaming of how precious your newborn baby will be with their big brother or sister, so let’s get the ball rolling! Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography and we’ll start planning your sibling session and newborn photos in Harrisburg PA.

Big sister snuggles her new baby brother at his newborn photo session near Harrisburg PA

A dad kisses his newborn son while posing for newborn photos with Karissa Zimmer Photography A newborn baby boy is photographed on a teal monochromatic set up at his first photoshoot with Karissa Zimmer Photography Newborn baby boy sleeps soundly while posed on a cream backdrop at Karissa Zimmer Photography newborn studio Baby boy posed on photographed on an all white prop set Newborn boy is wrapped and posed in a bucket prop and Photographed in Harrisburg Newborn Studio

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Why Fall Is a Great Time for Harrisburg PA Family Photos

10.30.24

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

Parents admire their baby daughter while standing on a bridge during their family photoshoot near Harrisburg OPA

Fall Aesthetics

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

Best Family Photographer near Harrisburg PA

Getting Ahead for the Holidays

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

Mom, Dad and Baby daughter are photographed in a candid moment at their outdoor family photo session.

Comfort and Convenience for Harrisburg PA Family Photos

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

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

Creating Your Harrisburg PA Family Photos This Fall

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

Baby girl is photographed in a patch of red fall flowers during her family photo session in Harrisburg

A mom is photographed in flowers with her baby girl by outdoor fall family photographer, Karissa Zimmer Photography

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Family in All Forms: Nontraditional Family Photos in Harrisburg PA

09.24.24

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

Mom best friends share a fun moment with their kids during their non traditional family photo session near Harrisburg PA — Best Family Photographer near Harrisburg PA

What Do Nontraditional Family Portraits Look Like?

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

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

Toddler best friends share a sweet moment during their outdoor photography session with Karissa Zimmer Photography — Best outdoor portrait Photography | Harrisburg PA

The Beauty of Nontraditional Family Photos in Harrisburg PA

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

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

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

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

Best Harrisburg PA family photographer captures a special bond between best friends and their children.

Creating Your Own Nontraditional Family Photos in Harrisburg PA

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

Two moms who are best friends and their toddlers have a outdoor family photoshoot together in a creek near Harrisburg

Best friend moms and their toddlers walk together in the woods at their outdoor family photoshoot

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Harrisburg PA Family Photography is for Nontraditional Families Too!

06.18.24

When you see family photos online, whether you’re looking for inspiration for your own family portraits or you’re flipping through the family photos your friends and relatives are posting on Instagram, you probably see a lot of the stereotypical nuclear family. You see a lot of portraits with mom, dad, and 2-3 kids. But as a photographer who has the privilege of bringing Harrisburg PA family photography to life on a daily basis, I believe in inclusion and have a special place in my heart for photographing beautiful nontraditional families.

The gorgeous single mom and her baby boy featured in this post are just one of the many nontraditional families I’ve had the privilege of working with recently. For any nontraditional families who wonder if your family portraits can be just as wonderful as the ones you see online, yes they can! Here’s why.

Mother embraces her toddler son during their outdoor photoshoot near Harrisburg PA — Best Family Photography locations near Harrisburg PA

A Custom Harrisburg PA Family Photography Experience

There are certain poses and dynamics you’ll see often in family photos, and sure, those poses might not transfer over to some nontraditional families. But truthfully, that doesn’t matter much at my Harrisburg PA family photography studio because every photo session I perform is customized.

From the start, I’ll meet with you to learn about your family, your style and your personality. I’ll create a custom photo session that’s purely designed for your family, no matter who your family includes.

One year old baby boy and his mother are photographed between evergreen trees at a beautiful outdoor location in Central PA — Mother and son outdoor family photos in Harrisburg PA

Telling Your Family’s Story

It’s important to me to communicate that family photography isn’t just about creating pretty artwork and it’s not meant to make every family look like a Norman Rockwell painting. It’s about your family and what makes you special! Your portraits are a way to tell your family’s story in a form that will last for generations. They should capture your personality in a meaningful and authentic way and highlight the love among your family.

Beautiful family photography is an experience and an heirloom that every family deserves, and there’s no family who can’t get stunning family portraits that they cherish. I would be honored to create your heirloom portraits so contact Karissa Zimmer Photography and let’s chat!

Harrisburg family photographer captures a moment between a mother and her one year old son at their outdoor portrait session

A little boy and his mom are photographed under beautiful flowering trees by Harrisburg PA best Family Photographer

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The Benefits of Outdoor Family Photography in Harrisburg PA

03.24.24

We’re finally seeing those first few hints of spring after a long Pennsylvania winter! It’s enough to make anyone want to run outside and just bask in the sunlight we’ve all been missing this winter. One way you can take advantage of the beautiful spring is with outdoor family photography in Harrisburg PA. If you’re deciding between an in-studio or outdoor photo shoot, here are some special perks of outdoor portraits.

Authentic Family Fun

The best family photos always come from genuine smiles. I want your family to have fun during your photo shoot! Outdoor environments are a perfect way to do this. For many people, photography studios can be intimidating, but when your photo shoot is in a park, you’re in an area that is meant for fun and recreation, so it’s easier for the whole family to let loose and have a great time.

toddler girl smiles big next to bright red flowers at her outdoor family photo session in downtown Harrisburg PA

Low-Stress Environments for Parents of Active Kids

When you have active and energetic little ones, a photo studio can be a stressful place. You’re worried about your child running into equipment that could be dangerous or expensive, or messing up a carefully constructed background, so you feel the need to govern every step your child takes.

Outdoors, that’s not a problem! There’s plenty of space for kids to run around and be themselves, showing off that fun spirit that we want to celebrate in your family portraits. We can even choose a photo shoot location that your family is familiar with, like a park that you often visit, where you know your kids can run and play without safety hazards.

little girl plays outside at her Harrisburg family photo session

Taking Advantage of Nature’s Beauty for Outdoor Family Photography in Harrisburg PA

An indoor photo studio can be designed to make for beautiful photo backgrounds, but why create a pretty background when nature has already done the work for us? We’re fortunate in the Harrisburg area to have plenty of gorgeous parks and outdoor settings that are perfect for family photos, and as a local family photographer, I know all the best spots! I’ll work with you to choose a photo shoot location based on the look and colors you want in your portraits.

Outdoor Family Photography session at The Peter Allen House near Harrisburg PA — Family Photography at The Peter Allen House

Creating Memories in the Moment

You want your family photos to be beautiful artwork for your home, of course, but they should be so much more than that too. A family portrait can transport you back in time to this amazing stage in your life, no matter how many years pass. It’s even better when the photo itself is linked to specific memories with your family. That’s my goal for family photo shoots: to allow your family to simply have fun and enjoy the day together while I turn that experience into gorgeous artwork. Outdoor photography is perfect for this - every time you see the portrait, you won’t just remember bringing the family to a studio, you’ll remember all the fun you had at that park spending quality time together.

Harrisburg PA Family of 4 smiles together at their Outdoor family photo session

Make the Most of This Spring! How to Book Your Outdoor Family Photography in Harrisburg PA

Outdoor family photography in Harrisburg PA is an investment you’ll thank yourself for in the years to come, and this spring is the perfect time to take advantage of our stunning local scenery! Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography to book your family photo session.

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Harrisburg Fall Family Photos: Tips for Better Family Portraits

10.26.23

Harrisburg fall family photos are some of my favorite client portraits. They have a quaint and cozy feel that will warm anyone’s heart, and they take advantage of the stunning autumn colors we have here in Pennsylvania. For families, a fall photo session is a fabulous way to get beautiful custom artwork that preserves the memories of this chapter in their lives. How can you make sure your fall family portraits turn out the best that they can? Follow these tips to prep for your session like a pro.

Best Harrisburg Family Photographer captures fall family portraits

Plan Your Wardrobe Strategically

As a mom, I know that planning your family’s wardrobe for a photo shoot can be a daunting task. I recommend that you start with your own outfit and then just go one person at a time. Choose one or two core colors that are fall-appropriate, like rust orange or navy blue, and then complement them with neutrals. Here are a few other tips that can help:

Avoid any items with prominent logos or words (something subtle like a small logo on a shirt pocket is fine).
Stick to solid colors and simple patterns, avoiding patterns that are too bold or busy. If you aren’t sure about an item, take a full-body picture of someone wearing it and look at whether it takes attention away from the person’s face.
Choose earthy neutrals like tan, gray, and ivory as opposed to more stark neutrals like white and black (white and black can be excellent for some other seasons, but more natural shades look better with fall colors).
Bring fall-appropriate layers, like scarves, jackets, and wraps, that look nice with your wardrobe. These add texture and will come in handy on a chilly fall day.

Outdoor Fall Family photographer captures images near Harrisburg PA

Keep Your Kids in the Loop

Have a chat with your kids in advance to let them know that the photo shoot is happening. When you do, present it as a fun family outing rather than as something unpleasant the kids will have to do. If you lead with a positive attitude, they’re more likely to follow suit and come to the photo session with a smile on their face.

Best Child Photographer near Harrisburg PA

Set Your Deadline as the Day Before Your Harrisburg Fall Family Photos

This is one of those little mind tricks that works wonders! When you’re preparing everything for your session, set your mental “deadline” as not the photoshoot day but the day before your photo shoot. Plan to have all the outfits laundered, pressed, and hanging together, have a bag of snacks and drinks packed in the fridge, etc. Last-minute issues can arise on the day of, so if all those details are already done, you have room in your schedule to accommodate those issues.

Candid outdoor fall photos in Central PA

Keep in Touch with Your Photographer

You and your photographer are a team with the same goal: to create amazing fall family photos for your family. Make sure you communicate with them like a teammate. If you change your mind about anything, from the color scheme of your wardrobe to deciding to include grandparents in the photos, speak with your photographer so they can plan accordingly.

Make Sure No One Arrives Hungry for Your Harrisburg Fall Family Photos

Fall family photo sessions often take place around dinner time because that hour just before sunset creates beautiful natural lighting. But it’s best to have your dinner before the session rather than after, particularly if your kids are little. We want your kids to be having fun and flashing plenty of happy smiles, and that’s more likely to happen with a full belly. If you want to give the kids something to look forward to, you can take them out for dessert after the session.

Plan Extra Travel Time

I can’t emphasize the importance of this enough! First, your session is scheduled for a specific time based on the sunset time. If you get stuck in traffic and arrive 15 minutes late, the sun won’t wait for us, so we won’t have time to get all the portraits we want. Plus, when you’re running late, it adds stress to the whole family and that won’t start off your session on the right foot.

Family poses together at their outdoor fall family photography session near Harrisburg PA

Planning Your Harrisburg Fall Family Photos

Want to start planning the perfect family photo session this fall? Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography and let’s chat!

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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.

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.

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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Harrisburg Family Photographer