Harrisburg Maternity Portrait Tips for Couples

01.31.23

If you ever want to get a mom to chat, ask her about her pregnancy experience and she’ll have hours’ worth of stories to tell. Pregnancy is a stage of life that is so unlike any other, between the experience of the pregnancy itself and the anticipation of knowing you’ll soon meet the child who will change your life forever. That’s why your Harrisburg maternity portrait will become such a treasured heirloom.

While the mom-to-be is, of course, the star of maternity portraits, many couples want to include both partners in some of their photos to celebrate their growing family together. How do you make those couple maternity portraits truly spectacular? On top of hiring a photographer who specializes in maternity portraits, use these top tips.

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Choose an Aesthetic That Feels Genuine for Your Harrisburg Maternity Portrait Session

Your maternity portraits should be a celebration of you and your family, so you’ll notice that every maternity photo shoot looks different. Some have a dramatic look, others are bright and airy, some have a very earthy, nature-focused vibe, some are more conventional, and so on.

You want an aesthetic for your portraits that feels authentic to you as a couple. Take some time to think about what aesthetic style you want for your portraits and pick out some examples from your photographer’s gallery that reflect the look you like. During consultations with my Harrisburg maternity portrait clients, I chat with them about their vision and design a session that centers around them.

Communicate Your Comfort Level

You may be aware that in maternity photo shoots, it’s very common to have some level of nudity. There may be portraits in which the parents are shirtless together, or the mom-to-be may be fully nude with flowy fabrics covering select areas, for example. This is a popular look because it highlights the majestic beauty of pregnancy.

As beautiful as nude and semi-nude portraits can be, not everyone is comfortable showing this much skin, and that is perfectly fine. If you’ll both be in your maternity portraits, let your photographer know what each of you is and is not comfortable with.

Choose Outfits Together

Planning outfits can be challenging for a photo shoot, and the more people are involved, the more strategic you need to be. As you’re planning outfits for your maternity portrait session, make sure you and your partner choose outfits that coordinate with each other, rather than each of you choosing outfits separately. Make sure your outfits fit the overall aesthetic you’re going for. I’m happy to look over the outfits you’re considering and offer suggestions. When in doubt, it never hurts to bring extra options!

Focus on Each Other

One of the reasons I love featuring couples in maternity portraits is the opportunity to capture the love between them and the excitement of growing their family. During your maternity photo session, try not to think about the camera and the photos. As your photographer poses you and has you gazing at the baby bump or looking into your partner’s eyes, think about the love of your life and the new baby you have on the way.

When you bring your mindset back to this love and excitement, it shows in your eyes and your authentic smile. You’ll be thrilled when you see how all that emotion comes out in your portraits, and the portraits will be an even more special memento of the way you felt during this time in your life.

Creating Magical Harrisburg Maternity Portraits for Couples

Great maternity portraits for you and your partner start and end with an excellent photographer who knows maternity photography and knows how to capture your genuine joy. As a Harrisburg maternity portrait photographer, I’d be thrilled to help you and your partner preserve this incredible time in your lives with custom photography.

To book your maternity session or to learn more about the process, contact Karissa Zimmer Photography today and let’s get started.

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Harrisburg Newborn Photos for Preemies: Commonly Asked Questions

12.11.22

As every parent knows, you can never fully predict what will happen when it comes to bringing a baby into the world. Babies have their own schedules that don’t always match up with what we had planned, and we just have to follow the curveballs! If your baby is born early, how does that impact your newborn photography? What do you need to know about Harrisburg newborn photos for preemies?

As a photographer who has specialized in newborn portraits for over 12 years, I’ve photographed plenty of premature babies, and I’m here to answer your top questions.

Are Newborn Portraits Safe for Preemies?

Generally, yes, a newborn photo session is safe for preemies. Of course, every preemie can have their own needs and health challenges, so it’s always best to talk to your baby’s pediatrician or whichever medical professional is the most knowledgeable about their health. Rest assured, though, that as a specialized newborn photographer, I am extremely well-versed in handling precious preemies with care.

When Should a Preemie’s Harrisburg Newborn Photos Take Place?

Traditionally, newborn portraits are taken within two weeks of a baby’s birth. That timeline can be flexible, though, and it can especially vary for preemies. In fact, many preemies are still in the hospital when they’re two weeks old.

In the case of a preemie, I typically tell their parents to keep in touch and let me know when their baby is released from the hospital. At that point, we’ll be able to schedule your baby’s portrait session.

What if My Premature Baby Needs Oxygen or Other Medical Assistance?

If your baby is sent home from the hospital with oxygen, monitors, or other medical devices, those devices don’t prevent us from doing a newborn photo session. As long as your baby’s doctor is comfortable with it, I’m happy to take portraits while your baby is wearing their devices. After all, these are part of your baby’s story!

In some cases, I may need to adjust some of the typical poses or some of our plans to accommodate your baby’s devices. We can still get plenty of beautiful portraits regardless.

Is a Photo Session Different for Harrisburg Newborn Photos for Preemies vs. Full-Term Babies?

For the most part, a preemie’s newborn photo session works in the same way as a newborn session for a full-term baby. Every newborn session at my photo studio is unique and is guided by your baby and what makes them comfortable. This is how I conduct my sessions for any newborn, so rest assured that you’ll get outstanding portraits in any case.

Can You Take Newborn Portraits While a Preemie is Still in the Hospital?

If a baby is looking at a hospital stay of several weeks or longer after being born premature, their parents may wonder if they should take their portraits in the hospital. While this is a common question, it’s better to wait until your baby is released from the hospital. This way, you can get all the special details and looks you’ve been dreaming of without the interference of the hospital lighting or other challenges.

Do You Need a Special Photographer to Take Newborn Portraits for Preemies?

When you have a preemie, there can be many aspects of their early days that are different from those of a full-term baby. But what about photography? Are there photographers who specialize in working with preemies and should you hire one?

To my knowledge, there are not baby photographers who specialize in working with preemies, likely because a newborn session is much the same for preemies and full-term babies. For newborn portraits, it’s always best to hire a photographer who specializes in newborn photography, but you don’t need a photographer who specializes in preemies. If you feel more comfortable, though, it never hurts to ask your photographer if they have experience with preemies.

Book Your Harrisburg Newborn Photos

No matter what you expect from your pregnancy and your baby’s birth, I’m here to help you capture this incredible time in your family’s life. Contact my photo studio today to start planning your session.

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Is Harrisburg PA Newborn Photography Worth It?

09.27.22

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When you’re the parent of a newborn, whether you’re brand new to parenthood or you’re balancing your newborn with other kids at home, life is tough! You’re exhausted by the constant cycle of caring for a new baby on minimal sleep, on top of recovering from childbirth. So adding a Harrisburg PA newborn photography shoot into the mix sounds like quite a hill to climb. I get it! But is it worth it?

As a parent myself and as a newborn photographer who has kept in touch with many of my client families, I can honestly say that yes, it’s absolutely worth it. You’ll never regret having these once-in-a-lifetime moments to look back on in the years to come.

Benefits of Professional Harrisburg PA Newborn Photography

If you’re on the fence about whether to make the investment in professional newborn photography, take these benefits into consideration.

Freezing a Precious Moment in Time

In the blink of an eye, your baby will no longer be a newborn. Those gummy baby yawns will be replaced with a mouth full of teeth and those tiny coos turn into toddler chatter. As much as you can cherish each stage in your child’s life, you’ll also miss little bits and pieces of your tiny newborn.

Professional Harrisburg PA newborn photography is a way to take just a taste of these precious days and have a memento that can transport you back to this time in your mind whenever you choose. As much as you expect to be able to remember every detail of your new baby for the rest of your life, time can push those memories to the back of your mind and newborn portraits can bring them back.

A Low-Stress Experience

A professional newborn photographer is so much more than a photographer. During your baby’s photo session, we handle all the details so you can have the rarest gift in the world of a new parent: a break!

We handle all the décor and set-up for your baby’s portraits, your baby’s “wardrobe” for the photos, and the poses and color schemes. Newborn photographers are experts at soothing babies to sleep, so we even handle most of your baby’s care and supervision during the shoot. You can just sit back and enjoy some restful time until your baby needs a feeding or a diaper change.

Professional Quality

The candid pictures you take of your baby in the course of day-to-day life will forever be cherished parts of your photo collections. As special as they are in showing what life is like for your little bundle of joy, they don’t take the place of professional portraits.

Professional newborn photos give you high-quality portraits that you can proudly hang on your wall and that complement your home’s décor. A professional has the ability, training, and equipment to control the lighting and positioning of your baby’s photos in a way others cannot, and even many families who try to take posed newborn photos on their own say they regret the fact that their baby’s photos don’t have that professional look.

A Ready-to-Display Portrait

Every Harrisburg PA newborn photographer has their own method, but I’m proud to be a full-service newborn photographer. This means I don’t just give you digital photos and send you on your way to figure out the rest. I guide you through the entire process, including helping you to decide how and where you want to display your baby’s portraits, design your display piece, and order your display for you. When all is said and done, you’ll have a stunning piece of custom artwork to display – a piece you know is of high enough quality to last for generations.

Planning Your Harrisburg PA Newborn Photography

At the end of the day, from my personal experience and the feedback of my clients, professional newborn photography is an investment you’ll be glad you made. Yes, it’s something new to fit into your schedule, but in the years to come when that tiny baby is hitting milestones, graduating from college, and having their own baby, you’ll be abundantly grateful to yourself for making time for the one-day photo shoot that gave you lifelong memories and priceless heirlooms.

To give your future self that gift, book your Harrisburg PA newborn photography session today.

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Harrisburg PA Lifestyle Newborn Photography vs. Studio Newborn Photography

09.09.22

In the midst of sleep deprivation and the constant cycle of feedings, your baby’s first days might feel like an eternity in the moment. Trust me when I say, though, that this stage will be over in the blink of an eye, and you’ll want every reminder of it that you can find. That’s why you want your baby’s newborn portraits to be perfect. It all starts with planning the best type of newborn photo session for you, so that brings us to this common question: should you book a Harrisburg PA lifestyle newborn photography or studio newborn photography session?

As a specialized newborn photographer, I’ve guided countless families through the journey of creating their timeless newborn portraits. I’m happy to help you understand the difference between these two types of newborn photo sessions and decide which one is best for you.

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What Is Lifestyle Newborn Photography?

Lifestyle newborn photography is a unique type of newborn portrait session that’s all about authenticity and candid moments. We take these photos within your home environment and, instead of traditional poses, we focus more on capturing genuine moments between you and your new bundle of joy.

What’s the Difference Between Lifestyle and Studio Newborn Photography?

Lifestyle photography and studio photography differ in the location of the photo shoot and in the content and feel. While a studio newborn portrait session takes place in our photography studio, a lifestyle portrait session takes place at your home – typically within your nursery but we can take advantage of other picturesque areas too.

In addition to this difference, studio newborn photos focus more on traditional poses, as your baby swaddled in a wrap on a cozy blanket background. A lifestyle photo session is meant to feel more like snapshots of your loving life with your new baby.

Benefits of Lifestyle Newborn Portraits

A Harrisburg PA lifestyle newborn photography session offers several unique benefits for growing families. First, these photos tend to feel more personalized because they have a backdrop no one can replicate: your home.

Second, they give you the convenience of staying at your own home. There’s no need to pack up your baby and the million items they need like pacifiers and diapers. Third, in the years to come when you look back on your photos, they’ll have the added joy of bringing back not only your baby’s newborn days but all the memories you’ve made in that nursery ever since.

Benefits of Studio Newborn Portraits

While lifestyle newborn photography has its advantages, studio newborn photography does too. First, because you’re coming to the studio, there’s no need to worry about having your nursery picture-ready.

Second, studio portraits give your photographer complete control over the environment. My studio is set up to allow for completely customized lighting and other factors that make it easy to create the exact look you want. Third, while there’s a limit to the equipment and items I can bring to a lifestyle photo session, my studio has everything we could need for your baby’s portraits so it’s an optimized set-up.

Another Option: Combining Lifestyle and Studio Newborn Photography

Can’t decide between lifestyle and studio photography for your newborn? You can have both! I offer the option to book a studio newborn session as well as a lifestyle add-on session at your home.

In fact, if your baby has older siblings under age 5 and you want portraits of that special bond, it’s best to keep the siblings at home during the studio session and book a sibling lifestyle add-on session. This way, you still get treasured lifestyle portraits and sibling portraits but you don’t have the struggle of managing your kids during the studio session which can last up to six hours.

Studio session as primary newborn session & then lifestyle add-on

Scheduling Your Harrisburg PA Lifestyle Newborn Photography or Studio Newborn Photography

Your newborn portraits are all about creating one-of-a-kind heirlooms you and your family can cherish for generations, and that starts with choosing the perfect type of photo session to suit your family. Not sure which one is best for you? I can help! Contact my photography studio today to chat about your options and book your session.

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Questions to Ask Your Newborn Photographer

03.25.22

Newborn photography is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to preserve this incredibly special and brief time in your baby’s life. You only get one chance for these sentimental portraits, so of course, you want to make the most of this opportunity. And who’s the expert in making the most of your session? Your newborn photographer, of course!

As you’re hiring a newborn photographer in Camp Hill PA or wherever you are, asking the right questions can allow you to enjoy a smoother process with outstanding results. To help you make that happen, I’m laying out the top questions to ask your newborn photographer.

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What Can I Expect from the Process Ahead?

Every photographer has their own process and their own steps they follow. Will there be an in-person consultation or just a chat over the phone? How long will your photo session be? When and how will you be able to order your finished products? This varies for each photographer, so it’s not a good idea to make assumptions.

As an example, here’s a rundown of my process:

In-person Consultation – We’ll chat about how to prepare for your session and what to expect during your session, as well as your vision for your newborn portraits and the ways you want to use your finished portraits (where you might want to hang them in your home, for instance) so I can customize your session to fit your vision.
Your Newborn Photo Session – We’ll meet in my comfortable and well-equipped home studio, starting in the morning for a relaxed session of up to six hours so we can allow as much time as you need for feeding and soothing your baby between shots.
Editing – I’ll custom edit the best photos from your session to give you that true “wow” factor.
Viewing and Ordering Appointment – You’ll return to my studio for your appointment about two weeks after your photo session, where I’ll present you with a slideshow with all your amazing newborn photos and you’ll decide what finished products you want to order
Delivery – I’ll deliver your finished heirloom-quality products to you about 4-6 weeks after your ordering appointment and help you hang your pieces in your home so you can enjoy them immediately.

How Should I Prepare for My Newborn Photo Session?

In newborn photography, I recognize that many of my clients have never had a newborn photo session before, and for those who have, it was probably years ago. Make sure you’re receiving clear guidance about how to prepare for your session. For example, is there an ideal time you should feed your baby before the session? Should you try to get your baby to sleep when you arrive? Is there anything you should do or avoid to make sure your baby is feeling and looking picture-perfect?

What Should I Bring to My Newborn Photography Session?

As you saw above, my newborn photography sessions can last up to six hours. Babies have so many “accessories” they need over that amount of time, and so do new mamas – diapers, wipes, potentially a breast pump, snacks, and so on. There might also be specific items you want to incorporate into your newborn portraits, like family heirlooms or other items of significance. Make sure you get a list from your newborn photographer of anything they suggest that you bring to your session.

Can Parents and Siblings Be in the Newborn Photos?

Some families want the spotlight to be entirely on their new baby, while others want their photos to show this special moment in life for the entire family. Make sure you ask about this in advance so you know who to bring to your session and who should be picture-ready.

Each photographer has different policies, but I include parents in newborn portraits for no additional fee. For families with other children, I recommend my add-on sibling portrait session. This one to two-hour lifestyle session will take place at your home within one week of your newborn photo session. This way, your kids can be where they’re comfortable and you don’t have to bring them to your six-hour newborn session and keep them occupied for that length of time.

What Types of Photo Products Do You Offer as a Newborn Photographer?

Ultimately, the most magical part of newborn photography is having high-quality items that will last for generations. Make sure you know what your options will be, because each photographer sources these items from different artisans or businesses, and some don’t handle finished products at all. At my studio, for example, I proudly offer fine art custom framed prints, well-crafted Italian wall art, customized heirloom albums, mounted prints, and more.

Getting the Scoop from Your Newborn Photographer

As you’re hiring a newborn photographer, the questions you ask will set you up for an easier, less stressful process because you’ll have a clear understanding of the road ahead. Finding the right questions to ask your newborn photographer is the first step. Use the questions above to get the best results from your newborn portrait session. If you’re in the market for a photographer, schedule your newborn photography session with me in Harrisburg, PA today.

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Harrisburg Family Photography | The Peter Allen House

02.05.22

Harrisburg PA Family of 5 poses together at their outdoor family Photography session at The Peter Allen House — Harrisburg Family Photography at The Peter Allen House

When the Colello Family inquired about a super special Harrisburg family photography session, I was struck immediately by their very significant and sentimental location request! I never could have guessed how adorable they’d all be in person! What is most extraordinary about this family, though, is undeniably the love they all have for each other!

Harrisburg Family Photography session at The Peter Allen House

Jenn and Pete had been married for almost 10 years. They wanted to go back to the location where they said their wedding vowels a decade earlier. Since saying “I do” at The Peter Allen House they’ve welcomed 3 beautiful little girls into their sweet family. And what an adorable crew they make! I absolutely loved the significance of their location choice! Jenn and Pete are still so into each other. And it’s evident in the way work together to parent their precious girls. Their kiddos are some of the most photogenic, friendly and kind little souls! Middle daughter, Julie even takes lots of hair pulling from her little sis with so much patience and grace! And while it’s natural for parents to worry about kiddos struggling to sit still during a session, I always tell parents to let them be kids! And as you see, it always works out!

3 Young Sisters are photographed together by family photographer, Karissa Zimmer Photography — Children’s Portraits near Harrisburg PA

The Family Portraits

As you can see from even just a quick glance through their photos, genuine connection, love, and joy are the qualities that turn beautiful family photos into the kind that take your breath away! Those sincere moments of connection are the ones families like the Colellos will treasure on the walls of their home for decades.

When I’m planning every Harrisburg family photography session, my number one goal is to bring out the unique personality of the family in front of my lens! I noticed right away that the Colellos were especially easy going yet sentimental. So, I made it my mission to capture that in photos! By taking them back to the spot where it all began 10 years ago, I was able to highlight something so special!

Full Service Portrait Photography

It’s also so important to me that family photos this magical don’t just hide away on your computer hard drive forever. This is why I am a full service portrait photographer. Therefore, I encourage all my clients to invest in displays for their images. Whether that be through an heirloom album to pass around on holidays or a gallery full of wall art. During your order appointment, I will use special design software to show you exactly how your family portraits will look like on your very own walls!

I had such a blast telling the Colello’s family story with my camera during our Harrisburg family photography session at The Peter Allen house! I hope to see them for another photo session again soon!

Are you looking to take family photos of your own? Let’s chat! Shoot me a message and I will be in touch to help you create something special. Every step of the way!

Young girl poses with pink Hydrangeas at The Peter Allen House near Harrisburg PA

Little girl smiles while posing in purple flowers at her family photo shoot at The Peter Allen House — Young girl poses with pink Hydrangeas at The Peter Allen House near Harrisburg PA

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Harrisburg Fall Family Photographer | Shipoke Family Photography

01.21.22

Harrisburg Fall Family Photographer captures Family Portrait in Shipoke

As a Harrisburg Fall Family photographer, I’ve explored endless colorful locations for photo sessions. From the woodsy stuff to the urban spots, the Harrisburg PA area has it all! But when the The Mickelwrights told me they wanted to explore a location with lots of variety, I knew exactly where to take them for their photo session. We absolutely had to plan a Shipoke family photography session!

Harrisburg Fall Family Photo Session in Shipoke

Shipoke is one of the oldest and most quaint neighborhoods in Harrisburg PA. I first discovered the potential of a Shipoke family photography session when I ended up at a delicious Cuban (Los Tres Cubanos) restaurant for dinner plans a few years ago. I knew right away that I had to bring clients families and my camera here for future sessions! And this colorful, quaint and quiet spot, especially in the Fall, was the perfect backdrop for the Micklewright family!

The colors and textures showcased during our Shipoke family session gave the whole session a “Fall with a little bit of lingering summer feel. ” And the Indian Summer weather we had this fall season added an extra bit of comfort! It always helps to have a super easy going and easy to please family like these guys!

Dressing for your Fall Family Photography Session

I also loved the way they dressed to perfectly complement the location. I always advise families to look up images of their session location beforehand to ensure perfect color choices, and this crew definitely chose wisely! Choosing a color palette isn’t an easy task, especially for a family of 4 or more. But, I never get tired of helping families build the perfect wardrobe for their session! For our Shipoke family photography session, they went with neutral fall tones which worked wonderfully with the pops of color in Shipoke. So, if you’re considering a family session of your own, but are nervous about what to wear, don’t let that stop you from booking! I promise, with my help it will be easy and effortless!

Finding the perfect spot to take family photos on the other hand, isn’t always easy. But, this is one of my favorites! You better believe I’ll continue to return here over and over again! It’s one of my absolute favorite locations as a Harrisburg Fall Family Photographer! Thank you so much, Micklewright family for inviting me along on this adventure with you! I hope to spend time with all of you again so soon!

Get in Touch!

Are you planning a Shipoke family photography session of your own? Say hello ASAP so we can tell your family’s story, too!

Brother and Sister pose for portraits in Shipoke with Harrisburg Fall Family Photographer — Brother and Sister portraits in Shipoke with Harrisburg Fall Family Photographer

Young girl poses with some lingering fall flowers during her Harrisburg PA Fall Family Photography Session — Brother and Sister portraits in Shipoke with Harrisburg Fall Family Photographer

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Family Photographer Near Me Camp Hill | The Whittaker Family

01.13.22

Family Photographer near me Camp Hill PA captures Fall Family Photography

You probably turned to your Google machine and typed “Family Photographer Near Me Camp Hill” which landed you right here! Yay! You’re in the perfect place! When I ask my newest clients how they found me they often respond with “I just typed Family Photographer Near Me into my Google search bar and loved your images!” That is exactly how the Whittaker family found me and I am so happy they did! This family of 3 boys was so much fun to work with!

Family of 5 poses together during their fall family photography session with Camp Hill Family Photographer

The Consultation with your Family Photographer

We all know most moms do it all! Including the search for the perfect photographer to capture her family’s memories! After Mom’s initial Google search for a “Family Photographer Near Me Camp Hill” she contacted me and we set up a consultation at my Camp Hill photography studio to meet and plan! I believe family photography is such a personal experience. Therefore, you should have the opportunity to meet the person who is going to work with and photograph your family. You should know that you like and trust your photographer before moving forward! A consultation also gives me as the photographer a chance to meet and get to know a little bit about my clients and their family. Connection and trust throughout my family photography process is something I value extensively.

The photo session with the Family Photographer near Camp Hill

Together, we talked about locations and style and ended up choosing a small town, urban feel for the Whittaker’s session. Can I just say this session was a stress free, ton of fun session! Not only are they a totally adorable family with 3 handsome boys, but the fact that they like to have fun and laugh is what made it perfect! I am certainly NOT above playing along with 3 young boys and their fart sounds and silly names or words! Ha! Life is short. So, It should be fun and light hearted and your family portraits should reflect who you are together in genuine form!

The Reveal and Ordering Appointment at the Camp Hill Photography Studio

The exciting part happened about two weeks after their session when mom came in to my Camp Hill photography studio to view her family’s images for the first time! I played a slideshow of all of their images, and using specialized computer software, was able to show her exactly what her portraits will look like on the walls of her home! Therefore, this part makes the ordering appointment truly awesome! The ability to use snap shots of my my clients very own home walls to show them true to life sizes and wall art products with their images takes all the guess work out for both of us! Together, we selected a variety of tangible products for their home. A keepsake that their children will have to carry through their lives and pass down for generations, and a big, beautiful grouping of round Farmhouse framed prints! My personal favorite too!

Delivery of Portrait Keepsakes and Installation of Wall Art by Camp Hill PA Family Photographer

This is where all of the magic comes together, forever! I think we can all agree that good things take time. Approximately 6-8 weeks after the ordering appointment I hand delivered all their heirloom portrait products and even hung and installed their wall art in the locations we selected during the ordering appointment! I pride myself on offering a truly full service portrait photography experience! Life is busy and i’m here to make this easy by walking you through the entire process from start to finish!

Reserving and planning your Family’s Camp Hill photography session

The best time to reserve and plan your own family’s portrait session is as soon as it crosses your mind! It’s always best to plan ahead and book several months in advance. I am here to help you every step of the way. So, reach out by contacting me HERE now and I will help you get the ball rolling! I can’t wait to meet your family and preserve your memories forever!

Famoil — Individual Child Portraits by Camp Hill PA Photographer – Karissa Zimmer Photography

Individual Child Portraits by Camp Hill PA Photographer – Karissa Zimmer Photography

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Five Questions You Should Ask Your Family Photographer

11.27.20

When it comes to portrait photography, many people put a lot of effort into their search for the perfect photographer to capture their wedding or engagement. They often forget that finding the perfect person to capture their family’s most special memories is just as important! These images of your family will be something you cherish forever and that your children, grandchildren, and future generations will have to look back on.

If you’re looking for a family photographer, take time to ask them these questions—and don’t shy away from voicing your concerns or clearly asking for what you want. The best way to get the images you want from your session is to communicate clearly with your photographer and let them know right away if you have any questions or concerns.

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How much experience do you have?

While it’s great to help out a friend, if you’re looking for gorgeous images to display in your home for years to come, you don’t want to book a photographer who’s just starting out. Ask about their experience and look at some of their past work to determine if their images are consistent and their style would be a good fit for your family. You want a photographer who knows what they’re doing, has high-quality equipment and can handle any type of lighting situation—or any rambunctious kids.

Do you specialize in a specific type of photography?

If you’re looking for a certain kind of photography, make sure to choose a photographer whose style matches what you’re seeking. Some photographers do more posed photos, and some go for a more candid look, while others do both depending on the client. If you want something specific for your images, don’t be afraid to ask.

Do you have a lot of repeat clients?

The best photographers often capture multiple milestones for the same families, from engagements to newborns to their baby’s milestones, or child’s high school senior photos and beyond. If a photographer has the same clients coming back again and again, that’s a good sign that their work is strong and consistent—and that they’re easy to work with.

What is your policy for canceling or rescheduling?

You never know what could happen to keep you from making it to your family photo session. Be sure to ask about your photographer’s cancelation policy and whether you would be able to reschedule your shoot, if necessary.

Have you had any experience with _____________?

You may have unique concerns based on your family’s needs or challenges. Maybe you have a special needs child or a situation that may require some poses outside of the norm. While it helps to have a photographer who has some experience with concerns similar to yours, the most important thing is finding someone who will be understanding and compassionate and who will work with you and your family to get great photos.

When you’re looking for a photographer to capture the love your family shares, it’s important to choose someone who’s willing and able to help you create your vision for your family portraits. Be sure to check out as many of their galleries as you can and be open about what you want for your images.

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Why I Don’t Offer Mini Photography Sessions

11.02.20

You’re probably thinking…a Family Photographer that doesn’t offer mini sessions?! I know it seems to be a popular trend circulating on social media during this time of year. Every year in the fall, as we approach the holidays, I often get a ton of inquiries about mini-sessions even though it’s something I personally never advertise. After all, many photographers offer short, 20-30-minute sessions for Christmas or fall, and they’re a quick way for people to get images for their Christmas cards or social media. As a full-service photographer who values my time and relationship with each and every client I photograph, these quick, rushed sessions just don’t sit well with me.

I offered mini-sessions once or twice years ago, and as my business has grown and continues to grow, I’ve defined what I want my purpose as a portrait photographer to be. A short, seemingly very rushed mini-session just doesn’t fit for me. This often surprises people—and doesn’t stop the inquiries!—so I wanted to explain a little of my reasoning for why I said, “No more!” to mini photography sessions.

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I love working with my clients, and I enjoy giving each of them my time, skill and undivided attention. In a 20-minute mini-session, I just can’t give my clients the full experience of working with me. To me, a rushed mini-session doesn’t communicate that I value quality and time. Family portrait photography is valuable and takes time both to plan and to photograph. I’m invested in getting to know each client and I put my heart and soul into every session I photograph. There is nothing more important to me than to make sure my clients enjoy their experience and have images and products that they will love and cherish for years to come. My photography sessions are valuable from the first inquiry to the service I provide all the way through to hand delivery of your keepsakes and installation of your wall art.

A photography mini-session is generally associated with a much cheaper price tag and much less time with the client, which means I can’t give them the full experience. When potential clients inquire with a message like, “What would you charge for a small session with a couple of images?” I’ve come to realize that they’re looking for the same quality images they’ve seen in my portfolio, but with a “cheaper” price tag. My work is special and to receive the same quality of images you see with a full session, the same time investment is necessary. I just do not believe mini-sessions offer the same valuable experience that I pride myself on providing to my clients. My brand is important to me, and I’ve worked hard to be a full-service photographer. I don’t want to dilute the quality of my work by offering quick sessions that don’t live up to the experience I promise to clients who pay for a full session. Photography is an investment, and my work is worth it because I strive to leave each family feeling like they received a high-end, unique portrait experience.

Another reason why I don’t offer mini-sessions is because of how I’ve structured my photography sessions and experience. I am a storyteller, and my heart is invested in capturing each family’s unique personality in photos that they can look back on and enjoy for a lifetime. In order to capture each of my clients’ personalities, I have to spend time with them. Getting to know each family I work with through developing a connection is SO important to me. This is quite possibly the most personally rewarding part of my job. I am passionate about family, connection, and building a lasting relationship with each client I work with. I want to be able to capture your family’s story over and over throughout the years. I genuinely cherish the connections I am able to develop with my clients by spending time with them. A mini-session just doesn’t allow me to do that.

A big part of my portrait process is the initial planning consultation, which is an in-person meeting where I learn what each client wants from their photography session and strive to understand them on a deeper level. I love these conversations because they allow me to get to know my clients as people and to cherish and love their stories as I tell them with my images. Mini photography sessions would force me to skip this wonderful conversation and to capture photos quickly. That means I may not produce the work I know I’m capable of creating and can even result in clients feeling let down by the images they receive. That’s something that I never want to happen.

If you love taking mini-sessions as a photographer, great! This is my personal business decision and is not a blanket statement for how other photographers should run their businesses. It also doesn’t mean you as a client should never book a mini-session. If all you want is a few quick images for social media, a mini-session can be an inexpensive way to do that! I just wanted to take some time to explain why I’ve opted out of doing mini photography sessions because they don’t fit with my photographer’s heart and the quality of experience I strive to offer to every client who chooses to work with me. The amazing thing about small business owners is that we often provide the same services but in a variety of different ways, and I love to see how other photographers structure their businesses!

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