Newborn

Mechanicsburg PA newborn photographer Karissa Zimmer specializes in newborn photography and baby pictures in Harrisburg, Camp Hill, Carlisle, Hershey and surrounding Central PA. Karissa Zimmer Photography offers a custom, full-service newborn photography experience. View Karissa’s Newborn Gallery Here.

My Central Pennsylvania Newborn Photography: Why I Do In-Person Consultations

If you’ve shopped around for photographers in the past, you might know that every photographer has a different process or experience for their photo sessions. Some provide more hands-on support, service, and guidance while others use simplified processes that don’t involve as much time or one-on-one attention. In my central Pennsylvania newborn photography studio, I’m all about attentive service!

I know how important your newborn portraits are to you - the first professional photos your little one will ever have and the only ones you’ll have when they’re this tiny. These portraits are worthy of an investment, not only from you but from me too. I’m dedicated to creating custom portraits that are unique to your family, and one of the ways I do that is by starting with an in-person consultation. Here are a few insights into why I provide in-person consultations and the difference they make for my clients.

Providing a Full-Service Experience for Central Pennsylvania Newborn Photography

As a mom, I know first-hand that life is busy when you’re preparing for a new baby…and that’s an understatement! You have so much on your plate already, and my philosophy is that you should be able to get stunning newborn photos without adding more chores to your list. In-person consultations allow you and I to sit down for some dedicated planning time so I can use your preferences and vision to plan your photo session, help you decide what to wear, and more.

Getting to Know Your Tastes

Custom photography, including central Pennsylvania newborn photography, is all about capturing your special memories in a way that’s authentic to you and your family. Your family’s personalities should shine through in your portraits. Spending time with you in person lets me get to know you and your family so I can create portraits that are true to who you are.

Designing Your Session for the Final Result

I believe portraits should be displayed and loved in your home, not sitting on a storage drive or in the cloud. An in-person consultation gives us a chance to talk about how and where you might want to display your portraits. This way, I can design your session using color schemes, compositions, and other details that will coordinate perfectly with your home decor.

Experience the Difference of Full-Service Central Pennsylvania Newborn Photography

Ready to see what it’s like to have the personalized attention of a full-service photographer? Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography and let’s chat!

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Why Quality Matters in Your Central PA Newborn Photography Displays

Your newborn will only be tiny for a short time, and as a mom, I can tell you that you won’t realize just how short the newborn stage is until it’s over. That’s part of why I’m so passionate about my central PA newborn photography - because I know how precious these special portraits are and I want families to experience them before the opportunity has passed.

As you plan your newborn photography session, though, you need to consider another question: how will you display your portraits? As a photographer, I work with each of my clients to help you design and order beautiful, high-quality display pieces for your artwork, whether they’re Italian canvas prints, framed wall prints, premium photo albums, or whatever else you choose. Today, I’m sharing some insight into why it’s so important to choose quality displays for your newborn photos rather than using an inexpensive online service.

A Finished Look Worthy of Your Investment

Custom photography comes with a price. That price is well worth it for the professional quality and attentive service you receive, but it’s still an expense. When you spend that money on a custom photo session, you want the finished result to have a “wow!” look. Low-quality printed products can cheapen the look of those portraits that you invested your time, care, and money into, while quality prints will do justice to your premium portraits.

Portraits That Don’t Age While the Memories Do

Newborn portraits have the amazing feature of becoming more and more precious the more time passes. You’re sure to love your portraits as soon as you see them, of course, but their real power doesn’t come out until you see that tiny baby in the portrait next to your child who has now grown and flourished, and the portrait becomes a portal to the past. Low-quality displays, sadly, will be fading and declining just as you want to enjoy them more. A quality display will stay with you and remain as vivid as the memories of your baby.

Long-Lasting Heirlooms of Your Central PA Newborn Photography

Newborn portraits are meaningful to you because they bring back memories from your first days with your little one. But for your children, they have a whole new meaning: a link to a time that they can’t remember. Portraits can become treasured family heirlooms that you pass down from generation to generation, but only if you choose prints or displays that are high-quality enough to last for all those years.

Custom Designs to Complement Your Home

Your baby’s beautiful newborn portraits should be a sentimental and cherished part of your household decor, so you want them to complement your decor in a stylish, intentional way. While it may be possible to do this with low-cost commercial printed products, investing in quality takes it to a new level. I work with my clients to design the perfect display for their aesthetic and the decor in the room where they want to display their portraits. You get a cohesive, custom look without spending hours scouring stores for the right frame or taking guesses about how a product will look in your space.

Quality You Don’t Notice Until You Do

One of the most heartbreaking issues with low-quality displays for your newborn portraits is that you may not regret your decision until it’s too late. In some cases, families order an inexpensive printed product and when it first arrives, it looks fine and they think they’ve lucked out. But after a few years, their canvas starts to loosen or sag, or their album starts fading the photos within it. By the time they realize the difference that quality makes, they could have lost access to their baby’s portraits and no longer have a way to get the quality displays they want. It’s always safer to invest in quality portraits from the start so you know your beloved portraits will last.

Preserving Your Family’s Memories with the Quality They Deserve: Your Central PA Newborn Photography

In my central PA newborn photography studio, it’s such an honor to create custom portraits for my clients. I want you to be able to enjoy your portraits for decades and generations to come, and that’s why I’m so passionate about quality displays. To learn more about the premium displays I help you create, contact Karissa Zimmer Photography.

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Choosing a Harrisburg Newborn Photographer: Why Your Photographer Matters

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

Well-Composed, Quality Photos

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

A Keen Aesthetic Style

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

A Positive Experience with Your Harrisburg Newborn Photographer

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

Designing Display Products for Your Photos

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

Choosing Your Harrisburg Newborn Photographer

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

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Preserving Mechanicsburg Newborn Photos: Benefits of a Newborn Photo Album

As a photographer, I’m passionate about making sure that my clients don’t just get amazing portraits but that they also have a way to display those portraits. Every family has their own preferences, whether you want wall art, display folio cases, or other options, but one of my favorites for my clients is a premium custom photo album. There’s no wrong way to enjoy your Mechanicsburg newborn photos, but there are a few unique benefits of these albums that you might not realize.

Seeing More of Your Baby’s Portraits

Wall art is fantastic, but it does limit you to highlighting one or two favorite portraits. An album gives you the opportunity to see a full collection of your many favorites in front of you. You can, of course, do both wall art and an album! Either way, adding an album allows you to enjoy more of your newborn photos in your home.

Displaying Your Mechanicsburg Newborn Photos in a More Concise Way

As wonderful as wall art can be, it undeniably takes up a lot of wall space. Not all families have that space available, or you might not like the look of a gallery wall or multiple portraits on your wall. With a bespoke photo album, you’ll have your favorite newborn photos at your fingertips in a space-friendly way.

Maintaining a Portable, Shareable Heirloom

Portrait albums offer a convenience that many families enjoy because they’re easy to transport and move around. For families who may move often, this can be a way to keep your child’s newborn photos within reach without the logistical difficulties of wall art. Albums are also easy to pass down within your family, like gifting the album to your child when they grow up and move into their own home.

Celebrating Your Harrisburg Newborn Photos with Custom Photo Albums

If you’re interested in learning more about custom portrait albums or booking your Harrisburg newborn photos, let’s chat! Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography.

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Why Display Your Mechanicsburg Newborn Photos?

Every new parent loves to post their newborn photos on social media to show everyone their adorable little one. As much fun as that is, it doesn’t have to be the only way you put your newborn portraits to use. As a photographer who takes countless Mechanicsburg newborn photos, here are my favorite reasons you should display your newborn portraits in your home.

Turning a House Into a Home

No matter how long you’ve lived in your house, it can become more of a home every day with each new bit of personalization you add. Photos of your family are one of the best ways to do this. Your Mechanicsburg newborn photos aren’t just beautiful works of art but they’re deeply sentimental pieces for your home.

Improving Your Child’s Sense of Family with Mechanicsburg Newborn Photos

Did you know that studies have shown that kids have stronger self-esteem and a sense of belonging when they grow up in a home that has photos of them? Psychologist Dr. David Krauss has explored these benefits. Proudly displaying your child’s first professional portraits is a subtle way to remind them every day of how much they are wanted, loved, and valued.

Cherishing a Walk Down Memory Lane

Your baby’s first weeks of life are truly one of a kind, and every parent enjoys an opportunity to reminisce about the beauty of introducing their little one to the world. Those tiny hairs, little fingers and goes, and delicate sleepy eyelids will soon be only a memory but you can preserve that memory by hanging your newborn photos in your home to enjoy on a daily basis. You can turn every walk down your hallway into a walk down memory lane.

How to Display Your Mechanicsburg Newborn Photos

Not sure of the best way to turn your newborn photos into custom artwork in your home? I can help! I provide full-service newborn photography and that includes helping you design and order your bespoke framed prints, canvas prints, and so much more. Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography to get started.

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Hershey Newborn Photography: How to Book a Newborn Photographer

For some parents, newborn portraits are one of those special experiences they look forward to most when they’re preparing for a new baby. Your newborn photos will become treasured heirlooms that will forever remind you of how tiny your ever-growing child once was. But if this is your first experience with Hershey newborn photography, you might not know where to start. Consider that problem solved! Here’s what you need to know.

When Should You Book a Newborn Photographer?

This question is confusing for many parents-to-be, because a newborn photo session typically happens in your baby’s first few weeks of life, but you don’t know exactly when your baby will arrive until, well, they arrive. Can you really book a photo session on such short notice?

It’s actually best to book your newborn photography while you’re still pregnant - ideally around halfway through your pregnancy or even at the end of your first trimester. But if you’re already past this point or even if your baby has already made their entrance, give me a call anyway! You never know when I may have a cancellation.

How Does Booking a Newborn Photography Session Work?

Booking a newborn photo session is a bit different from other photo sessions, so here’s a look at the process. When you contact me during your pregnancy to book, I’ll reserve space for you in my calendar during a general timeframe based on your due date. I accept a limited number of newborn clients each month to make sure I have the time and flexibility to give you the focus you need.

When your baby is born, you’ll contact me again. At this time, we’ll set the specific date and time for your session. From there, it’s just a matter of coming in for your session with your beautiful new baby!

What Do I Need to Know When Booking My Hershey Newborn Photography?

Some parents-to-be are hesitant to book their newborn photo session because they don’t yet know what they want. Good news: you don’t have to! If you have specific newborn photo ideas in mind, that’s great and we’ll discuss it while booking your session. If not, don’t worry, I can style a session you’ll love.

Booking Your Hershey Newborn Photography

Ready to set up a magical newborn photo session? I’ll make it easy at every step. Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography and let’s chat!

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Mechanicsburg Newborn Photography Myths Busted

There’s a lot about Mechanicsburg newborn photography that isn’t common knowledge, and in fact, there are many myths and misconceptions about this type of photo session. As a photographer, I’m here to bust those myths and help you have a better idea of what to expect from newborn photos.

Myth #1: Newborn Photos Must Be Taken in a Specific Timeframe

You’ve probably heard people say that “real” newborn photos have to be taken before a baby reaches a certain age - some say 14 days, some even say 10 days. That’s gatekeeping at its finest and I’m not here for it.

Yes, it’s ideal to take newborn photos in a baby’s first two weeks of life because you can capture how new and tiny they are at this early stage, and because they sleep so much during these days. But there’s no set deadline for newborn photography, and it’s not uncommon for NICU stays or other circumstances to require us to wait until after that 14-day mark.

Myth #2: Studio Flash Photography Will Hurt a Newborn’s Eyes

It used to be common advice to avoid flash photography in front of newborn babies, but according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, extensive research has shown no evidence that camera flashes damage babies’ eyes. While harsh camera flashes in a dark room can irritate babies (just as they can with adults), studio camera flashes are designed to be gentler.

Myth #3: Your Baby Needs to Sleep for Their Mechanicsburg Newborn Photography

Many parents worry that their photographer won’t be able to take newborn photos if their baby won’t sleep, but that isn’t the case. Sleeping babies are easier to pose and photograph, sure. But nearly all babies will sleep for at least part of their photo session, and even while your baby is awake, we can capture plenty of beautiful portraits.

Booking Your Mechanicsburg Newborn Photography

If you have a baby on the way, I can help you preserve a piece of their first days that will last a lifetime. Contact my PA photography studio today.

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Answering Your Hershey Newborn Photography Questions About Lifestyle Newborn Photos

If you have a baby on the way, you’ve probably noticed that every newborn portrait session has a look of its own. Photography is an art form, so naturally, each photographer has their own aesthetic style, but one of the largest differences you might notice is between posed in-studio portraits and lifestyle portraits that seem to just show the new family sharing their lives together. In my Hershey newborn photography studio, I’m happy to offer both!

Curious about lifestyle newborn photos? I’m answering your top questions about this popular option.

In Hershey Newborn Photography, What are Lifestyle Newborn Photos?

Lifestyle newborn photos are photos that are usually taken in your home and they create a lovely picture of your baby’s first days of life. Instead of posed or themed portraits, these photos focus on authenticity, reflecting your daily life with your baby and your newly expanded family.

How Do Lifestyle Newborn Photos Fit into Hershey Newborn Photography?

Your baby’s first professional portraits are incredibly special for your family, so I want to create the look and feel that you want for the portraits that will adorn your walls for decades. Some families choose to exclusively have lifestyle newborn portraits or exclusively have in-studio portraits, while other families choose a combination of both. Many of my clients prefer to take their baby’s solo portraits in the studio and then do an add-on lifestyle session at home so they can include their baby’s siblings too.

How Should You Prepare for Lifestyle Newborn Portraits?

When parents ask this question, they’re really asking, “Does my home need to be spotless for this photo session?” Absolutely not! I typically limit lifestyle portraits to your baby’s nursery and potentially a couple of other spots in your home if they have particularly great lighting or aesthetics. As far as the rest of your home, I’m a mom too - this is a judgment-free zone!

Learn More About Hershey Newborn Photography

Want to chat about a lifestyle photo session for your baby? Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography today!

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How to Use Your Mechanicsburg Newborn Photos: 5 Top Ideas

Your Mechanicsburg newborn photos are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to capture your baby at their tiniest. Some parents find themselves dreaming of their baby’s newborn portraits and when they see their photos, they love them but aren’t sure what to do with them. Those gorgeous portraits that signify such a momentous time of their lives just end up as aging files on their hard drive.

As a photographer, I make sure my clients don’t have that problem. I walk families through every step of the process, including helping them decide how to display their portraits and even ordering the finished products for them so they know they’re getting heirloom-quality portraits and albums.

How can I help you put your newborn photos to further use? Try these ideas to make the most out of your baby’s first portraits.

1. Start a “Baby’s First Year” Album Collection Featuring Your Mechanicsburg Newborn Photos

Your baby’s newborn days are just the start of the incredible journey of growth they’ll have in their first year. Consider cataloging their first year in a collection of photo albums. You can start with your baby’s newborn portraits in an heirloom-quality album that I can design and source for you. Then, add albums for their milestone photo sessions throughout their first year. You'll finish the year with a collection of albums that tell the story of how your baby changed from birth to six months to nine months, and finally, their first birthday.

2. Create Birth Announcements

Mailed birth announcements used to be common, featuring a picture of the new bundle of joy along with their birth basics like their name, date and time of birth, weight, and length. That tradition has faded in recent years, but you may be surprised by how many people would love to bring it back.

With today’s technology, of course, word travels quickly so your birth announcements probably wouldn’t be the first time anyone is hearing about your baby’s arrival. It may be the first time some people have had the chance to see your beautiful baby, though, and it serves as a treasured keepsake you can hold dear alongside items like your wedding invitations. I'll be honored to help you create high-quality birth announcements with your newborn photos.

3. Start a Gallery Wall

A gallery wall is a popular trend in home décor and it also happens to be a great way for your walls to tell the story of your family. You can start a special gallery wall dedicated to your baby’s childhood. Your baby’s newborn portraits can be the start, and you can add to the gallery with your baby’s milestone portraits and your family portraits throughout your baby’s childhood. I can help you design and grow your gallery wall with each passing milestone.

4. Create Custom Thank-You Notes Featuring Your Mechanicsburg Newborn Photos

Baby gifts are incredibly helpful whether you’re having your first baby or you’re adding to your already well-established family. Your loved ones are sure to appreciate a thank-you card, and they’ll love it even more when it’s a personalized card featuring that beautiful baby who received their gift. I can use your newborn portraits to create unique, custom thank-you cards that will become a memento for your loved ones.

5. Give Special Gifts to Grandparents

As momentous of an occasion as your baby’s birth is for you, there’s an entire village of people who are excited to welcome your new baby into the world too, like your baby’s new grandparents. When it comes time for the holidays, grandparents’ birthdays, or other special occasions, I can use your baby’s newborn portraits to design and source custom gifts that loved ones will treasure forever. Those could include quality framed portraits, photo albums, and more. You can do the same for godparents, aunts, uncles, and anyone else who is important in your child’s life too.

Your baby’s Mechanicsburg newborn photos allow you to, in a way, capture time in a bottle so you can preserve the memories of your baby’s first days. With the ideas above, you can put your newborn portraits to good use in numerous ways to get even more out of this investment in your family’s newest chapter of life.

If you’re looking for a photographer to create your baby’s first professional portraits, I’m happy to help! Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography to learn more or to book your Mechanicsburg newborn photos today.

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Mechanicsburg Newborn Photography Safety: What Every Parent Needs to Know

Your baby’s newborn portraits are a gift you give to yourself and to your family. You’re creating once-in-a-lifetime heirlooms you’ll cherish more and more as the years go by. As wonderful as Mechanicsburg newborn photography can be, though, it does have its risks if it isn’t done properly.

If you have a baby on the way or you’re preparing for newborn portraits, reading up on the essentials can help you make sure your baby is safe throughout the session. As a professional newborn photographer, I have five top facts that can help you get the spectacular portraits you want while putting your mind at ease.

There is newborn photography safety training, but not all newborn photographers have it.

Every new parent goes through the learning process of discovering how to safely handle their delicate little baby. Photographers need to learn this too, but to a greater extent because they need to know how to pose babies safely. There are plenty of safety courses for newborn photographers, but photographers don’t have to complete any of these courses to offer newborn portraits.

It’s common to assume that if a professional is offering a service, they must know what they’re doing. The truth is that there is no legal regulation of newborn photography, who can offer newborn photography, or what training these photographers need.

As a parent, when you’re hiring a newborn photographer, be sure to ask about their safety training. I’m proud to have thorough training in newborn photography safety, and I have specialized in newborn photography for over ten years.

Not all poses are safe for every baby.

You’ve probably seen countless newborn portraits, either from browsing Pinterest or just seeing your friends’ babies’ portraits. Some of them feature elaborate or unique poses you may want to recreate for your baby.

It’s important to understand, though, that every newborn pose has its limitations. Some poses are only safe or practical for newborns who are still fairly curled up, for example, while others work best for babies who have stretched out more. Some babies also just won’t be comfortable in certain poses, and it’s safest not to try to force them into those poses.

As you’re planning your newborn session, it’s wonderful to share some ideas of what you love with your photographer. Try not to become too fixated on any one pose, though, and rest assured that you’ve hired a professional who will give you beautiful portraits regardless.

In a safe Mechanicsburg newborn photography session, the baby calls the shots.

During my newborn photography session, there’s no watching the clock – your baby is in charge and we take as much time as they need. I give your baby as much time as they need to get settled and comfortable whenever they need to throughout the session.

When it comes to posing, I let the baby decide what they’re comfortable with. If there’s a pose that they aren’t settling into, I simply move on and create a gorgeous portrait in another way. Not only does this make your baby’s portraits look more serene because your baby is sleepy and relaxed, but it keeps your baby safe in the process.

Follow your photographer’s instructions and guidance.

When you book your newborn photography session, your photographer will give you a guide of dos and don’ts – what to bring, who to bring, and so on. These instructions are designed to help everyone and ensure that you get the best newborn portraits possible, but they’re also designed for your baby’s safety.

For example, I request that parents don’t bring young children (besides their newborn, of course), grandparents, or anyone else to their newborn session. If the studio gets too crowded or if there are active kids moving around, it can create a safety hazard because of the equipment and other items in the studio. Please follow your photographer’s guidance because it’s there for the benefit of everyone.

Enjoying Safe Mechanicsburg Newborn Photography

Newborn photography can allow you to preserve priceless memories for your growing family, and it can all be done without putting your baby at risk. It all comes down to hiring an experienced, knowledgeable, and safety-minded newborn photographer and placing your trust in their guidance.

I am honored to provide this experience to countless families throughout the Mechanicsburg area, always keeping baby safety as my top priority. If you’d like to book your newborn photography session, contact Karissa Zimmer Photography and let’s chat.

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