Hershey Newborn Photography – 6 Ways to Make Your Newborn Portraits Special

11.10.22

If you have a baby on the way, you’ve probably been browsing newborn portrait galleries and dreaming of your baby’s first professional photos. There are countless adorable poses and themes out there for newborns, but what if you want your baby’s portraits to be more unique and personal? In my Hershey newborn photography sessions, I customize every photo shoot, but there are several ways to make your newborn portraits even more special.

1. Incorporate Family Heirlooms

While my photo studio is well-stocked with beautiful essentials like wraps, sets, and accessories, I can also incorporate any personal items you want to include. One suggestion I make to families is to use a family heirloom in their baby’s portraits.

For example, maybe you have a piece of family jewelry that has been passed down for generations. Or, you could use a more recent sentimental item like your wedding veil or the train of your wedding dress. Regardless, items that are meaningful for your family can be a touching addition to your Hershey newborn photography.

2. Honor Your Cultural Heritage in Your Hershey Newborn Photography

Your culture will be an important part of your baby’s life, so why not make it a part of your baby’s portraits too? If you’d like to honor and highlight your culture in your portraits, I can use symbols, garments, or other items that are meaningful to your culture. I can also incorporate a color scheme that reflects your culture.

3. Include an Homage to Your Career

For some parents, their career is more than a job – it’s a calling and a legacy they are creating for their family. If you bring in items related to your career, like your uniform or equipment, I can use them in your baby’s newborn session. For example, you can wear your military uniform while holding your baby, or I can photograph your baby inside your firefighter’s helmet, laying on your scrubs, and so on.

4. Capture a Sibling Portrait

Sibling portraits are always especially beautiful and meaningful. You’re capturing the first days of an incredible bond that will blossom over the years to come.

For my Hershey newborn photography sessions, I offer a sibling add-on session that is performed at your home. This way, your kids don’t need to sit through a lengthy newborn studio session, and we’re more easily able to maintain a quiet, sleep-friendly environment for your baby during the studio session. At your home, your kids can be relaxed and comfortable so we can take gorgeous, genuine portraits of them with their new baby sibling. We can even include “fur” siblings if you wish!

5. Envision the Final Product

Your baby’s newborn portraits should be designed with you in mind, and outside of incorporating sentimental elements into your baby’s photos, I recommend thinking about your finished product. How and where in your home do you want to display your baby’s portraits?

This way, I can customize the session to get portraits that suit your vision. I can use color schemes that complement the room where you want to display the portraits, or I can do a set of portraits that go together if you want to use a collage or photo wall.

6. Consider a Multi-Generational Portrait

Your baby is coming into a family full of love who will care for them as they grow. It’s wonderful to be able to involve that family into their newborn photography.

You may be able to do this by creating a multi-generational portrait. You can be holding your baby alongside your parent or even your grandparent. Seeing these generations together can be a unique way to honor the newly growing family.

If you plan to do this, though, be sure to talk to your photographer well in advance. Adding more people means adding more planning and coordination, so it’s important that we have time to set it up in advance.

Planning Your Hershey Newborn Photography Session

At my Hershey newborn photography studio, every family’s portrait session is unique and designed to create the beautiful photos they want. With the techniques and ideas above, I can help you make sure your baby’s portraits are one-of-a-kind. Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography and let’s chat!

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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.

Lifestyle Newborn Photography, lifestyle photographer harrisburg pa, baby lifestyle photography near me — Harrisburg PA Lifestyle Newborn Photography

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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8 Things Your Mechanicsburg PA Newborn Photographer Wants You to Know

07.14.22

Your baby is only a tiny newborn for a matter of weeks, and newborn photography is the perfect way to preserve little pieces of this special time for you to treasure for a lifetime. I’ve been a Mechanicsburg PA newborn photographer for nearly 20 years, and I can tell you that we want you to absolutely love your baby portraits!

How can you get the best possible photos (and make your session go smoothly too)? I’ve laid out a few bits of advice your Mechanicsburg PA newborn photographer wants you to know.

Your Newborn Will Guide the Session

Every baby is different – they’re comfortable in certain positions over others, they’re willing to indulge us for certain poses or they aren’t, etc. We go with your baby’s flow during your session, taking breaks when they need breaks and sometimes acknowledging that they don’t want to give us a particular portrait or pose. Know that we can’t guarantee that all your dream poses will be possible.

Your Baby Will Be Safe with a Specialized Mechanicsburg PA Newborn Photographer

Newborn photographers need to be trained specifically in safe posing for newborn babies. Feel free to ask your photographer about their expertise with posing safety for newborns. We won’t be offended and we want you to rest easy knowing that your baby is safe.

We Love Inspiration Photos! But Try to Pull Them from Our Gallery

A photographer’s goal is to create portraits you love, so it’s fantastic when you can show us some photos to give us an idea of your taste. Try to look for inspiration in your photographer’s gallery, though. Photography is an art form, so there is some ethical gray area if you show us another photographer’s work and want us to recreate it. Plus, we may not have the supplies to make it happen

Messes are Normal

You might notice that you don’t usually see diapers in newborn photos, but babies don’t stop having bodily functions for their photo session. Messes happen often, and that’s okay! Don’t be embarrassed because I promise you, we’ve seen it all. Do bring an extra outfit for yourself, though, especially if you’ll be in photos with your baby.

Yes, You Really Can Relax During Your Session

Take a load off, Momma! Exhaustion is an unavoidable part of having a newborn, but your newborn photography session is a chance to rest. Baby photographers have plenty of tricks for soothing your baby, and we’ll let you know if we need you to hop in to feed or soothe your baby, but for the most part, you can take a break and even grab a nap in the studio.

We Love When You Post Your Pics on Instagram, but Please Credit Your Mechanicsburg PA Newborn Photographer

When parents love their child’s newborn photos enough to share them with the world on social media, it always brings a smile to my face. I’m thrilled that you love your portraits! Please remember to credit your photographer, though, because the portraits are copyright-protected as original artwork.

Our Preparation Guides Benefit You, Us, and Your Baby

When you book your photo session, your Mechanicsburg PA newborn photographer will probably send you a preparation guide. This could include a list of things to bring, tips for making sure your baby is sleeping and in the ideal mood for their session, and so on.

These guides are the result of years of experience and trial and error in creating the best circumstances for your photo session. They’re our best way to get a smooth, stress-free session for you, your baby, and everyone involved, so please take some time to read through them and follow the suggestions.

We Really Do Love to Hear Your Thoughts

You and your photographer are a team – we both have the same goal of creating stunning newborn photos you’ll be able to enjoy forever. As on any team, communication is key. We really do want to hear your thoughts, ideas, and questions both before and during your session. In addition, if you have any concerns about a pose or anything else during your session, please let us know because your comfort is important to us.

A Final Note from Your Mechanicsburg PA Newborn Photographer

Getting fantastic newborn photos is a matter of teamwork. I promise you that your photographer is just as motivated as you are to create newborn portraits you love, and the insights above are designed to make that happen. You are the reason we do what we do! If you haven’t booked your Mechanicsburg PA newborn photographer yet, contact my photo studio today and we can start planning your session for truly magical portraits.

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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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When to Take Newborn Photos: Your Ultimate Guide

02.10.22

Karissa Zimmer Photography captures a smile on newborn baby boy — Newborn Baby boy smiles when posed in Camp Hill PA newborn photography studio

You’ve ooohed and aaahed over all your friends’ adorable newborn photos popping up on social media. You’ve made a mental note of the most amazing poses and portraits you’ve seen for newborns so you can re-create them for your own baby. But you also know, either from first-hand experience or from other parents, that newborns are unpredictable from one moment to the next – and that’s an understatement! How do you get those incredible newborn photos you want?

Much of it comes down to timing, believe it or not. When should newborn photos be taken in order to get the poses and sleepy baby snapshots you love? As a professional photographer in Camp Hill, PA, I’m here to give you the details you need to know to get the timing right.

Newborn Baby boy photographed in bucket by Karissa Zimmer Photography — Camp Hill PA studio Newborn Photography pose.

When to Take Newborn Photos

In general, the best time for newborn photos is during the first two weeks after birth. To be more specific, though, I’ve found that the best time to take newborn photos is between 7 days and 10 days old. During this stage, your baby is still sleeping most of the time. This makes them easier to pose and photograph for those sleepy newborn portraits parents love. Your baby is also still very “curled up” and hasn’t yet stretched out much. That allows us to safely and comfortably get them into those cuddly little newborn poses you’ll cherish forever.

When Should I Book My Newborn Portraits?

The thought of fitting a newborn photo session into such a tight window might stress you out. I get it! So much is in flux during your pregnancy and your baby’s first days that it’s hard to plan much of anything with any confidence. At the end of the day, babies arrive when they want to arrive. How do you know when that window of 7-10 days will be?

You can’t know for certain, but all we can do is make an approximation and adjust if necessary. To make sure you get a booking in the timeframe you want, it’s best to schedule your newborn photography when you’re in your second trimester of the pregnancy. At this point, you’re past the high-risk period of pregnancy. You’re not yet in the third trimester, though, when you’ll be busy with all the final preparations for your new baby.

Of course, there are many times when babies don’t follow our schedules and they arrive earlier or later than expected. In fact, only 5% of babies are born on their exact due date. Don’t worry! Just give me a call and we’ll see when we can fit your session in during your baby’s first two weeks.

Newborn baby boy photographed on tiny bed prop in camp hill photography studio

Can I Combine My Maternity and Newborn Photography in One Package?

As special as newborn photos are, it’s even better to have maternity photos as well. You want to chronicle every part of this incredible journey. To make the most out of both your maternity and newborn photography, you can schedule these photo sessions together with the same photographer, because I specialize in both!

Now that you know when to do newborn photos, the natural next question is when to do maternity photos. This can be tricky because every magical mom-to-be experiences her own pregnancy. You want to take your portraits when you’re far enough into your pregnancy that you have a beautifully pronounced belly. At the same time, you don’t want to wait so late into your pregnancy that you’re uncomfortable. You especially don’t want to worry that you might go into labor before your session happens. The sweet spot is usually between 28 and 36 weeks.

baby boy posed in green for newborn photography shoot

How Do I Find the Right Photographer for My Newborn Photos?

There are so many ways to make your newborn photos the perfect addition to your family’s home. The most important step, though, is to choose a photographer who can capture your vision. For newborn photography, in particular, you need a photographer who specializes in working with newborn babies and has dedicated safety training in newborn care and newborn poses. I’m proud to say that I meet those criteria.

Make sure you take a look at the photographer’s work too, particularly their newborn photo gallery. Photography is an art form, at the end of the day. You want to know if a photographer has similar aesthetic tastes to you and can create the portraits you want for your baby.

Booking Your Photographer for the Best Time to Take Newborn Photos

Now that you know the best time to do newborn photos, there’s just one thing left to do: book your session! Contact my Camp Hill photography studio today to book your newborn photoshoot or to learn what I have to offer.

Newborn baby smiles at his Camp Hill photoshoot

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Mechanicsburg Professional Newborn Photographer – Tips For Getting Your Newborn To sleep

01.27.22

Mechanicsburg Professional newborn photographer captures image of newborn baby girl smiling during photoshoot in studio — Baby Girl smiles during her newborn photoshoot with Karissa Zimmer Photography near Mechanicsburg, PA

As a Mechanicsburg Professional Newborn Photographer, I know a few things about baby whispering! I can’t hold a tune to save my life or whip up a gourmet meal, but I sure can put a baby to sleep like a pro! After all, that is part of the job description, right?! As you can imagine, many of my clients are first time parents. First time parents who often offer me part time, middle of the night baby sitting jobs due to my baby whispering skills! Don’t get me wrong. There is nothing I love more than snuggling a newborn baby! However, this full time Mechanicsburg Professional Newborn Photographer gig keeps me super busy. So, I’m not really available for a side hustle at the moment! HA!

Mechanicsburg newborn photographer, karissa zimmer photography poses with professional baby whisperer t-shirt in her Camp Hill Pa photography studio — Mechanicsburg PA newborn Photographer, Karissa Zimmer, in her newborn photography studio

Newborn Photographer to save the day! Or Night.

Lucky for you, I am here to help by offering you some of my personal tips and tricks. Some may seem like “no brainers,” but let’s face it…pregnancy brain and new mom brain are a real thing. And that sometimes can make you feel like you lost your real one! Don’t worry. I think it returns sometime, but I can’t be certain since I still have regular bouts of mom brain and my baby is almost 14! We are in this mom thing together and we’ve got to help each other out. This is where my Mechanicsburg Professional Newborn Photographer Tips for getting your Newborn to Sleep come in!

Tips For Getting Your Newborn to Sleep – From a Mechanicsburg Professional Newborn Photographer

Shusher the Sleep Miracle – Sound Machine

baby-shusher-sleep-machine-in-newborn-photography-studio-camp-hill-pa — Baby Shusher Sleep Machine used in Mechanicsburg Newborn Photography Studio

Ok, so this one isn’t truly a tip or trick, but it’s definitely a MUST have little miracle machine. No professional newborn photographer can live without it, and no new parent should have to either! There is just no cell phone App that does the job just like the Baby Shusher. This little guy has even won awards such as: Mom’s Choice Award, Parent Tested Parent Approved (PTPA), OHbaby! 2018 Gold Award Winner, and BabyList’s 2019 Best Product Award. It uses a legit, real human voice to shush your baby right to sleep. It’s the next best thing to your own continuous shushing sounds, but that gets pretty tiring. And since you’re here I am guessing you might already be a little sleep deprived! Hop on Amazon right now and grab yourself one of these little machines and get yourself some sleep today! You’ll thank me later!

Two Words: THE SNUGGLE

The SNUGGLE is real around here, so the struggle is not! Yeah, I got jokes. Lame ones, but I guess that’s what happens when you work with tiny humans who can’t laugh at your dorky-ness yet! So, this is really just what it sounds like. Snuggle your baby tight. Pull his legs up to his abdomen and tuck his little arms in close while holding him. When my clients are here in the newborn studio holding their new babes I often notice their legs or arms stretched out or loose. It’s not something everyone notices or thinks about! One of the first suggestions I make is The Snuggle. Newborns love to have their limbs squeezed in tight against their little bodies (and yours!) since they just spent the last 9 months that way. It’s what they know best and will often drift right to sleep!

Third eye massage

Believe me, when my newborn clients don’t already know this trick it quickly becomes one the shove up their sleeve for later! There are great benefits to massaging the third eye. I very lightly rum my finger or thumb from the third eye position ( between your baby’s eyes) down the nose. Trust me. This works! It encourages baby to close his eyes and soon drifting off to a (hopefully!) restful sleep! Have pets? This works on animals too. Give it a try to practice if you’re still waiting on your babe to arrive!

Wrapping A.K.A. Swaddling

First, I’m pretty sure there is no newborn on planet earth who doesn’t like to be swaddled. Your baby just spent the last 9 months tightly packed in your belly. Being wrapped tightly in a swaddle is one of the most comforting and secure feelings to a newborn. Sometimes I will have a parent tell me during a newborn session that their baby doesn’t like to be swaddled. I say: CHALLENGE ACCEPTED! I’ve yet to find a newborn who doesn’t like to be properly swaddled. Seriously, If you need a solid lesson – call me. I will never turn down the opportunity to snuggle a newborn, whether you’re my client or not! I will happily show you the tricks of this swaddle trade!

Center Yourself

I know it’s tough when you’re lacking sleep and you have a newborn who wants to party all night, but stay calm. If I am not calm during a newborn photography session then my tiny client won’t be either. The same applies to you at home also. No matter how stressful that scream sounds or how emotional it makes you feel try your best to react calmly. Your baby can sense and feel your emotions. Deep breaths, mama.

A full belly = sleepy newborn

It may sound like a no brainer. But I know I am not happy when I’m HANGRY. And, a hungry baby won’t be able to sleep. A full belly is one of the number one keys to a happy, sleepy baby during a newborn session. Feed your baby until she releases on her own.

Cozy and warm

It is warm in the womb! That sauna is all your baby has known for 9 long months. It probably feels a little chilly compared to those tropical-like temps! Newborns are sensitive to cold temps. This is why your baby likely cries when you change his diaper. He is just simply cold. I keep my studio at about 80 degrees during newborn sessions. No, you don’t have to crank your thermostat that high, but be cautious temps dropping too low for baby’s comfort!

If all else fails…

Ask for help! Now, I’m certainly hoping these few tips are helpful in getting you and your newborn on your way to a couple winks of sleep. However, ALWAYS trust your gut! Your mom or dad instinct is almost always on point. If something feels off and your baby just doesn’t seem to settle please do not hesitate to call your pediatrician! It’s possible there are underlying reasons why your baby won’t settle and these little tips are not meant to get you through it all. Your doctor is always a quick phone call away and is there to help you along this new parent journey. No question or concern is too silly. Trust those instincts. God gave you them for a reason!

Newborn photographer near mechanicsburg pa photographs newborn baby girl during studio photoshoot

Newborn Baby girl photographed on yellow in mechanicsburg PA newborn photography studio

Booking a Mechanicsburg Professional Newborn Photography Session

I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to document this extra special phase of life for you. There is nothing more special than having images of your precious tiny human to look back on. To learn more about booking a newborn photography session with me, please check out the F.A.Q. section of my newborn gallery!

newborn baby girl studio photography near mechanicsburg pa by karissa zimmer photography

newborn baby girl swaddled in purple and photographed by newborn photographer near 17050

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Choosing the best newborn photographer near Camp Hill PA

11.11.21

Choosing the best newborn photographer near Camp Hill PA may be one of the most important decisions you make when expecting a new baby! There are a few key factors that you may want to think about when deciding on something so very important! Are you patiently awaiting a new baby in the coming months? Have you just welcomed a precious newborn into the world? Your baby will only be a tiny newborn for such a very short time. Capturing these special new moments through professional newborn photography is likely on your mind! While price can often be a factor for many people when choosing a newborn photographer, it most certainly shouldn’t be your only deciding factor. Here you can find some great tips for choosing the best Camp Hill newborn photographer.

Best newborn photographer near camp Hill PA captures baby boy in newborn photo studio

Camp Hill Newborn Photographer SAFETY trained.

The safety of your baby should be your number one priority when choosing the best photographer to capture these sweet, delicate moments. Almost every expecting parent does a ton of research when it comes to selecting safe products and services such as bottles, car seats, cribs and child care providers. You will want to use this same standard of care when it comes to choosing your newborn photographer. You’ll want to know that the photographer who is handling and posing your sweet baby has the training necessary to pose your baby safely. A few things to ask your potential newborn photographer…

Does the photographer have in-person newborn photography training?
How long has the photographer been posing newborns?
What is the studio sick policy?
What are the studio cleaning practices?
Is the photographer insured?
Are there any additional precautions being taken?

I personally prioritize the safety of your baby above all else. There is absolutely nothing more important to me than keeping your precious little love safe during his or her newborn session. I have nearly 14 years experience working with newborn babies and have invested thousands of dollars in training workshops. I am constantly learning and perfecting my skill level and craft.

Specializing in Posed Newborn Photography.

When choosing the best newborn photographer near Camp Hill PA you will most certainly want to know that handling newborns is their area of expertise. Therefore, you’ll want to make sure that posing newborn babies is what your photographer specializes in. Professional newborn photographers should have the very specific and specialized training that is necessary when handling and posing tiny babies. An experienced newborn photographer will know how to sooth, position and pose your baby in the safest way. There are many genres of photography. Just because someone owns a camera and calls themselves a photographer does not mean they have the specialized training necessary to photograph a newborn. Quite like you would not seek the care of a cardiologist to deliver your baby even though they are both doctors – you likely won’t seek a wedding photographer or a family friend with a nice camera to photograph your baby.

Camp Hill Newborn Photographer captures studio newborn photos

The Location and Style

Each and every professional newborn photographer will have their very own special, unique style. Your newborn’s portraits will be something you have to look back on to remember and cherish for your entire lifetime. Therefore, it’s very important to choose a photographer with a style and images that tug at your heart strings. These images of your baby will be on display on your walls for many years to come, so be sure to select a photographer with a style that you love! I specialize in posed newborn photography and enjoy turning images of your most precious creation into works of art.

How far is the photographer’s studio located from your home? If you’re located in Central PA and looking for studio newborn photography near Mechanicsburg, Harrisburg or Camp Hill then my cozy newborn studio is just a short car ride away.

Investment and Artwork. “Full Service” vs “All-Inclusive” Newborn Photography

Newborn photography prices are based on a variety of factors such as the photographer’s experience and training, the quality of their work, the amount of time they spend working with each client throughout their portrait process, a customized-full service experience vs. a generic all- inclusive, product offering and quality, and design services offered.

I am a custom, full service newborn photographer. My focus is on a quality experience and product. I walk my clients through the entire portrait process from start to finish. From our initial phone conversation, through consultation, newborn photo session, ordering appointment and the delivery of your portrait art. I put great time, love and care into your newborn photography experience. It is my belief that any great product or service takes time when done well. I spend about 40 hours with each client from start to finish, making sure each of them receive exceptional quality and care, and a product that will help you remember your baby as a newborn, forever.

You can find newborn photography priced anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the photographer and type of service they offer. A client of mine can typically expect to invest an amount between $2000 and $10,000 (although some spend a bit more or less) on a variety of portrait art such as beautiful framed prints, Italian wall art, heirloom albums, and keepsake folio display cases.

Professional newborn photography is an incredible luxury and a worthwhile investment in this wonderful time in your life! Your baby will only be so tiny for such a short time.

Newborn photographer in camp hill photographs baby boy in newborn photography studio

Am I the best Camp Hill Newborn Photographer for you?

Find out! I would love to share more about my custom newborn photography experience with you, and answer any questions you may have for me! The best way to start is to get in touch with me by filling out my short contact form HERE. You can expect a phone call from me so that we can chat about the details and to set up a time for you to come to the studio for a newborn photography consultation. I can’t wait to connect with you!

new parents pose with their newborn baby boy in camp hill newborn photography studio

newborn baby boy posed in dads hands by camp hill newborn photographer karissa zimmer photography

Karissa Zimmer is an experienced professional newborn photographer based in Camp Hill and serving the surrounding areas, including Mechanicsburg, Harrisburg, Hershey and Carlisle.

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Newborn Photography in Camp Hill | Wyatt

05.01.21

Specializing in Newborn Photography in Camp Hill is an honor! My clients come to me with trust. I believe that is the foundation behind what I do as a newborn portrait photographer. Handing your precious little new baby over to anyone requires a ton of trust. My clients trusting me to capture images of their most important milestone in life, but above all else, they’re trusting me to keep their precious little baby safe. They trust me to guide them through this portrait process. To create images they will hold close to their hearts forever. The amount of trust a new parent places in who they chose to capture their newborn photography in Camp Hill is huge. It is not something I ever take for granted.

newborn baby boy photographed on bed prop at camp hill newborn photography studio

I hold the Smutz family close to my heart. There is no greater feeling than having clients trust me enough to return more than once. To bring not only their first precious newborn to me, but to return with baby number two! I first met this adorable couple in 2018 when they were looking for newborn photography in Camp Hill and expecting their first little guy, Ford. They told me all about him, his name, the special meaning behind how he got his name and how excited they were for his arrival. I knew he was so loved before he was even here. Fast forward to 2020 and they were just as excited to welcome Ford’s baby brother, Wyatt in the beginning of 2021! I was equally excited to see them all again and especially excited to meet the newest member of their family! I couldn’t wait to see Ford as a big bother!

baby boy with name bow tie photographed at camp hill photography studio during his newborn session

newborn photographer karissa zimmer photographs posed newborn baby boy in studio

Studio Newborn Photography in Camp Hill

Mom, Dad and Baby Wyatt came to my Camp Hill newborn photo studio within the first 10 days of Wyatt’s like for his first photo session. It’s amazing to see the ease in moms and dads of newborns the second time around! Laura and Joe were already pros by this session! In other words, they knew exactly what to expect and were much less sleep deprived than when Ford entered the world! Sleep deprived or not, a newborn photography session should be relaxed, laid back and stress free for new parents!

baby boy photographed on green by camp hill newborn photographer karissa zimmer photography

baby posed in bucket at newborn photo shoot

Sibling Add-On Photography Session

The Smutz Family chose to do a Sibling Add-On Session in their home. A perfect way incorporate a very young (BIG) brother in their newborn photos! A Sibling Add On Session is additional lifestyle session that takes place in the clients home. A studio newborn session can make for a long day and toddlers need their space to run around! Therefore, a Sibling Add on Session is absolutely a perfect solution for incorporating young and toddler age siblings!

camp hill newborn photographer captures baby boy and big brother during sibling add on lifestyle photo session

big brother poses at camp hill photography studio with his newborn baby brother

Booking your Camp Hill Newborn Photography Session

Are you expecting a newborn this year? If so, it’s best to contact me many months before your baby is due! I take a very limited number of newborn clients each month. This allows me to give my undivided attention to each and every client from the start of planning your session through delivery and installation of your wall portraits. Let’s set up a consultation and plan your most special photo session ever! Send me a message HERE to get in touch! You can expect a phone call from me, so please list the best time of day to reach you by phone! Then, we will set up a time for you to come into my Camp Hill newborn photography studio so that we can meet for a consultation. I believe you should always meet your photographer in person. After all, you’re going to be handing your most precious little love to this person! I can’t wait to work with you!

To keep up, Follow my Central PA portrait photography adventures on Instagram!

Karissa Zimmer is an experienced professional Harrisburg photographer based in Camp Hill and serving the surrounding areas, including Mechanicsburg, Hershey and Carlisle.

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Best Mechanicsburg Newborn Photographer | Why are they so expensive?

02.18.21

You know you want the best Mechanicsburg Newborn Photographer to photograph your new baby. Every parent wants to have high-quality, professional photos of their newborn, but sometimes the cost can be a little daunting. I’ve often had people ask me why I charge the prices I do for my photography. After all, everyone has a decent camera on their phones these days, right? How hard is it to snap a few photos?

baby boy photographed by Best Mechanicsburg newborn, karissa zimmer photography

Hiring the best Mechanicsburg newborn photographer is an investment.

Hiring a professional photographer is an investment. You’re paying for so much more than “a few photos.” You’re paying for many years of continued education, experience and their unique talent and expertise. You wouldn’t pay just anyone to cut and style your hair or to fix your car, would you? Of course, you want someone who is knowledgeable and who can get the job done correctly and done well.

The same goes for photographers. While you want an experienced professional for any kind of photos you need, it’s especially important with newborn photography. Posed newborn photography requires training and knowledge on how to pose an infant safely. That’s not something you want to trust to an amateur! The wrong pose or a lack of care can actually hurt your child or even cause long-lasting damage, but a photographer certified in newborn posing can create adorable images while keeping your baby’s safety as their number one priority.

best mechanicsburg newborn photographer karissa zimmer photographed newborn baby boy

Like any product or service, you get what you pay for when you hire a photographer.

You’ve likely heard the phrase, “You get what you pay for.” If you opt for a “cheap” newborn photographer or a family friend who is just starting out, you likely won’t get the images you want. However, when you invest in a professional newborn photographer, you get so much for your money, including:

A professional studio space, accessories and props
Lighting expertise
Years of experience and knowledge
Safe, adorable poses
Professional, high-quality editing of your images
Quality wall art, albums and tangible products that will last forever

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. A professional newborn photographer has likely gone through years of training, purchased expensive professional equipment and become certified in how to safely pose newborns. They have invested countless time and money in their business in order to provide you with a high-quality service and products. Running a successful, professional photography business costs a significant amount of money and is a full-time job for most photographers. And as a client and a parent, you want to work with someone who is focused on meeting your needs and creating images you will love and cherish forever.

A professional photographer is a storyteller. They capture the story of your family’s growth and love in a way you can visually see, freezing a moment in time and creating memories that your whole family will cherish.

While newborn photography may seem costly, it is an investment that will increase in value as the years go by. As your child grows into a toddler and a teenager and even an adult, you will have their newborn images—and hopefully other professional photos as well—to look back on to remind you where this unique and special journey began. That’s something you simply cannot put a price on.

new mother is photographed by best Mechanicsburg newborn photographer Karissa Zimmer

baby boy posed in bucket and photographed by mechanicsburg pa best newborn photographer

newborn baby boy photographed in Mechanicsburg pa by karissa zimmer photography

newborn baby photography by karissa zimmer photography

karissa zimmer photography photographs newborn baby boy on plaid

Choosing the best Mechanicsburg Newborn Photographer for you

Hi! Welcome to Karissa Zimmer Photography! If you are expecting your first baby, or even your fourth baby, I am here to make sure your newborn photography session is a wonderful experience, while creating keepsakes for your family to cherish forever.

Karissa Zimmer Photography is a boutique photography studio located in Camp Hill PA (Hampden Township). She serves all of Mechanicsburg PA, Harrisburg PA and all surrounding areas including Carlisle, Enola, New Cumberland, Lemoyne, Hershey, Palmyra and York PA. Karissa photographs expecting parents, newborn babies, children & families, including high school seniors. Karissa’s style is timeless and forever.

The goal for each session is for you to leave with printed, tangible artwork including heirloom albums, fine art framed prints, and modern Italian wall art. Your memories are forever and they deserved to be displayed in your home and preserved forever.

Contact Karissa

Please enter your information and I will be in touch shortly to set up your in person consultation. Just a little reminder: Newborn, maternity and family sessions do book several months in advance. For newborn sessions please contact me while you are still pregnant. Maternity sessions take place between 33-36 weeks. Newborn sessions take place within the first 10 days of your baby’s life, and not more than 2 weeks of age. Newborn sessions are very limited each month and are scheduled on a first come, first to reserve basis. So, please contact me as soon as you can to reserve a spot just for your baby. I can’t wait to meet you and capture your most special memories!

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