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

09.15.23 08.30.23

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

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

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

Low Foot Traffic for Quiet Family Photography in Carlisle PA

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

Best Family Photographer near Carlisle PA — Outdoor Family Photoshoot

Lighting

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

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

Space and Safety for Your Family Photography in Carlisle PA

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

Seasonal Colors

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

Family photography session photographed in a flower meadow

Creating Beautiful Family Photography in Carlisle PA

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

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

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

Why Book a Session for Cake Smash Photos in Camp Hill PA

09.02.23 08.30.23

Your baby’s first year is one of the most unique and incredible experiences of life, getting to know your new child and watching them discover the world. If you want to do something truly special to mark the occasion, what about cake smash photos in Camp Hill PA? A cake smash session is a beautiful gift for both yourself and your child, giving you both a fun and exciting experience along with portraits you’ll always treasure.

Why is a cake smash session the perfect first birthday gift? I’ll tell you!

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Celebrate a Once-in-a-Lifetime Milestone

Your baby only turns one year old once! This is a fabulous milestone to celebrate – it’s the transition from infancy to toddlerhood, and before you know it, your baby will be walking and talking like a pro. Celebrating with a party is great, and you can still throw a party, but cake smash photos create a gift that will become an heirloom for the whole family to enjoy.

Best Camp Hill PA Cake Smash Photographer — Best Cake Smash Photographer near Camp Hill PA

Participate in the Fun Tradition of Cake Smash Photos in Camp Hill PA

Cake smash photography is a tradition that families throughout the US have loved and it only seems to be growing in popularity. Think of it as a more lasting version of the tradition of everyone gathering around to watch your baby playfully dig into their first birthday cake…with the benefit of a professional photographer.

Baby eats cake at First Birthday Cake Smash Photography session — Cake Smash Photoshoot in Camp Hill Baby Photography Studio

Get Portraits Full of Personality

One year is such a fun age for babies. Their little personality is starting to develop and shine through, so every day feels like a new discovery. That makes cake smash photos even better because you can capture those precious giggles and quirks on camera. I can even style your baby’s cake smash session to fit your child’s personality and your family’s style so it’s a true memento of this time in your family’s life.

First Birthday milestone photos in camp hill pa baby photography studio — Baby First Birthday Cake Smash Photography near Camp Hill PA

Booking Your Cake Smash Photos in Camp Hill PA

Have a beautiful baby that’s nearing their first birthday? Let’s chat about a cake smash session! Book your cake smash photography today.

Baby's First Birthday Photoshoot in Camp Hill PA photography studio

Camp Hill Baby Photography studio First Birthday Photos

Summer Outdoor Family Photos in Mechanicsburg PA: How to Stay Cool

07.27.23 08.21.23

Summer has arrived, and for many local families, this is the perfect time for outdoor family photos in Mechanicsburg. The kids are out of school, there are plenty of daylight hours – it’s perfect for portraits you can treasure for years. There’s one problem, though: the heat can make a photo session uncomfortable. Not to worry, because I have some tricks! Use these tips to stay cool for your summer photo session.

Family Photography session in Mechanicsburg PA

Keep the Session Moving

This is the most important tip of all: be prepared to keep the photo session moving. Kids have short attention spans, and that’s especially true when they’re getting too warm. That’s why I try to make all family sessions brief while still allowing for the time we need to get beautiful photos. While I’ll take care of most of the pacing, I advise parents to be ready to get started as soon as you arrive.

Brother and sister outdoor family photography near 17055

Try a Portable Fan for Your Outdoor Family Photos in Mechanicsburg

Handheld, portable battery-powered fans can be lifesavers for any parent in the summer. Bring one of these little fans and feel free to pull it out every so often during your session to cool off your kids (and yourself).

Choose Breathable Outfits

As you’re planning the family’s wardrobe for your portraits, make sure the outfits are set up with summer in mind. Go for light, airy fabrics like linen. Lighter colors will help you to stay cool too. Ideally, choose items that don’t show sweat easily and are loose enough to allow for airflow.

Booking Your Outdoor Family Photos in Mechanicsburg Today

The summer will be over before we know it! If you want to make time for family portraits this summer, contact Karissa Zimmer Photography today and let’s book your photo session. I’ll work with you to plan a photo shoot the whole family will love.

Baby girl at Outdoor Family Photoshoot in Mechanicsburg PA

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Your Baby’s Mechanicsburg First Birthday Photos: How to Make Them Unique

07.16.23 07.12.23

Your baby’s first birthday is an exciting occasion that deserves to be celebrated! The tradition of a cake smash portrait session is always a fun one, but some parents want to make their babies’ photos stand out or make them more personal. How can you mix it up for your baby’s Mechanicsburg first birthday photos? Try these creative ideas.

You Are My Sunshine Theme Cake Smash Photoshoot

Bring In Your Own Personality

You have a one-of-a-kind personality as a family, so why shouldn’t your baby’s portraits match? Instead of sticking with a classic look for your cake smash, think about what makes you and your family unique. I’m always happy to create a session in your style, whether that’s earthy, modern and chic, girly, sporty, or anything else.

You Are My Sunshine Cake Smash Photography Session

Consider a Fun Theme for Your Mechanicsburg First Birthday Photos

Get truly adventurous and try out a themed photo session. The theme could be anything – a visual theme like boho or the ‘80s, a movie or TV show, a holiday, and so on. The right combination of wardrobe pieces and set designs can bring your theme to life and make your baby’s portraits unforgettable.

First Birthday Cake Smash Session in Mechanicsburg Pa photography Studio

Try a “Non-Cake” Smash

Who says cake smash photos have to have a cake? Some families mix it up by having their babies smash something different. It could be a plate of pasta, a pie, doughnuts, or pancakes. You could try non-food items, too, like a sand castle, playdough, or non-toxic paints.

You Are My Sunshine First Birthday Photos

Collaborate with Your Photographer to Design Your Mechanicsburg First Birthday Photos

Not sure how to make your baby’s one-year portraits stand out? I’m happy to help! Photographers are artists after all, and I love to work my creative muscles and design a truly unique session. Take the featured photo session in this blog for example – one of my all-time favorites! Mom and I had a blast planning her little girl’s “Here Comes the Sun” themed session. I put a lot of love into the design and even had my daughter help by making the balloon garland.

Ready to get creative? Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography and let’s start dreaming up your session!

Baby's first birthday cake smash photography near Mechanicsburg

Mechanicsburg First Birthday Photographer

A Parent’s To-Do List for Outdoor Family Photography in Harrisburg PA

07.06.23 07.06.23

Some families enjoy a family portrait session every year while others only have the chance every several years. Either way, it’s not something you do every day. As a professional photographer, I aim to not only create beautiful works of personal art for my clients but to guide you through the process too and make it as simple and stress-free for you as possible. To help you manage your photo session planning process, I’ve put together a straightforward to-do list for any parent before outdoor family photography in Harrisburg PA.

Best Family Photographer in Harrisburg PA

#1. Choose Your Photographer

The first step in any photo session is to select your photographer, and frankly, that can be the hardest step too. You want a photographer you can work with well and someone whose work you love because every photographer has their own style. Keep in mind that each photographer has a different level of service too, so find a photographer who has the aesthetic and the service you’re looking for.

little girl photographed at outdoor family portrait session

#2. Decide on a Location for Your Outdoor Family Photography in Harrisburg PA

After you’ve booked a session with the photographer of your choice (or during the booking process), you’ll coordinate with your photographer to choose a location for your photo session. The season, the look you want, and other factors will impact your location of choice. The beauty is, though, that you have an expert photographer in your corner, and we know all the best spots in town! I always chat with my clients about what they want for their session and recommend the best locations for them.

Harrisburg PA Outdoor family photography

#3. Tell Your Family the Good News

Once you’ve worked out the major details, it’s time to bring your kids in on the plan. The rule of thumb is to be excited and position the photo session as a fun family experience. It’s contagious – if you’re excited about something, your kids will be too!

#4. Design the Family’s Wardrobe for Your Outdoor Family Photography in Harrisburg PA

Wardrobe planning is another item on your to-do list that I can help you with directly. As a full-service photographer, I gladly offer tips and help in planning your family’s wardrobe, including pointers about what does (and doesn’t) look good on camera, advice on what colors might best flatter you and your family, and more. I also advise having a backup outfit planned for each person in case an issue arises.

Outdoor family photography near Harrisburg PA

#5. Plan the Day of Your Photoshoot

Logistics can make a world of difference in your photo session, so make a plan for the day of the photo shoot. Based on when your session will be, plan a schedule that ensures everyone will be fed and rested during the photo shoot. Plan when you need to start getting everyone ready, how much time you’ll need to do your hair and makeup, and so on. Give yourself an earlier out-the-door time than you need in case there’s traffic or you’re running late.

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#6. Make a List of Items to Bring

The last thing you want is to arrive at your photo session and realize you’ve forgotten something important. Give yourself more time to think of all the essentials by making a to-bring list. Include things like all the individual pieces for everyone’s backup outfits, snacks, drinks, diapers, wipes, and so on.

#7. Prep and Pack Your Items for the Photo Shoot

The day before your photo shoot, get everything packed and ready so that, when it’s time to leave, you just need to grab everything and go. Get everyone’s wardrobe and backup outfit items laundered and pressed if necessary. Put snacks and other items in a cooler or bag in the fridge. The goal is to make your life as easy as possible.

little girl photographed at outdoor family photography session in Harrisburg PA

#8. Don’t Lose Sight of the Goal: To Have Fun!

This might not seem that important but it really is a biggie – remember to have fun! The best portraits happen when you and your family are genuinely enjoying your time together. Try not to stress about the little details. Spots on someone’s clothes can be edited out, but I can’t edit in a carefree smile.

Harrisburg PA Child photos by family photographer, Karissa Zimmer

Getting Started with Outdoor Family Photography in Harrisburg PA

Ready to tackle your own family portrait to-do list? I can help! Contact my Harrisburg photo studio to book your session today.