Hershey Newborn Photography: How to Book a Newborn Photographer

10.05.23 11.02.23

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.

posed studio newborn photography near Hershey PA — Best Studio Newborn Photographer near Hershey PA

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.

parents and newborn baby boy studio portraits — Newborn Photography Studio near Hershey PA

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.

neutral newborn baby boy posed photos — Baby boy studio newborn portraits

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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mother and newborn son photos near Hershey PA newborn photography studio

newborn posed on baby bed photography prop

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

09.15.23 11.02.23

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 11.02.23

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!

Best First Birthday Photographer Camp Hill PA — Baby Girl First Birthday Photography in Camp Hill PA

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 11.02.23

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 11.02.23

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!