As a newborn photographer, I serve clients often who have never had a newborn photo session before. Any new experience can be intimidating, and a newborn photo shoot looks very different from family photos or other photo sessions you’ve had in the past. It helps to have an idea of what to expect. Here’s a peek at what to expect in a Camp Hill newborn photo session.
How a Newborn Photo Session Works
During a newborn photo shoot, you and your spouse or partner will bring your little bundle of joy to my cozy home studio. Based on the details we discussed in our pre-session consultation, I’ll have a plan for what newborn props and sets I’ll use, what wraps, outfits, and accessories I’ll dress your baby in, and so on. You just show up looking camera-ready!
I typically begin with the photos of you and your partner with your baby, creating those precious portraits that highlight the deep bond you have with your new little one. After that, you and your partner can relax on the comfy furniture I have in my studio. I’ll spend the rest of the session gently posing your baby and creating the looks you love for your baby’s portraits. I’ll call on you as needed to feed or soothe your baby, but for most of the session, you can kick back and rest.
How Long a Camp Hill Newborn Photo Session Takes
Newborn photo sessions run on the baby’s timetable! Whenever your baby needs to take a break for a feeding or to fuss for a bit, we stop and give them what they need. Because of this, expect your session to last about six hours.
Planning Your Camp Hill Newborn Photo Session
Hopefully, your newborn photo session feels a bit less intimidating now that you know the basics of what to expect. If you’re expecting a baby or even if your baby has already arrived, contact Karissa Zimmer Photography to book your session.
Senior photos are a rite of passage that so many emerging young adults look forward to, and you want your photos to be as beautiful as you are! One important factor to plan for is your wardrobe. What should you wear for your Harrisburg senior photos? I’ll chat with you about specifics during your pre-consultation, but in the meantime, check out these tips.
Downtown Harrisburg High School Senior Photos
Bring Variety
All my senior photo sessions include multiple outfit changes, and you want your outfits to be different enough to capture all the looks you want. Consider bringing one casual outfit, one outfit that’s more formal, and one that reflects your personality or hobbies like your jersey for a sport you play, an outfit with a rocker aesthetic, or your culture’s traditional dress. It’s a good idea to have a few extra outfits too in case you change your mind or have a last-minute stain or broken zipper.
Boxing Senior PicturesSenior Boy Boxing Photos
Don’t Forget the Details
When planning your outfits, the clothes are just the starting point. Plan which accessories, shoes, and jewelry you plan to wear with each outfit too and try it all on together. This way, you can make sure it looks the way you want and that you have everything you need.
Harrisburg Pa High School Senior Photography
Have Layering Options for Your Harrisburg Senior Photos
Layers are magic in a photo session! They give you more visual variety without a full outfit change and they add some depth and texture to your photos. Bring a denim jacket to go over your dress or a flannel shirt to layer onto a t-shirt and jeans.
Avoid Going Overboard with Patterns
A good rule of thumb for photo shoots is to choose solid colors rather than complex patterns. Avoid anything with words or with a prominent logo too. The exceptions may be outfits that signify a particular hobby or interest you have.
City Island Walking Bridge Senior PortraitsSenior Photos on City Island Walking Bridge near Harrisburg PA
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.
Harrisburg fall family photos are some of my favorite client portraits. They have a quaint and cozy feel that will warm anyone’s heart, and they take advantage of the stunning autumn colors we have here in Pennsylvania. For families, a fall photo session is a fabulous way to get beautiful custom artwork that preserves the memories of this chapter in their lives. How can you make sure your fall family portraits turn out the best that they can? Follow these tips to prep for your session like a pro.
Plan Your Wardrobe Strategically
As a mom, I know that planning your family’s wardrobe for a photo shoot can be a daunting task. I recommend that you start with your own outfit and then just go one person at a time. Choose one or two core colors that are fall-appropriate, like rust orange or navy blue, and then complement them with neutrals. Here are a few other tips that can help:
Avoid any items with prominent logos or words (something subtle like a small logo on a shirt pocket is fine).
Stick to solid colors and simple patterns, avoiding patterns that are too bold or busy. If you aren’t sure about an item, take a full-body picture of someone wearing it and look at whether it takes attention away from the person’s face.
Choose earthy neutrals like tan, gray, and ivory as opposed to more stark neutrals like white and black (white and black can be excellent for some other seasons, but more natural shades look better with fall colors).
Bring fall-appropriate layers, like scarves, jackets, and wraps, that look nice with your wardrobe. These add texture and will come in handy on a chilly fall day.
Keep Your Kids in the Loop
Have a chat with your kids in advance to let them know that the photo shoot is happening. When you do, present it as a fun family outing rather than as something unpleasant the kids will have to do. If you lead with a positive attitude, they’re more likely to follow suit and come to the photo session with a smile on their face.
Set Your Deadline as the Day Before Your Harrisburg Fall Family Photos
This is one of those little mind tricks that works wonders! When you’re preparing everything for your session, set your mental “deadline” as not the photoshoot day but the day before your photo shoot. Plan to have all the outfits laundered, pressed, and hanging together, have a bag of snacks and drinks packed in the fridge, etc. Last-minute issues can arise on the day of, so if all those details are already done, you have room in your schedule to accommodate those issues.
Keep in Touch with Your Photographer
You and your photographer are a team with the same goal: to create amazing fall family photos for your family. Make sure you communicate with them like a teammate. If you change your mind about anything, from the color scheme of your wardrobe to deciding to include grandparents in the photos, speak with your photographer so they can plan accordingly.
Make Sure No One Arrives Hungry for Your Harrisburg Fall Family Photos
Fall family photo sessions often take place around dinner time because that hour just before sunset creates beautiful natural lighting. But it’s best to have your dinner before the session rather than after, particularly if your kids are little. We want your kids to be having fun and flashing plenty of happy smiles, and that’s more likely to happen with a full belly. If you want to give the kids something to look forward to, you can take them out for dessert after the session.
Plan Extra Travel Time
I can’t emphasize the importance of this enough! First, your session is scheduled for a specific time based on the sunset time. If you get stuck in traffic and arrive 15 minutes late, the sun won’t wait for us, so we won’t have time to get all the portraits we want. Plus, when you’re running late, it adds stress to the whole family and that won’t start off your session on the right foot.
One of my favorite aspects of Harrisburg family photography is the fact that we have so many gorgeous locations in the area for outdoor portraits. No matter what style or look you want, chances are that there’s a spot nearby that’s perfect for your family photos. Many of my clients ask me for location recommendations, and it’s true that I’ve been able to scout out plenty of favorites in the area, but you’re welcome to choose a location of your own too!
If you’re looking for the perfect spot for your next family photo session, follow these top tips.
Harrisburg PA Family photoshoot
Consider the Look and Style You Want
Your photo shoot location will literally set the stage for your portraits, so the location you choose can immediately create the style and look you want for your photos. You want a location that suits the style you want, whether that style is rustic, natural, urban and chic, cozy, light and airy, or whatever it may be.
Look for Textures for Your Harrisburg Family Photography
You may be surprised by how much it can enhance a photo when you incorporate some complementing textures, and your photo shoot location is a great way to get those textures. Elements like a brick wall, a wooden structure, or an array of flowers can add a touch more visual interest and balance to your family portraits.
Envision Your Color Scheme
One of the first things many parents do when planning their Harrisburg family photography session is to choose a color scheme based on where they want to display their portraits. Make sure you take that color scheme into account when choosing your photo location, finding a spot with background colors that fit or complement your color scheme.
Be Mindful of Property Laws and Privacy
This is less of an aesthetic consideration and more of a logistical one, but it still matters. It’s critical to make sure you can legally and easily access the photo shoot location of your choice. If it’s private property, get permission in writing to take pictures there. If it’s public property like a public park, try to find an event schedule to make sure the area won’t be occupied by a festival or other event on your photo shoot day.
Find Space for Kids to Play During Your Harrisburg Family Photography
Posed portraits of your family sitting or standing together neatly are quaint and traditional, and all my Harrisburg family photography shoots will include these types of photos. But every family also loves some candid action shots taken while you and your family enjoy your time together, highlighting the authentic joy you have with your family.
To make it easier to create these types of images, it helps to have a photo location where kids can play and adventure a bit. It doesn’t have to be anything too complex, just some space for kids to explore safely.
Look for Plenty of Light
One of the most instrumental factors to consider for any photo session is the lighting. Depending on the time of day, if there are too many big structures in your photo shoot location, there might be too many shadows for me to fully showcase your beautiful family. Look for a location that is open enough that it will get plenty of light rather than an area that is overly shaded.
Consider a Space with Variety
It can be helpful to have a location that has several different spots that have their own looks and accents. For example, you might go to a family member’s farm that has a lovely old barn for some rustic looks, an open grassy area for more natural and minimalist portraits, and a flower garden to add some color. This lets us easily move from spot to spot so you have plenty of styles to choose from in your finished photo gallery.
Booking Your Harrisburg Family Photography
Whether or not you already have a vision and a location in mind for your family portraits, I can create a stunning family photo shoot that will produce portraits you’ll cherish for decades to come. Ready to start planning? Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography today.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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 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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, consider what makes you and your family unique. I’m always happy to create a session in your style, whether that’s earthy, modern chic, girly, sporty, or anything else.
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 combination of wardrobe pieces and set designs can bring your theme to life and make your baby’s portraits unforgettable.
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.
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.
