Camp Hill Baby Photography Questions Answered: All About Sitter Sessions

06.15.22 06.13.22

You’ve heard of newborn photography and you’ve heard of first birthday photography. But what about the time between your baby’s birth and their first birthday? You don’t want to miss those amazing milestones either! That’s why, in the world of Camp Hill baby photography, every parent loves a sitter session.

Ever heard of sitter sessions? All the answers you need to know are right here.

camp hill baby photographer, professional baby photos, baby photography near me

What Is a Sitter Session in Baby Photography?

A sitter session is a baby photography session to celebrate the milestone of your baby sitting up on its own. Each baby develops at its own pace, so timing can vary. Usually, though, babies are ready for a sitter session around six to nine months.

What Are Sitter Sessions So Popular for Camp Hill Baby Photography?

The sitting stage happens to be one of the most adorable stages in a baby’s first year. First of all, who doesn’t love to see a beautiful baby sitting up on those precious chubby legs? Second, the sitter stage is a perfect time for photos. Your baby is alert and aware but not yet mobile. That means we can get plenty of portraits of those stunning baby eyes but your baby isn’t constantly crawling out of the frame.

Finally, this age is when we start seeing hints of your baby’s one-of-a-kind personality. It tends to be a very smiley, giggly age, so it’s the perfect time to capture those amazing baby smiles on camera.

All that combined makes for one thing: a gallery of gorgeous baby portraits you can’t help but love.

When Should I Schedule a Sitter Session for My Baby?

My schedule often books up months in advance, so it’s a good idea to call me a few months before you expect your baby to be sitting. If your baby hits that milestone sooner or later than expected, it’s more likely that I can adjust my schedule if I already have time reserved for you.

What Can I Expect During a Sitter Session?

When you book your sitter session at my Camp Hill baby photography studio, the customization begins. We’ll chat in advance to find out what you envision for your baby’s portraits. If you’d prefer to have my artistic sense lead the way, I’m happy to do so.

Your sitter session will take place in my comfortable, well-stock studio. It takes about one to two hours, so it’s shorter than a newborn session because your baby is more independent.

During your baby’s sitter session, your helping hands will be much appreciated! I may call on you to coax some smiles out of your baby, help them stay in a pose, and so on. Every session is customized to my client, so rest assured that I’ll create portraits that bring out the best in your baby’s personality.

A few weeks later, you’ll enjoy the magic moment: your gallery reveal. You’ll return to my studio to see a display of your baby’s sweet portraits. From there, I’ll work with you to design your one-of-a-kind portrait art pieces you’ll forever treasure as family heirlooms.

How to Book a Camp Hill Baby Photography Sitter Session

Want to secure a spot for your little bundle of joy’s sitter session? I’m here to help! Contact my Camp Hill baby photography studio today.

Your Guide to 1st Birthday Cake Smash Photos

03.10.22 03.10.22

Your beautiful baby is turning one: congratulations! You’ve made it through that magical yet chaotic year of infancy, and now it’s time to celebrate while also capturing this amazing milestone in your baby’s life. What better way to do that than with a first birthday photo session?

As much fun as a first birthday photoshoot is, it can be intimidating if it’s your first time. Where do you begin? How do you plan for it? What should you bring? Don’t worry, I’m here to help with your ultimate guide to your baby’s 1^st birthday cake smash photos.

First Birthday Cake smash session with photographer near Camp Hill PA

What Can I Expect from a First Birthday Photoshoot?

While every photographer has their own process, I’ve been working with one-year milestone photos for many years, so I’m happy to guide you through my process when I book a first birthday photoshoot near me.

We always begin with a consultation. This is when we’ll discuss your vision for your baby’s portraits and what you want from your photoshoot. We’ll talk about where you want your session to be, what specific types of images you love, and so on. I can also answer all your questions about outfit ideas for your baby, how to prepare for the session, and so on.

I offer first birthday photo sessions in two parts – usually on the same day if the weather permits. The first part is a cake smash session for your baby in my studio early in the day, where we’ll capture all those adorably messy cake smash photos. All that fun tends to make babies pretty tired, so I’ll then send you home with your baby so you can get them thoroughly cleaned up and they can enjoy a nice rest.

Then, we’ll meet back up outdoors in the late afternoon/early evening (or “golden hour” as it’s often called) for a small outdoor session. Throughout the session, you can relax, watch, and enjoy as I capture a mixture of posed portraits and candid photos that showcase your baby’s personality. We can also incorporate you and the rest of your family into these photos if you would like.

Afterward, I’ll hand edit all the best photos from your session. We’ll schedule a viewing and ordering appointment for two to three weeks after your photo session. That’s when you’ll see all your baby’s beautiful photos in a presented slideshow and you can choose the images and products you want.

Baby's First Birthday Photo session by Karissa Zimmer Photography in Camp Hill PA — Baby’s First Birthday Photo session by Karissa Zimmer Photography in Camp Hill PA

Where Do I Get a Cake Smash Cake?

If you want to make it simple, I can source your cake smash cake for you for an additional fee. However, a lot of families choose to get their cake from any local bakery, or you can even bake it yourself if you’re so inclined. There are a few things to keep in mind, though.

First of all, if you’re getting the cake from a bakery, make sure to tell them that it is for cake smash pictures. Sometimes bakeries will have a stabilizer stick inside the cake, and you want to be sure there isn’t one for a smash cake.

Second, while you can get any color and type of cake you want, there are a few things to avoid. It’s best to steer clear of chocolate cake or chocolate icing because it doesn’t photograph well. The same is true for red icing. I also suggest getting a cake with icing instead of fondant, because fondant is hard to chew so it can present a choking hazard.

First Birthday Photographer near Camp Hill Karissa Zimmer Photography

Do I Need to Do Cake Smash Photos for My Baby’s First Birthday Photos?

Absolutely not! Your baby’s first birthday photos are memorializing a special milestone in your family’s life, and you can make it whatever you want it to be. While 1^st birthday cake smash photos are a popular tradition, you can do whatever you want for your photos.

Should I Choose a Theme for My Baby’s Milestone Photos?

Whether or not to have a theme for your baby’s milestone photos is entirely your decision. Some families want their portraits to center around a special interest the family has like their favorite sports team or their baby’s favorite cartoon. But a theme isn’t necessary. When I’m doing a 1^st birthday photoshoot near me, I typically combine candid photos of the baby being their amazing self with some first birthday décor so the occasion is clear to see.

One year old baby girl cake smash photos in Camp Hill PA Photography Studio

What Should I Bring to My Baby’s Cake Smash Photo Session?

When you’re getting ready for your cake smash photography session, there are a few items you’ll want to bring along. These sessions generally last one to two hours, so bring anything you might need to keep your baby (and you!) comfortable during that time. That can include diapers, wipes, bottles, snacks, and so on.

It’s also a good idea to bring an extra outfit for your baby’s trip home. I always save the cake smash photos for the end of the session because babies get MESSY! Still, you’ll want to bring anything you need to clean up your baby afterward as well as an outfit for them to wear on the way home. You might get messy in the process too, so it’s a good idea to bring an extra outfit for yourself as well.

Making Your Cake Smash Photos Special

Your baby’s first birthday is an amazing occasion to celebrate, and I’d love to help! Now that you have the lowdown on everything you need to know, it’s time to get your session on the schedule. Contact my Camp Hill photography studio today.

Cake Smash Photography by Karissa Zimmer Photographer in Camp Hill PA — Camp Hill PA Baby Photographer Cake Smash Photoshoot

Camp Hill Cake Smash Photography by Karissa Zimmer Photography — Camp Hill PA Baby Photographer Cake Smash Photoshoot

Camp Hill Baby Photography Studio | Hannah’s Sunflower Cake Smash

01.03.22 01.03.22

Are you looking for a Camp Hill Baby Photography Studio? Look no further! A little bit of cake smash anxiety for the birthday girl did not stop us from capturing some of the most adorable images of Miss Hannah! I love everything about her sunflower theme! But most of all, I love that she was one of my tiny 2020 newborn clients who came back to see me! I was so excited that Hannah’s parents booked her a first birthday cake smash session way back when they were in the studio for her newborn ordering appointment. And, to me, that says they loved her newborn images so much! So much that they trusted me enough to capture this special milestone also! There is nothing that fills this photographer’s heart more than the opportunity to photograph my clients again and again! To watch and document my little clients as they grow up is truly the biggest honor!

baby girl smiles for camp hill cake smash photographer — Sunflower Cake Smash Photo shoot

little girl wears yellow romper and poses in bowl for her first birthday photos — Sunflower Cake Smash Photo shoot

Planning a Cake Smash Session in the Camp Hill Baby Photography Studio

When it was time to start planning Hannah’s cake smash session, her mama threw me a few ideas that she liked. Ultimately, she gave me the reigns! She trusted me to plan something beautiful for her baby girl’s special session. When she said she liked bright pops of color including yellow I just knew where I was going to go with this! I think the fall season and sunflowers pair so perfectly! It’s always my goal to plan and create a cake smash theme that is beautiful and timeless. I think everything about Hannah’s sunflower session is perfect for an October baby! Once I knew where I was going with this, I contacted my favorite baker, Brittany at Baked By Brittany in Mechanicsburg, PA. Although I opt for simple cakes for my sessions, she is a truly talented artist and creates some of the most elaborate cakes I’ve seen! Be sure to check her out!

When to book a cake smash studio session?

Will your baby turn one this year? If you’re wondering when to book your baby’s studio cake smash session the answer is: It’s never too early! As with all sessions, planning ahead is best! There is quite a process that goes into planning, customizing and making a first birthday cake smash session special! A first birthday session is something you’ll want to have reserved at least two months prior to your baby’s first birthday. Although, even further in advance is best!

My baby has a first birthday coming up! Where do I start?

Send me a message! I am here to help walk you through the entire portrait process! From the very first phone call we will have, through planning the most special cake smash session and all the way through delivery of your portrait art work! The first step is to reach out to me via my contact form. You can expect a phone call from me to start planning your baby’s milestone magic!

How To Support Your Photographer During COVID-19 | Camp Hill PA Photographer

04.17.20 04.17.20

If you have a favorite photographer or photographer friend in your life…check on us. We are not ok! It is a very scary time for all of us small business owners. But, there are ways you can help support us in this time of crisis. If you’re not able to shop and spend with us, keep us in your thoughts and prayers! In addition, please, please share our social media posts, leave a glowing Google review, or tag us in your favorite photo that we took. These little things all help so much more than you can imagine!

Like many photographers, my slow season is usually ending as soon as the first blooms start to break the dead of winter. It’s the time for fresh new life and outdoor maternity photos, family portrait sessions, pictures of children happily playing outside. I am usually on bloom “look out” and casing out my favorite locations for those beautiful tree blossoms that make for the perfect maternity, senior or family photography session. This is a time I look forward to every year as do many of my clients. This year is so very different. And so very scary too.

Small Businesses Need Your Support

I am blessed in so many ways. I thank God everyday that I am able to do what I love as my job! However, I don’t think anything could have prepared me for this COVID crisis. Many of you know that I am a solo mom of an awesome 12 year old daughter and that my photography business is my (typically-MORE than) full time job. It’s my livelihood – my bread and butter. Not being able to make a living for (at this point) over a month is tough. And to kick, most little businesses like mine have not yet seen a penny of our government’s promised help. I know there are many, many people walking in my shoes right now. Certainly, I am not alone! I want to be here to see you again when dust settles. And I want to connect and capture the moments that mean the most to you. Not only do I miss my clients and doing what I love so much, I miss being able to make a living to provide for my daughter and I. The good news is, there are lots of ways you can help support the photographer in your life! Some of them costing $0!

How You Can Support Your Photographer during this crisis:

1. Buy Products

Remember that extra piece of wall art or album that you loved so much and wanted to add later? This is a perfect time to invest in an additional product/s from your previous session! It’s also a fantastic way for you show your support monetarily…and to purchase something beautiful that you and your children will have forever. Need to see your album layouts or images on your walls again? No problem. Let me know and I will create new wall mock-ups for you or provide you with the ones you saw during your ordering session. I would be happy to Skype screen share and walk you through the ordering process again to help you make the perfect selections!

2. Purchase a gift certificate to use at a future session

Do you already have a session booked with me or know that have your memories captured every year by “yours truly”? You can purchase a gift certificate in any amount to use toward portrait products at your future ordering session! It never expires and gets you a jump start on your order…and helps support your favorite photographer during these crazy times!

3. Leave a Great Review

Google reviews are literally worth their weight in gold! For every positive review I receive, not only does it help attract potential amazing clients (like you!), but Google thinks I’m the bees knees and puts me higher up in search results. Lets be real, when is the last time you ventured past the first page of search results?!

4. Engage on/share social media posts

Let’s be honest, no one has a lot on their daily calendar right now anyways, and there is a pretty good chance you’re on your phone scrolling through Instagram and Facebook. Likes, comments and shares are are all super helpful and show that you care about your photographer! Commenting and spreading the love helps our posts stay relevant and could introduce us to potential clients that you’re connected with on social media.

5. Refer me to your friends

A referral of friends and family is the greatest compliment you can give your photographer! If you’re not in the position to spend on a portrait product from a previous session or towards your future session, maybe you know someone who is looking to update their family pictures or add some art to their walls. Referring your friend or loved one to hire me as their photographer is showing me that you trust me and my work so much that you want someone you care about to experience working with me. That means the world.

Thank you to all of my amazing clients for your love and continued support. Not only now, but all the times you’ve trusted me to capture your memories and supported my little business in the past.

Love,

Karissa

Camp Hill Pa photographer asks for small business support during COVID crisis

To contact me about purchasing a product or gift certificate to use toward future products you can reach out to me via phone or text at 717-991-7414 or send me a message HERE.

I would love for you to follow me on HERE on Instagram!

Karissa Zimmer Photography is a Camp Hill PA photographer specializing in Newborn, Maternity, Family and High school senior portraits. She services all of Central PA including Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, Camp Hill, Hershey, Carlisle, and surrounding areas.

Baby Photographer in Mechanicsburg Pa

01.30.20 02.22.21

Baby Photographer in Mechanicsburg Pa | The Milestone you shouldn't miss.

As a baby Photographer in Mechanicsburg Pa, I'm going to give you my best new parent advice. The 6th month old "sitter" milestone is the one you shouldn't miss! As in THIS IS THE CUTEST PHASE EVER! Like, hire a professional photographer NOW type of important! Whether you had your baby photographed as a newborn or not, the 6th month old milestone of your baby's life is absolutely one you will want to have visual memories of forever. I can promise you. This stage, when your baby is able to sit up by her/himself, nearly unassisted is the perfect time to document some of the cutest memories you will have. Six month sitter sessions offer the best, most animated smiles and expressions. Babies are almost always just so happy and pleasant at this age! It is literally the best!

If you can't take my word for it, no worries. I have no trouble providing you with one of the most adorable 6 month old sitter examples EVER! This absolute doll baby is Sienna. Really, I can only describe her as the most perfect baby doll I've ever seen. She was such a happy girl. But, her gorgeous, bright blue eyes and her amazing dark hair is what I first fell in love with. Then, she little personality shines through! I'd scoop her right up and keep her if I was allowed! Ready to have your heart burst with crazy amounts of cuteness? Ready or not...Meet Sienna!

6 month old sitter session photography near 17055

baby girl photographed on white by Karissa Zimmer Photography

Will your baby be approaching the 6-7 month milestone soon? I would love to be your baby photographer!

If the answer is yes, now is the perfect time to start planning. It is never really too early! In fact, the earlier the better! It is best to reserve this type of session 1-4 months in advance. I customize each session especially for you and your baby. These are the images you'll want hanging on your walls where you can see them each and every time you walk into your home. I promise - they will make you smile every single day!

Get in touch with me now to start planning your baby's 6 month old "sitter" session.

I would love to work with you and will walk you through my process from consultation to delivery of your image art work. First, send me a quick message HERE to get in touch! I can't wait to meet you and your little love!

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