Camp Hill Newborn Photos: Should You Include Siblings?

01.26.24

Bringing a new baby into your family is such a different experience when you already have children compared to when it’s your first baby. On one hand, you already have a lot of essentials at home like furniture, but on the other hand, there are so many new considerations to plan for and think about like preparing your children for the new baby. One of these considerations is your Camp Hill newborn photos.

If your baby will have a big brother or sister, should you include these siblings in your newborn portraits? What can you expect if you do? As your trusted neighborhood photographer, I’m happy to shed some light.

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Should You Include Your Baby’s Siblings in Their Camp Hill Newborn Photos?

Ultimately, this is purely a matter of preference and it’s a question each family has to decide for themselves. However many of my clients do decide to capture sibling portraits and portraits of the entire family together. Sibling portraits often become parents’ favorites among their newborn photos!

Including your baby’s siblings is a way to capture a look at the one-of-a-kind bond between your little ones from their earliest days. The experience of taking newborn portraits with your baby and their big brothers or sisters can also be a bonding experience in itself, demonstrating to your older kids that you’re all welcoming this new baby together as a family.

What Does it Look Like to Include Siblings in Newborn Portraits?

If your baby’s siblings are over 5 years old, we may be able to include their portraits in your baby’s studio newborn session. For kids under 5, though, or those who might prefer having space to run around, I offer a sibling add-on session. This session will take place in your home within a week of your baby’s studio newborn session. It gives your children the opportunity to be comfortable in their environment and makes the sibling portraits smoother for the whole family.

Will You Miss Out on Solo Baby Portraits if You Include Siblings in Your Camp Hill Newborn Photos?

Don’t worry, if you opt for sibling portraits, you’ll still have plenty of newborn photos of your baby on their own. This is the primary focus of every newborn photography session. Either way, you’ll also have plenty of portraits of your newborn with both parents and each parent separately.

Planning Your Camp Hill Newborn Photos

Every member of your family has their special bond with your new baby. Newborn photography is all about capturing the beauty of these bonds and of this amazing time in your life. Whether or not you choose to add sibling portraits, I’m honored to preserve these memories for your family. Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography to book your session.

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What to Expect in Your Camp Hill Newborn Photo Session

12.01.23

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.

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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.

Newborn photos in camp hill photography studio

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.

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Carlisle PA Sitter Session Outfits: What You Need to Know

04.27.23

Sitter session photography can create some of the most beautiful, treasured baby portraits you will ever have. Your baby is more alert than they were at their newborn session, able to engage with the session more and showcase their adorable budding personality. But, as with any photo session, parents always have one question for a Carlisle PA sitter session: what should we wear?

6 month old baby boy photographed by baby photographer karissa zimmer — Carlisle Baby Photography Session

Tips for Planning Your Baby’s Sitter Session Outfits

Planning your baby’s sitter session outfits might be easier than you think! If you have a session in the books, follow these tips.

baby boy sitter session photography — Baby Boy 6 Month Sitter Photography

studio 6 month baby boy photo — Baby Boy 6 Month Sitter Photography

Find Out What Your Carlisle PA Sitter Session Photographer Provides

First things first, when it comes to wardrobe, talk to your photographer and find out what they have available. I have a well-stocked client closet so I can provide all the outfits and accessories you need for your sitter session! You can just come with your baby and your diaper bag.

Some families still want to bring some outfit options of their own too, and if you do, the rest of these tips can help.

big sister and baby brother on white at studio portrait session — Baby boy and big sister photoshoot

sibling studio photography by karissa zimmer photography — Baby boy and big sister photoshoot

Consider the Overall Looks for the Session

Before your photo shoot, I’ll take some time with you to plan and style your session, including the looks and themes you want to incorporate. Whether you’re envisioning a particular theme, a vintage aesthetic, a feminine look, or something classic and timeless, I’ll design your session in a way that captures the look you want along with my artistic style.

If you’re planning to bring some outfits or accessories to add to the selection for the photo shoot, keep that planning conversation in mind. Choose items that align well with the looks we’re going for.

baby boy wearing blue studio photography

Go for Snug Over Loose

It’s common to buy clothes that are slightly big on your baby because they grow so quickly, and that’s a great strategy for your home wardrobe…but not for a photo session. It’s better to choose pieces that fit your baby well and aren’t too loose on them. Otherwise, the items won’t lay as nicely and will be constantly moving around and needing to be adjusted during the photo shoot.

P.S., here’s a bonus tip: always have your baby try on the outfits you’re bringing to your sitter session a few days in advance. You always want to know for sure how they’ll fit rather than making your best guess.

6 month old baby boy in box prop photography — Carlisle PA baby photographer

When in Doubt, Go Neutral

For any baby photography (or any photography in general), you can’t go wrong with neutrals. Every baby looks great in white!

If you don’t go for neutrals, stick with pastels and items that aren’t overly attention-grabbing. Avoid bold patterns, bright colors, and anything else that could take attention away from your baby, unless we’re purposely incorporating a particular look or color scheme that we’ve discussed in your planning session.

Don’t Stress About Your Carlisle PA Sitter Session Outfits - I’ve Got You!

You have a big job at home: raising that adorable little one of yours. Please don’t add to your stress by trying to find beautiful sitter session outfits! I have everything you need. If you have items you love and want to bring to the session, that’s great, but if not, I have enough items to create a beautiful and truly special sitter session for your baby.

baby boy in photography studio near carlisle pa

Booking Your Carlisle PA Sitter Session

Sitter session photography is an opportunity to get stunning baby photos at this fun time in your baby’s developmental journey, and I’m honored to make this happen for families throughout the Carlisle, Mechanicsburg, and Harrisburg areas. Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography today to book your sitter session and start planning the baby portraits of your dreams.

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Is Harrisburg Sitter Session Photography Worth It?

04.14.23

When you have a beautiful baby at home, calling it “love” doesn’t feel descriptive enough. You’re *obsessed* with your new little one and you absolutely adore watching them grow and discover the world around them. If you want to preserve the memories of this exciting time of life, Harrisburg sitter session photography is a great way to do that.

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What Is Sitter Session Photography?

Sitter session photography is a photo session that occurs while your baby is confidently sitting up on their own but isn’t yet crawling confidently. This generally happens around 6-9 months of age.

Benefits of Sitter Session Photography

Why do we choose this particular time in a baby’s first year to take portraits? There are several benefits, actually.

Preserve a Beautiful Developmental Stage

Your baby’s sitter stage is such a fun time in their infancy! With sitting up, they can be more engaged with you and with everything around them, and it’s such a joy to watch their little eyes take it all in.

Flexible Posing Options

A large part of why sitter session photography is so popular is its practicality. We can get a much better variety of poses and portrait options because your baby can sit up on their own and look at the camera. However, they haven’t yet hit the point when they’re mobile and wanting to explore. The sitter stage is a perfect opportunity to get precious baby photos you’ll love for decades without having to chase your baby around the studio.

Capture the First Hints of Baby’s Personality

Compared to their newborn days, your baby is showing so much more personality in their sitter stage! You’re starting to see some of their little mannerisms, expressions, and quirks. Now is a great time to capture those on camera so you can look back on them when your child is older and see when that sweet personality started.

So…Is Harrisburg Sitter Session Photography Worth It?

What’s the verdict? Every family has to answer that for themselves, but for many, the answer is a resounding “yes,” sitter session photography is worth it! To get the ball rolling, contact my Harrisburg photo studio today and let’s chat!

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Mechanicsburg Baby Photographer Answers Your Top Questions About Sitter Session Photography

03.15.23

As adults, it’s easy for a year or two to pass without our lives changing much at all. Your baby, on the other hand, will only be a baby for a short time, so you want to preserve as many memories as you can from this special, fleeting time. That’s exactly what I do! As a Mechanicsburg baby photographer, I want to help you know your options so I’m answering some of the top questions about sitter session photography.

When Should You Take Sitter Session Portraits with a Mechanicsburg Baby Photographer?

Sitter sessions are meant for a specific developmental stage: when your baby can comfortably sit up on their own but they aren’t yet walking and, ideally, they aren’t crawling yet either. Generally, this is between 6-9 months of age.

Why Take Sitter Session Portraits?

A sitter session marks a fun point in your baby’s developmental journey, but it’s also done for logistic purposes. At this stage, we can get all those adorable seated poses but your baby isn’t so mobile that we’re chasing them around the studio or struggling to keep them in one place. It’s a “sweet spot” for baby photography!

What Sitter Session Outfits Should I Bring for My Baby?

As a baby photographer, I have an abundant client closet with beautiful baby outfits for my clients to wear, so you don’t need to worry about planning outfits. In fact, I’ll custom style your entire photo shoot, from the sets and props to your baby’s outfits and accessories. However, if you want portraits in a particular meaningful outfit like an outfit you wore as a baby, bring it along and I’m happy to use it.

Booking Your Sitter Session with a Specialized Mechanicsburg Baby Photographer

Celebrate this beautiful stage in the adventure of your baby’s first year with custom sitter session photography! To book your session, contact Karissa Zimmer Photography today and let’s chat.

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Camp Hill Newborn Photographer Answers Your Most Embarrassing Questions

10.28.22

So many of the families I work with are experiencing professional newborn portraits for the first time. Whether they’re new parents or they have other kids but they’re trying professional portraits for the first time, they usually have plenty of questions. As a Camp Hill newborn photographer, I’m happy to help and answer any questions you might have!

There are some questions that make parents blush, though, or that you might be too embarrassed to ask. First of all, let me assure you that I’ve been photographing babies and families for many years, so I’ve seen and heard it all! You can ask me anything. To help you know what to expect before your photo session, I’m answering some of the top embarrassing newborn photo questions in this blog.

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What happens if my baby pees or poops during the session?

Honestly, accidents happen – a lot! You might notice that you don’t often see diapers in newborn portraits. It’s a risk we willingly take.

If and when your baby pees or poops when they’re diaper-free during their photo session, don’t be embarrassed. Your baby is just being their natural and healthy self. I have plenty of clean-up supplies and extra items available.

However, I do encourage parents to bring an extra outfit for their newborn session. If your baby uses the bathroom on you during your portraits with the baby, a backup outfit lets us still get the sweet family shots we want.

I’m self-conscious about my postpartum body. Do I have to be in my baby’s newborn photos?

First things first: you have no reason to be self-conscious. I get it, your body has changed so much in the past several months (and several weeks), but it’s the mark of all that amazing work your body has done.

With that said, I want you to feel confident postpartum and at ease during your photo session. We don’t have to include you or your partner; we can just focus on solo newborn portraits. As a Camp Hill newborn photographer and family photographer, I can also strategically pose you in flattering ways. I can compose pictures as well that don’t show your belly, like photos of you holding your baby lovingly against your cheek.

Will I be able to pump or breastfeed during my baby’s photo session?

Absolutely! My private studio is designed for newborns and their parents, and I want you to be able to feel at home. I have plenty of quiet places where you can breastfeed or pump. Because newborn sessions can last up to six hours, this is something we plan for in every session.

What if my baby’s older siblings are being disruptive during the newborn photo session?

Is there anything more precious than portraits showing the instant love between your new baby and their siblings? Bringing young toddler siblings to a newborn session doesn’t work well, though, because newborn sessions are so lengthy. What child wouldn’t get antsy after sitting in a studio for six hours? We also want to maintain a quiet, relaxed setting so we can keep your baby asleep for most of the session.

That’s why, for families that want sibling portraits, I offer a sibling add-on option. We’ll do your baby’s full newborn session in my studio, and on a different day, we’ll do a brief sibling photo shoot at your home. This way, you get the stunning sibling shots you want but your kids have the space to have fun and be kids.

I want to maintain my baby’s modesty in their newborn portraits. Can a Camp Hill newborn photographer do this?

Of course! These are your newborn photos, and we can be as modest as you would like to be. Generally, nude poses are done in a way that hides any private areas other than possibly your baby’s butt in some poses. However, if you prefer not to do any nude poses, I’m happy to stick to wrapped newborn portraits.

Questions for Your Camp Hill Newborn Photographer? Ask Away!

As a Camp Hill newborn photographer, I can all but guarantee you that whatever you want to ask, I’ve heard it before! If you have questions or if you want to discuss a newborn photo session for your baby, contact my photo studio today.

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Camp Hill Baby Photography Questions Answered: All About Sitter Sessions

06.15.22

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.

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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.

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Your Guide to 1st Birthday Cake Smash Photos

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

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

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!

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