Choosing a Sitter Session Photographer for Your Mechanicsburg Baby Photos

08.27.24

Sitter session photography is a favorite for so many parents…and for me too! We get to capture portraits of your adorable baby as their little personality is just starting to show, while they’re still babies and before they become an unstoppable crawling machine. As with any other photo session, though, the results depend so much on whether your photographer is the right fit for you. Here are a few of my top tips for choosing a photographer for your Mechanicsburg baby photos.

Mint green baby photography milestone photos — Best Baby Photos near Mechanicsburg PA

Check Out Portfolios

Art is subjective and baby photography is no exception. You want to find a photographer who has the same taste as you and who creates artwork in a style you love. There’s no replacement for looking through photographers’ portfolios and seeing whose style stands out to you and has a look that you want on your wall.

6 month old baby girl sits on a bed prop wearing a white dress and flower crown at her sitter milestone baby photography — Mechanicsburg Baby Photography studio photos

Find Out Their Process for Mechanicsburg Baby Photos

There’s so much more to having a great baby photography experience than just getting great photos. Every photographer has a different process for their client experience. Some focus on efficiency, for example, so the extent of your planning might be a few emails back and forth, and the photo session might be the first time you meet your photographer.

In my case, on the other hand, my process is more collaborative with you. I want to know your vision for your baby’s portraits so I can bring it to life, and I’ll help you with all the details like planning your outfit for the session. We’ll consult before your session to put this all together so that you won’t have a thing to stress about when your photo shoot arrives.

Baby girl smiles in lot of images on a yellow backdrop during her sitter photography session at baby photography studio near Mechanicsburg

Consider What Items They Supply

This is part of the photography process that differs from one photographer to the next too. For example, I have a client closet full of beautiful outfits and accessories for babies, as well as an excellent stock of props. This makes your life easier because you don’t even have to choose or buy any outfits for your Mechanicsburg baby photos, so you don’t have to worry about finding outfit colors that go with your color scheme, knowing what types of outfits will and won’t photograph well, and so on.

Baby photoshoot on purple backdrop by Karissa Zimmer Photography

Think About What Other Photo Sessions They Offer

I always recommend to families that when you find a photographer you work well with, keep them! Having the same photographer take your family portraits and your kids’ milestone photos as they grow up will make each session better because we’ll both get to know each other and I’ll know your style and what you like. Plus, all of your portraits will have a similar photographic style so they’ll really look like they’re all chapters of the same story.

But keep in mind that some baby photographers only photograph up to one year old. While it isn’t a deal-breaker, it does help if you can choose a baby photographer who also takes other types of portraits so you can work together as your children grow up.

6 month old girl wears all green during her studio photoshoot near Mechanicsburg

Selecting Your Photographer for Mechanicsburg Baby Photos

Choosing a photographer isn’t easy but these tips can help you find the perfect fit for your sitter session. To find out if you and I are a great fit for your baby’s portraits, let’s chat! Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography and let’s connect.

Baby girl milestone photography session on all white setup

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Common Questions About Sitter Session Photography Answered by Your Harrisburg Baby Photographer

07.25.24

A sitter session is such a fun milestone to photograph for your baby! It gives us an opportunity to get adorable portraits of them sitting sweetly and showing their developing personality before they start crawling so fast that it will be hard to keep up with them. If your little one is approaching that milestone, you might be curious about sitter session photography. As your Harrisburg baby photographer, I’m happy to fill you in!

Harrisburg Milestone baby photography studio — Best Harrisburg PA baby Photographer

What Should I Bring to a Sitter Session with My Harrisburg Baby Photographer?

This will depend on your photographer but in my case, I aim to make baby photography as easy on parents as possible! My studio is fully equipped with everything we need including outfits, sets, props, and accessories. All you have to bring is anything you’ll want to keep yourself and your baby comfortable during the session like bottles or other feeding items. I’ll take care of the rest!

6 month old baby girl milestone photo session with all green props — Harrisburg PA Sitter Milestone Photography

Can My Older Kids and I Be in My Baby’s Sitter Session Portraits?

Baby photography celebrates milestones that bring joy to your whole family, and I think it’s beautiful to include the whole family in your baby’s sitter session photos. During your pre-session consultation, we’ll talk through all the details so you’ll know what to wear and what to expect.

Baby girl photographed on monochromatic pink set up in Harrisburg Photography studio

When Should I Schedule My Baby’s Sitter Session?

Scheduling can be tricky for sitter session photography because every baby hits the milestone of sitting unassisted in their own time. I recommend reaching out a few months before you expect your baby to reach that milestone so I can set aside time in my calendar. Don’t worry, we can pencil in a general timeframe when you book and then set the specific date once your baby has started sitting up on their own.

Baby girl wears yellow and is photographed on little bed prop at her milestone sitter session in Central PA baby photography studio

Booking Your Sitter Session with a Harrisburg Baby Photographer

As a Harrisburg baby photographer, I have the joy of celebrating so many babies’ special milestones, including the sitter session for the beautiful baby girl featured here. I’d be honored to do the same for your little one! Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography and let’s start planning your session.

baby photography sitter milestone studio session

Best milestone baby photography studio near Harrisburg PA

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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.

baby photographer in harrisburg, sitter session photography — Harrisburg PA Baby Photography Session

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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From a Mechanicsburg Baby Photographer: An Overview of Baby Photo Sessions

07.29.22

When you become a parent, there’s a whole new baby world to learn. You’re trying to figure out everything you need to know about your child’s health, how to make them happy, and how to enjoy this stage of life. You’re learning it as you go, and I’ve been there with you! One of the many parts of baby parenthood for new parents to figure out is baby photography. As a Mechanicsburg baby photographer, I can help.

What photo sessions should you schedule for your baby? What are the key milestones you need to capture? I’m happy to guide you through this world. For starters, I’ve created a basic guide to the top types of baby photo sessions to help you understand your options and what to expect.

Newborn Photo Session

A newborn photography session is all about capturing the fleeting newborn stage when your baby is at their tiniest and newest. Technically, newborn sessions should take place in the first 14 days of your baby’s life. Sometimes life gets in the way or your baby has a long hospital stay and the session doesn’t happen within 14 days, but we aim for as close to that timeframe as we can.

Your newborn session is often several hours long because we’re on the baby’s timeline. We take most of the photos while they sleep, so when they wake up and need to be fed, changed, or soothed, we take a break. This is also a relaxed session for you, proud parent, because I can take care of everything while you sit back and relax.

Sitter Session with a Mechanicsburg Baby Photographer

A sitter session is a photo session when your baby is comfortably able to sit up on their own – usually around 6-9 months. This is a popular photo opportunity for a few reasons.

First, your baby is able to sit up and give us adorable smiles but they aren’t yet walking so they’re easier to keep in one place. Second, we get to highlight your baby’s new skill and show it off so you’ll have mementos of these proud moments forever. Third, your baby is starting to show the first hints of their personality, so we get to put their precious little quirks front and center.

One-Year Session/Cake Smash Session

Your baby’s first birthday is an incredible milestone, and there’s no better way to celebrate than to preserve this exciting moment! That’s what a one-year photo session, first birthday photo session, or cake smash session does.

The cake smash is a tradition for one-year baby photos. Your baby gets to dig into a birthday cake and get messy like babies do, and we capture all the gooey fun on camera.

Keep in mind that one-year photography sessions tend to be hands-on for you as a parent. Kids at this age are very mobile and energetic, and as much as we all love to see that fun, vibrant spirit on camera, it does mean I’ll need your help to keep them in place and happy.

Milestone Photo Sessions with a Mechanicsburg Baby Photographer

Milestone photo sessions are less specific than most other baby photography sessions because you can do them at any point you want. While newborn, sitter, and one-year sessions are designed for precise times of your baby’s life, you can opt for a milestone photo session for any milestone.

For example, many families like to have a photo story of their baby’s first year, so they schedule a newborn session, 3-month milestone session, 6-month sitter session, 9-month milestone session, and one-year session.

You could even make milestone sessions more personal and use them to celebrate unique achievements or landmarks in your baby’s life. For example, you could do a milestone session to celebrate the last of a series of surgeries to repair a congenital health condition, or to celebrate your baby’s first steps or first word.

Navigating the World of Baby Photos with Your Mechanicsburg Baby Photographer

My hope is that you now feel more informed and comfortable with baby photography and the sessions you can choose to preserve memories of your baby’s first year. Remember, you can choose as many or as few photo sessions as you want – there are no rules and it’s all about giving yourself the gift of these memories! A trusted Mechanicsburg baby photographer like myself can guide you along the way.

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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.

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.

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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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Baby Photographer in Mechanicsburg Pa

01.30.20

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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Mechanicsburg PA Newborn Photographer | Parker Man!

06.12.18

Mechanicsburg PA Newborn Photographer

As a Mechanicsburg PA newborn photographer, I am absolutely honored when an old friend comes to me to have their precious new baby photographed. Parker is by far the BEST baby ever to snuggle. He slept like a champ. He let me pose him however I wanted and even cracked a whole bunch of sleepy baby smiles! And the dark hair!! If you know me, you know I love, love, love newborns with lots of dark hair. Ya know…for baby…he’s pretty much got everything going for him! He made my job easy peasy. I could do this all day, everyday!!!!

Try to look at these without smiling. I dare you! You won’t be able to do it!

Are you expecting a little one in the coming months? I am currently scheduling newborns through December 2018! Let’s work together to plan a special session to capture your baby’s first moments. You will cherish these memories forever! Send me a message to start planning your custom newborn portrait session!

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