Mechanicsburg PA Newborn Photography Tip: Hire the Same Photographer for Each Baby

10.17.24

Welcoming a new baby into your family is a monumental and life-changing time, and that needs to be celebrated and commemorated in a way that will last. What better way to do this than with newborn portraits? Your Mechanicsburg PA newborn photography will create stunning artwork for your home that will forever transport you back to these special memories. Here’s one of my top tips for making the experience even better: hire the same newborn photographer every time. I’ll explain why.

Mechanicsburg Studio newborn Photographer posed a newborn baby girl in yellow fall colors for her first photoshoot.

Getting to Know Your Photographer (and Vice Versa)

Photography isn’t a science, it’s an art form. It’s all about capturing the beauty of this moment in time and carrying your family’s spirit and personality into the portraits. As a newborn photographer, I can tell you first-hand that the better I know my clients, the better I can make their portraits special and personal. The client whose beautiful baby girl is featured in this blog, for example, is a returning client. Not only does it make the experience more enjoyable when you already know and are comfortable with your photographer but it lets me bring more of your personality into the shoot.

best newborn photographer near Mechanicsburg PA

Consistent Aesthetic Style

As I said, photography is an art form and not a science, and this means that every photographer’s style will be slightly different. If you have a different newborn photographer for each child, you might not realize how different they look until you go to put the portraits next to each other on your wall and they clash. On the other hand, if you work with the same photographer each time, you’ll be able to hang your babies’ portraits together with a consistent and complementary look so you get the full benefit of this custom artwork.

Newborn baby girl photos on tiny bed prop near 17050

An Easy and Convenient Mechanicsburg PA Newborn Photography

It’s no secret that when you’re pregnant and preparing for a newborn while you already have a child at home, you’re exhausted and don’t have a lot of time or energy to spare. Simply put, going to the same newborn photographer for each child makes the planning and logistics easier for you. You don’t have to comb through portfolios to see whose work you like, you don’t have to vet a photographer or worry about whether they have the skills and newborn safety knowledge to do a good job…all you have to do is reach out to book and you’ll have the process started. It’s a great way to make life easier on yourself.

All green posed newborn photos in Mechanicsburg PA newborn photography studio

Booking Your Mechanicsburg PA Newborn Photography

I’d be thrilled to get to know your growing family and create stunning portraits that will become heirlooms for your family. Let’s talk! Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography to learn more.

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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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Expecting a Baby? Here’s How to Start Preparing for Your Newborn Photos in Mechanicsburg, PA

04.24.24

When you’re pregnant, you’re doing so much planning and preparation - readying the nursery, stocking up on clothes, diapers, and other essentials, and so much more. But now is also the perfect time to start preparing for your baby’s newborn photos. After all, you want to capture those beautiful newborn portraits in your baby’s first ten days of life, so if you can have all the details taken care of in advance, it makes your life so much easier after you give birth. From your friendly newborn photographer, here’s your pregnancy checklist for your newborn photos in Mechanicsburg, PA.

Studio newborn photography of baby girl posed on purple with flower crown.

What to Do During Pregnancy to Prepare for Your Newborn Photos in Mechanicsburg, PA

What should you have on your to-do list during your pregnancy to prepare for your newborn photos? Don’t worry, it’s very simple! All you need are these key steps:

Choose and book your photographer. Ideally, book your photographer by the time you start your third trimester so we can start planning ahead for your session. If you book with me, this is actually the only thing you have to do - I’ll walk you through the rest!
Make a plan for displaying your newborn portraits. You don’t need to know the specifics, but it’s great to have an idea of where in your home you want your portraits to be so I can design your session to suit the room’s decor. I’ll meet with you for an in-home consultation to help you with this too.
Pick out your outfit. While you don’t have to be in your baby’s newborn photos, a few portraits with your growing family can be such meaningful treasures! Neutrals and classics are typically best, but I’ll help you pick out your outfit during your consultation.
Consider any special requests. This isn’t a must but think about and let me know of anything specific you want in your session, like sentimental items or family heirlooms you want to incorporate, whether you’ll be including your baby’s older siblings if they have them, and so on.

New parents pose with their newborn baby girl in newborn photography studio near Mechanicsburg PA

Preparing for Your Newborn Photography with a Full-Service Photographer

As a parent-to-be, there isn’t too much to do in planning your newborn photos especially if you hire a full-service photographer like Karissa Zimmer Photography, but following these simple steps now makes such a difference when your baby is born. To learn more, contact my photography studio.

Studio newborn photography of baby girl wearing green and resting head on heart pillow at Karissa Zimmer Photography

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Preserving Mechanicsburg Newborn Photos: Benefits of a Newborn Photo Album

12.11.23

As a photographer, I’m passionate about making sure that my clients don’t just get amazing portraits but that they also have a way to display those portraits. Every family has their own preferences, whether you want wall art, display folio cases, or other options, but one of my favorites for my clients is a premium custom photo album. There’s no wrong way to enjoy your Mechanicsburg newborn photos, but there are a few unique benefits of these albums that you might not realize.

Newborn photo album by Karissa Zimmer Photography

Seeing More of Your Baby’s Portraits

Wall art is fantastic, but it does limit you to highlighting one or two favorite portraits. An album gives you the opportunity to see a full collection of your many favorites in front of you. You can, of course, do both wall art and an album! Either way, adding an album allows you to enjoy more of your newborn photos in your home.

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Displaying Your Mechanicsburg Newborn Photos in a More Concise Way

As wonderful as wall art can be, it undeniably takes up a lot of wall space. Not all families have that space available, or you might not like the look of a gallery wall or multiple portraits on your wall. With a bespoke photo album, you’ll have your favorite newborn photos at your fingertips in a space-friendly way.

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Maintaining a Portable, Shareable Heirloom

Portrait albums offer a convenience that many families enjoy because they’re easy to transport and move around. For families who may move often, this can be a way to keep your child’s newborn photos within reach without the logistical difficulties of wall art. Albums are also easy to pass down within your family, like gifting the album to your child when they grow up and move into their own home.

professional newborn photography albums near Mechanicsburg PA

Celebrating Your Harrisburg Newborn Photos with Custom Photo Albums

If you’re interested in learning more about custom portrait albums or booking your Harrisburg newborn photos, let’s chat! Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography.

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Why Display Your Mechanicsburg Newborn Photos?

10.27.23

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.

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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.

Custom framed wall art by Karissa Zimmer Photography

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.

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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.

Framed newborn photos by Mechanicsburg newborn photographer

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Summer Outdoor Family Photos in Mechanicsburg PA: How to Stay Cool

07.27.23

Summer has arrived, and for many local families, this is the perfect time for outdoor family photos in Mechanicsburg. The kids are out of school, there are plenty of daylight hours - it’s perfect for portraits you can treasure for years. There’s one problem, though: the heat can make a photo session uncomfortable. Not to worry, because I have some tricks! Use these tips to stay cool for your summer photo session.

Family Photography session in Mechanicsburg PA

Keep the Session Moving

This is the most important tip of all: be prepared to keep the photo session moving. Kids have short attention spans, and that’s especially true when they’re getting too warm. That’s why I try to make all family sessions brief while still allowing for the time we need to get beautiful photos. While I’ll take care of most of the pacing, I advise parents to be ready to get started as soon as you arrive.

Brother and sister outdoor family photography near 17055

Try a Portable Fan for Your Outdoor Family Photos in Mechanicsburg

Handheld, portable battery-powered fans can be lifesavers for any parent in the summer. Bring one of these little fans and feel free to pull it out every so often during your session to cool off your kids (and yourself).

Choose Breathable Outfits

As you’re planning the family’s wardrobe for your portraits, make sure the outfits are set up with summer in mind. Go for light, airy fabrics like linen. Lighter colors will help you to stay cool too. Ideally, choose items that don’t show sweat easily and are loose enough to allow for airflow.

Booking Your Outdoor Family Photos in Mechanicsburg Today

The summer will be over before we know it! If you want to make time for family portraits this summer, contact Karissa Zimmer Photography today and let’s book your photo session. I'll work with you to plan a photo shoot the whole family will love.

Baby girl at Outdoor Family Photoshoot in Mechanicsburg PA

Mechanicsburg PA Child and Family photographer 17050

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A Baby Boy Cake Smash Session in Mechanicsburg: Why Your Little Boy Deserves One Too

06.19.23

You’ve made it through your baby’s first year! How do you celebrate? Why not with a cake smash photo session? For several reasons, a baby boy cake smash session in Mechanicsburg is a gift that just keeps giving, a birthday celebration you and your family will treasure.

Baby boy first birthday photography near Mechanicsburg PA — First Birthday Photography near Mechanicsburg PA

Celebrate a Special Occasion

Your baby’s first birthday is a major milestone! It’s the first of many birthdays you’ll have with them and it’s a time to reflect on all the amazing ways they have changed in a year. A photo session isn’t just a birthday celebration, it’s a birthday celebration that will last forever because the portraits will be a lifelong memento.

Baby boy cake smash photography in Mechanicsburg PA — Mechanicsburg PA First Birthday photoshoot

Enjoy the Fun, Unique Tradition of a Baby Boy Cake Smash Session in Mechanicsburg

Cake smashes are a hollowed first birthday tradition, and your baby deserves to be part of the fun! As much fun as it is to do a cake smash at your baby’s birthday party, it can be tough to get good pictures of the experience in this setting. A cake smash session gives you the best of both worlds: you can have professional portraits of this fun tradition, but during your baby’s party, you can relax and enjoy the experience.

First birthday cake smash photography in Mechanicsburg PA photography studio — First Birthday Cake Smash Session in Mechanicsburg PA Photography Studio

Complete the Picture of Your Baby’s First Year

Getting pictures of your baby’s most monumental milestones in their first year is something you’ll always be grateful for as a parent. A cake smash photo session is the perfect way to complete that picture, creating a compilation of portraits from this incredible year in your family’s life.

Mechanicsburg first birthday photographer — First Birthday Milestone Portraits

Celebrating Your Little Guy with a Baby Boy Cake Smash Session in Mechanicsburg

If your little boy is turning one year old, a cake smash session is a unique way to celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime occasion. If you’re in the Mechanicsburg area, contact Karissa Zimmer Photography today and let’s start planning this beautiful occasion together.

Cake smash photoshoot near Mechanicsburg — Cake Smash photos near Mechanicsburg PA

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Mechanicsburg Newborn Photography Myths Busted

05.14.23

There’s a lot about Mechanicsburg newborn photography that isn’t common knowledge, and in fact, there are many myths and misconceptions about this type of photo session. As a photographer, I’m here to bust those myths and help you have a better idea of what to expect from newborn photos.

Myth #1: Newborn Photos Must Be Taken in a Specific Timeframe

You’ve probably heard people say that “real” newborn photos have to be taken before a baby reaches a certain age - some say 14 days, some even say 10 days. That’s gatekeeping at its finest and I’m not here for it.

Yes, it’s ideal to take newborn photos in a baby’s first two weeks of life because you can capture how new and tiny they are at this early stage, and because they sleep so much during these days. But there’s no set deadline for newborn photography, and it’s not uncommon for NICU stays or other circumstances to require us to wait until after that 14-day mark.

Newborn Baby girl photographed in bucket by Karissa Zimmer Photography — Posed Newborn Photos

Myth #2: Studio Flash Photography Will Hurt a Newborn’s Eyes

It used to be common advice to avoid flash photography in front of newborn babies, but according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, extensive research has shown no evidence that camera flashes damage babies’ eyes. While harsh camera flashes in a dark room can irritate babies (just as they can with adults), studio camera flashes are designed to be gentler.

Newborn Photography Froggy Pose on Green — Froggy Pose in Mechanicsburg PA newborn photography studio

Myth #3: Your Baby Needs to Sleep for Their Mechanicsburg Newborn Photography

Many parents worry that their photographer won’t be able to take newborn photos if their baby won’t sleep, but that isn’t the case. Sleeping babies are easier to pose and photograph, sure. But nearly all babies will sleep for at least part of their photo session, and even while your baby is awake, we can capture plenty of beautiful portraits.

Baby girl smiling in newborn portraits — Mechanicsburg PA Newborn Photographer

Booking Your Mechanicsburg Newborn Photography

If you have a baby on the way, I can help you preserve a piece of their first days that will last a lifetime. Contact my PA photography studio today.

Newborn baby girl photographed on orange — Newborn Baby Girl Photography Poses

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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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