best family photographer near me 17011

Why You Should Still Get Family Photos with Your Adult Children: Camp Hill PA Family Photos at Every Age

If you flip through my gallery of Camp Hill PA family photos (and just about any gallery of family portraits, actually), you’ll mostly see photos of parents with their young kids. And sure, young families make up most of my family photography clients. But I’ve watched so many families enjoy the magic of family portraits when their children are adults too. There are so many reasons why family photography is still so important when you have adult children.

A Mother and father pose with their adult son for family photos at a beautiful outdoor location near Camp Hill PA.
Outdoor Family Photos with grown child near Camp Hill PA

Celebrating Unique Stages of Life with Camp Hill PA Family Photos

One of the most beautiful things about families is that these are such living, dynamic relationships. Your relationships with your children (and often your relationship with your spouse or partner) are so very different when your children are adults than when they were little. Your relationships will even continue to change throughout your children’s adulthoods as each person in the family changes.

A family photo session creates lifelong mementoes of not only what your family looked at this moment in time but also mementoes of who you each are and of the bonds you share at this time in your lives. Your family should be honored and celebrated just as much at this age as you did when your children were kids.

Family Photographer captures image of a mother and father with their grown son at a beautiful outdoor location.

Photographing Your Expanding Family

As your children grow up, chances are that your family is about to expand! Maybe your children will bring a spouse or partner into the family, and/or have children of their own. Having family portraits throughout the years is a wonderful way to someday be able to look back and watch as your family grew and changed. No matter what age your child is today, you’ll one day cherish the memories of this time and you’ll be so glad to have professional portraits to bring back those memories.

Outdoor Family Photos by best Camp Hill family photographer.

Create a Shared Heirloom for Distant Family Members

It’s so common these days for young adults (and middle-aged adults) to move away from their hometown. Whether they’re moving for a new job or military orders, to be near their partner’s family, or just for a change of scenery and to strike out on new adventures, sometimes these moves can be sudden. A portrait of your family together is a fantastic way for all of you to keep a piece of each other in your homes, no matter how near or far you are.

A mother shares a moment with her adult son during their outdoor photo session

Creating New Family Memories

As your children grow up, they get busy with their new adult lives – careers, dating, friends, travel, the works! Before you know it you have less and less time to spend together. But a family photo session is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy some quality time together and create fun memories while also creating an heirloom that will last.

Outdoor family photographer captures images of a college aged boy with his mother and father near Camp Hill PA

Contributing to Your Own Legacy for the Future with Camp Hill PA Family Photos

It might not be the most fun thing to think about, but one day you will leave this world and your children will want photos to remember you and all the times you shared together. They don’t only want to remember you as you were in their childhood but as you were in later years as well. It’s a beautiful gift for them to have portraits of your family across the many different chapters of your lives.

A father and son pose together at their outdoor portrait session and husband and wife are photographed together as well.

Booking Your Camp Hill PA Family Photos

If you want to celebrate the changing stages of your family’s life, it’s so important not to overlook your children’s adult years. To get your Camp Hill PA family photos on the calendar, reach out and let’s chat!

A husband and wife are photographed beautifully by Camp Hill Family Photographer, Karissa Zimmer Photography.

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Harrisburg Family Photography Tips: How to Choose a Location for Outdoor Family Photos

One of my favorite aspects of Harrisburg family photography is the fact that we have so many gorgeous locations in the area for outdoor portraits. No matter what style or look you want, chances are that there’s a spot nearby that’s perfect for your family photos. Many of my clients ask me for location recommendations, and it’s true that I’ve been able to scout out plenty of favorites in the area, but you’re welcome to choose a location of your own too!

If you’re looking for the perfect spot for your next family photo session, follow these top tips.

Harrisburg PA outdoor family photography
Harrisburg PA Family photoshoot

Consider the Look and Style You Want

Your photo shoot location will literally set the stage for your portraits, so the location you choose can immediately create the style and look you want for your photos. You want a location that suits the style you want, whether that style is rustic, natural, urban and chic, cozy, light and airy, or whatever it may be.

best family photographer near Harrisburg PA

Look for Textures for Your Harrisburg Family Photography

You may be surprised by how much it can enhance a photo when you incorporate some complementing textures, and your photo shoot location is a great way to get those textures. Elements like a brick wall, a wooden structure, or an array of flowers can add a touch more visual interest and balance to your family portraits.

family poses together at their outdoor family photography session

Envision Your Color Scheme

One of the first things many parents do when planning their Harrisburg family photography session is to choose a color scheme based on where they want to display their portraits. Make sure you take that color scheme into account when choosing your photo location, finding a spot with background colors that fit or complement your color scheme.

outdoor child portraits

Be Mindful of Property Laws and Privacy

This is less of an aesthetic consideration and more of a logistical one, but it still matters. It’s critical to make sure you can legally and easily access the photo shoot location of your choice. If it’s private property, get permission in writing to take pictures there. If it’s public property like a public park, try to find an event schedule to make sure the area won’t be occupied by a festival or other event on your photo shoot day.

child portraits by Harrisburg family photographer

Find Space for Kids to Play During Your Harrisburg Family Photography

Posed portraits of your family sitting or standing together neatly are quaint and traditional, and all my Harrisburg family photography shoots will include these types of photos. But every family also loves some candid action shots taken while you and your family enjoy your time together, highlighting the authentic joy you have with your family.

To make it easier to create these types of images, it helps to have a photo location where kids can play and adventure a bit. It doesn’t have to be anything too complex, just some space for kids to explore safely.

little girl plays outside at her Harrisburg family photo session

Look for Plenty of Light

One of the most instrumental factors to consider for any photo session is the lighting. Depending on the time of day, if there are too many big structures in your photo shoot location, there might be too many shadows for me to fully showcase your beautiful family. Look for a location that is open enough that it will get plenty of light rather than an area that is overly shaded.

mother and daughter laugh and play together at Harrisburg family photoshoot

Consider a Space with Variety

It can be helpful to have a location that has several different spots that have their own looks and accents. For example, you might go to a family member’s farm that has a lovely old barn for some rustic looks, an open grassy area for more natural and minimalist portraits, and a flower garden to add some color. This lets us easily move from spot to spot so you have plenty of styles to choose from in your finished photo gallery.

Little girl photographed near Harrisburg pa by family photographer Karissa Zimmer

Booking Your Harrisburg Family Photography

Whether or not you already have a vision and a location in mind for your family portraits, I can create a stunning family photo shoot that will produce portraits you’ll cherish for decades to come. Ready to start planning? Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography today.

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Camp Hill Family Photography Tips: Summer Family Photo Outfits

Summer is a fantastic time for Camp Hill family photography. The weather and the scenery are absolutely gorgeous, and with the kids out of school (and school sports), many families have more flexible schedules. If you have a summer family portrait session in the plans, though, what should you and your family wear?

Outfit planning is among the top questions my clients ask, and I’m happy to help. Check out these tips.

camp hill family photography session
Camp Hill Family Photography Session

Choose Neutral Colors That Complement Green

One of the reasons so many people love taking family photos in the summer is that the landscape is lush with beautiful plant life. While there are many places around Camp Hill that make for fantastic photo backgrounds, in most cases, you’ll have plenty of beautiful green scenery in the background. For that reason, choose colors that complement green.

Airy and soft neutrals like white and cream work excellently for summer. Variations of blue often look beautiful with these neutrals, and blush pink is a popular choice too. It’s usually best to avoid greens as they may clash with the background greenery.

Camp Hill PA Family Photoshoot

Wear Multiple Textures for Your Camp Hill Family Photography

Textures can add dimension and visual interest to any family’s portraits. In the cooler months, you might do this with layers and scarves or other accessories. In the summer, try choosing outfits that have multiple textures. A dress with a lace overlay, for example, can be beautiful for Mom, and denim pants look excellent when paired with linen shirts.

family photography in flowers in Camp Hill PA
Outdoor Family Photography

Consider Floral Prints

Floral prints are excellent for spring and summer, and they can serve as “anchor outfits” that you use to construct your color scheme. For example, Mom can wear a floral dress and the rest of the family’s outfits can pull colors from that floral pattern.

Mother and son outdoor portraits
Mother and son outdoor family photoshoot in Central PA

Planning Your Camp Hill Family Photography Session

Take advantage of the beautiful summer ahead with a special family photo session - I’d be happy to help! Contact my Camp Hill PA photo studio today and let’s start planning.

Father and baby boy at family photoshoot near Camp Hill
Father and son photos near Camp Hill
Camp Hill PA Family Photo session
Family Photography near Camp Hill, PA
Baby boy smiles at his outdoor family photography session
Outdoor Baby Photography
Mother Father and Son outdoor portrait
baby boy crawling with best family photographer camp hill pa
Family interacting at their outdoor photography session in Camp Hill
Baby Boy outdoor photos

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How to choose the best family photographer

best family photographer near me, camp hill family photography, family portraits, professional family photos

Professional photos are an investment in your memories, giving you something tangible to look back on in the years to come to help you remember the moments that matter most.

Choosing the best family photographer for your family is a very important decision. While it may not seem like much, a collection of images captured of you and your children is worth more than money can buy. Professional photos preserve your memory for future generations. It allows them the ability to look back at what you did and how you got there. The times you celebrated your joys, mourned your losses and recognize their contributions to your life now and into the future.

It’s so important to hire a photographer who can capture the images you want and help you hold on to those memories.

You don’t want to pick a photographer who wont take the time to get to know your family a bit ahead of your photoshoot. A consultation to allows you to meet your photographer and allows them an opportunity learn about your family.  A professional photographer should be willing to work with you to create the story of your life, which may mean a longer portrait process. But, well worth the time investment!

Know what style of images you want.

Every photographer has their own style, whether it’s posed studio images or outdoor photo sessions using natural light. Some may even do both types of photography. A photographers editing style is equally as important! You should know what kind of photos you like once you start searching for photographers in your area.

Ask to view full galleries when choosing the best family photographer for you.

For me, one of the biggest signs that a photographer is worth considering as you’re looking for a photo session is how much thought has gone into their process. Being able to see a full session gallery will give you a great idea of the variety of different shots you may get with your session. Check out their website and blog, and take note of the style of images offered. It may even help to talk to previous clients and find what they liked most about their session and working with that photographer. 

best family photographer near me, camp hill family photography, family portraits, professional family photos

Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

You’ll have your first session with your new family photographer within a few weeks to a few months of booking your session.  Ask them specific questions about their process and approach to photography, and discuss any fees, location, or wardrobe options. Some photographers will even offer in-person planning consultations at their studio, which is a great way to get to know them and see how they work. 

Make sure the family photographer is a good fit.

You will want to make sure you like the photographer you choose and that they have a personality you’ll enjoy working with! You’ll want to hire a professional photographer who fits with your family’s style and personality! Let’s face it – Being in front of a camera can feel awkward! So, choosing a photographer that you feel comfortable with and that will put your family at ease will ensure the greatest smiles and family photography experience! 

Set up a consultation with a family photographer

Want to learn more about my portrait process and find out if we are a good fit? I’d love to learn more about your family so that I can capture your most special memories to tell your story. Send me a message to set up a free consultation!  

best family photographer near me, camp hill family photography, family portraits, professional family photos
best family photographer near me, camp hill family photography, family portraits, professional family photos

How to choose the best family photographer Read More »