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Top Tips: What to Wear for Fall Family Photos in Mechanicsburg PA

A lot of parents worry that planning a photo shoot for fall family photos in Mechanicsburg PA will be too much work, but it doesn’t have to be as difficult as you might think! In fact, as a full-service photographer, I can help you with all the details. The beautiful family featured in this blog chose their own location but I can help you with that, and I can even help you with choosing your family’s wardrobe. These tips can get you started, though.

Take Advantage of Layers

For fall portraits, layers are your best friend! For one, they photograph well and they have a great fall look. For two, they’re comfortable and versatile. You never quite know what the weather will do, and it will depend on the shooting location too – it might be breezier there than it was at your home when you got dressed. Layers let you adjust to anything,

Choose Deep Colors and Jewel Tones for Fall Family Photos in Mechanicsburg PA

Generally, deep, rich colors work well for fall portraits. They go great with the colors of fall foliage, complementing the background while making sure your family stands out. Fall is a great time for jewel tones like ruby red, emerald green, or deep purple, along with neutrals and earth tones like shades of brown, sage green, and cream.

Dress Mom First

In most families, especially if your kids are younger, Mom is the most difficult person to dress. We have curves and we want to wear something that makes us look and feel our best. That’s why it helps to find an outfit you love for yourself first. This gives you a starting point and you can then create the rest of the family’s outfits to complement it.

Complement, Don’t Match

You’ll notice that I said that your family’s outfits should “complement” yours, and that’s a key word here. The trend is no longer for the family to match perfectly but instead to have a color palette of around four colors that look great together. This way, your family looks put-together but also natural. Plus, frankly it’s incredibly hard to find outfits when you’re trying to match exact shades, so broad palettes and color families are much easier.

Balance Comfort and Style for Your Footwear

Footwear is easy to overlook but it’s such an important part of everyone’s outfit, and it should align with your overall style. I’m mostly looking at you, moms! Heels can flatter your body shape wonderfully in photos, but choose the right ones for the location. For outdoor photos where you’ll be standing on a grassy or dirt surface, choose block heels or wedges rather than stiletto heels that can sink in.

Planning Your Wardrobe for Fall Family Photos in Mechanicsburg PA? I’ve Got You!

As a full-service photographer, I’m here to make your photo shoot experience a breeze and that includes advising you on your wardrobe. To start planning, contact Karissa Zimmer Photography and let’s chat!

 

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Why Fall Is a Great Time for Harrisburg PA Family Photos

It’s that time of year again, folks – get ready to see your social media feeds overflowing with adorable fall family photos! As a photographer, I love to see families coming together for portraits during this time of year, like the beautiful young family featured in this blog, but have you ever wondered fall is so popular for Harrisburg PA family photos? There are several reasons, actually.

Fall Aesthetics

Especially in Pennsylvania, the outdoor landscape in the fall is absolutely stunning! With beautifully colorful trees and a cozy aesthetic, mother nature creates a backdrop for us that’s perfect for family photos

Getting Ahead for the Holidays

When it comes time for Christmas, Hanukkah, and other winter holidays, there are so many reasons you might want to have a recent family portrait on hand. Many of my clients use photos for Christmas cards, for example, and there are so many meaningful gifts you can give that involve family photos, from framed portraits to mugs to ornaments. While the main goal for a family photo session is to create custom artwork for your home, it’s always handy to have a recent portrait during the holidays.

Comfort and Convenience for Harrisburg PA Family Photos

As beautiful as fall family photos are, the autumn also happens to be a convenient time to take family portraits. For one, it’s a wonderful middle temperature – not so hot that you get sweaty during your session but also not so cold that you’re shivering and uncomfortable. The middle temperatures of the fall can help your whole family look and feel great during the session (which means we get great smiles and great portraits!).

The other convenience in the fall is the timing. Everyone loves photos taken during what we call the “golden hour,” which is the hour before sunset when there’s a gorgeous glow in the air. During the summer, though, golden hour might not be until 8:30 or 9:00 which is tricky if you have little kids with early bedtimes, and during the winter, golden hour might be at 4:00 which is challenging for working parents. Golden hour during the fall is usually around 6:00 or 7:00 which is much more schedule-friendly.

Creating Your Harrisburg PA Family Photos This Fall

Want to capitalize on the fall with your own family portrait session? Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography and let’s make it happen!

 

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Celebrating New Chapters with Hershey PA Family Photography

Life might feel like it goes by in a flash, but when we look back at our life, we tend to see it in chapters. You might remember a fun story and think, “Oh that was when we were living in Such-and-Such Town” or “That was during those years when all the kids were at home and hadn’t started school.” When those types of life changes happen and launch a new chapter, like moving to a new city or just a new home, each child starting kindergarten, and each child leaving the nest, what better way to celebrate and memorialize them than with Hershey PA family photography? Here’s why.

1. Documenting the Start of Something New

In your family photo albums, these portraits will mark the beginning of a new chapter in your story. You’ll be able to bring yourself back to this moment when life changed in some way, and you’ll forever have this image of how your family looked and who you all were at this juncture. Years later when you embark on your next adventure together, like when you move to another new city, you’ll be able to look back and see how much your family has grown and changed in these years.

2. Creating Memories Together in Your New Chapter with Hershey PA Family Photography

A family photo session is about so much more than the photos themselves. The session is an experience that you have together as a family. When you have a family photo session to commemorate a move or another big change in life, the session can be a bonding experience with your family and a way to say, “We’re all in this together.” It can bring you closer amid all of life’s changes and it creates memories of the photo session that you can all look back on fondly.

3. Celebrating New Experiences Together

Big changes and new chapters in life bring new experiences for the whole family, and family portraits can be a way to remember those new experiences. Take the family whose photos are featured in this blog, for example. They recently moved to the Hershey area and this is the first time they’ve lived somewhere that had a traditional fall – chilly weather, colorful foliage, falling leaves, the works. This family portrait session is a way to remember the start of this exciting chapter of life (living in Pennsylvania) and to remember the first traditional fall they’ve shared. I know that, years down the line, they’ll absolutely love having these portraits to look back on.

Honor Your Family’s Story with Hershey PA Family Photography

As a family photographer, I’m passionate about giving every family the joy and beauty of professional family portraits, and it’s even more special when those portraits are celebrating the start of a new adventure you’re taking together. If your family is moving into a new chapter of your story, whether it’s a move, a graduation, a new baby, or whatever it might be, contact Karissa Zimmer Photography and let’s preserve this moment with family photos.

 

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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Harrisburg PA Family Photography is for Nontraditional Families Too!

When you see family photos online, whether you’re looking for inspiration for your own family portraits or you’re flipping through the family photos your friends and relatives are posting on Instagram, you probably see a lot of the stereotypical nuclear family. You see a lot of portraits with mom, dad, and 2-3 kids. But as a photographer who has the privilege of bringing Harrisburg PA family photography to life on a daily basis, I believe in inclusion and have a special place in my heart for photographing beautiful nontraditional families.

The gorgeous single mom and her baby boy featured in this post are just one of the many nontraditional families I’ve had the privilege of working with recently. For any nontraditional families who wonder if your family portraits can be just as wonderful as the ones you see online, yes they can! Here’s why.

A Custom Harrisburg PA Family Photography Experience

There are certain poses and dynamics you’ll see often in family photos, and sure, those poses might not transfer over to some nontraditional families. But truthfully, that doesn’t matter much at my Harrisburg PA family photography studio because every photo session I perform is customized.

From the start, I’ll meet with you to learn about your family, your style and your personality. I’ll create a custom photo session that’s purely designed for your family, no matter who your family includes.

Telling Your Family’s Story

It’s important to me to communicate that family photography isn’t just about creating pretty artwork and it’s not meant to make every family look like a Norman Rockwell painting. It’s about your family and what makes you special! Your portraits are a way to tell your family’s story in a form that will last for generations. They should capture your personality in a meaningful and authentic way and highlight the love among your family.

Beautiful family photography is an experience and an heirloom that every family deserves, and there’s no family who can’t get stunning family portraits that they cherish. I would be honored to create your heirloom portraits so contact Karissa Zimmer Photography and let’s chat!

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Questions to Ask Your Mechanicsburg Family Photographer (Before Hiring Them)

Whether you’re celebrating a special milestone in your family’s life or you’re just due for updated family portraits to chronicle this chapter of your family’s story, the photographer you hire will be the most important choice you make in the process. Before you make it official and book a date in a photographer’s calendar, how do you know if that Mechanicsburg family photographer is the right fit for you and your family?

While it’s partially a matter of human-to-human chemistry and whether you feel comfortable with a photographer, there are questions you can ask as well to make sure that a photographer aligns with you and your needs. Ask these questions before you hire a Mechanicsburg family photographer.

What Is the Process for Your Client Experience?

This is a biggie! The family photography experience varies significantly from one photographer to the next, so you want to find a photographer whose process aligns with what you want. Some photographers do all the planning over email, send you an online gallery when your images are ready, and have minimal contact with you throughout the process. Others take a more full-service approach with a personal consultation to plan the session as well as an individual appointment to choose your finished images and more. It’s just a question of whether you prefer that your family photos be quick and convenient or personalized and meaningful.

Make sure you also ask about the timeline for the process, especially if you want your portraits for a specific date or occasion. Ask the photographer how much guidance they will provide along the way as well, such as whether they can give you advice and feedback on planning your family’s outfits.

Do You Provide Printed Products or Digital Images Only?

As a full-service photographer, I’m passionate about making sure every family has beautiful portraits they’ll enjoy, so I work with you directly to help you design and order your framed prints, canvas prints, photo albums, or other products you choose, and I offer digital images as well. Some other photographers exclusively offer digital images. Make sure to ask your photographer what they offer in advance to make sure it aligns with what you want.

Where Can I Find a Portfolio of Your Work as a Mechanicsburg Family Photographer?

You’ve probably already seen the photographer’s work before you reach out to them, but I had to include this question for good measure! Photography is an art, and just like any other artist, every photographer has their own aesthetic style. Make sure to review some of the other family portraits your photographer has taken to make sure you love their style.

Questions About Your Specific Vision or Needs

If there’s anything specific you have in mind for your family portraits or anything unique about your family that may affect the photo session, it’s always best to ask in advance. For example, you might have a specific location where you’d love to take your photos or a theme you want for your photo shoot, and you’ll want to ask the photographer if they can bring that vision to life.

This can also apply to special circumstances regarding your family. Perhaps you have a child who is on the autism spectrum and want to know if your photographer has experience working with kids with ASD. If they don’t have this experience, it doesn’t mean they won’t do a wonderful job, but it’s always best to know in advance regardless.

Am I the Right Mechanicsburg Family Photographer for You?

I strongly believe that the best family photos happen when a family and photographer feel comfortable with each other and when the photographer can capture the family’s personality in the camera. That’s why I think it’s important to speak with my clients in advance to learn more about you and your family and plan a portrait session that speaks to your one-of-a-kind spirit. That’s why the questions above are so important.

To find out if I’m the right Mechanicsburg family photographer for you, let’s chat! Contact my PA family photo studio to learn more or to book your family photography session.

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How to choose the best family photographer

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. 

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!  

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Mechanicsburg Family Photographer | The Panchura Family

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Mechanicsburg Pa Photographer Captures Portrait of Family

As a Mechanicsburg family photographer, I’ve explored endless beautiful locations for photo sessions and met countless incredible families! Sometimes the locations are the standout of a session, and sometimes families swiftly steal the spotlight. But every now and then, a location and a family fit together so seamlessly that it feels meant to be! And after just a quick glance at the Panchura family’s photos, you’ll certainly agree that their adventurous family photography session was one of those magical treats!

Photo shoot with a Mechanicsburg Family Photographer

I first discovered how flawless a Mechanicsburg family photography session could be when I first discovered this spot years and years ago. I knew right away that I had to bring this outdoorsy family here! It fit exactly what the Panchura family was looking for! When they mentioned they were looking for a woodsy and adventurous session, I knew exactly where we were going to shoot! Their spontaneous personalities were perfectly complemented by the opportunity to capture them on a creek walk! It was complete perfection from beginning to end!

Photo session magic!

The Panchuras told me during their consultation that they were really looking forward to seeing a wooded, outdoorsy feel in their photos. And, thanks to our astonishing location choice, it wasn’t difficult to deliver! They didn’t hesitate one bit when I suggested we get in the creek! The tree-lined creek and views overlooking the river gave the whole session the feel they were looking for. And the absolutely gorgeous evening light added a bit of magic.
But let’s be honest. How could the images from our Mechanicsburg family photography session be anything less than stunning with a family like this one in front of the lens! Finding the perfect spot to take family photos isn’t always easy, but I think we nailed it!

As a family photographer, I am uniquely blessed to work with some of the same clients repeatedly as their family grows and changes. I love to document the deepening love between parents, growing littles, and even the arrival of new pets in the family! Our families transform so much from one year to the next, and I treasure every chance I get to bear witness to those changes. Thank you so much, Panchura family for inviting me along on this adventure with you! I hope to spend time with all of you again so soon!

Are you searching for a Mechanicsburg family photographer of your own? I’d love to get to know you and chat about how we can fill a gallery with the family photos of your dreams!

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