Best Photographer near me 17055

Mechanicsburg PA Newborn Photos: Can You Bring Your Own Props?

Newborn baby girl is wrapped in blue floral and photographed in Mechanicsburg PA newborn photography studio

You don’t need a special occasion or a milestone to give your family the gift of beautiful new portraits, but there are times in life that you always want to capture in artwork. One of them is welcoming a beautiful new baby into your family. If you’re looking ahead to newborn photos, you might already be thinking about your session and how you want your portraits to look. What’s involved in the planning process? Notably, should you be thinking about props for your Mechanicsburg PA newborn photos?

A new father poses with his newborn baby daughter on his arm during their newborn photo session near 17055

What Props Are Used for Newborn Photos?

Every newborn photo shoot is an entirely customized experience, so the props vary a lot from one baby to the next. Overall, my style tends toward more simplistic and classic looks, so the props that I use will be minimalist. For example, I might have your baby curled up on a cozy blanket, snuggled into a basket, or swaddled among flowers and decor. But I keep the portraits uncluttered so that your baby is always the focal point.

Along with these props, I also use a variety of simple yet adorable accessories to craft a special look for your little one. For example, I use swaddles in a wide range of different colors, as well as headbands, hats, and more.

Mechanicsburg PA best newborn Photographer Karissa Zimmer Photography all pink newborn baby girl photos

Should I Bring the Props for My Mechanicsburg PA Newborn Photos?

No, you don’t have to worry about props or accessories at all! At my studio in the Mechanicsburg area, I have an abundant selection of pieces that I can pair together to create the perfect aesthetic for your baby and your family. This is one of many benefits of hiring a professional newborn photographer - I already have everything we need, so you can simply arrive with your baby and enjoy the experience.

A new mom cradles her newborn baby girl and is poses on a black backdrop during their newborn photoshoot with Karissa Zimmer Photography

With that said, some families do like to bring a few sentimental items to incorporate into their baby’s session, like an heirloom baptismal outfit, a handmade baby item, or a parent’s firefighter uniform or military attire, and that’s completely fine! Just mention this during our planning consultation so that I can prepare accordingly.

Best newborn photography near Mechanicsburg PA

Already dreaming up your dream Mechanicsburg PA newborn photos? Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography and let’s bring that dream to life!

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Can You Have a Mechanicsburg PA Outdoor Family Session with a Baby?

So many of my clients’ families love a Mechanicsburg PA outdoor family session, and I don’t blame them! We have so much natural beauty around us in southern central Pennsylvania that in every season of the year, there are some stunning local parks and other areas that make perfect photo settings. But some ask, is an outdoor photo shoot an option if you have a baby, or do you need to have the structure and safety of the studio when your child is so young?

A family of 3 pose together during their outdoor family photo session near 17050

Can Families with Babies Have a Mechanicsburg PA Outdoor Family Session?

The short answer is yes! You can absolutely have an outdoor family photo shoot when your child is still a baby. The family photos featured in this blog are proof that not only is this possible but it can create some incredible portraits your family will love!

While I do keep newborn photo shoots and sitter sessions (for babies around 6 months to 9 months) indoors, an outdoor session can work perfectly for your family, as it did for the family in this blog with their beautiful one-year-old baby girl.

Best family photographer 17055 captures images of a one year old baby girl smelling yellow tulips.

Tips for Mechanicsburg PA Outdoor Family Session with a Baby

Want to take advantage of central Pennsylvania’s beautiful scenery with a Mechanicsburg PA outdoor family session? Use these tips for a smoother photo session.

A mom, Dad, and their one year old baby girl share a candid moment together near Mechanicsburg with their photographer, Karissa Zimmer Photography.

Be Well-Stocked for Comfort

Depending on what the weather’s like, make sure you have everything you might want to keep your baby comfortable, especially if it’s hot outside. Those little clip-on stroller fans can be fantastic, and bring anything you might need to feed your little one too. 

One year old baby girl outdoor pictures

Come Ready for Action

You already know that babies usually have a limited amount of time they’ll be comfortable outside, and keeping your baby comfortable and smiling is a big part of what will make your photo shoot great. So be prepared to get started as soon as your session begins so we can get as many beautiful photos as possible before your baby tells us that our time is up!

There’s something so special and fun about outdoor family photos in a setting where your family is having fun together, and you don’t have to wait until your baby is older to enjoy one of these sessions. Contact Karissa Zimmer and let’s get your session scheduled!

Best Mechanicsburg PA outdoor family photographer An adorable one year old baby girl sits with bright yellow tulips at her family's outdoor photoshoot near Mechanicsburg PA

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Tips for Mechanicsburg PA Family Photography with Toddlers

Best outdoor family photographer near 17050

Family photos are irreplaceable and invaluable heirlooms that you and your family will treasure forever, especially as your kids grow up and look back on their childhoods. As much as I love seeing the joy that family portraits bring, I also understand that a lot of parents worry about how their toddler will be during a photo session and whether they’ll actually be able to capture what a sweet and joyful child their toddler is…or whether they’ll have a classic toddler tantrum and make it a stressful experience. In my Mechanicsburg PA family photography studio, I can assure you that there are ways to have a fantastic photo session with a toddler! Try these top tips.

Parents interact with their toddler daughter at their Mechanicsburg PA outdoor family photography session

Put Your Expertise to Use

You know your toddler - you know what puts them in a good mood and what tends to make them cranky. Now is the time to put that knowledge to good use! Plan the day of the photo shoot around making sure your little one is at their best when it’s time for the session: fed, rested, and ready to party!

A father plays with his little girl at their family photo session in 17050

Have Fun with Your Mechanicsburg PA Family Photography

You are your little one’s entire world, and they take so many cues from you - including cues on what activities are fun. If you want them to enjoy a photo session, talk about it the same way you’d tell them with excitement that they get to go to the zoo or see their friend or visit their grandparents. Make sure your spouse or partner does the same, because when your toddler sees that everyone else is happy and having fun, they will too!

A mom snuggles with her toddler daughter at their family's photography session with Karissa Zimmer Photography

Be Strategic with Your Incentives

It’s great to have some tricks up your sleeve to incentivize your toddler to be on their best behavior. Some of these incentives can become more harmful than helpful, though - specifically, bringing your child’s favorite toys to cheer them up. If you hand your toddler that teddy bear that goes everywhere with them, it might put a smile on their face, but when you try to take it away for more photos, they could have a meltdown. The rule of thumb is not to bring any items for your toddler that you don’t want to be in the photos.

A little girl explores outdoors and examines a leaf at her family photoshoot

Choose a Photographer Who Knows Toddlers for Your Mechanicsburg PA Family Photography

As a photographer who has worked with toddlers for many years, I can tell you that it’s a skill that takes time and experience to develop. I have plenty of practice turning tears into smiles and making toddlers feel comfortable during photo shoots, and it makes all the difference! Make sure you book your family session with a photographer who has this expertise.

If you want a beautiful and memorable family photo shoot with your sweet family, I’ll be honored to capture this moment in your family’s story. Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography and let’s start planning your session!

A toddler girl walks through leaves at her outdoor fall family photography session with Karissa Zimmer Photography

Mechanicsburg PA family photographer captures beautiful outdoor family photos

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