camp hill family photographer

A Camp Hill Family Photographer’s Tips for Amazing Smiles in Family Portraits

Every parent’s phone is packed with photos of their kids, and not just because your kids are so dang adorable. It’s also because it often takes dozens of snapshots before you get one with your kids showing their beautiful smiles, so you wind up with 20 unused pictures for every good one. It’s understandable, then, to worry about whether you’ll be able to get the kids to smile well for your family portraits with a Camp Hill family photographer.

That’s why I’m here! Before your next family photography session, check out these tips for coaxing out your kids’ best smiles for their portraits.

camp hill family photography, professional family photos

Choose a Fun Location

Kids are nothing if not honest – they don’t try to hide their feelings. If they’re somewhere that’s unfamiliar and boring to them, it will show in their facial expressions. So create surroundings they’ll actually enjoy during the family photo session.

That’s part of the reason why I conduct family photo sessions outdoors on location – so we can go somewhere that puts your kids in a good mood. It could be their favorite park or even their own backyard where they feel comfortable and in their element.

camp hill family photography, professional family photos
camp hill family photography, professional family photos

Let Kids Be Kids

When I take family photos, I take plenty of traditional, posed family portraits but I also take time to capture candid photos as kids enjoy the outdoors and whatever their surroundings may be.

There are multiple reasons for this. For one, those candid photos capture your kids’ personalities in a precious and authentic way. For two, this format lets kids get out some of their energy so they’re more amenable to sitting nicely in case we want a few more posed shots afterward.

camp hill family photography, professional family photos

Plan (and Pack) for Breaks

When kids are involved in a photo session, I already know that we’re working on the kids’ timetables. When kids get uncomfortable because they’re hungry or thirsty or they have to go to the bathroom, you won’t do yourself any favors by continuing to try to pose them.

That’s why breaks are an expected part of family photo sessions. Plan to take breaks and bring anything your kids might need to make them comfortable, like snacks, drinks, a favorite book, and so on.

Have Your Own Fun

Kids are so much more observant than we usually give them credit for. If you’re anxious or stressed, even if you try to smile through it, kids will pick up on that energy and they’ll be anxious, grumpy, or uncomfortable too.

I understand that it’s easier said than done but try to go into your family photo session feeling positive and relaxed. Your family portraits are important to you and you want to get the best photos you can, and this can make anyone anxious, but just relax and know that you have a trusted professional who will take care of the photos; all you have to do is have a good time with your kids.

camp hill family photography, professional family photos

Hire a Professional Camp Hill Family Photographer

As a Camp Hill family photographer with over 16 years of experience, I can tell you first-hand that photographing kids is very different from photographing adults. I love working with kids, and because family photography is a specialty of mine, I’ve picked up plenty of tricks over the years for getting kids to smile and have fun.

That’s why it’s important to hire a photographer who specializes in family photography. Our training and experience have given us everything we need to know to get the best photos of your family.

camp hill family photography, professional family photos
camp hill family photography, professional family photos

Booking Your Camp Hill Family Photographer

Ready to see your kids’ amazing little smiles? Now is the time to book your next family photo session! Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or just updating your family portraits, I’ll be honored to make sure every member of your family looks their best.

A Camp Hill Family Photographer’s Tips for Amazing Smiles in Family Portraits Read More »

Family Photographer Near Me Camp Hill | The Whittaker Family

  • Family Photographer near me Camp Hill PA captures Fall Family Photography
    Family Photographer near me Camp Hill PA captures Fall Family Photography

You probably turned to your Google machine and typed “Family Photographer Near Me Camp Hill” which landed you right here! Yay! You’re in the perfect place! When I ask my newest clients how they found me they often respond with “I just typed Family Photographer Near Me into my Google search bar and loved your images!” That is exactly how the Whittaker family found me and I am so happy they did! This family of 3 boys was so much fun to work with!

Family of 5 poses together during their fall family photography session with Camp Hill Family Photographer
Family of 5 poses together during their fall family photography session with Camp Hill Family Photographer

The Consultation with your Family Photographer

We all know most moms do it all! Including the search for the perfect photographer to capture her family’s memories! After Mom’s initial Google search for a “Family Photographer Near Me Camp Hill” she contacted me and we set up a consultation at my Camp Hill photography studio to meet and plan! I believe family photography is such a personal experience. Therefore, you should have the opportunity to meet the person who is going to work with and photograph your family. You should know that you like and trust your photographer before moving forward! A consultation also gives me as the photographer a chance to meet and get to know a little bit about my clients and their family. Connection and trust throughout my family photography process is something I value extensively.

The photo session with the Family Photographer near Camp Hill

Together, we talked about locations and style and ended up choosing a small town, urban feel for the Whittaker’s session. Can I just say this session was a stress free, ton of fun session! Not only are they a totally adorable family with 3 handsome boys, but the fact that they like to have fun and laugh is what made it perfect! I am certainly NOT above playing along with 3 young boys and their fart sounds and silly names or words! Ha! Life is short. So, It should be fun and light hearted and your family portraits should reflect who you are together in genuine form!

The Reveal and Ordering Appointment at the Camp Hill Photography Studio

The exciting part happened about two weeks after their session when mom came in to my Camp Hill photography studio to view her family’s images for the first time! I played a slideshow of all of their images, and using specialized computer software, was able to show her exactly what her portraits will look like on the walls of her home! Therefore, this part makes the ordering appointment truly awesome! The ability to use snap shots of my my clients very own home walls to show them true to life sizes and wall art products with their images takes all the guess work out for both of us! Together, we selected a variety of tangible products for their home. A keepsake that their children will have to carry through their lives and pass down for generations, and a big, beautiful grouping of round Farmhouse framed prints! My personal favorite too!

Delivery of Portrait Keepsakes and Installation of Wall Art by Camp Hill PA Family Photographer

This is where all of the magic comes together, forever! I think we can all agree that good things take time. Approximately 6-8 weeks after the ordering appointment I hand delivered all their heirloom portrait products and even hung and installed their wall art in the locations we selected during the ordering appointment! I pride myself on offering a truly full service portrait photography experience! Life is busy and i’m here to make this easy by walking you through the entire process from start to finish!

Reserving and planning your Family’s Camp Hill photography session

The best time to reserve and plan your own family’s portrait session is as soon as it crosses your mind! It’s always best to plan ahead and book several months in advance. I am here to help you every step of the way. So, reach out by contacting me HERE now and I will help you get the ball rolling! I can’t wait to meet your family and preserve your memories forever!

  • Famoil
  • Individual Child Portraits by Camp Hill PA Photographer – Karissa Zimmer Photography
  • Family of 5 poses during their Fall Photoshoot near Camp Hill
  • Husband and Wife embrace one another during their photo session with Camp Hill Family Photographer
    Husband and Wife embrace one another during their photo session with Camp Hill Family Photographer.
  • 3 young brothers are captured in a sweet pose by Camp Hill Photographer, Karissa Zimmer Photography
    3 young brothers are captured in a sweet pose by Camp Hill Photographer, Karissa Zimmer Photography
  • Brothers pose silly at their fall family photography session with Camp Hill Pa Photographer
    Brothers pose silly at their fall family photography session with Camp Hill Pa Photographer
  • Boy Photographed at Camp Hill Fall Family Photoshoot with Karissa Zimmer Photography
    Boy Photographed at Camp Hill Fall Family Photoshoot with Karissa Zimmer Photography
  • Child portrait near Camp Hill PA photography session
    Child portrait near Camp Hill PA photography session
  • Young boy strikes a pose during his family photography shoot this Fall with Camp Hill Family Photographer
    Young boy strikes a pose during his family photography shoot this Fall with Camp Hill Family Photographer
  • Child Portraits with Family Photographer near me Camp Hill PA
    Child Portraits with Family Photographer near Camp Hill PA
  • Portrait of boy by Fall Family Photographer near Camp Hill PA
    Portrait of boy by Fall Family Photographer near Camp Hill PA
  • Family Photographer Near Me Camp Hill PA - Fall Family Photography Session
  • Fall Family Photoshoot with photographer near Camp Hill PA
    Fall Family Photoshoot with photographer near Camp Hill PA

Family Photographer Near Me Camp Hill | The Whittaker Family Read More »

The McGrath Family | Family Photographer near Camp Hill PA

I love being a Family Photographer near Camp Hill PA! One of the most special parts of my job is working with clients who continue to trust me year after year. Nothing means more to me as a family photographer than to have a loyal client continue to support my small business by putting their faith in me to capture their their memories. My repeat clients are always the most near and dear to my heart! They almost feel like an extension of my little family and friend circle.

  • candid family portrait capture by camp hill family photographer, karissa zimmer photography
    Family Photography Session near Camp Hill PA
Family Photography Session near Camp Hill PA

The McGrath’s Family Photographer near Camp Hill PA

I met this sweet family last year during the height of 2020’s craziness. Sometimes you just meet “like-minded” people and immediately click! Need I say more? Ha! They were expecting their second child and new to the Central PA area. In their search for a newborn photographer to capture their sweet baby girl, someone kindly referred them to me on social media! If I knew who that person was I would give them the biggest THANK YOU possible for sending the McGrath Family my way! A trusted, word of mouth referral is one of the greatest ways to support a small business!

  • brother and sister sit on bench during their fall family photography session near Camp Hill PA
    Family Photographer Camp Hill | Fall Family Photographer | The McGrath Family
  • A little boy and his baby sister pose on a bench at their camp hill photo session
    Camp Hill PA Fall Family Shoot | Fall Family Photographer

The Family Portrait Session

The McGrath Family scheduled a family portrait session to document their little lady, Hannah’s first birthday milestone! They reserved their fall family photography session almost a whole year in advance! When the time came, we picked the perfect location for their session! Although it was October, there were still so many lingering signs of summer! Lots of flowers with a mix of a fall family portrait session feel! It was so much fun to see them all again, especially the kiddos! I love to see how my little clients grow and change in a years time! Both Graeme and Hannah had grown so much and were even more fun this year! I adore Graeme’s love for his little sister! He’s truly go to be one of the most fun kids I’ve photographed! So much personality and the way he dotes on his baby sister just fills my heart!

  • one year old baby walks in a flower garden at her family photography session
    Best Photographer Camp Hill | Fall Family Photography | Hannah’s First Birthday Session
  • family photographer near camp hill PA captures image of baby girl crawling through flowers
    Camp Hill PA Family Photographer

Booking your Family Photographer near Camp Hill PA

Fall Family Photography sessions are the most highly desired of any time of year! Nearly every portrait photographer will tell you just that! There’s a little saying that goes: “Fall to a photographer is like April to an accountant.” And that statement couldn’t be any more true! My clients often reserve their fall family photography sessions many months to a year in advance! Because of this, I always encourage thinking ahead when planning your own fall portrait session! I would love to work with you to plan how we’ll perfectly capture your family’s story!

  • Little boy laughs and plays during his fall family photography session
    Fall Photoshoot near Camp Hill PA
  • karissa Zimmer photography captures young boy posing at family photoshoot in camp hill pa
    Fall Family Photography Camp HIll

Booking a Family Portrait Session

I am currently booking Spring and Summer 2022 Family portrait sessions in full force! However, it is absolutely never too soon to reserve a fall session spot just for your family! I will walk you through my entire portrait process from start to finish. With the end goal always resulting in beautiful images that you will enjoy on the walls of your home for a lifetime! Get in touch with me HERE to start planning your family’s portrait photography session!

  • family of 4 poses on bridge in camp hill PA portrait session
    Fall Family Photography Session
  • big brother helps hold his little sister at fall family photoshoot with karissa zimmer photography
    Camp Hill Family Photography
  • family of 4 is photographed together during their camp hill family session
    Family of 4 Photoshoot
  • little boy smiles happily during his camp hill family photography session
    Photography near Camp Hill
  • one year old baby girl stands with photo prop during her photo session with karissa zimmer photography
    Baby Photographer near Camp Hill PA

Karissa Zimmer is an experienced professional family photographer in Camp Hill PA and serving the surrounding areas, including Mechanicsburg, Harrisburg, Hershey and Carlisle. Follow My adventures on Instagram!

The McGrath Family | Family Photographer near Camp Hill PA Read More »

STUDIO REOPENING AND CLEANING POLICIES | CAMP HILL NEWBORN BABY & FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY

How I’m Keeping Your Family Safe For Your Studio Portrait Session

I AM SO EXCITED TO BE BACK! Yes! This means that I am able schedule studio and outdoor portrait sessions again! With a few added studio reopening and cleaning policies, I am ready to be doing what I love again! As a Camp Hill Newborn Baby & Family Photographer, it has always been a priority to take extraordinary safety precautions to protect my clients during their portrait sessions. From safely posing your newborn to extensive cleaning practices for my studio. I pride myself in maintaining the highest level of safety in my industry.

Newborn and family photographer in camp hill pa is scehduling photography sessions with new studio reopening and cleaning policies in 17011, 17050, 17050

Health and safety has certainly been a concern over these past few months due to COVID-19. Because I am a newborn photographer, studio hygiene and cleaning policies have ALWAYS been a top priority at Karissa Zimmer Photography. I know we are in a time where clients and families want to know a little bit more about what that entails. Especially because I interact and work with the tinyest members of your family, here are some ways that I work to protect them and your entire family.

Safety and Cleaning Policies I have always used

  1. I thoroughly clean before and after each client that comes into the studio. Each consultation, portrait session and ordering appointment. This includes cleaning floors, sanitizing all hard surfaces, cleaning the restroom, wiping door knobs, switches and appliances.
  2. All fabrics and props are washed after each newborn session. Beyond washing fabrics that just baby comes in contact with. I frequently wash/clean other surfaces such as pillows and cushions.
  3. HAND WASHING. I very frequently wash my hands during a newborn session. Not only does it help warm up my cold hands before I touch baby, but soap and water is the most effective way to kill germs on skin. I’ve always looked at my tiny clients as these perfect, new creatures that I want to protect from any possible germs and illness.
  4. It has always been a priority to me to give my clients my undivided attention. Rest assured that when you are working with me, I will be the only person in the studio with your family.
  5. Again, because being fully present with each client is important to me, I have only ever booked one client in the studio per day. This also gives me time to do a full cleaning before I welcome my next client in.
  6. Sick Policy: I will absolutely never work or meet with a client while I am sick. Even if just a case of the sniffles. I ask that you do the same. If your baby or someone in your family is sick or has a fever, I ask that you reschedule. I ask that clients please contact me if any member of the family is exhibiting cold or flu symptoms within 72 hours of your appointment.

Enhanced safety and cleaning procedures implemented in Studio Reopening and Cleaning Policies

In acknowledgment of the current health crisis, I am going above and beyond to assure the utmost in saftey for my clients. In addition to all of the standard safety and cleaning procedures listed above, I will now also implement the following enhanced procedures and policies for all portrait sessions:

  1. Clients will be asked to wash hands upon entering.
  2. Photographer will wear a face mask during all newborn sessions.
  3. I will kindly ask that you remove shoes upon entering.
  4. All props will be provided by me in the studio. No outside props, please.
  5. Only immediate family members and persons being photographed are permitted to attend.
  6. Camera and lighting gear will be disinfected prior to the session.
  7. An ozone generator will be safely run in studio between each client to eliminate any airborne (microorganisms) bugs!

Thank you to all my wonderful clients for your support!

I want to thank all my clients for all of your support over the years and especially through the past few months. Your loyalty and encouragement mean the world to me. Karissa Zimmer Photography is a professional photography studio dedicated to photographing newborn babies, families and high school seniors since 2010. Karissa Zimmer Photography studio is located in Camp Hill Pa and serves all of Central PA including Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, Hershey and Carlisle. My plan is to continue to provide the highest level of service possible while keeping your newborn baby, children and family safe. As always, my promise is to provide you with the most beautiful keepsake images of the people you love most.

If there is anything we’ve learned throughout the past few months, it’s that life as we know it can change in an instant! Let’s work together to capture some visual memories of the ones you love most. Get in touch HERE to start planning a special portrait session for your newborn baby, family or high school senior. I can’t wait to work with you!

STUDIO REOPENING AND CLEANING POLICIES | CAMP HILL NEWBORN BABY & FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY Read More »