How to Prepare for Your Family Maternity Photos in Camp Hill

04.15.22 04.25.22

Congratulations on your pregnancy, Mama! For all its aches and pains, pregnancy is truly a beautiful time in your life and it’s the start of the most incredible journey. It will be over before you know it, so don’t miss your opportunity to preserve that pregnancy glow on a canvas with maternity portraits. For many moms who are expecting their second, third, or fourth (or later!) child, their pregnancy is a special shared experience for their family, so naturally, they want to include the whole family in their maternity pictures. I happen to love working with kids, so some of my favorite photos to take are family maternity photos in Camp Hill, PA!

You can get your photography session started on the right foot with a little preparation. Follow these tips for a magical family maternity portrait session.

maternity photographer in camp hill pa, professional maternity photos, pregnancy photography camp hill pa

Have an Aesthetic in Mind

Moms are notorious for putting their kids first and themselves last, but your maternity photo session is ultimately about you! Think about how you want your portraits to look. Imagine where you want to display them in your home and what aesthetic you want to capture. As your hometown maternity photographer, I can take your vision and bring it to life by giving you personal guidance on color palettes and wardrobe ideas that will create the look you want.

Choose Your Dream Location for Your Family Maternity Photos in Camp Hill

Now that you have a vision in mind for your family maternity portraits, you want to choose the perfect backdrop for those pictures. Luckily for all of my clients planning family maternity photos in Camp Hill, PA, our area has countless gorgeous outdoor locations ripe for portraits. I have a few favorites that I’ll be happy to share during our consultation. Or, if you prefer, we can plan an indoor session in your home instead. Many of my clients opt for stunning photos within their baby’s nursery.

Plan a Bag of Tricks for Your Kids

We live in the age of social media, so you’ve probably snapped countless pictures of your kids at home. You know, then, how difficult it can be to coax a smile out of a young child at just the right time. Kids who are shy smilers tend to be just as shy during a professional photo session too.

You know your kids better than anyone so you know how to make them smile. Try bringing a “bag of tricks” like a puppet that always gets a giggle, a sound that makes them smile or gets their attention, or other tricks and tools to help me get plenty of shots of those heart-warming smiles.

Invest in Yourself!

Let’s all be honest: pregnancy is stressful. There’s always so much to do to prepare for your baby. For the day of your family maternity photos in Camp Hill, PA, though, you deserve to just relax and get pampered like the queen you are. Consider scheduling professional hair and makeup services so you can look your best without adding more work to your plate.

Consider Bringing a Helping Hand to Your Family Maternity Photos in Camp Hill

As much as you’ll love having maternity photos of your entire family, you’ll also want some portraits that specifically highlight you and your bond with your beloved baby, or you and your significant other. Trust me, the last thing you want to be doing is struggling to watch and discipline your kids while you’re posing for portraits.

You might think about bringing along someone like a friend, nanny, or grandparent to help keep an eye on the kiddos while you and your significant other are in front of the camera. Or, you could arrange for someone to pick up your kids when their photos are done and take them to a playdate until you’re done with your own photos.

Communicate with Your Photographer

This is a biggie! Remember that family maternity photos in Camp Hill, PA are what I do on a daily basis. I’m not just here to snap pictures – I’m here to make the entire process easy and stress-free for you while creating spectacular images you’ll treasure forever. Keep an open line of communication and let me know what you want from your session, what sentimental items you might want to incorporate, and so on. With your vision in mind, I can take it from there and create an experience you’ll lovingly remember throughout your baby’s life.

Schedule Your Family Maternity Photos in Camp Hill

Ready to take the leap and start planning your amazing family maternity photos? Call my Camp Hill, PA photography studio today to book your session and start building your dream with my help.

Your Guide to Combining a Maternity and Family Photoshoot

02.18.22 02.23.22

Pregnancy is a time full of magic for any excited mom-to-be, but in some ways, it’s even better when you have other kids in the house too. Kids have the ability to experience the pure and genuine joy that’s unsullied by the worries of adulthood that are nagging under the surface for every parent-to-be. When you see that glee in your kids’ eyes as they think about their arriving baby brother or sister or when they feel the baby kick in your belly, it pushes those worries aside and reminds us all of the beauty of pregnancy. What better way to celebrate your pregnancy and the happiness it’s bringing to your family than with a maternity family photoshoot? As a family maternity photographer who has captured countless growing families over the years, I’m proud to share some insight into this experience and how you can get the most from your session.

outdoor family and maternity photographer captures images of a family of 3 before they become a family of 4

Why Incorporate the Family into a Maternity Photo Session?

In a maternity photo shoot, the star of the day is always the mom-to-be. After all, it’s your body that’s doing the wondrous work of creating a new baby, and we need to get that glorious glow on camera!

In a family pregnancy photoshoot, you and your baby bump are still the primary focus. We just add a few shots of your family into the mix. It’s a fantastic way to capture the last few weeks you’ll spend with your older kids alone before adding a new baby to the family. Including your kids in your maternity photos is also a great way to help them feel more involved in your pregnancy and in the new baby, encouraging them to develop more of a bond with the baby before their little sister or brother arrives.

Camp Hill Pa Family and Maternity Photographer captures a family together at their outdoor maternity photography session

family of 3 embraces at their maternity photography session

Tips for a Smoother Maternity Family Photoshoot with Kids

If you want to give your kids the gift of a family maternity shoot they’ll treasure as much as you do, there are plenty of ways you can make it a smoother, easier experience for everyone and a fun memory for your kids.

Give Everyone Time in the Spotlight

Over the years, I’ve seen that kids can have many different reactions to the idea of a baby sibling. Some are thrilled from day one and want to be involved in everything. Other times, kids are more hesitant. If you have a big-sibling-in-training who might have a hard time getting on board for a family maternity session, it can help to make sure each child feels special by giving them their own photos. This way, every child feels valued on their own and they’re more likely to fully participate in the photoshoot.

Coordinate Everyone’s Outfits

You already know that you and your loving kids go together like peas and carrots, but in your family maternity shoot, you want to create a visual cohesiveness too by coordinating everyone’s looks. All of my photo sessions are performed on location, either at your home or at an outdoor location. Think about where you’ll have your session and what colors will look best against those backgrounds. Not sure about the color scheme? I can help!

There are a few reminders to note as well. First, have a backup outfit for each person. Kids have a special knack for getting messy at the most inopportune times, especially if you’re having an outdoor photo shoot. Second, keep in mind that you can wear a few different outfits for your maternity portraits, and your family’s outfits only need to coordinate with one of them. Feel free to choose stunning maternity gowns in bold colors for your solo photos.

pregnant bother embraces her toddler son at her maternity and family photo session with karissa zimmer photography

Pack for Comfort

My family maternity sessions last for 1-2 hours, and they’re all done on location. If you choose a location other than your home, that means your family will be out of the house for up to two hours plus the time it takes to get there and get home.

Remember that while you’ll be busy striking gorgeous poses throughout the session, your kids will have some downtime while we’re taking your solo portraits. Plan ahead to bring anything your kids will need to be comfortable for those few hours. That could include toys, on-the-go games, snacks, drinks, blankets, diapers, and more.

Choose Your Photographer Wisely

As you’re looking for a photographer for your portraits, make sure you look for experienced family maternity photographers. Not all maternity photographers have experience working with kids. I’m proud to have spent years pulling together my bag tricks for working with kids. I’ve mastered the art of getting kids into every parent’s favorite poses, capturing candids of kids being themselves, and coaxing smiles out of even the most hesitant of faces.

family of 3 poses together at their family and maternity photography session with karissa zimmer photography

Planning Your Maternity Family Photoshoot

If you have a precious new baby on the way and you want to preserve this moment with your entire family, now is the time to book your session. Contact my photo studio today to get on the schedule and start planning this gift to yourself that you’ll treasure forever.

family and maternity photographer captures outdoor maternity photography images near camp hill pa

couple embraces during their outdoor maternity photoshoot with camp hill pa photographer

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Camp Hill Maternity Photography

03.05.21 01.20.21

husband kisses wife on the forehead at their camp hill maternity session

In the past few years, Camp Hill maternity photography sessions have become more popular and much more common. You’ve probably seen tons of maternity photos on your social media feeds as your friends celebrate their pregnancies. Maybe you’ve considered a maternity session but just aren’t sure if it’s right for you.

Well, if you have questions about maternity photography, I have answers! I put together some information on what to expect from a maternity session. And if you have any questions we don’t answer here, feel free to contact us and ask!

What is a maternity session?

A maternity session is a professional photoshoot during the third trimester of your pregnancy that captures your baby bump and your anticipation as you prepare to welcome your new baby into the world. For first-time parents, it’s a fun way to mark and celebrate the transition into parenthood. For parents who already have kids, it’s often an opportunity for a photoshoot with the whole family.

posed couple maternity photos in camp hill pa

maternity pictures capture expecting mom at her maternity session

Why should I book a Camp Hill maternity photography session?

There are so many reasons why maternity photography is worth the investment. I may be a little biased as a photographer, but I believe important moments in your life should be captured so you can look back on those memories for years to come. Whether this is your first child or not, your life and your family are both about to change in big ways. A maternity photo session allows you to capture the moment right before that change and celebrate what you and your partner have created together: a growing family.

family maternity pictures captured my karissa zimmer photography

What should I wear for maternity photos?

Like any photography session, this depends on your unique style and personality! My favorite option for maternity photos are flowing, floor-length gowns that give off an air of grace and elegance. They often make my maternity clients feel especially beautiful! But you can also wear your favorite maternity outfit, especially for a lifestyle session in your home.

When it comes to choosing a color, I always recommend opting for earth or jewel tones that are flattering to most skin tones, or even light pastels. Be sure to wear clothing that is fitted rather than flowy, so you can easily show off your bump!

parents pose with their little boy during maternity session with karissa zimmer photography

When should I book a Camp Hill maternity photography session?

It’s never too soon to book! If you find a photographer you love, be sure to go ahead and book your session as soon as possible to ensure they have space for you on their calendar. As far as timing, you’ll want to schedule your session for some time after your 28^th week of pregnancy when your bump is very visible but you’re not quite ready to pop just yet! If you’re expecting multiples, schedule your session for a little earlier, as your bump will already be more pronounced.

maternity photographer in camp hill captures family together during their session

What should I do with my maternity photos?

There are so many options! You can always share your images on social media, but I also recommend purchasing wall art or other print products like albums to create a family keepsake. As your child grows up, they will love having the chance to look back and see what your life was like before they were born—and how excited you were to welcome them into your family. Maternity photos also make great gifts for the grandparents-to-be!

family poses together during their camp hill maternity photography session with karissa zimmer phtography

How do I find the right maternity photographer?

When choosing a photographer for your maternity session, you want to find someone whose style matches your vision for your images. Ask friends and family for recommendations of local photographers or check out Instagram or Pinterest for images you like and photographers in your area.

Remember that your experience is just as important as the photos you receive! So, talk to your favorite photographer about their process and the products they have to offer. Don’t be afraid to ask any questions you may have! The more you know, the better you can make an informed decision about what photographer is right for you.

camp hill pa maternity photographer captures family together during their session

Karissa Zimmer Photography | Camp Hill PA Maternity Photographer

Thank you so much for visiting Karissa Zimmer Photography! As a luxury portrait photographer, I want to make sure each photo session is a wonderful experience for my clients, and that it results in cherished keepsakes for your family.

My goal for each session is to create printed, tangible and beautiful artwork for your home and life. This includes heirloom albums, fine art framed print, modern Italian wall art and custom artwork created just for your style. Your portrait memories should be a testament of your life and passed down for generations to come.

Book Your Session

Interested in booking a session? Please enter your information here and you can expect a phone call from me! Just a little reminder: Maternity, Newborn, baby and family sessions do book several months in advance. For newborn portrait sessions please be sure to contact me while you are still pregnant. Maternity sessions typically take place between weeks 33-36 of your pregnancy. Newborn sessions take place within the first 10 days of your baby’s life. I book a very limited number of newborn sessions each month, so please contact me as soon as possible to set up your consultation to reserve a spot. I can’t wait to welcome you into my studio and capture these precious memories for you!

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

06.06.20 06.06.20

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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:

Clients will be asked to wash hands upon entering.
Photographer will wear a face mask during all newborn sessions.
I will kindly ask that you remove shoes upon entering.
All props will be provided by me in the studio. No outside props, please.
Only immediate family members and persons being photographed are permitted to attend.
Camera and lighting gear will be disinfected prior to the session.
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!

How To Support Your Photographer During COVID-19 | Camp Hill PA Photographer

04.17.20 04.17.20

If you have a favorite photographer or photographer friend in your life…check on us. We are not ok! It is a very scary time for all of us small business owners. But, there are ways you can help support us in this time of crisis. If you’re not able to shop and spend with us, keep us in your thoughts and prayers! In addition, please, please share our social media posts, leave a glowing Google review, or tag us in your favorite photo that we took. These little things all help so much more than you can imagine!

Like many photographers, my slow season is usually ending as soon as the first blooms start to break the dead of winter. It’s the time for fresh new life and outdoor maternity photos, family portrait sessions, pictures of children happily playing outside. I am usually on bloom “look out” and casing out my favorite locations for those beautiful tree blossoms that make for the perfect maternity, senior or family photography session. This is a time I look forward to every year as do many of my clients. This year is so very different. And so very scary too.

Small Businesses Need Your Support

I am blessed in so many ways. I thank God everyday that I am able to do what I love as my job! However, I don’t think anything could have prepared me for this COVID crisis. Many of you know that I am a solo mom of an awesome 12 year old daughter and that my photography business is my (typically-MORE than) full time job. It’s my livelihood – my bread and butter. Not being able to make a living for (at this point) over a month is tough. And to kick, most little businesses like mine have not yet seen a penny of our government’s promised help. I know there are many, many people walking in my shoes right now. Certainly, I am not alone! I want to be here to see you again when dust settles. And I want to connect and capture the moments that mean the most to you. Not only do I miss my clients and doing what I love so much, I miss being able to make a living to provide for my daughter and I. The good news is, there are lots of ways you can help support the photographer in your life! Some of them costing $0!

How You Can Support Your Photographer during this crisis:

1. Buy Products

Remember that extra piece of wall art or album that you loved so much and wanted to add later? This is a perfect time to invest in an additional product/s from your previous session! It’s also a fantastic way for you show your support monetarily…and to purchase something beautiful that you and your children will have forever. Need to see your album layouts or images on your walls again? No problem. Let me know and I will create new wall mock-ups for you or provide you with the ones you saw during your ordering session. I would be happy to Skype screen share and walk you through the ordering process again to help you make the perfect selections!

2. Purchase a gift certificate to use at a future session

Do you already have a session booked with me or know that have your memories captured every year by “yours truly”? You can purchase a gift certificate in any amount to use toward portrait products at your future ordering session! It never expires and gets you a jump start on your order…and helps support your favorite photographer during these crazy times!

3. Leave a Great Review

Google reviews are literally worth their weight in gold! For every positive review I receive, not only does it help attract potential amazing clients (like you!), but Google thinks I’m the bees knees and puts me higher up in search results. Lets be real, when is the last time you ventured past the first page of search results?!

4. Engage on/share social media posts

Let’s be honest, no one has a lot on their daily calendar right now anyways, and there is a pretty good chance you’re on your phone scrolling through Instagram and Facebook. Likes, comments and shares are are all super helpful and show that you care about your photographer! Commenting and spreading the love helps our posts stay relevant and could introduce us to potential clients that you’re connected with on social media.

5. Refer me to your friends

A referral of friends and family is the greatest compliment you can give your photographer! If you’re not in the position to spend on a portrait product from a previous session or towards your future session, maybe you know someone who is looking to update their family pictures or add some art to their walls. Referring your friend or loved one to hire me as their photographer is showing me that you trust me and my work so much that you want someone you care about to experience working with me. That means the world.

Thank you to all of my amazing clients for your love and continued support. Not only now, but all the times you’ve trusted me to capture your memories and supported my little business in the past.

Love,

Karissa

Camp Hill Pa photographer asks for small business support during COVID crisis

To contact me about purchasing a product or gift certificate to use toward future products you can reach out to me via phone or text at 717-991-7414 or send me a message HERE.

I would love for you to follow me on HERE on Instagram!

Karissa Zimmer Photography is a Camp Hill PA photographer specializing in Newborn, Maternity, Family and High school senior portraits. She services all of Central PA including Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, Camp Hill, Hershey, Carlisle, and surrounding areas.

Camp Hill PA maternity pictures