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

05.14.22 05.12.22

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Questions to Ask Your Newborn Photographer

03.25.22 04.25.22

Newborn photography is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to preserve this incredibly special and brief time in your baby’s life. You only get one chance for these sentimental portraits, so of course, you want to make the most of this opportunity. And who’s the expert in making the most of your session? Your newborn photographer, of course!

As you’re hiring a newborn photographer in Camp Hill PA or wherever you are, asking the right questions can allow you to enjoy a smoother process with outstanding results. To help you make that happen, I’m laying out the top questions to ask your newborn photographer.

newborn photographer near me, harrisburg baby photography, professional baby photos

What Can I Expect from the Process Ahead?

Every photographer has their own process and their own steps they follow. Will there be an in-person consultation or just a chat over the phone? How long will your photo session be? When and how will you be able to order your finished products? This varies for each photographer, so it’s not a good idea to make assumptions.

As an example, here’s a rundown of my process:

In-person Consultation – We’ll chat about how to prepare for your session and what to expect during your session, as well as your vision for your newborn portraits and the ways you want to use your finished portraits (where you might want to hang them in your home, for instance) so I can customize your session to fit your vision.
Your Newborn Photo Session – We’ll meet in my comfortable and well-equipped home studio, starting in the morning for a relaxed session of up to six hours so we can allow as much time as you need for feeding and soothing your baby between shots.
Editing – I’ll custom edit the best photos from your session to give you that true “wow” factor.
Viewing and Ordering Appointment – You’ll return to my studio for your appointment about two weeks after your photo session, where I’ll present you with a slideshow with all your amazing newborn photos and you’ll decide what finished products you want to order
Delivery – I’ll deliver your finished heirloom-quality products to you about 4-6 weeks after your ordering appointment and help you hang your pieces in your home so you can enjoy them immediately.

How Should I Prepare for My Newborn Photo Session?

In newborn photography, I recognize that many of my clients have never had a newborn photo session before, and for those who have, it was probably years ago. Make sure you’re receiving clear guidance about how to prepare for your session. For example, is there an ideal time you should feed your baby before the session? Should you try to get your baby to sleep when you arrive? Is there anything you should do or avoid to make sure your baby is feeling and looking picture-perfect?

What Should I Bring to My Newborn Photography Session?

As you saw above, my newborn photography sessions can last up to six hours. Babies have so many “accessories” they need over that amount of time, and so do new mamas – diapers, wipes, potentially a breast pump, snacks, and so on. There might also be specific items you want to incorporate into your newborn portraits, like family heirlooms or other items of significance. Make sure you get a list from your newborn photographer of anything they suggest that you bring to your session.

Can Parents and Siblings Be in the Newborn Photos?

Some families want the spotlight to be entirely on their new baby, while others want their photos to show this special moment in life for the entire family. Make sure you ask about this in advance so you know who to bring to your session and who should be picture-ready.

Each photographer has different policies, but I include parents in newborn portraits for no additional fee. For families with other children, I recommend my add-on sibling portrait session. This one to two-hour lifestyle session will take place at your home within one week of your newborn photo session. This way, your kids can be where they’re comfortable and you don’t have to bring them to your six-hour newborn session and keep them occupied for that length of time.

What Types of Photo Products Do You Offer as a Newborn Photographer?

Ultimately, the most magical part of newborn photography is having high-quality items that will last for generations. Make sure you know what your options will be, because each photographer sources these items from different artisans or businesses, and some don’t handle finished products at all. At my studio, for example, I proudly offer fine art custom framed prints, well-crafted Italian wall art, customized heirloom albums, mounted prints, and more.

Getting the Scoop from Your Newborn Photographer

As you’re hiring a newborn photographer, the questions you ask will set you up for an easier, less stressful process because you’ll have a clear understanding of the road ahead. Finding the right questions to ask your newborn photographer is the first step. Use the questions above to get the best results from your newborn portrait session. If you’re in the market for a photographer, schedule your newborn photography session with me in Harrisburg, PA today.

Family Photographer Near Me Camp Hill | The Whittaker Family

01.13.22 01.13.22

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

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

Individual Child Portraits by Camp Hill PA Photographer – Karissa Zimmer Photography

The McGrath Family | Family Photographer near Camp Hill PA

12.15.21 12.15.21

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

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 — Family Photographer Camp Hill | Fall Family Photographer | The McGrath Family

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 — Best Photographer Camp Hill | Fall Family Photography | Hannah’s First Birthday Session

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 Photoshoot near Camp Hill PA

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 — Fall Family Photography Session

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!

Choosing the best newborn photographer near Camp Hill PA

11.11.21 11.13.21

Choosing the best newborn photographer near Camp Hill PA may be one of the most important decisions you make when expecting a new baby! There are a few key factors that you may want to think about when deciding on something so very important! Are you patiently awaiting a new baby in the coming months? Have you just welcomed a precious newborn into the world? Your baby will only be a tiny newborn for such a very short time. Capturing these special new moments through professional newborn photography is likely on your mind! While price can often be a factor for many people when choosing a newborn photographer, it most certainly shouldn’t be your only deciding factor. Here you can find some great tips for choosing the best Camp Hill newborn photographer.

Best newborn photographer near camp Hill PA captures baby boy in newborn photo studio

Camp Hill Newborn Photographer SAFETY trained.

The safety of your baby should be your number one priority when choosing the best photographer to capture these sweet, delicate moments. Almost every expecting parent does a ton of research when it comes to selecting safe products and services such as bottles, car seats, cribs and child care providers. You will want to use this same standard of care when it comes to choosing your newborn photographer. You’ll want to know that the photographer who is handling and posing your sweet baby has the training necessary to pose your baby safely. A few things to ask your potential newborn photographer…

Does the photographer have in-person newborn photography training?
How long has the photographer been posing newborns?
What is the studio sick policy?
What are the studio cleaning practices?
Is the photographer insured?
Are there any additional precautions being taken?

I personally prioritize the safety of your baby above all else. There is absolutely nothing more important to me than keeping your precious little love safe during his or her newborn session. I have nearly 14 years experience working with newborn babies and have invested thousands of dollars in training workshops. I am constantly learning and perfecting my skill level and craft.

Specializing in Posed Newborn Photography.

When choosing the best newborn photographer near Camp Hill PA you will most certainly want to know that handling newborns is their area of expertise. Therefore, you’ll want to make sure that posing newborn babies is what your photographer specializes in. Professional newborn photographers should have the very specific and specialized training that is necessary when handling and posing tiny babies. An experienced newborn photographer will know how to sooth, position and pose your baby in the safest way. There are many genres of photography. Just because someone owns a camera and calls themselves a photographer does not mean they have the specialized training necessary to photograph a newborn. Quite like you would not seek the care of a cardiologist to deliver your baby even though they are both doctors – you likely won’t seek a wedding photographer or a family friend with a nice camera to photograph your baby.

Camp Hill Newborn Photographer captures studio newborn photos

The Location and Style

Each and every professional newborn photographer will have their very own special, unique style. Your newborn’s portraits will be something you have to look back on to remember and cherish for your entire lifetime. Therefore, it’s very important to choose a photographer with a style and images that tug at your heart strings. These images of your baby will be on display on your walls for many years to come, so be sure to select a photographer with a style that you love! I specialize in posed newborn photography and enjoy turning images of your most precious creation into works of art.

How far is the photographer’s studio located from your home? If you’re located in Central PA and looking for studio newborn photography near Mechanicsburg, Harrisburg or Camp Hill then my cozy newborn studio is just a short car ride away.

Investment and Artwork. “Full Service” vs “All-Inclusive” Newborn Photography

Newborn photography prices are based on a variety of factors such as the photographer’s experience and training, the quality of their work, the amount of time they spend working with each client throughout their portrait process, a customized-full service experience vs. a generic all- inclusive, product offering and quality, and design services offered.

I am a custom, full service newborn photographer. My focus is on a quality experience and product. I walk my clients through the entire portrait process from start to finish. From our initial phone conversation, through consultation, newborn photo session, ordering appointment and the delivery of your portrait art. I put great time, love and care into your newborn photography experience. It is my belief that any great product or service takes time when done well. I spend about 40 hours with each client from start to finish, making sure each of them receive exceptional quality and care, and a product that will help you remember your baby as a newborn, forever.

You can find newborn photography priced anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the photographer and type of service they offer. A client of mine can typically expect to invest an amount between $2000 and $10,000 (although some spend a bit more or less) on a variety of portrait art such as beautiful framed prints, Italian wall art, heirloom albums, and keepsake folio display cases.

Professional newborn photography is an incredible luxury and a worthwhile investment in this wonderful time in your life! Your baby will only be so tiny for such a short time.

Newborn photographer in camp hill photographs baby boy in newborn photography studio

Am I the best Camp Hill Newborn Photographer for you?

Find out! I would love to share more about my custom newborn photography experience with you, and answer any questions you may have for me! The best way to start is to get in touch with me by filling out my short contact form HERE. You can expect a phone call from me so that we can chat about the details and to set up a time for you to come to the studio for a newborn photography consultation. I can’t wait to connect with you!

new parents pose with their newborn baby boy in camp hill newborn photography studio

newborn baby boy posed in dads hands by camp hill newborn photographer karissa zimmer photography

Karissa Zimmer is an experienced professional newborn photographer based in Camp Hill and serving the surrounding areas, including Mechanicsburg, Harrisburg, Hershey and Carlisle.