How to choose the best family photographer

03.30.22 04.25.22

best family photographer near me, camp hill family photography, family portraits, professional family photos

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!

Mechanicsburg Family Photographer | The Panchura Family

03.04.22 03.10.22

Mechanicsburg Pa Photographer, Mechanicsburg Family Photographer, family photography near me, professional family photos, family portraits harrisburg pa — 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!

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

Harrisburg Family Photography | The Peter Allen House

02.05.22 01.12.22

Harrisburg PA Family of 5 poses together at their outdoor family Photography session at The Peter Allen House — Harrisburg Family Photography at The Peter Allen House

When the Colello Family inquired about a super special Harrisburg family photography session, I was struck immediately by their very significant and sentimental location request! I never could have guessed how adorable they’d all be in person! What is most extraordinary about this family, though, is undeniably the love they all have for each other!

Harrisburg Family Photography session at The Peter Allen House

Jenn and Pete had been married for almost 10 years. They wanted to go back to the location where they said their wedding vowels a decade earlier. Since saying “I do” at The Peter Allen House they’ve welcomed 3 beautiful little girls into their sweet family. And what an adorable crew they make! I absolutely loved the significance of their location choice! Jenn and Pete are still so into each other. And it’s evident in the way work together to parent their precious girls. Their kiddos are some of the most photogenic, friendly and kind little souls! Middle daughter, Julie even takes lots of hair pulling from her little sis with so much patience and grace! And while it’s natural for parents to worry about kiddos struggling to sit still during a session, I always tell parents to let them be kids! And as you see, it always works out!

3 Young Sisters are photographed together by family photographer, Karissa Zimmer Photography — Children’s Portraits near Harrisburg PA

The Family Portraits

As you can see from even just a quick glance through their photos, genuine connection, love, and joy are the qualities that turn beautiful family photos into the kind that take your breath away! Those sincere moments of connection are the ones families like the Colellos will treasure on the walls of their home for decades.

When I’m planning every Harrisburg family photography session, my number one goal is to bring out the unique personality of the family in front of my lens! I noticed right away that the Colellos were especially easy going yet sentimental. So, I made it my mission to capture that in photos! By taking them back to the spot where it all began 10 years ago, I was able to highlight something so special!

Full Service Portrait Photography

It’s also so important to me that family photos this magical don’t just hide away on your computer hard drive forever. This is why I am a full service portrait photographer. Therefore, I encourage all my clients to invest in displays for their images. Whether that be through an heirloom album to pass around on holidays or a gallery full of wall art. During your order appointment, I will use special design software to show you exactly how your family portraits will look like on your very own walls!

I had such a blast telling the Colello’s family story with my camera during our Harrisburg family photography session at The Peter Allen house! I hope to see them for another photo session again soon!

Are you looking to take family photos of your own? Let’s chat! Shoot me a message and I will be in touch to help you create something special. Every step of the way!

Young girl poses with pink Hydrangeas at The Peter Allen House near Harrisburg PA

Little girl smiles while posing in purple flowers at her family photo shoot at The Peter Allen House — Young girl poses with pink Hydrangeas at The Peter Allen House near Harrisburg PA

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!