Tips for Including Kids in a Hershey PA Outdoor Maternity Photo Shoot

05.17.25

If you already have kids at home and you have a new baby on the way, one of the choices you’ll have to make about your Hershey PA outdoor maternity photo shoot is whether to include your kids in some of your portraits. This is an incredibly personal decision, and as a maternity photographer and a mom, I think both choices are equally valid and respectable. You do what feels best to you!

If you do choose to include your children in a maternity photo shoot, it’s true that this does take a bit of extra planning and coordination, but I’m here to help! Here are a few tips for a maternity photo session with kids.

A Family of 3 poses while anxiously awaiting the arrival of a newborn baby boy at their outdoor family and maternity photography session in Hershey PA

Consider a Child-Friendly Location for Your Hershey PA Outdoor Maternity Photo Shoot

Choosing a location is one of the most important parts of planning any photo shoot because it affects the aesthetics of your photos so much. Don’t worry, because I know all the best spots in the area for every season and I’m happy to help you choose a setting!

If you’re bringing your child, I’ll take that into consideration and look for a location where you child can have some fun. This might mean an area that has more space to run around and play rather than a small wooded clearing. This way, your child can have more fun during the session and we can let their playful little personality come out.

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Have a Plan for Child-Free Portraits

As special as it is for your child to be in your maternity portraits, this photo shoot is ultimately about you and your motherhood journey - you’re the star! I think it’s so important to have at least some portraits of you solo.

To make these solo portraits smoother, bring something to keep your child occupied during those shots, like a toy or game they enjoy.

A mom and dad to be share a moment at their outdoor maternity photography session with Karissa Zimmer Photography

Booking Your Family Maternity Portraits

Your maternity photo shoot should be an exciting and enjoyable celebration of your pregnancy and your anticipation for the amazing gift you’re welcoming into your family. Whether you’re including your children or not, I’m here to make it a fantastic time! Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography and let’s chat about how to make your maternity photos magical.

A mom to be poses for maternity photos at a beautiful outdoor location near Hershey PA

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Hershey PA Family Photo Session: At What Age Should You Start Family Photos?

02.06.25

The beautiful family whose portraits are featured in this blog were an absolute joy to work with! As a photographer who takes family portraits as well as baby portraits like newborn photos and cake smash photos, a family session like this gives me the best of both worlds: I get to work with a sweet baby AND capture the genuine joy and love within their family. But some parents ask if their child is too young for a Hershey PA family photo session, and that brings up the question: when should you start taking family photos?

The fast answer is: as early as you can! Starting to have professional family portraits taken when your child is an infant is such a gift to your future self and your family in several ways.

Hershey PA outdoor family photography session with a mom, dad and their one year old baby daughter

Watch Your Family Grow Together

At this moment, you know every detail of your baby so well - you could close your eyes and picture their little face to the finest detail, and hear their little giggle with precision. But everything about your little one will change as they get older, and as the parent of a teenager, I can tell you that mementos of their earlier days will become more and more precious every year. If you start a habit of taking yearly family portraits when your child is a baby, someday you’ll have the most meaningful storybook made up of family photos from each year of their life, and it will bring you endless joy no matter how old they become.

Best Hershey PA Family Photographer captures a sweet moment between a mom and her one year old baby girl at their family portrait session with Karissa Zimmer Photography

Have the Whole Family in Photos

A lot of parents think, “I have plenty of photos, I snap pictures of my kids all the time!” But you might not realize until years later that there are hardly any with your whole family - including you, the parents, because you’re always behind the camera. Family portraits allow you to not only see and remember your sweet children but they let you reminisce about being with your kids too - that day that you spent playing in the park with them during your photo shoot, taking time out of your busy lives to make memories together.

A father looks at his baby girl during their Hershey PA photo session

A Hershey PA Family Photo Session with a Baby Isn’t as Difficult as You Think

A lot of parents hesitate about taking family portraits when their kids are babies because they worry that it’ll be too hard to get good family pics with a baby or toddler, so they don’t start until the kids are elementary aged or even older. But allow me to reassure you - it’s not as challenging as you might think! I’ll talk to you about how to prepare your kids, and I have some tricks up my sleeve too to get some beautiful and genuine smiles from the whole family. Trust me, it’s well worth having a lifelong reminder of these moments.

A Dad and his one year old baby girl share a moment together at their Family Photography session with Hershey PA photographer Baby girl is all smiles as she sits on a little wooden bed prop at her family photos near Hershey with Karissa Zimmer Photography

If you have a little one at home, now is the time to start the tradition of a yearly Hershey PA family photo session! Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography and let’s start planning your session together.

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Celebrating New Chapters with Hershey PA Family Photography

10.08.24

Life might feel like it goes by in a flash, but when we look back at our life, we tend to see it in chapters. You might remember a fun story and think, “Oh that was when we were living in Such-and-Such Town” or “That was during those years when all the kids were at home and hadn’t started school.” When those types of life changes happen and launch a new chapter, like moving to a new city or just a new home, each child starting kindergarten, and each child leaving the nest, what better way to celebrate and memorialize them than with Hershey PA family photography? Here’s why.

Best Family Photographer near Hershey PA captures a beautiful fall family portrait outdoors amongst flowers. — Best Outdoor Family Photography near Hershey PA

1. Documenting the Start of Something New

In your family photo albums, these portraits will mark the beginning of a new chapter in your story. You’ll be able to bring yourself back to this moment when life changed in some way, and you’ll forever have this image of how your family looked and who you all were at this juncture. Years later when you embark on your next adventure together, like when you move to another new city, you’ll be able to look back and see how much your family has grown and changed in these years.

Hershey Photographer, Karissa Zimmer Photography, Captures the bond between two brothers at their outdoor family photo session.

2. Creating Memories Together in Your New Chapter with Hershey PA Family Photography

A family photo session is about so much more than the photos themselves. The session is an experience that you have together as a family. When you have a family photo session to commemorate a move or another big change in life, the session can be a bonding experience with your family and a way to say, “We’re all in this together.” It can bring you closer amid all of life’s changes and it creates memories of the photo session that you can all look back on fondly.

A family of 4 poses on a rock in the river for their portrait session with Karissa Zimmer Photography

3. Celebrating New Experiences Together

Big changes and new chapters in life bring new experiences for the whole family, and family portraits can be a way to remember those new experiences. Take the family whose photos are featured in this blog, for example. They recently moved to the Hershey area and this is the first time they’ve lived somewhere that had a traditional fall – chilly weather, colorful foliage, falling leaves, the works. This family portrait session is a way to remember the start of this exciting chapter of life (living in Pennsylvania) and to remember the first traditional fall they’ve shared. I know that, years down the line, they’ll absolutely love having these portraits to look back on.

Husband and wife embrace lovingly at their outdoor family portrait session in Central PA

Hershey Photographer captures outdoor images of a husband and wife during their fall family photography session.

Honor Your Family’s Story with Hershey PA Family Photography

As a family photographer, I’m passionate about giving every family the joy and beauty of professional family portraits, and it’s even more special when those portraits are celebrating the start of a new adventure you’re taking together. If your family is moving into a new chapter of your story, whether it’s a move, a graduation, a new baby, or whatever it might be, contact Karissa Zimmer Photography and let’s preserve this moment with family photos.

Outdoor fall family photos near Hershey with Karissa Zimmer Photography.

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Hershey PA Family Photography: 3 Common Concerns You Don’t Have to Worry About

05.29.24

The idea of organizing a family photo shoot can be stressful for many parents - I get it! You already have a busy schedule, so how will you find the time for the session, finding outfits, and all the other details? What if you spend all that time and don’t like how you look in the photos? I completely understand, and I’m here to help! The good news is that you don’t have to stress about your Hershey PA family photography as much as you think you do. These are some common concerns I’ve noticed among parents and why you can set your worries aside.

Family of 4 sits together on a little bridge near Hershey PA during their family photography session with Central PA photographer, Karissa Zimmer — Family Photoshoot near Hershey PA

Picking Out Family Photo Outfits

This is a part of the planning that many families stress over, but when you have the help of a professional photographer, it’s so much easier than you think! During your in-person consultation, we’ll talk about color palettes and what I suggest for your family. As you’re choosing outfits, you can even send me pictures and I’ll let you know what I recommend.

Mother, Father and two young daughters pose together during their Hershey Family photoshoot — Hershey Family Photography Session

Looking Your Best in Your Photos

So many people worry that they won’t like how they look in their photos, especially if you don’t like how you look in selfies and quick photos you take on your phone. But trust me, having a professional photographer is a whole different ball game! The families in the photos you see throughout my website aren’t models, they’re real people in the local area that I’ve photographed. Rest assured that I’ll guide your posing and other details to make sure I highlight your best side (and do the same for everyone in your family).

sisters sit together on a little bench at their outdoor family photo session in Central PA — Hershey Children's Photography

Creating a Display for Your Family Photos

Another common worry families have is that they’ll invest their time, energy, and money into a beautiful family photo shoot and then be lost when it comes to displaying those portraits. After all, it’s not easy to find a great printing provider, figure out a display design that will look wonderful in your home, order the prints, and then hang them up. That’s why I make sure my clients can skip all that work! We’ll meet together to go over your portraits and choose your favorites, and I’ll help you design and order a stunning display that’s perfect for your home.

Full service Family Photographer, Karissa Zimmer, creates a wall portrait display for a Hershey family — Full Service Portrait Photography Framed Wall Portrait Grouping

Let’s Get Started with Your Worry-Free Hershey PA Family Photography

So much of the family photography experience depends on the photographer you hire. I make sure that every one of my clients has an enjoyable, low-stress experience. Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography and let’s start planning yours!

Little girl smiles happily at her outdoor family photography session with Karissa Zimmer Photography — Best Outdoor Photography near Hershey PA

Family of 4 embraces each other during their outdoor photography session in Pennsylvania — Best Outdoor Photography near Hershey PA

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6 Things Your Family Photographer in Hershey Wants You to Know

06.28.23

For many parents, the mere idea of a family photo session makes them feel stressed because they’re worried about all the work that goes into planning outfits, blocking out the schedule, getting the kids to cooperate during the session, and so on. It doesn’t have to be that way, though! As your trusted family photographer in Hershey, I know that the family photography process can be smooth, simple, and even enjoyable. To help improve your next family photo experience, check out these six things I wish all of my clients knew.

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1. Photos of the Whole Family Matter

Parents often find themselves justifying a lack of family photos because they’re constantly taking pictures of the kids and their childhood adventures…and because they’re self-conscious about being in the pictures. The fact is, though, that for your children, having photos of the whole family together will one day be priceless. One day your children will only have their memories of you, and portraits of the entire family together will bring those memories back to life.

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2. Each Photographer’s Style is Unique

Photography is an art form, just like painting and writing music, so every photographer has their own artistic style. If you have a specific vision in mind for the way you want your family portraits to look, make sure you go to a photographer who creates in that same style. Know that while every family’s portraits are unique, you can expect your photos to have the same general style as the other photos in your photographer’s profile.

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3. I’m Here to Help as Your Family Photographer in Hershey

This is a big one! The reason so many parents dread family photos is the planning, like picking out outfits for everyone. You don’t have to do that alone! When you hire me as your photographer, I’m here to share my expertise at every step of the way. I’m happy to give you guidance and answer any questions you have, so just ask.

Best Hershey PA Family Photography Karissa Zimmer

4. Your Photos Deserve More Than a Social Media Post

Professional family photos are an investment, and your images deserve to be treasured and enjoyed for years to come. When you love your photos, you’re eager to share them with all your friends and family members on social media, and that’s wonderful! But that shouldn’t be the only way you enjoy your portraits. Displaying family photos on your walls gives you stunning custom artwork and allows you to relive beloved memories every day. It doesn’t have to take a lot of extra work to do this, either - my full-service photography studio can handle all of this for you.

Outdoor candid family photos near Hershey

5. It Helps to Stick with the Same Family Photographer in Hershey

There are so many family photographers out there, and you might find yourself wishing you could try them all. There’s a special advantage to hiring the same photographer for all of your family’s professional portraits, though.

The best photos happen when everyone is comfortable and confident, and this naturally happens as your family gets to know your photographer and vice versa. As your kids get more comfortable with your photographer, they’re more likely to relax and make every session a better experience with better outcomes.

6. What Matters Most is Having Fun!

When parents think of family photos, their minds often immediately go to the work involved, but it doesn’t have to be that way. You don’t need to be stressing about things like a few wrinkles on clothing or a dirt spot or two. My aim is to capture your family’s spirit on camera - the laughter, the affection, the way you relate to each other. It’s this authenticity that will make your family portraits that much more special. So during your session, just relax and enjoy the time with your kids. I can retouch a pimple or a grass mark, but I can’t put a genuine smile on your face.

Creating the Best Experience with Your Family Photographer in Hershey

As a trusted family photographer, I’ve spent years helping families throughout the Hershey and Harrisburg areas to create the beautiful, lifelong heirlooms that are custom family portraits. The tips above can help you to enjoy not only a smoother, more positive experience but better family portraits you’ll love forever. Want to learn more? Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography and let’s chat.

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Outdoor Baby photos by Hershey PA family photographer

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Family Photography in Hershey: Are Family Photos Worth It?

06.08.23

You’re raising a family, and your schedule is constantly packed, so the idea of adding a family photo session to your plate sounds exhausting. I get it! The fact is, though, that with a full-service photographer, a photo session doesn’t have to be as much of a hassle as you expect it to be, because I’ll take care of the details. With that in mind, there are several reasons why investing in family photography in Hershey will be worth it for you and your kids alike.

Capturing Special Moments of Togetherness with Family Photography in Hershey

Family photos aren’t just posed portraits of everyone smiling stiffly at the camera. As a photographer, I have a trained eye for capturing the sweet moments of closeness between you and your family. It’s all about preserving authentic moments of love and joy with your family, and that’s something you won’t get with DIY snapshots.

Mother and sons photographed together at outdoor family photography session — Outdoor family photos in Hershey

High-Quality Portraits for Versatile Use

When you get a truly fantastic family picture that makes everyone look great, you want to use it for everything - social media, wall art, photo gifts, holiday cards, you name it. So it’s heartbreaking if that wonderful picture is just a low-resolution picture you snapped on your phone. With professional family photography in Hershey, you’ll get spectacular portraits that are high-quality enough that you can use them for anything, and I’ll even help you turn them into custom artwork for your home.

brothers photographed together at their family photo session in Hershey PA — Hershey child photographer

Lifelong Family Heirlooms

This time in your life, when your kids are young, is a time that you and they will cherish in the years ahead. One day, after you have lived your life, your kids will only have their memories of you…and pictures to bring back those memories. Family portraits are irreplaceable, beautiful gifts for your future children.

Investing in Your Family Photography in Hershey

To families all over the world, family photography is well worth the time and investment, and I’m honored to help so many throughout the Hershey area to invest in this special gift. To book your session, contact Karissa Zimmer Photography today.

Family photographed together at their outdoor family photo session in Hershey PA

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Should You Include Siblings in a Hershey Maternity Photo Shoot?

11.23.22

Maternity portraits celebrate one of the most unique and treasured times in your life. I’m honored to help families throughout the Hershey, PA area to preserve lifelong memories of this meaningful time. If you’re planning a Hershey maternity portrait session, you may have the same question that countless other families ask: should you include your children in your maternity photos?

maternity portraits Hershey PA, maternity photography in Hershey PA, maternity photographer near me — Hershey Maternity and Family Photography

The Beauty of Family Maternity Portraits

When you’re preparing to welcome a new baby into your family, the entire family is involved. Your older child may be excited to meet their baby sibling and eager to become a big brother or big sister. In many families, there’s already a unique bond before the new baby has even arrived.

This is why including your kids in your Hershey maternity portraits can be so meaningful. You’re paying homage to the fact that the entire family is ready to embrace the new baby with love and warmth. If your older child is somewhat distant from their soon-to-be sibling, this photo session can also be a fantastic way to help them feel more involved in the pregnancy. You can even use the photo shoot as an opportunity to take some solo portraits of your child or children before the new baby arrives.

Celebrating Your Special Time

While some moms-to-be enjoy bringing the entire family for their maternity portraits, it’s also important to remember that this photo session is in honor of you! Amid the discomforts, physical changes, and stresses of pregnancy, maternity portraits can help you remember that you are an absolute bombshell who deserves to feel strong and confident. For some moms-to-be, maternity portraits are incredibly personal in this way, and you may not want to incorporate the entire family.

Your Hershey Maternity Portraits, Your Call!

Ultimately, the question of whether you should include your kids in your maternity portraits comes down to you. This is your photo session, and I’m happy to work with whatever makes you feel comfortable and will help you enjoy your session most. There’s no wrong answer!

To start planning your maternity photos, contact my Hershey area portrait studio today.

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Hershey PA Family Photographer | The Stirpe Family

02.24.22

I love being a Hershey PA Family Photographer! I hold this family so close to my heart! The Stirpe Family has continued to trust me to capture their family portraits for the last 4 years! I’ve even been lucky enough to document and watch their littlest, Ava, grow up since birth! That is truly the greatest compliment and honor any Hershey PA Family Photographer can possibly receive! Not only are my clients trusting me to capture and create the best images for them, but they are trusting me with a piece of their family’s lives and I do not take that lightly!

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Choosing a location for your Hershey PA Family Photos

I must say, this family is a true creature of habit! They have one location they have loved over and over for the past few years! But this time, we all agreed it was time for a nice change-up! We decided on Founder’s Hall at The Milton Hershey School for the Stirpe’s family photos. The grounds here are absolutely beautiful during any time of year. It truly makes for the perfect setting for a Hershey family photo session!

Hershey Outdoor Child portraits, Hershey outdoor family photo, Hershey PA Family Photographer, family photography in Hershey PA, Hershey photographer, family photography packages — Child Photographer Hershey PA

Summer Family Photography sessions

Now, when I say the Stirpes’ are creatures of habit I am not kidding! Just like they’ve got their favorite location, they also had a serious tendency to LOVE fall family photography. I’m pretty certain I’ve spent approximately 3 of the 4 years we worked together trying to convert them to summer family photography session clients! This past year WE DID IT! We did a Hershey PA summer family photo shoot and it was pure magic. Hands down, my favorite session we ever captured together! I think we could agree that the summer “magic hour” is truly the most magical!

Build a relationship with your Family photographer!

I truly adore these 4 people. My clients that I get to see each year become my people! Almost like an extension of my family and friend circle! I love that we can laugh together, have our yearly “inside jokes” and most of all watch their babies grow up together. I believe family photography is such a personal service. It’s not a service where you should pick “just anyone” to perform. I believe you should always have the opportunity to meet your photographer for an in-person consultation prior to working together. Kind of like a preliminary “meet and greet” to see if they’re a good fit for your family. You should feel that your personalities mesh well and that you trust them to work with your children and capture them authentically. When choosing the right Hershey PA Family Photographer, you should know it’s someone you’ll enjoy working with and trust to capture your family for years to come, not just one and done!

Choose me to capture your Hershey PA Family Photography Session!

I’d love to learn more about you and your family and how we can capture some amazing images together! Images that you will want to display on the walls of your home for years and years to come! I am a custom, full-service portrait photographer serving Hershey PA and all of the surrounding Central PA towns including Harrisburg, Camp Hill, Mechanicsburg, York, and Carlisle PA. I will walk you through my portrait photography process from start to finish! Shoot me a quick message today to start planning your family’s photo session!