Harrisburg Fall Family Photographer | Shipoke Family Photography

01.21.22

Harrisburg Fall Family Photographer captures Family Portrait in Shipoke

As a Harrisburg Fall Family photographer, I’ve explored endless colorful locations for photo sessions. From the woodsy stuff to the urban spots, the Harrisburg PA area has it all! But when the The Mickelwrights told me they wanted to explore a location with lots of variety, I knew exactly where to take them for their photo session. We absolutely had to plan a Shipoke family photography session!

Harrisburg Fall Family Photo Session in Shipoke

Shipoke is one of the oldest and most quaint neighborhoods in Harrisburg PA. I first discovered the potential of a Shipoke family photography session when I ended up at a delicious Cuban (Los Tres Cubanos) restaurant for dinner plans a few years ago. I knew right away that I had to bring clients families and my camera here for future sessions! And this colorful, quaint and quiet spot, especially in the Fall, was the perfect backdrop for the Micklewright family!

The colors and textures showcased during our Shipoke family session gave the whole session a “Fall with a little bit of lingering summer feel. ” And the Indian Summer weather we had this fall season added an extra bit of comfort! It always helps to have a super easy going and easy to please family like these guys!

Dressing for your Fall Family Photography Session

I also loved the way they dressed to perfectly complement the location. I always advise families to look up images of their session location beforehand to ensure perfect color choices, and this crew definitely chose wisely! Choosing a color palette isn’t an easy task, especially for a family of 4 or more. But, I never get tired of helping families build the perfect wardrobe for their session! For our Shipoke family photography session, they went with neutral fall tones which worked wonderfully with the pops of color in Shipoke. So, if you’re considering a family session of your own, but are nervous about what to wear, don’t let that stop you from booking! I promise, with my help it will be easy and effortless!

Finding the perfect spot to take family photos on the other hand, isn’t always easy. But, this is one of my favorites! You better believe I’ll continue to return here over and over again! It’s one of my absolute favorite locations as a Harrisburg Fall Family Photographer! Thank you so much, Micklewright family for inviting me along on this adventure with you! I hope to spend time with all of you again so soon!

Get in Touch!

Are you planning a Shipoke family photography session of your own? Say hello ASAP so we can tell your family’s story, too!

Brother and Sister pose for portraits in Shipoke with Harrisburg Fall Family Photographer — Brother and Sister portraits in Shipoke with Harrisburg Fall Family Photographer

Young girl poses with some lingering fall flowers during her Harrisburg PA Fall Family Photography Session — Brother and Sister portraits in Shipoke with Harrisburg Fall Family Photographer

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Five Questions You Should Ask Your Family Photographer

11.27.20

When it comes to portrait photography, many people put a lot of effort into their search for the perfect photographer to capture their wedding or engagement. They often forget that finding the perfect person to capture their family’s most special memories is just as important! These images of your family will be something you cherish forever and that your children, grandchildren, and future generations will have to look back on.

If you’re looking for a family photographer, take time to ask them these questions—and don’t shy away from voicing your concerns or clearly asking for what you want. The best way to get the images you want from your session is to communicate clearly with your photographer and let them know right away if you have any questions or concerns.

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How much experience do you have?

While it’s great to help out a friend, if you’re looking for gorgeous images to display in your home for years to come, you don’t want to book a photographer who’s just starting out. Ask about their experience and look at some of their past work to determine if their images are consistent and their style would be a good fit for your family. You want a photographer who knows what they’re doing, has high-quality equipment and can handle any type of lighting situation—or any rambunctious kids.

Do you specialize in a specific type of photography?

If you’re looking for a certain kind of photography, make sure to choose a photographer whose style matches what you’re seeking. Some photographers do more posed photos, and some go for a more candid look, while others do both depending on the client. If you want something specific for your images, don’t be afraid to ask.

Do you have a lot of repeat clients?

The best photographers often capture multiple milestones for the same families, from engagements to newborns to their baby’s milestones, or child’s high school senior photos and beyond. If a photographer has the same clients coming back again and again, that’s a good sign that their work is strong and consistent—and that they’re easy to work with.

What is your policy for canceling or rescheduling?

You never know what could happen to keep you from making it to your family photo session. Be sure to ask about your photographer’s cancelation policy and whether you would be able to reschedule your shoot, if necessary.

Have you had any experience with _____________?

You may have unique concerns based on your family’s needs or challenges. Maybe you have a special needs child or a situation that may require some poses outside of the norm. While it helps to have a photographer who has some experience with concerns similar to yours, the most important thing is finding someone who will be understanding and compassionate and who will work with you and your family to get great photos.

When you’re looking for a photographer to capture the love your family shares, it’s important to choose someone who’s willing and able to help you create your vision for your family portraits. Be sure to check out as many of their galleries as you can and be open about what you want for your images.

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Why I Don’t Offer Mini Photography Sessions

11.02.20

You’re probably thinking…a Family Photographer that doesn’t offer mini sessions?! I know it seems to be a popular trend circulating on social media during this time of year. Every year in the fall, as we approach the holidays, I often get a ton of inquiries about mini-sessions even though it’s something I personally never advertise. After all, many photographers offer short, 20-30-minute sessions for Christmas or fall, and they’re a quick way for people to get images for their Christmas cards or social media. As a full-service photographer who values my time and relationship with each and every client I photograph, these quick, rushed sessions just don’t sit well with me.

I offered mini-sessions once or twice years ago, and as my business has grown and continues to grow, I’ve defined what I want my purpose as a portrait photographer to be. A short, seemingly very rushed mini-session just doesn’t fit for me. This often surprises people—and doesn’t stop the inquiries!—so I wanted to explain a little of my reasoning for why I said, “No more!” to mini photography sessions.

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I love working with my clients, and I enjoy giving each of them my time, skill and undivided attention. In a 20-minute mini-session, I just can’t give my clients the full experience of working with me. To me, a rushed mini-session doesn’t communicate that I value quality and time. Family portrait photography is valuable and takes time both to plan and to photograph. I’m invested in getting to know each client and I put my heart and soul into every session I photograph. There is nothing more important to me than to make sure my clients enjoy their experience and have images and products that they will love and cherish for years to come. My photography sessions are valuable from the first inquiry to the service I provide all the way through to hand delivery of your keepsakes and installation of your wall art.

A photography mini-session is generally associated with a much cheaper price tag and much less time with the client, which means I can’t give them the full experience. When potential clients inquire with a message like, “What would you charge for a small session with a couple of images?” I’ve come to realize that they’re looking for the same quality images they’ve seen in my portfolio, but with a “cheaper” price tag. My work is special and to receive the same quality of images you see with a full session, the same time investment is necessary. I just do not believe mini-sessions offer the same valuable experience that I pride myself on providing to my clients. My brand is important to me, and I’ve worked hard to be a full-service photographer. I don’t want to dilute the quality of my work by offering quick sessions that don’t live up to the experience I promise to clients who pay for a full session. Photography is an investment, and my work is worth it because I strive to leave each family feeling like they received a high-end, unique portrait experience.

Another reason why I don’t offer mini-sessions is because of how I’ve structured my photography sessions and experience. I am a storyteller, and my heart is invested in capturing each family’s unique personality in photos that they can look back on and enjoy for a lifetime. In order to capture each of my clients’ personalities, I have to spend time with them. Getting to know each family I work with through developing a connection is SO important to me. This is quite possibly the most personally rewarding part of my job. I am passionate about family, connection, and building a lasting relationship with each client I work with. I want to be able to capture your family’s story over and over throughout the years. I genuinely cherish the connections I am able to develop with my clients by spending time with them. A mini-session just doesn’t allow me to do that.

A big part of my portrait process is the initial planning consultation, which is an in-person meeting where I learn what each client wants from their photography session and strive to understand them on a deeper level. I love these conversations because they allow me to get to know my clients as people and to cherish and love their stories as I tell them with my images. Mini photography sessions would force me to skip this wonderful conversation and to capture photos quickly. That means I may not produce the work I know I’m capable of creating and can even result in clients feeling let down by the images they receive. That’s something that I never want to happen.

If you love taking mini-sessions as a photographer, great! This is my personal business decision and is not a blanket statement for how other photographers should run their businesses. It also doesn’t mean you as a client should never book a mini-session. If all you want is a few quick images for social media, a mini-session can be an inexpensive way to do that! I just wanted to take some time to explain why I’ve opted out of doing mini photography sessions because they don’t fit with my photographer’s heart and the quality of experience I strive to offer to every client who chooses to work with me. The amazing thing about small business owners is that we often provide the same services but in a variety of different ways, and I love to see how other photographers structure their businesses!

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Newborn-Maternity-Family and High School Senior Photographer in Mechanicsburg PA

12.31.19

Newborn-Maternity-Family and High School Senior Photographer in Mechanicsburg PA | 2019 year in review!

As a Newborn-Maternity-Family and High School Senior Photographer in Mechanicsburg PA 2019 was awesome! I’ve captured some of my most favorite images this year. I’ve snuggled, loved and photographed some of the most adorable babies in all of Central PA! I am totally sure of it! I’ve giggled with kiddos, ran around like a nut with toddlers, channeled my youthful soul while capturing high school senior pictures and watched my repeat client families grow up a little more this year. I mean, it will be hard for me to write this post without a few tears. Guys – this is not just my job. This is a genuine labor of love here. Some will say “you shouldn’t be emotionally connected to your job,” but I disagree. I do this with my whole heart. I look back on a year and feel so blessed to have crossed paths with each and every one of my clients. Some it was for the very first time and others who feel like they’ve become old friends. You guys are all gold to me. Every one of you holds a special place in this photographer’s heart of memories.

Now, for a moment of transparency…because, let’s be real-2019 wasn’t all sunshine, unicorns and glitter. It included some unexpected hurdles to jump at times- I guess you could say. This 2019 year required some serious faith to get through the things that are out of my control and the drive to conquer all that is within it. With those two things, the most amazing family, a few very close friends and a whole handful of the greatest clients any photographer could have – Here I am! Happy, healthy, and ready to take on 2020 and all it’s new adventures!

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All of these moments that we turned into tangible, keepsake memories mean everything.

Not only to you, but to me. I have a genuine value for family and the people we love most. I know how much it will mean to you forever to have these memories of the babies,children, spouses and EVEN PUPPIES you love. Time will change us all. We’ll grow older as will our children. These moments you allowed me to capture for you are frozen forever. That is priceless. Thank you for trusting me to capture these memories for you this year. Thank you for allowing me to guide you through this process and allow me to help you choose tangible, heirloom artwork for your home so that your children’s children will have these special family memories. They’ll be just as important to you decades from now as they are today!

Let’s talk about 2020!

As we say goodbye to 2019 it’s important to plan for the future! Silly resolution time, I know! But, I’m excited! I’ve got big plans for the new year and I’m looking forward to connecting with all of you who will be a part of it! I will, however, be scheduling limited sessions each month. This keeps me on my A game so that I can give each of you a personal and custom portrait experience. Most important, I’m a mom myself, so being present for my daughter is my biggest priority. I’m all about “being the best version of ourselves” and a good start for me is by not overfilling my plate. I want to give everyone I care about the best version of me! So, with that being said…plan, plan, plan ahead! Yep, I know…lots of us a procrastinators, but it’s best to book your session several months in advance! If you’re expecting a baby this year – it is best to schedule your newborn session before your 3rd trimester. That way, all is set when baby arrives! Newborn session openings fill FAST! If you’re thinking ahead to spring and summer – now is a great time to get the planning started! It is MY MOST FAVORITE time of the year for family photography! Absolutely, positively the most beautiful time of the year! And Fall…welll….i’m still recovering from the past few months. We’ll revisit the idea of fall again soon! Hahaha!

Let’s chat about your family!

I’d love to chat about what makes your family special and how we can capture that for you. I’ll sit down with you and carefully plan all the details to how we will photograph your special people. I’ll walk you through my entire portrait process. Send me a quick message HERE to get in touch with me!

Do you follow me on INSTAGRAM? Catch all the sneak peeks and fun updates there!

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Family Photographer in Harrisburg Pa

08.28.19

Family Photographer in Harrisburg Pa - The Norman Family

Family Photographer in Harrisburg Pa - The Norman Family. I love when families get together as a large group to be photographed together. It shows just how much they value one another and having visual memories together. Families are ever evolving and changing. To have a memory of your family just as it is now, at the ages you are and at the stage of life your children are in is always something so special to remember. No matter what season in life you are in. These are your people. This is your tribe. There is nothing more important than the ones we love.

The Norman's Fall family session was purchased as a very special Mother's Day gift in the spring. HOW SWEET IS THAT? How many gifts can you give your mom that she is LITERALLY GOING TO HAVE FOREVER!? Gifts you are going to have forever, your children are going to have forever and they're going going to be able to pass to their children. There are not many that I can think of! This may have been a Mother's Day present, but I think Dad is getting just as much joy out of seeing his family's portraits on the walls of his home everyday too!

I will never say "No" to a silly shot! Families should have fun together!

Families that have fun together are the best! If you know me, you know I am not at all a "super serious" girl. I thrive on laughter and humor and totally encourage all of this silliness! These memories are just as important as the sweet ones!

It's time to book NOW for Fall family portraits!

It's that time of year...FALL portrait season! It may still seem early, but it's absolutely NOT too early to book your fall family portrait session. Openings almost always fill before the actual fall season begins. Send me a message HERE today to start planning your own custom portrait session!

Would you like to see more fun session peeks? Follow me on Instagram!

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Langan Family Portraits | Family Photographer Harrisburg PA

04.02.19

As a Family Photographer Harrisburg PA, I love watching families grow through working with them each year.

It's definitely one of my favorite parts about what I do! I love the special bond that I have with my yearly repeat clients like the Langan Family! They become so near and dear to my heart. I have been photographing this adorable family for the past 6 years! I've seen these children grow and change from year to year and have been lucky enough to be the one their family trusts to capture their memories each time around. I love how much they truly value family. They value the importance of preserving each stage of life by making it a priority each and every year to have their family photographed. You know just how important family is when you walk into their home and see portraits EVERYWHERE throughout their home! It makes my heart so happy! After all, what is more important than the people we love?! I can't list one thing!

Family Photographer in Harrisburg PA Karissa Zimmer Photography Family Photographer Harrisburg PA Family Photographer Camp Hill PA 17011 Karissa Zimmer Photography Family Photographer Harrisburg PA Camp Hill PA family Photographer Karissa Zimmer Photography 17011 Family Photographer Harrisburg PA Children photography Harrisburg PA Family Photographer Harrisburg PA Mechanicsburg Family Photographer Karissa Zimmer Photography Family Photographer Harrisburg PA Mechanicsburg PA Family Photographer Karissa Zimmer Photography 17050 Family Photographer Harrisburg PA Family Photographer 17050 Family Photography 17055 Family Photographer Harrisburg PA Family pictures in Mechanicsburg PA by Karissa Zimmer Photography Family Photographer Harrisburg PA Camp Hill Pa Family Photographer Karissa Zimmer Photography Family Photographer Harrisburg PA Family Pictures in Harrisburg PA by Karissa Zimmer Photography Family Photographer Harrisburg PA I know it still seems a little chilly outside, however it is Spring! That means my FAVORITE portrait seasons of all are here. There is nothing like the evening Spring and Summer light with new life and blooms everywhere. Spring and Summer make for the prettiest family pictures of all! In my opinion at least! It's never too early to reserve a date for your family's custom portrait session. I will walk you through the entire custom portrait process from start to finish. My goal is not only to capture your family's unique and special story, but to help you preserve these moments forever through beautiful heirloom products. These moments that are so quickly fleeting. I will help you to enjoy them day after day by showing you exactly how they can be displayed on your walls!

Send me a message here to chat about planning your family's personalized portrait session! I can't wait to work with you!

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Mansberger Family| Harrisburg Pa Family Photos

03.10.19

Harrisburg PA Family Photos Spring and Summer sessions!

As a Family Photographer, Harrisburg PA Family Photos in Spring and Summer are my FAVORITE! Once we get a little taste of some warmer weather I am itching to get back outside and start shooting again! We decided to choose a location with lots of spring blooms for this cute family. It was their first portrait session as a family of 3! I know you will agree, this little guy has THE BEST hair! I mean, just look at all of that crazy dark hair blowing in the wind! It seems like little boys always get all the luck when it comes to eye lashes and hair!

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April and May bring some of the most beautiful blooms and make for a beautiful back drop for family photos. I would love to work with you to start planning your family's custom portrait session. It's so important to document your family at all stages of life. I truly believe that portraits of our children, family and loved ones are one of the most invaluable investments we can make throughout our lifetime.They are our memories. It's the one way to capture and freeze each precious moment, forever. As a mom myself, I know just how fast our babies grow up. I also know just how near and dear to my heart that I hold the memories I've captured of my own daughter. I can help you relive the joy of these most special moments over and over through cherished portrait heirlooms.

Let's work together to plan and customize your family's spring or summer photography session! I'll walk you through the entire portrait process from start to finish. Send me a quick message here! I can't wait to learn a little bit about your family and work with you to plan something very special!

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Sweetest Shelby | Top Rated Harrisburg Family Photographer

10.11.18

As a top rated Harrisburg Pa Family Photographer, I meet many families that touch my heart! Shelby earned an extra special little spot in mine. It didn't take but a minute within meeting this sweet girl to know she would be able to do that! She is not only the cutest thing you will lay eyes on, but she is happy, she is bold, she is smart, she's a warrior, she definitely she knows what she wants and she is not afraid to ask for it! Her story began in a much tougher place than any precious little persons story should begin, but to meet her you would think pure happiness is all she knows. This little girl radiates joy and happiness. She was wanted, she was chosen, she is cherished, and most of all she is LOVED! It's without a doubt that she knows just how loved and special she is to her Mommy and Daddy. I'm certain she has the ability to put a smile on anyones face that she meets! I will never, ever forget Shelby and her story.

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Now is always the best time to capture your family's story. This time and phase in your lives is a time you'll never get back. I would love to work with you to capture these fleeting moments that you'll hold near and dear in your heart forever and ever. We will work together to plan something special. As a Harrisburg Pa Family Photographer I will help to tell your family's unique and special story through images. Send me a quick message here to start planning.

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Summer Memories

08.12.17

It's not often that I share personal images, but I think it is important to do sometimes. Especially summer memories! This is the little person who holds my heart. She's growing up so fast yet when I see these images it reminds me of her pure, young, sweet spirit. I was so blessed to be able to spend lots of time enjoying my daughter this summer and creating these memories at our favorite place. I hate to think these beach days are over and we're almost ready to wrap up the summer and send our babies back to school. The end of this season is always the most dreaded part of the year to me! I will cherish the memories I have from the summer 17' with my little girl forever and ever. I know I say it ALL the time, but please stop growing up, Madalyn! Newborn Photography baby photographer Mechanicsburg PA Newborn photographer_0038

The memories you capture of your family in print will mean absolutely everything to you someday. I'd love to work with you to create something special. Something that you and your children will have forever to remember their childhood. Send me a message here and let's chat about how we will tell your family's story!

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Trevor | Central PA Newborn Photographer

05.24.17

Trevor is one little brother who will never ever have to wonder how much he is loved with a team of siblings like this! I'm lucky enough to often meet families who capture my heart. The love these kiddos have for their newborn baby brother takes the feels to a whole new level! When I arrived to photograph their Newborn Sibling session I could tell instantly just how much love Trevor would experience in a lifetime of being the baby boy in a family of 5 awesome kiddos. They were ALL so excited to hold their baby brother to have their portrait taken with him.
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Karissa Zimmer specializes in custom newborn, baby, maternity and family photography in Mechanicsburg, PA and surrounding areas including but not limited to Camp Hill, Carlisle, Harrisburg, Hershey, York, and all of Central PA.

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Harrisburg Fall Family Photographer | Shipoke Family Photography

Harrisburg Fall Family Photo Session in Shipoke