Downtown Harrisburg Family Photography: The Advantages of a Fun Downtown Photo Shoot

02.15.23 04.22.23

For many of my clients’ family portraits, we take their photos in one of Harrisburg’s many beautiful parks and outdoor areas. As lovely as these can be, everyone has their own aesthetic style. If nature’s backdrops aren’t your style, you might find your perfect fit with downtown Harrisburg family photography.

Our downtown area has so many fantastic, photogenic spots where I can create portraits that feel authentic to your family. It’s actually a very practical choice too. Check out these benefits of an urban portrait session.

Harrisburg Family Photography, family photographer near me — Family Photography Harrisburg PA

Many Aesthetic Options for Your Downtown Harrisburg Family Photography

Maybe you don’t want the same look for the background of every portrait – you want to mix it up a bit. Downtown Harrisburg has all the options you could want. We could create an industrial look or something more rustic, or take advantage of some artistic downtown lighting. We could also go to a public park where we can take some portraits amid trees and green space and other portraits in front of artsy brick buildings.

Convenient Access to Amenities

When you’re packing for a family photo session, it can be hard to remember everything you need – extra outfits, snacks, water, wipes, items to make the kids smile, and so on. If you’re at a photo session in a remote or rural area and you realize you’ve forgotten something, or if someone needs an emergency bathroom break, you don’t have a lot of options. The downtown area is close to plenty of amenities for your convenience.

Creating Hometown Memories

Who knows what life will bring and where your family will be in five or ten years? The hometown where you are raising your kids at this age will always have a special place in your heart. Downtown portraits can be even more special because you’ll always remember and recognize those streets, those quaint shops, and that neighborly feel of home.

Booking Your Downtown Harrisburg Family Photography Session

Are you due for some new family portraits? Contact my photo studio today to chat about your downtown Harrisburg family photography session.

Harrisburg Family Photo Locations: Some of My Favorites

01.18.23 02.02.23

When I’m working with a family to plan their family portraits, one of the first details we decide on is the location. The location for your Harrisburg family photo session sets the tone for the entire aesthetic, whether you’re looking for a backdrop that is natural and earthy, historic and charming, or anything in between.

Trying to find a location for your next photo session? Here are some of my top spots (note: the images pictured are not necessarily taken at the locations listed).

Shipoke, PA for a Harrisburg Family Photo Session

Shipoke is one of Harrisburg’s most picturesque neighborhoods. It’s lined with gorgeous rowhouses that would remind you of old-world San Francisco or Charleston’s Rainbow Row. It’s perfect for families who love that style of charm and want a richly colorful background for their portraits.

family photography near me, harrisburg family portraits, family photography session — Shipoke, Harrisburg Family Photography Session

Fort Hunter Mansion and Park

The Fort Hunter Mansion and Park overlooks the gorgeous Susquehanna River. The mansion’s exterior has a bold historical look and the grounds of its surrounding park have amazing natural beauty. It’s fantastic for family portraits surrounded by bright and lively greenery.

Lower Allen Community Park

Located in Mechanicsburg, Lower Allen Community Park is one of my favorite spots for Harrisburg family photos. It features a variety of different landscapes, like woodsy areas as well as open green spaces, so I can capture a few different looks in the same place.

Downtown Harrisburg and the Harrisburg PA State Capitol

For families who want a stylish and urban aesthetic in their family portraits, downtown Harrisburg is a go-to choice. There are so many spots in downtown Harrisburg that make it easy to create the specific look your family wants.

Milton Hershey School Founder’s Hall in Hershey, PA

For families who live in the Hershey area or who are up for a short drive, I love taking portraits at the Milton Hershey School’s Founders Hall in Hershey. The building and its surrounding area has a lovely, unique look that can create a fantastic family portrait backdrop.

Choosing Your Perfect Location for Harrisburg Family Photos

If you’re due for some new Harrisburg family photos, hiring an experienced photographer will make the rest of the process simple and smooth. As a full-service photographer, I’m happy to help families choose a location, plan their wardrobe, and even design your custom portrait prints and other products. Get started today by contacting Karissa Zimmer Photography. I can’t wait to help you create new memories for this chapter of your family’s life!

Harrisburg Outdoor Family Photography: A Pro’s Top Tips

06.28.22 07.08.22

There’s a whimsical, warm beauty that’s undeniable in outdoor family photos. On top of the gorgeous natural landscape, outdoor photos seem to make kids and parents alike more relaxed and joyful, not stiff and nervous, making for portraits that capture your personalities. It’s no surprise that Harrisburg outdoor family photography is so popular, especially during this time of the year.

If you’re planning an outdoor photoshoot, how do you make it a great one? Follow these pro tips.

Ask Your Photographer for Location Tips

The golden rule for outdoor family photography is the same as the golden rule for real estate: location, location, location. When it comes to deciding where to have your photo session, your photographer is the best resource.

Photographers know all the best spots around town for photos. There might be parks and locales you’ve seen that look beautiful to the naked eye, but they may not photograph well. Rely on your photographer’s expertise on the best locations for photos. Of course, feel free to let them know your preferences, like a type of landscape you love or a color palette you want.

Choose Layers for Your Family’s Harrisburg Outdoor Family Photography Outfits

When planning outfits for your family, choose layers for everyone. There are a few reasons for this. First, the weather has a mind of its own so you want to be prepared for any temperature. Keep in mind that some outdoor locations feel cooler or warmer than you expect because of wind or shade (or a lack thereof).

The second reason has to do with your kids. Kids find ways to make messes on themselves and on you. If everyone is dressed in layers, you can remove layers that get stains on them or add layers to cover stains.

Plan the Perfect Timing with Your Photographer

The time of day will have a huge impact on your Harrisburg outdoor family photography in multiple ways. First, it affects the lighting for your photos. This impacts the look of your photos, whether you prefer the warmth of the “golden hour,” the crisp light of morning, or another look. Second, it could make the difference between grumpy kids and cheery kids. Your photographer is a pro at finding the sweet spot. Chat with us about your kids’ daily routines so we can work together to figure out the perfect time for your session. If you’ll need to tweak your kids’ routines for that day, we can give you pointers on doing this smoothly too.

Book Early for Special Requests

Scheduling a family photo session can be a challenge for active families. You might just have a small window between your kids’ extracurricular activities. You might be working around your summer vacations and special events. You may also want to aim for a particular time of year for your photos. For instance, maybe you want to take photos when a certain tree is blooming or when the leaves first start changing for the fall.

If you have a specific timeframe when your photo session needs to happen, book it as early as possible. The earlier you book your Harrisburg outdoor family photography session, the more likely you are to get the timeframe you want.

Plan Ahead but Don’t Stress

It never fails, especially if you have kids: when you have to be somewhere at a particular time, there will be complications. Make your photo shoot day as problem-proof as possible. Have everyone’s clothes laundered, ironed, and set out the night before. Have a bag packed with everything you want to bring, like snacks, water, diapers, and pacifiers. Make that day easy on yourself.

At the same time, don’t stress about making everything perfect. Trust me, we’ll get amazing portraits no matter what you might have forgotten. I’m a pro at making do, so relax – we’ll figure it out!

Planning Your Harrisburg Outdoor Family Photography Session

Getting excited to capture all your family’s beautiful smiles in a way you’ll be able to cherish forever? You can start the process today. Contact my photo studio to book your Harrisburg outdoor family photography session.

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

Harrisburg Fall Family Photographer | Shipoke Family Photography

01.21.22 01.20.22

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!