It’s cold and wintery in Pennsylvania right now, so it’s refreshing to look back on this stunning maternity photo shoot in Gettysburg last summer and to think ahead to the warm, sunny summer maternity photos to come. It’s also the perfect time for me to remind you: now is the perfect time to book your central Pennsylvania maternity photos for the summer!
Why Book Your Central Pennsylvania Maternity Photos Early
January may seem early to be thinking about summer maternity photos, but trust me, it’s the perfect time! If you’ll be in the late stages of your pregnancy in the summer, there are several reasons to schedule and start planning your summer maternity portraits now.
Find Availability for Your Preferred Date
Simply put, my schedule fills up quickly! The cycle of life never stops so I photograph newborn, maternity, and baby photos all year round. The summer, though, is also a popular time for my clients to schedule family photos and senior portraits. I only accept a limited number of photo sessions each month so I can give every client the personalized attention and custom service you deserve, so my books fill up early. Now is the best time to schedule if you want to have options during the ideal time in your pregnancy for maternity portraits.
Start Planning Early for Summer Central Pennsylvania Maternity Photos
Every client I work with is different, but many moms-to-be love planning the outfits and fun details of their maternity photos! All of this, though, will depend on where and when your photo shoot will be. Booking your session now will allow you to set those details so you can start thinking about the fun aspects of your session.
Move On with Other Projects
While maternity photography is something many women look forward to, figuring out the logistics like the scheduling can be stressful. You have a lot on your plate during this exciting time! Booking your maternity session early lets you get the logistics set and out of the way so you can move on with your to-do list.
Book Your Summer Central Pennsylvania Maternity Photos Today
Unless you have meticulous planning and a lot of luck on your side, you can’t choose the season for your maternity portraits. You’re at the ideal point in your pregnancy for maternity photos for only a short time, and that will fall at whatever time of the year that it falls. Here’s the good news: a skilled maternity photographer can make your portraits stunning in any season! That includes your Harrisburg winter maternity photo session.
What can you do to make your winter maternity session even better? I’ve got you! Follow these top tips.
1. Embrace Wintery Accessories
Winter is the perfect time to play with some gorgeous accessories for your maternity photos. Think luxurious scarves, fur or faux fur wraps, couture gloves, and so on. Not only are these the peak of winter fashion but they’ll keep you warmer during your session. They add fabulous texture to your portraits too, making for more dimension and calling more attention to your gorgeous self.
2. Moisturize and Hydrate Before Your Harrisburg Winter Maternity Photo Session
We all know our skin tends to be dry in the winter, thanks to the dry winter air and the drying effect of heaters. When you’re taking portraits, though, hydration is your friend. Hydrated, moisturized skin is brighter, smoother, glowier, and even younger-looking! In the week before your maternity photo session, make sure you’re drinking plenty of water as well as moisturizing your skin.
3. Bring Warming Items for In Between Shots
This isn’t a must, but if you choose, you can bring some extra items for warmth that you can use in between poses and shots. This could include hand warmers and feet warmers, gloves, blankets, and so on. Regardless of whether you bring these items, though, I’ll always be mindful of your comfort and aim to work quickly while creating all the lovely winter portraits you love.
4. Discuss Logistics for Your Harrisburg Winter Maternity Photo Session
Choosing a fantastic location is always important for outdoor photography, but it’s even more essential for outdoor winter maternity photography. Not only do we want a location that has the aesthetic look you want but we want that location to be practical too (you won’t want to hike half a mile into the woods when it’s 20 degrees out). Don’t worry, I’ve been taking outdoor winter portraits for years and I have a well-planned list of the perfect winter photo shoot sites. As we plan your maternity photo session together, we’ll talk about which location will best suit all of your needs.
5. Be Open to Recommendations and Flexibility Due to the Weather
Some moms-to-be have specific visions in mind when they picture their winter maternity photos. Maybe you want a certain type of landscape in the background or you want a nice snow covering on the ground. I love it when my clients are already dreaming of their photos. Just keep in mind, though, that you may need to be flexible with your timing if we need to adjust your photo session for the weather, either to create the look you want or to make sure we can all be safe on the roads.
6. Wear Winter-Friendly Footwear
In most winter maternity photo shoots, we stick with long, flowy maternity gowns so you won’t see your feet. If you do have a pair of shoes or boots you want in your portraits, though, I’m happy to make that happen. I just suggest that you wear winter boots to walk to the photo shoot location and only bring those beautiful shoes or boots along so you can wear them as little as possible. This helps you stay safe on the wintery ground and keeps those featured shoes from getting too dirty.
7. Try to Relax
When the weather is cold, many of us unintentionally tense our bodies against the cold. This can make you look stiff in portraits, and we want to showcase what an effortless beauty you are. As much as possible, try to relax your body and allow me to guide your posing.
Booking Your Harrisburg Winter Maternity Photo Session
Have a baby on the way? Congratulations! Maternity photography is a phenomenal way to celebrate this one-of-a-kind stage in your family’s life, honor your body for the beautiful work it’s doing, and create mementos you will forever treasure. What type of maternity photo session is the best fit for you? Should you book a Mechanicsburg outdoor fall maternity photography shoot?
All of my maternity photo shoots take place on location, either at an outdoor location we can choose together like a local park or, for a more intimate setting, at your home. Both types of sessions have the potential for absolutely stunning and meaningful maternity portraits; it’s just a matter of your personal preference. To help you decide, let’s look at some of the pros and cons of outdoor maternity shoots.
Mechanicsburg Outdoor Maternity Photography
Pro: Beautiful Natural Scenery for Mechanicsburg Outdoor Fall Maternity Photography (or Spring or Summer)
I have the honor of living in an area with incredible natural beauty and with pronounced seasons that each have their own look, and I love taking advantage of this for my client’s benefit. You can have effortlessly gorgeous backgrounds in your photos.
The look of your outdoor portraits will depend on the location we choose, and I’m here to help. You and I can choose a location together based on the aesthetic you want for your portraits and the season when your session will take place. I have plenty of location recommendations around Mechanicsburg, whether you want vibrant fall colors, open green space, misty lakes, or even an outdoor urban look.
Con: Difficulty Taking Semi-Nude Portraits
Some moms-to-be love those semi-nude maternity portraits that showcase their baby bump in all its glory and celebrate their body for the incredible work it’s doing. These often turn out to be my clients’ favorite portraits in their collections, and rightfully so!
Taking these intimate portraits outdoors can be a bit uncomfortable for some women, though. Depending on the season, you might be physically uncomfortable and self-conscious as well about being partially undressed outside. Some moms-to-be prefer a photo session at home for these types of portraits.
Pro: Create Special Family Memories
An outdoor maternity session is more than just a means to an end for getting the maternity portraits you want. It’s an adventure! An outdoor photo session gives you and your family a chance to enjoy a new experience together in a park or other fun spot.
This is especially fantastic if you have other children you’re bringing into the portraits too. Your family gets the opportunity to not only create beautiful portraits but to make new memories together at the same time.
Con: Potential Weather-Related Challenges for Mechanicsburg Outdoor Fall Maternity Photography
The same thing that makes outdoor portraits gorgeous is the thing that makes them unpredictable: the outdoors. Natural landscapes are lovely but you never know for sure what the weather will do. There’s always a risk that you’ll need to reschedule or make accommodations for rain, strong winds, or other weather changes.
Pro: No Need to Prep Your Home
Lifestyle portraits at your home are always unique and special, and I tell all my clients that your home doesn’t need to be spotless by any means. Still, it can be stressful for some moms-to-be to have a photo shoot in their home, and some women just don’t think their home will be very photogenic. Maybe you’re still working on your baby’s nursery or other projects around the house and you don’t feel like it’s camera-ready. For some families, it’s just more comfortable to take their portraits elsewhere.
Con: Wardrobe Limitations
Some clients who come to me have been dreaming of their maternity portraits for months and have an idea in their mind of the exact wardrobe they want to wear. I love when clients are excited about their portraits! It’s important to keep in mind, though, that for outdoor portraits, your wardrobe will depend on the weather. For instance, for Mechanicsburg outdoor fall maternity photography, you’ll need to wear something fall-appropriate so that your outfit aligns with the fall aesthetic (and so you’re comfortable, of course).
Creating the Mechanicsburg Outdoor Fall Maternity Photography of Your Dreams
I love working with moms-to-be who are thrilled to celebrate their pregnancy and this special time in their lives with maternity portraits. Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography today and let’s start planning your dream photo shoot!
If you ever want to get a mom to chat, ask her about her pregnancy experience and she’ll have hours’ worth of stories to tell. Pregnancy is a stage of life that is so unlike any other, between the experience of the pregnancy itself and the anticipation of knowing you’ll soon meet the child who will change your life forever. That’s why your Harrisburg maternity portrait will become such a treasured heirloom.
While the mom-to-be is, of course, the star of maternity portraits, many couples want to include both partners in some of their photos to celebrate their growing family together. How do you make those couple maternity portraits truly spectacular? On top of hiring a photographer who specializes in maternity portraits, use these top tips.
Outdoor Maternity Photography near Harrisburg PA
Choose an Aesthetic That Feels Genuine for Your Harrisburg Maternity Portrait Session
Your maternity portraits should be a celebration of you and your family, so you’ll notice that every maternity photo shoot looks different. Some have a dramatic look, others are bright and airy, some have a very earthy, nature-focused vibe, some are more conventional, and so on.
You want an aesthetic for your portraits that feels authentic to you as a couple. Take some time to think about what aesthetic style you want for your portraits and pick out some examples from your photographer’s gallery that reflect the look you like. During consultations with my Harrisburg maternity portrait clients, I chat with them about their vision and design a session that centers around them.
Communicate Your Comfort Level
You may be aware that in maternity photo shoots, it’s very common to have some level of nudity. There may be portraits in which the parents are shirtless together, or the mom-to-be may be fully nude with flowy fabrics covering select areas, for example. This is a popular look because it highlights the majestic beauty of pregnancy.
As beautiful as nude and semi-nude portraits can be, not everyone is comfortable showing this much skin, and that is perfectly fine. If you’ll both be in your maternity portraits, let your photographer know what each of you is and is not comfortable with.
Choose Outfits Together
Planning outfits can be challenging for a photo shoot, and the more people are involved, the more strategic you need to be. As you’re planning outfits for your maternity portrait session, make sure you and your partner choose outfits that coordinate with each other, rather than each of you choosing outfits separately. Make sure your outfits fit the overall aesthetic you’re going for. I’m happy to look over the outfits you’re considering and offer suggestions. When in doubt, it never hurts to bring extra options!
Focus on Each Other
One of the reasons I love featuring couples in maternity portraits is the opportunity to capture the love between them and the excitement of growing their family. During your maternity photo session, try not to think about the camera and the photos. As your photographer poses you and has you gazing at the baby bump or looking into your partner’s eyes, think about the love of your life and the new baby you have on the way.
When you bring your mindset back to this love and excitement, it shows in your eyes and your authentic smile. You’ll be thrilled when you see how all that emotion comes out in your portraits, and the portraits will be an even more special memento of the way you felt during this time in your life.
Creating Magical Harrisburg Maternity Portraits for Couples
Great maternity portraits for you and your partner start and end with an excellent photographer who knows maternity photography and knows how to capture your genuine joy. As a Harrisburg maternity portrait photographer, I’d be thrilled to help you and your partner preserve this incredible time in your lives with custom photography.
In the midst of sleep deprivation and the constant cycle of feedings, your baby’s first days might feel like an eternity in the moment. Trust me when I say, though, that this stage will be over in the blink of an eye, and you’ll want every reminder of it that you can find. That’s why you want your baby’s newborn portraits to be perfect. It all starts with planning the best type of newborn photo session for you, so that brings us to this common question: should you book a Harrisburg PA lifestyle newborn photography or studio newborn photography session?
As a specialized newborn photographer, I’ve guided countless families through the journey of creating their timeless newborn portraits. I’m happy to help you understand the difference between these two types of newborn photo sessions and decide which one is best for you.
Harrisburg PA Lifestyle Newborn Photography
What Is Lifestyle Newborn Photography?
Lifestyle newborn photography is a unique type of newborn portrait session that’s all about authenticity and candid moments. We take these photos within your home environment and, instead of traditional poses, we focus more on capturing genuine moments between you and your new bundle of joy.
What’s the Difference Between Lifestyle and Studio Newborn Photography?
Lifestyle photography and studio photography differ in the location of the photo shoot and in the content and feel. While a studio newborn portrait session takes place in our photography studio, a lifestyle portrait session takes place at your home – typically within your nursery but we can take advantage of other picturesque areas too.
In addition to this difference, studio newborn photos focus more on traditional poses, as your baby swaddled in a wrap on a cozy blanket background. A lifestyle photo session is meant to feel more like snapshots of your loving life with your new baby.
Lifestyle photography in a newborn nursery near Harrisburg PA
Benefits of Lifestyle Newborn Portraits
A Harrisburg PA lifestyle newborn photography session offers several unique benefits for growing families. First, these photos tend to feel more personalized because they have a backdrop no one can replicate: your home.
Second, they give you the convenience of staying at your own home. There’s no need to pack up your baby and the million items they need like pacifiers and diapers. Third, in the years to come when you look back on your photos, they’ll have the added joy of bringing back not only your baby’s newborn days but all the memories you’ve made in that nursery ever since.
Benefits of Studio Newborn Portraits
While lifestyle newborn photography has its advantages, studio newborn photography does too. First, because you’re coming to the studio, there’s no need to worry about having your nursery picture-ready.
Second, studio portraits give your photographer complete control over the environment. My studio is set up to allow for completely customized lighting and other factors that make it easy to create the exact look you want. Third, while there’s a limit to the equipment and items I can bring to a lifestyle photo session, my studio has everything we could need for your baby’s portraits so it’s an optimized set-up.
Another Option: Combining Lifestyle and Studio Newborn Photography
Can’t decide between lifestyle and studio photography for your newborn? You can have both! I offer the option to book a studio newborn session as well as a lifestyle add-on session at your home.
In fact, if your baby has older siblings under age 5 and you want portraits of that special bond, it’s best to keep the siblings at home during the studio session and book a sibling lifestyle add-on session. This way, you still get treasured lifestyle portraits and sibling portraits but you don’t have the struggle of managing your kids during the studio session which can last up to six hours.
Studio session as primary newborn session & then lifestyle add-on
Scheduling Your Harrisburg PA Lifestyle Newborn Photography or Studio Newborn Photography
Your newborn portraits are all about creating one-of-a-kind heirlooms you and your family can cherish for generations, and that starts with choosing the perfect type of photo session to suit your family. Not sure which one is best for you? I can help! Contact my photography studio today to chat about your options and book your session.
When you’re getting ready for a new baby, there are so many items on your to-do list, from items to buy or assemble to ways to protect your health, but your Harrisburg maternity photos are so much more than another item to check off your list. Your maternity portraits should be unique to you, celebrating your growing family and the magic within you. But how do you make your maternity photos feel personal and genuine?
As a maternity photographer, I have plenty of ways to customize every maternity session but I also let my clients guide the specifics and decide what they want from their session. If you’re trying to decide how to make your maternity photoshoot special, try these ideas.
Nursery Portraits
One of the most fun parts of preparing for your baby is getting the nursery ready in your home. So why not incorporate that beautiful nursery into your maternity photos? It’s a special way to capture just how excited you are to meet your little one, and as your child grows up and forms memories in their room, it will be such a joy for them to look back and see that you felt the warmth of this special room too.
Outdoor Harrisburg Maternity Photos
Harrisburg is full of gorgeous outdoor locations where you can take stunning maternity portraits. You just have to look in the right places! I have a few favorites like local parks and green spaces, but you might also have some spots in town that you love too. It’s even better if there’s a beautiful background that also means something to you and your family, like a park where you enjoy a run every morning or a site where you host a family barbecue each summer.
Maternity Photos in Your Own Yard
Some of my clients have trouble deciding between the idyllic beauty of an outdoor photoshoot or the intimacy and personalization of an at-home photoshoot. Why not do both and have your maternity photo session outside your home? I can capture amazing scenes by posing you with pillars or columns on your porch, in the greenery of your yard, alongside the flowers and trees in your landscaping, and so on.
Windswept Maternity Gowns
Truth be told, I know that many women feel insecure about their looks while they’re pregnant. Your body changes so much in such a short period of time, and in ways that you’ve probably never experienced before. But the fact is that a loving mom-to-be looks absolutely breathtaking and gorgeously feminine. Nothing highlights the majesty and beauty of your pregnancy like a flowy maternity gown that flows in the wind.
Charming Historic Harrisburg Maternity Photos
Along with plenty of outdoor backdrops, Harrisburg has plenty of lovely photo opportunities with a historical aesthetic too. There are Harrisburg neighborhoods full of old-world charm, and there are plenty of historic homes and buildings in the area that could also add an exquisite look to your maternity photos. Of course, if you prefer a more modern or urban aesthetic, Harrisburg has no shortage of these scenes too.
Sentimental Elements
As I mentioned, your maternity photos should be personalized to fit you and your family. One of the best ways to do this is to incorporate some elements that are particularly sentimental to you. Maybe there’s a necklace that’s a family heirloom, for example, and you can have a portrait with this necklace draped over your baby bump.
Or, you can incorporate special hobbies and passions in your life that you plan to share with your baby, like reading, playing an instrument, or knitting a blanket for your bundle of joy. Your child will love looking back on these portraits as they grow up and see how excited you were to share these treasures with them.
Scheduling Your Harrisburg Maternity Photos Today
If these ideas have kicked your creativity into high gear and you’re excited to start planning your personalized maternity photo session, it’s not too early to start planning! If you’re expecting a little one, call my photo studio today to schedule your Harrisburg maternity photos.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Everything You Need to Know About a Newborn Session
When selecting a photographer, she will tell you everything you need to know about a newborn session! Every parent knows that kids grow up so fast. That’s why having photos of your children at every stage of their life is so important, especially when they’re newborns. Those images can help you remember years later just how small your little ones were.
As you’re getting ready to welcome a new addition to your family, take time to consider booking a newborn session to capture this amazing moment in your life. Not sure what a newborn photo shoot is like? That’s why I am here to help guide you through the process. I will teach you Everything You Need to Know About a Newborn Session!
How old should my little one be for the photo session?
The best age for a newborn session is under two weeks, although I find the “sweet spot to be between days 7-10 of life. At that age, babies still spend a majority of their time sleeping and are easier to pose in those curled up positions everyone loves! When you’re scheduling your session, keep in mind that your newborn will grow VERY quickly and will look completely different at one month than they did at birth. As they grow, they’ll begin moving more. In those first few days they will be much more comfortable with posing, as well as less likely to remain asleep during the photo shoot.
When should I book my session?
The earlier you can book your newborn session, the better! I recommend having your session reserved before the third trimester approaches if possible. Session times fill up fast, and since you only have a limited window of time in which to get the photos taken before baby gets too big, you want to be sure that your photographer is available.
What if my baby arrives earlier than expected?
Every newborn photographer knows that babies arrive when they’re ready. With that in mind, I book a very limited number of newborn sessions each month. This allows me to be flexible with early or late newborn arrivals. Once your session has been booked and reserved during your consultation, I will hold time around your scheduled session to make sure you and your little one get in for your photos.
How long does a newborn session last?
Typically, a newborn photo shoot lasts several hours. If that sounds long, have no fear—you won’t be in front of the camera the whole time! A majority of that time will be spent feeding and soothing your newborn for photos. Each and every baby is different. Therefore, each session will take a different length of time. There certainly is no rushing a newborn session!
How should I dress my newborn for photos?
Most newborn photography involves nude and swaddle wrapped portraits of your little one—the better to capture those tiny fingers and toes and their precious soft skin! Dress your baby in clothes that are easy to take off and put back on and that are loose enough it won’t leave marks on their skin.
What should I bring to my newborn session?
This is one of the most common questions we hear, and that’s because it’s so important! You’ll want to bring your whole diaper bag, of course. That means pacifiers, extra diapers and wipes, and formula and bottles, if you formula-feed. I alway suggest that you’ll also want to bring a change of clothes for yourself because posing in photos with a naked baby can lead to messiness! All props, wraps, bonnets and accessories are conveniently provided and coordinated for your baby’s session by yours truly!
Most importantly, ask me any questions you have about your session. And don’t be nervous! It’s my job to help you feel comfortable and get the images you want of this precious moment in the life of your family!
Hi & Welcome to Karissa Zimmer Photography! I am a full service photography studio and I am proud to photograph expecting parents, newborn babies, children, families and high school seniors throughout Central PA including Camp Hill, Mechanicsburg, Harrisburg and surrounding areas. My style is classic, timeless and forever. My goal for each session is for you to leave with family keepsakes that you and your family will enjoy and share for generations to come. I will create beautiful fine art albums, custom framing and wall art made just for you, your family and your home. Your special memories are forever and I am so blessed to be a part of each and every one of my client’s lives.
When Should I book my Camp Hill Newborn Photographer?
When should I book my Camp Hill Newborn Photographer? This is a common question on the minds of many moms-to be early on in pregnancy! To be completely honest, there are so many things expecting a new baby that nobody ever prepares you for ahead of time. Let’s be real, without resources like “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” and a few REALLY close and unfiltered friends, lots of us would be totally left clueless about things like mucus plugs, episiotomies and the struggles of breast feeding. Even after having my own very crazy childbirth experience, I still find myself continually learning things about pregnancy and childbirth. Things like “Who would have known a prenatal massage would give so much relief!” or “Who knew taking a newborn to a chiropractor could solve colic and reflux!”
Another of the numerous mysteries for expecting mamas seems to be how to find and when to contact and book a newborn photographer. Sure, you see some pretty darn amazing images of your friends newborns all over Instagram and Facebook, and you know you want beautiful portraits just like that of your very own new little one. You’ve likely even heard just how important it is to have newborn photographed in the first couple of days or weeks of your new baby’s life. But, how could you ever know when to set this date up when your baby may arrive early or even a few weeks late?
I am here to set this mysterious question straight for you! Certainly, the last thing you’ll want when you are trying to get accustomed to life with a new baby is to be trying to contact a newborn photographer to get in her schedule with the next few days!
I’ve answered the three most repeated questions I hear as a newborn photographer in regards to booking a newborn session.
When Should I book a newborn photographer?
The absolute ideal time frame to book your Camp Hill Newborn Photographer is during your 2nd trimester. By this point you’ve made it past the the 1st trimester and into the “safety zone” with less elevated risk. Now, it’s time to really begin to prepare for your new baby’s arrival. I HIGHLY recommend reserving your photographer in your 2nd trimester so that it’s one less thing on your on your lengthy “to do” list while preparing to welcome a new baby! Of course you can absolutely wait and try to book later during the 3rd trimester. However, there is a greater risk that the photographer you really want may be completely booked and not able to accommodate you. I personally will always try to take a last minute booking whenever possible. However, at times it can be tough to squeeze someone in around the already booked sessions.
How do you schedule a newborn session when you can’t be sure what day the baby will be born?
I can not be sure how every newborn photographer works, but I know most of us have an almost identical process when it comes to scheduling our newborn clients. When you reserve your session with me during your in person consultation, I will add your due date in my schedule. This will give me a good idea for when I need to be available for your baby’s session. Though, we will not pick an actual date for your photo session until you reach out to me to let me know that your baby has made her grand appearance! Once your baby has made her entrance into the world, we’ll set up your newborn session within the first 10 days of life. I am pretty acquainted with the unpredictable nature of newborns entering the world on their own timing. So, there is no reason to worry if your baby comes early or late!
Please keep in mind that I book a very limited number of newborn sessions each month! I want to make sure I can always accommodate both early and late arrivals for my tiny clients!
Why do you have to schedule newborn sessions when babies are so young?
Each photographer has their own favorite “perfect” for the age they prefer to photograph a newborn. Many photographers will not agree to book a newborn session after a this time frame has passed. There are several reasons for why this window of time for newborn photos exists.
1st, the newer your baby is, the sleepier he is. And sleepier newborns are more likely to cooperate when getting them into the snuggly little poses you see in my newborn gallery.
Also, the longer the baby spends outside of the womb, the more time their sensory nerves have to develop. This means that older newborns are more responsive to touch and likely to wake up from the slightest of pose adjustments.
Last, the longer a baby is out of womb, the less “snuggled” they get. Most newborn clients love the poses that capture their baby all curled up and illustrate just how new they are. These poses can become less comfortable a for a baby as they grow and spend more time outside of the womb. Thus making them much harder to achieve.
The general “rule” for the best time to have a posed newborn session is no later that 14 days old.
I hope these short tips help you feel a little more prepared to book your newborn photo session! There will be so many things to stress and prepare for as you are waiting to welcome a new little life into the world! Making sure you have the perfect photographer reserved to capture your memories while keeping your baby safe shouldn’t be one of them!
I am always excited to answer any questions or concerns you may have about my newborn portrait process. You can find many answers in the F.A.Q. section of my Newborn Page, but please feel free to send me a message!
Karissa Zimmer Photography is an experienced and professional Camp Hill PA Newborn Photographer based near Mechanicsburg PA and serving all of Central Pennsylvania including Harrisburg, Camp Hill, Mechanicsburg, Hershey, York & Carlisle. I specialize in creating tangible heirloom portraits that will remain in your family for generations to come.
Newborn Photographer near York Pa | Knox’s newborn photography session
Newborn Photographer near York Pa. Knox was the man! In other words, he was everything a newborn photographer dreams of! His whole session was perfect. It was only to be expected that he would be a super cool dude because he’s got a pretty cool mom and dad! And I could tell just how loved this little Knox man was when I first met them for their newborn and maternity photography consultation. They were so excited to capture everything about this special time in their lives. I am completely honored that they picked me for the job. I am certain that there is a serious level of trust in picking a newborn photographer. New parents don’t put their most precious little person in just anyone’s hands. And to trust a photographer to capture this new and greatest love is something really special. But first, look at this new adorable bond…
Can you sense this overwhelming, heart bursting, love they have for this little dude? Our babies only fit in our arms like this for the such a short, fleeting moment. I know they are going to look back at these photos and cherish this moment in time forever. And I am so glad I was able to capture this for all 3 them! But, Knox- you’re just so cute on your own too…
I could write about this adorable session forever. They’re just the cutest little family. Knox made a mark on my heart-that’s for sure!
Are you expecting a baby? Let’s capture these perfect tiny moments for you to remember forever.
Having a newborn baby will be one of the most special times of your whole, entire life. I would love to help you capture and preserve this moment to look back on forever. Any parent will tell you just how quickly this phase passes. Which one reason why newborns are photographed so early on – in the first 10 days of their little lives! So, the best time to set up a newborn photography session is as early as possible! You definitely want to start planning and have your newborn session reserved before your baby arrives. Most clients book before their 3rd trimester. But, if you’ve waited – don’t hesitate to call me! I will always try to get a newborn babe squeezed in my schedule! I never want to turn down a chance to cuddle a babe if I don’t have to!
So, send me a quick message HERE to get in touch and start planning! I can’t wait to work with you!
