My Central Pennsylvania Newborn Photography: Why I Do In-Person Consultations

03.12.24

If you’ve shopped around for photographers in the past, you might know that every photographer has a different process or experience for their photo sessions. Some provide more hands-on support, service, and guidance while others use simplified processes that don’t involve as much time or one-on-one attention. In my central Pennsylvania newborn photography studio, I’m all about attentive service!

I know how important your newborn portraits are to you - the first professional photos your little one will ever have and the only ones you’ll have when they’re this tiny. These portraits are worthy of an investment, not only from you but from me too. I’m dedicated to creating custom portraits that are unique to your family, and one of the ways I do that is by starting with an in-person consultation. Here are a few insights into why I provide in-person consultations and the difference they make for my clients.

Newborn baby girl studio photo on cream backdrop with lace hat

Providing a Full-Service Experience for Central Pennsylvania Newborn Photography

As a mom, I know first-hand that life is busy when you’re preparing for a new baby…and that’s an understatement! You have so much on your plate already, and my philosophy is that you should be able to get stunning newborn photos without adding more chores to your list. In-person consultations allow you and I to sit down for some dedicated planning time so I can use your preferences and vision to plan your photo session, help you decide what to wear, and more.

Full service Newborn photographer, Karissa Zimmer, shows mockup of portrait of newborn and parents on black in a custom, handmade wooden frame.

Getting to Know Your Tastes

Custom photography, including central Pennsylvania newborn photography, is all about capturing your special memories in a way that’s authentic to you and your family. Your family’s personalities should shine through in your portraits. Spending time with you in person lets me get to know you and your family so I can create portraits that are true to who you are.

newborn baby boy posed on green backdrop at his Mechanicsburg PA newborn photography session

Designing Your Session for the Final Result

I believe portraits should be displayed and loved in your home, not sitting on a storage drive or in the cloud. An in-person consultation gives us a chance to talk about how and where you might want to display your portraits. This way, I can design your session using color schemes, compositions, and other details that will coordinate perfectly with your home decor.

Wall art display created by full service newborn photographer in Central PA

Experience the Difference of Full-Service Central Pennsylvania Newborn Photography

Ready to see what it’s like to have the personalized attention of a full-service photographer? Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography and let’s chat!

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Why Quality Matters in Your Central PA Newborn Photography Displays

01.18.24

Your newborn will only be tiny for a short time, and as a mom, I can tell you that you won’t realize just how short the newborn stage is until it’s over. That’s part of why I’m so passionate about my central PA newborn photography - because I know how precious these special portraits are and I want families to experience them before the opportunity has passed.

As you plan your newborn photography session, though, you need to consider another question: how will you display your portraits? As a photographer, I work with each of my clients to help you design and order beautiful, high-quality display pieces for your artwork, whether they’re Italian canvas prints, framed wall prints, premium photo albums, or whatever else you choose. Today, I’m sharing some insight into why it’s so important to choose quality displays for your newborn photos rather than using an inexpensive online service.

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A Finished Look Worthy of Your Investment

Custom photography comes with a price. That price is well worth it for the professional quality and attentive service you receive, but it’s still an expense. When you spend that money on a custom photo session, you want the finished result to have a “wow!” look. Low-quality printed products can cheapen the look of those portraits that you invested your time, care, and money into, while quality prints will do justice to your premium portraits.

Portraits That Don’t Age While the Memories Do

Newborn portraits have the amazing feature of becoming more and more precious the more time passes. You’re sure to love your portraits as soon as you see them, of course, but their real power doesn’t come out until you see that tiny baby in the portrait next to your child who has now grown and flourished, and the portrait becomes a portal to the past. Low-quality displays, sadly, will be fading and declining just as you want to enjoy them more. A quality display will stay with you and remain as vivid as the memories of your baby.

Long-Lasting Heirlooms of Your Central PA Newborn Photography

Newborn portraits are meaningful to you because they bring back memories from your first days with your little one. But for your children, they have a whole new meaning: a link to a time that they can’t remember. Portraits can become treasured family heirlooms that you pass down from generation to generation, but only if you choose prints or displays that are high-quality enough to last for all those years.

Custom Designs to Complement Your Home

Your baby’s beautiful newborn portraits should be a sentimental and cherished part of your household decor, so you want them to complement your decor in a stylish, intentional way. While it may be possible to do this with low-cost commercial printed products, investing in quality takes it to a new level. I work with my clients to design the perfect display for their aesthetic and the decor in the room where they want to display their portraits. You get a cohesive, custom look without spending hours scouring stores for the right frame or taking guesses about how a product will look in your space.

Quality You Don’t Notice Until You Do

One of the most heartbreaking issues with low-quality displays for your newborn portraits is that you may not regret your decision until it’s too late. In some cases, families order an inexpensive printed product and when it first arrives, it looks fine and they think they’ve lucked out. But after a few years, their canvas starts to loosen or sag, or their album starts fading the photos within it. By the time they realize the difference that quality makes, they could have lost access to their baby’s portraits and no longer have a way to get the quality displays they want. It’s always safer to invest in quality portraits from the start so you know your beloved portraits will last.

Preserving Your Family’s Memories with the Quality They Deserve: Your Central PA Newborn Photography

In my central PA newborn photography studio, it’s such an honor to create custom portraits for my clients. I want you to be able to enjoy your portraits for decades and generations to come, and that’s why I’m so passionate about quality displays. To learn more about the premium displays I help you create, contact Karissa Zimmer Photography.

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Your Harrisburg Studio Newborn Photography Questions Answered

03.23.23

Newborn portraits are one of the most precious treasures for so many parents. Your baby is only this tiny once, and only for a short time, so these portraits forever preserve the magic of those first weeks with your little bundle of joy. If you’re growing your family, I’m happy to help not only by taking your newborn photos but answering your questions and helping you know what to expect. Check out these answers to your top Harrisburg studio newborn photography questions.

How Is Harrisburg Studio Newborn Photography Different from Lifestyle Newborn Photography?

There are two types of newborn photo sessions: studio sessions and lifestyle sessions. Studio sessions are performed, of course, in my professional portrait studio. The focus is largely on your baby, with Mom and Dad included in a few portraits as well. These are the cozy posed portraits you see most often. A lifestyle session, on the other hand, is taken at your home and focuses more on your family as a whole. If you enjoy both types of sessions, though, you can have both!

Why Do Poses and Portraits Vary So Much from One Baby to the Next?

There are a few reasons for this. First of all, every family is unique and I want to create portraits that speak to their sense of style and suit their home. Second, it’s always a question of what the baby will allow. Your baby guides the session, and some babies are more comfortable in certain types of poses compared to others. Ultimately, your newborn portraits will be one-of-a-kind for your child and your family.

Why Is Harrisburg Studio Newborn Photography Expensive?

It’s true that newborn photography tends to be pricier than most other types of photo sessions like family portraits and senior portraits. This is because newborn photo sessions take longer, allowing time for your baby to settle and fall asleep as needed. Newborn photography also requires specialized training in baby safety and posing for newborns, as well as certain equipment like cushions, wraps, white noise machines or other items for helping babies to sleep, and so on.

Booking Your Harrisburg Studio Newborn Photography Session

Ready to book your own studio newborn photo session? Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography and let’s chat!

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Harrisburg Newborn Photos for Preemies: Commonly Asked Questions

12.11.22

As every parent knows, you can never fully predict what will happen when it comes to bringing a baby into the world. Babies have their own schedules that don’t always match up with what we had planned, and we just have to follow the curveballs! If your baby is born early, how does that impact your newborn photography? What do you need to know about Harrisburg newborn photos for preemies?

As a photographer who has specialized in newborn portraits for over 12 years, I’ve photographed plenty of premature babies, and I’m here to answer your top questions.

Are Newborn Portraits Safe for Preemies?

Generally, yes, a newborn photo session is safe for preemies. Of course, every preemie can have their own needs and health challenges, so it’s always best to talk to your baby’s pediatrician or whichever medical professional is the most knowledgeable about their health. Rest assured, though, that as a specialized newborn photographer, I am extremely well-versed in handling precious preemies with care.

When Should a Preemie’s Harrisburg Newborn Photos Take Place?

Traditionally, newborn portraits are taken within two weeks of a baby’s birth. That timeline can be flexible, though, and it can especially vary for preemies. In fact, many preemies are still in the hospital when they’re two weeks old.

In the case of a preemie, I typically tell their parents to keep in touch and let me know when their baby is released from the hospital. At that point, we’ll be able to schedule your baby’s portrait session.

What if My Premature Baby Needs Oxygen or Other Medical Assistance?

If your baby is sent home from the hospital with oxygen, monitors, or other medical devices, those devices don’t prevent us from doing a newborn photo session. As long as your baby’s doctor is comfortable with it, I’m happy to take portraits while your baby is wearing their devices. After all, these are part of your baby’s story!

In some cases, I may need to adjust some of the typical poses or some of our plans to accommodate your baby’s devices. We can still get plenty of beautiful portraits regardless.

Is a Photo Session Different for Harrisburg Newborn Photos for Preemies vs. Full-Term Babies?

For the most part, a preemie’s newborn photo session works in the same way as a newborn session for a full-term baby. Every newborn session at my photo studio is unique and is guided by your baby and what makes them comfortable. This is how I conduct my sessions for any newborn, so rest assured that you’ll get outstanding portraits in any case.

Can You Take Newborn Portraits While a Preemie is Still in the Hospital?

If a baby is looking at a hospital stay of several weeks or longer after being born premature, their parents may wonder if they should take their portraits in the hospital. While this is a common question, it’s better to wait until your baby is released from the hospital. This way, you can get all the special details and looks you’ve been dreaming of without the interference of the hospital lighting or other challenges.

Do You Need a Special Photographer to Take Newborn Portraits for Preemies?

When you have a preemie, there can be many aspects of their early days that are different from those of a full-term baby. But what about photography? Are there photographers who specialize in working with preemies and should you hire one?

To my knowledge, there are not baby photographers who specialize in working with preemies, likely because a newborn session is much the same for preemies and full-term babies. For newborn portraits, it’s always best to hire a photographer who specializes in newborn photography, but you don’t need a photographer who specializes in preemies. If you feel more comfortable, though, it never hurts to ask your photographer if they have experience with preemies.

Book Your Harrisburg Newborn Photos

No matter what you expect from your pregnancy and your baby’s birth, I’m here to help you capture this incredible time in your family’s life. Contact my photo studio today to start planning your session.

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Is Harrisburg PA Newborn Photography Worth It?

09.27.22

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When you’re the parent of a newborn, whether you’re brand new to parenthood or you’re balancing your newborn with other kids at home, life is tough! You’re exhausted by the constant cycle of caring for a new baby on minimal sleep, on top of recovering from childbirth. So adding a Harrisburg PA newborn photography shoot into the mix sounds like quite a hill to climb. I get it! But is it worth it?

As a parent myself and as a newborn photographer who has kept in touch with many of my client families, I can honestly say that yes, it’s absolutely worth it. You’ll never regret having these once-in-a-lifetime moments to look back on in the years to come.

Benefits of Professional Harrisburg PA Newborn Photography

If you’re on the fence about whether to make the investment in professional newborn photography, take these benefits into consideration.

Freezing a Precious Moment in Time

In the blink of an eye, your baby will no longer be a newborn. Those gummy baby yawns will be replaced with a mouth full of teeth and those tiny coos turn into toddler chatter. As much as you can cherish each stage in your child’s life, you’ll also miss little bits and pieces of your tiny newborn.

Professional Harrisburg PA newborn photography is a way to take just a taste of these precious days and have a memento that can transport you back to this time in your mind whenever you choose. As much as you expect to be able to remember every detail of your new baby for the rest of your life, time can push those memories to the back of your mind and newborn portraits can bring them back.

A Low-Stress Experience

A professional newborn photographer is so much more than a photographer. During your baby’s photo session, we handle all the details so you can have the rarest gift in the world of a new parent: a break!

We handle all the décor and set-up for your baby’s portraits, your baby’s “wardrobe” for the photos, and the poses and color schemes. Newborn photographers are experts at soothing babies to sleep, so we even handle most of your baby’s care and supervision during the shoot. You can just sit back and enjoy some restful time until your baby needs a feeding or a diaper change.

Professional Quality

The candid pictures you take of your baby in the course of day-to-day life will forever be cherished parts of your photo collections. As special as they are in showing what life is like for your little bundle of joy, they don’t take the place of professional portraits.

Professional newborn photos give you high-quality portraits that you can proudly hang on your wall and that complement your home’s décor. A professional has the ability, training, and equipment to control the lighting and positioning of your baby’s photos in a way others cannot, and even many families who try to take posed newborn photos on their own say they regret the fact that their baby’s photos don’t have that professional look.

A Ready-to-Display Portrait

Every Harrisburg PA newborn photographer has their own method, but I’m proud to be a full-service newborn photographer. This means I don’t just give you digital photos and send you on your way to figure out the rest. I guide you through the entire process, including helping you to decide how and where you want to display your baby’s portraits, design your display piece, and order your display for you. When all is said and done, you’ll have a stunning piece of custom artwork to display – a piece you know is of high enough quality to last for generations.

Planning Your Harrisburg PA Newborn Photography

At the end of the day, from my personal experience and the feedback of my clients, professional newborn photography is an investment you’ll be glad you made. Yes, it’s something new to fit into your schedule, but in the years to come when that tiny baby is hitting milestones, graduating from college, and having their own baby, you’ll be abundantly grateful to yourself for making time for the one-day photo shoot that gave you lifelong memories and priceless heirlooms.

To give your future self that gift, book your Harrisburg PA newborn photography session today.

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Harrisburg PA Lifestyle Newborn Photography vs. Studio Newborn Photography

09.09.22

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.

Lifestyle Newborn Photography, lifestyle photographer harrisburg pa, baby lifestyle photography near me — 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.

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.

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Maternity Photo Ideas for Your Harrisburg Maternity Photos

04.30.22

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.

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Questions to Ask Your Newborn Photographer

03.25.22

Newborn photography is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to preserve this incredibly special and brief time in your baby’s life. You only get one chance for these sentimental portraits, so of course, you want to make the most of this opportunity. And who’s the expert in making the most of your session? Your newborn photographer, of course!

As you’re hiring a newborn photographer in Camp Hill PA or wherever you are, asking the right questions can allow you to enjoy a smoother process with outstanding results. To help you make that happen, I’m laying out the top questions to ask your newborn photographer.

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What Can I Expect from the Process Ahead?

Every photographer has their own process and their own steps they follow. Will there be an in-person consultation or just a chat over the phone? How long will your photo session be? When and how will you be able to order your finished products? This varies for each photographer, so it’s not a good idea to make assumptions.

As an example, here’s a rundown of my process:

In-person Consultation – We’ll chat about how to prepare for your session and what to expect during your session, as well as your vision for your newborn portraits and the ways you want to use your finished portraits (where you might want to hang them in your home, for instance) so I can customize your session to fit your vision.
Your Newborn Photo Session – We’ll meet in my comfortable and well-equipped home studio, starting in the morning for a relaxed session of up to six hours so we can allow as much time as you need for feeding and soothing your baby between shots.
Editing – I’ll custom edit the best photos from your session to give you that true “wow” factor.
Viewing and Ordering Appointment – You’ll return to my studio for your appointment about two weeks after your photo session, where I’ll present you with a slideshow with all your amazing newborn photos and you’ll decide what finished products you want to order
Delivery – I’ll deliver your finished heirloom-quality products to you about 4-6 weeks after your ordering appointment and help you hang your pieces in your home so you can enjoy them immediately.

How Should I Prepare for My Newborn Photo Session?

In newborn photography, I recognize that many of my clients have never had a newborn photo session before, and for those who have, it was probably years ago. Make sure you’re receiving clear guidance about how to prepare for your session. For example, is there an ideal time you should feed your baby before the session? Should you try to get your baby to sleep when you arrive? Is there anything you should do or avoid to make sure your baby is feeling and looking picture-perfect?

What Should I Bring to My Newborn Photography Session?

As you saw above, my newborn photography sessions can last up to six hours. Babies have so many “accessories” they need over that amount of time, and so do new mamas – diapers, wipes, potentially a breast pump, snacks, and so on. There might also be specific items you want to incorporate into your newborn portraits, like family heirlooms or other items of significance. Make sure you get a list from your newborn photographer of anything they suggest that you bring to your session.

Can Parents and Siblings Be in the Newborn Photos?

Some families want the spotlight to be entirely on their new baby, while others want their photos to show this special moment in life for the entire family. Make sure you ask about this in advance so you know who to bring to your session and who should be picture-ready.

Each photographer has different policies, but I include parents in newborn portraits for no additional fee. For families with other children, I recommend my add-on sibling portrait session. This one to two-hour lifestyle session will take place at your home within one week of your newborn photo session. This way, your kids can be where they’re comfortable and you don’t have to bring them to your six-hour newborn session and keep them occupied for that length of time.

What Types of Photo Products Do You Offer as a Newborn Photographer?

Ultimately, the most magical part of newborn photography is having high-quality items that will last for generations. Make sure you know what your options will be, because each photographer sources these items from different artisans or businesses, and some don’t handle finished products at all. At my studio, for example, I proudly offer fine art custom framed prints, well-crafted Italian wall art, customized heirloom albums, mounted prints, and more.

Getting the Scoop from Your Newborn Photographer

As you’re hiring a newborn photographer, the questions you ask will set you up for an easier, less stressful process because you’ll have a clear understanding of the road ahead. Finding the right questions to ask your newborn photographer is the first step. Use the questions above to get the best results from your newborn portrait session. If you’re in the market for a photographer, schedule your newborn photography session with me in Harrisburg, PA today.

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When to Take Newborn Photos: Your Ultimate Guide

02.10.22

Karissa Zimmer Photography captures a smile on newborn baby boy — Newborn Baby boy smiles when posed in Camp Hill PA newborn photography studio

You’ve ooohed and aaahed over all your friends’ adorable newborn photos popping up on social media. You’ve made a mental note of the most amazing poses and portraits you’ve seen for newborns so you can re-create them for your own baby. But you also know, either from first-hand experience or from other parents, that newborns are unpredictable from one moment to the next – and that’s an understatement! How do you get those incredible newborn photos you want?

Much of it comes down to timing, believe it or not. When should newborn photos be taken in order to get the poses and sleepy baby snapshots you love? As a professional photographer in Camp Hill, PA, I’m here to give you the details you need to know to get the timing right.

Newborn Baby boy photographed in bucket by Karissa Zimmer Photography — Camp Hill PA studio Newborn Photography pose.

When to Take Newborn Photos

In general, the best time for newborn photos is during the first two weeks after birth. To be more specific, though, I’ve found that the best time to take newborn photos is between 7 days and 10 days old. During this stage, your baby is still sleeping most of the time. This makes them easier to pose and photograph for those sleepy newborn portraits parents love. Your baby is also still very “curled up” and hasn’t yet stretched out much. That allows us to safely and comfortably get them into those cuddly little newborn poses you’ll cherish forever.

When Should I Book My Newborn Portraits?

The thought of fitting a newborn photo session into such a tight window might stress you out. I get it! So much is in flux during your pregnancy and your baby’s first days that it’s hard to plan much of anything with any confidence. At the end of the day, babies arrive when they want to arrive. How do you know when that window of 7-10 days will be?

You can’t know for certain, but all we can do is make an approximation and adjust if necessary. To make sure you get a booking in the timeframe you want, it’s best to schedule your newborn photography when you’re in your second trimester of the pregnancy. At this point, you’re past the high-risk period of pregnancy. You’re not yet in the third trimester, though, when you’ll be busy with all the final preparations for your new baby.

Of course, there are many times when babies don’t follow our schedules and they arrive earlier or later than expected. In fact, only 5% of babies are born on their exact due date. Don’t worry! Just give me a call and we’ll see when we can fit your session in during your baby’s first two weeks.

Newborn baby boy photographed on tiny bed prop in camp hill photography studio

Can I Combine My Maternity and Newborn Photography in One Package?

As special as newborn photos are, it’s even better to have maternity photos as well. You want to chronicle every part of this incredible journey. To make the most out of both your maternity and newborn photography, you can schedule these photo sessions together with the same photographer, because I specialize in both!

Now that you know when to do newborn photos, the natural next question is when to do maternity photos. This can be tricky because every magical mom-to-be experiences her own pregnancy. You want to take your portraits when you’re far enough into your pregnancy that you have a beautifully pronounced belly. At the same time, you don’t want to wait so late into your pregnancy that you’re uncomfortable. You especially don’t want to worry that you might go into labor before your session happens. The sweet spot is usually between 28 and 36 weeks.

baby boy posed in green for newborn photography shoot

How Do I Find the Right Photographer for My Newborn Photos?

There are so many ways to make your newborn photos the perfect addition to your family’s home. The most important step, though, is to choose a photographer who can capture your vision. For newborn photography, in particular, you need a photographer who specializes in working with newborn babies and has dedicated safety training in newborn care and newborn poses. I’m proud to say that I meet those criteria.

Make sure you take a look at the photographer’s work too, particularly their newborn photo gallery. Photography is an art form, at the end of the day. You want to know if a photographer has similar aesthetic tastes to you and can create the portraits you want for your baby.

Booking Your Photographer for the Best Time to Take Newborn Photos

Now that you know the best time to do newborn photos, there’s just one thing left to do: book your session! Contact my Camp Hill photography studio today to book your newborn photoshoot or to learn what I have to offer.

Newborn baby smiles at his Camp Hill photoshoot

When to Take Newborn Photos: Your Ultimate Guide Read More »

Everything You Need to Know About a Newborn Session

02.02.21

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!

new parents are photographed with newborn baby boy during posed newborn photography session with karissa zimmer photography

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.

newborn photographer karissa zimmer photographs new father with baby boy at his newborn photography session in camp hill pa

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.

everything you need to know about a newborn photography session in camp hill pa

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.

new parents snuggle their newborn boy at photo session in camp hill pa

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!

new father is photographed during photo session with karissa zimmer photography

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.

newborn photographer karissa zimmer photography captures image of newborn boy with parents

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!

posed newborn baby boy on gray by camp hill newborn photographer

karissa zimmer photography captures images of posed newborn baby

newborn photographed by karissa zimmer photography in camp hill pa

newborn photography session in camp hill pa shows baby boy posed in blue and white bucked

newborn baby boy is posed during his newborn photo session with karissa zimmer photography

baby boy is wrapped and photographed by camp hill newborn photographer

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.

Please contact Karissa for more information about planning your newborn session. I can wait to meet you at your consultation!

Everything You Need to Know About a Newborn Session Read More »

Harrisburg Pa Newborn Photographer

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Booking Your Photographer for the Best Time to Take Newborn Photos

Everything You Need to Know About a Newborn Session

How old should my little one be for the photo session?

When should I book my session?

What if my baby arrives earlier than expected?

How long does a newborn session last?

How should I dress my newborn for photos?

What should I bring to my newborn session?