Harrisburg PA Photographer

Everything You Need to Know About a Newborn Session

01.20.21

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.

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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!

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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!

Baby Photographer in Mechanicsburg Pa

02.22.21

Baby Photographer in Mechanicsburg Pa | The Milestone you shouldn't miss.

As a baby Photographer in Mechanicsburg Pa, I'm going to give you my best new parent advice. The 6th month old "sitter" milestone is the one you shouldn't miss! As in THIS IS THE CUTEST PHASE EVER! Like, hire a professional photographer NOW type of important! Whether you had your baby photographed as a newborn or not, the 6th month old milestone of your baby's life is absolutely one you will want to have visual memories of forever. I can promise you. This stage, when your baby is able to sit up by her/himself, nearly unassisted is the perfect time to document some of the cutest memories you will have. Six month sitter sessions offer the best, most animated smiles and expressions. Babies are almost always just so happy and pleasant at this age! It is literally the best!

If you can't take my word for it, no worries. I have no trouble providing you with one of the most adorable 6 month old sitter examples EVER! This absolute doll baby is Sienna. Really, I can only describe her as the most perfect baby doll I've ever seen. She was such a happy girl. But, her gorgeous, bright blue eyes and her amazing dark hair is what I first fell in love with. Then, she little personality shines through! I'd scoop her right up and keep her if I was allowed! Ready to have your heart burst with crazy amounts of cuteness? Ready or not...Meet Sienna!

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Will your baby be approaching the 6-7 month milestone soon? I would love to be your baby photographer!

If the answer is yes, now is the perfect time to start planning. It is never really too early! In fact, the earlier the better! It is best to reserve this type of session 1-4 months in advance. I customize each session especially for you and your baby. These are the images you'll want hanging on your walls where you can see them each and every time you walk into your home. I promise - they will make you smile every single day!

Get in touch with me now to start planning your baby's 6 month old "sitter" session.

I would love to work with you and will walk you through my process from consultation to delivery of your image art work. First, send me a quick message HERE to get in touch! I can't wait to meet you and your little love!

Follow along to see more baby photographer sneak peeks...

Want to catch more sneak peeks of my 6th month old sessions and many more? Click INSTAGRAM to follow me!

Newborn and Baby Photographer near Camp Hill Pa

12.29.19

Newborn and Baby Photographer near Camp Hill, Pa – Aitha

Newborn and Baby Photographer near Camp Hill Pa. Just LOOK at this little guy’s gorgeous head of dark hair! I mean, it would make most of us girls jealous! I really, really have a thing for babies with a full head of hair. Especially dark hair! If you follow my work, you are probably already aware of that! Maybe it’s because my own girl had super dark hair as a newborn. Maybe because I am a dark haired girl? I am not sure, but there is just something about a whole lot of dark hair on a newborn that I love so much! When I first laid eyes on this guy I knew he was going to make the most perfect newborn baby art ever! I WAS RIGHT! You have got to agree!?

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If you ask me what my ONE favorite part of my job is I don’t think I’d be able to give you an answer. That’s the honest truth. I truly love so many things about what I do. From snuggling these tiny, perfect and new creatures to building lasting relationships with my clients to watching their families grow and their children grow up. But, one thing that means so much to me is to see everything come together in the form of tangible, heirloom portrait art. To see my clients expressions when their portraits are hanging on their walls – IN PRINT! Where it is meant to be! So you can see and enjoy your memories every single day. It is truly rewarding – to you and to me!

Send me a quick

Send me a quick message HERE to start planning your newborn’s custom portrait session! I can’t wait to work with you!

Follow me on INSTAGRAM to catch more sneak peeks of my images and all that’s new at Karissa Zimmer Photography!

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

12.29.19

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

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

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

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

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

Let’s talk about 2020!

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

Let’s chat about your family!

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

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

Family Photographer in Harrisburg Pa

01.13.22

Family Photographer in Harrisburg Pa - The Norman Family

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

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

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

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

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

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

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