Maternity pictures

Now is the Time to Book Your Central Pennsylvania Maternity Photos for the Summer!

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

Let’s start planning your dream maternity portraits together! Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography to book your session.

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Tips for Your Harrisburg Winter Maternity Photo Session

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

Dreaming of gorgeous, wintery maternity portraits? Let’s get started! Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography today to book your session.

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A Mechanicsburg Outdoor Fall Maternity Photography Shoot: Pros and Cons of Outdoor Maternity Portraits

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.

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!

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Harrisburg Maternity Portrait Tips for Couples

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.

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.

To book your maternity session or to learn more about the process, contact Karissa Zimmer Photography today and let’s get started.

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Camp Hill Maternity Photography: Myths and Facts

As a photographer who is fortunate enough to take many Camp Hill maternity photography portraits, I love helping moms-to-be plan for this amazing and fulfilling experience. As glad as I am to answer all questions my clients have, I’ve also noticed that there are many myths and misunderstandings about maternity photography. To help you have a better understanding of maternity portraiture and what you can expect, I’ve dedicated this blog to clearing up some of those common myths.

Myth: You Can Take DIY Maternity Portraits

I understand the impulse to try to take your own maternity portraits. Babies are expensive, so in the midst of trying to budget for adding a new member to your family, it makes sense to want to save money wherever you can.

When it comes to maternity photography, though, that can backfire. For one, DIY maternity photos aren’t as cost-effective as you might think. When you hire a professional photographer, you get access to luxury maternity gowns, top-of-the-line photography equipment, props, a perfected photo studio, potentially a professional makeup artist, and more.

Funding the essentials on your own will be pricey. After all those costs, you still won’t have access to the skill, expertise, and attention to detail that a professional photographer can provide.

Second, quite frankly, professional maternity photography is an investment you deserve to make. You should be able to relax, have fun, and put the work in the hands of a professional while you just enjoy this celebration of your growing family.

Myth: Maternity Portraits Are a Stressful, Work-Intensive Project

I get it – you’re already busy getting ready for your baby so the thought of adding to your to-do list is exhausting. Don’t worry, because if you hire the right photographer, the process will be far easier than you expect.

In my Camp Hill maternity photography, I’ve designed my client experience to be able to guide you smoothly through every part of the process. I’ll get an understanding of your likes and dislikes and then handle all the planning for you. I even help you order the finished portraits you love and manage the process of getting your portraits to you. With less work and time than you expect, you can have once-in-a-lifetime portraits you’ll treasure forever.

Myth: Camp Hill Maternity Photography Is Only for Women with Perfectly Sculpted Bodies

So many women are self-conscious about their pregnant bodies and worry about how they’ll look in their maternity portraits. First of all, allow me to say this: every body is beautiful, and every pregnant body is utterly gorgeous. Your body is working a miracle, and even though it looks different than the body you’re used to, it’s stunning and it deserves to be celebrated.

As a maternity photographer, I’m not just an expert in composing photos; I’m an expert in making every person look their best in photos. I know precisely how to pose you and how to work the lighting to capture your most flattering and beautiful angles.

Myth: Maternity Photos Are Too Sexy for My Taste

You’ve probably seen tons of maternity portraits that are sexy and revealing, with plenty of skin showing – or perhaps entirely nude. If that’s not your style, it might seem intimidating or seem as if maternity photos aren’t your cup of tea.

In every Camp Hill maternity photography session, I have only one focus: you! I tailor every photo shoot to my client and the aesthetic you want. Your maternity portraits can be whatever you want them to be, whether that means sensual and edgy, modest and traditional, or anything in between. We can incorporate a variety of styles into your session as well. Regardless, rest assured that you won’t be pushed to do anything you aren’t comfortable with.

The Next Steps in Your Camp Hill Maternity Photography Journey

I hope that clearing up these common myths about maternity portraits has given you a better understanding of this artistic and sentimental type of portraiture and what you can expect during the process. If you want to learn more or chat with me about booking your Camp Hill maternity photography session, contact my photo studio today. 

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Your Guide to Combining a Maternity and Family Photoshoot

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.

Planning Your Maternity Family Photoshoot

If you have a precious new baby on the way and you want to preserve this moment with your entire family, now is the time to book your session. Contact my photo studio today to get on the schedule and start planning this gift to yourself that you’ll treasure forever.

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Camp Hill PA Maternity & Newborn Photography

Camp Hill PA Maternity & Newborn Photography

I love Camp Hill PA Maternity & Newborn Photography! This time of year is always my favorite time for any outdoor photo sessions. Especially maternity and family portraits! As times have certainly changed this spring, I am reliving my favorite moments from this adorable family’s spring maternity photography session. This April day started out with a serious wind storm. We were worried we wouldn’t get to shoot. However, it turned out to be a GORGEOUS spring evening! I couldn’t have possibly had a more beautiful and excited mom-to-be! Her two guys were equally as excited to welcome another boy to the family a few weeks later! Spring blooms make me so happy. It symbolizes new life! And with the combination of welcoming a new baby, nothing could be more perfect than a spring maternity photography session! Can we just take a moment to remember when it was safe to have outdoor maternity and family photo sessions?! And photographers were able to operate their businesses and capture the memories like these. I am hoping AND praying these beautiful, wonderful portrait photography sessions can be captured again soon! These are the moments that fill my heart…and my clients walls with love!

camp hill maternity and newborn photography session by karissa zimmer
Camp Hill PA Maternity Photography | Pregnancy Pictures in Camp Hill Pennsylvania

It was impossible not to fall in love with this big brother to-be! I have seriously never met a more well behaved toddler in my life! Baby boy is lucky to have a perfect role model to grow up with!

little boy giggles during his family's outdoor maternity photography session
Camp Hill Family & Maternity | Child portraits in Camp Hill PA

Outdoor Family Maternity Photography

Check out these beautiful spring blooms! There is no time like spring for outdoor portraits. I am missing this like CRAZY this year. I wait all year to be able to photograph portrait sessions during this my favorite season! World, please get healthy soon. I’m ready to be back outside doing what I love!

family of 3 photographed at outdoor maternity photography session in camp hill
Camp Hill Maternity & Newborn Photographer | Maternity and Newborn photography near Camp Hill
family photographed in the spring at outdoor maternity session in camp hill pa
Maternity and Newborn Photographer Camp Hill | Family Maternity Pictures Camp Hill PA

I couldn’t leave out my favorite image of the big bro to-be. He’s the sweetest face!

little boy poses during his family maternity photo session
Maternity Photographer Camp Hill | Pregnancy Images in Camp Hill PA

There’s no doubt that we’re living through some crazy, scary times right now. It is always my hope that my images can put a smile on the faces of the people who see them! It’s also is my greatest wish that the world will get healthy again in all the ways. That this pandemic will soon be over, less lives will be lost, kids will be back in school, families and friends will be gathering, and I will be able to capture the people and moments that mean the most to you. I believe times like this also help us to realize the importance of having visual memories of our most important moments and loved ones. I am praying for all of my clients and that I will be seeing you all again very, very soon!

Booking a Maternity or Newborn Photography session.

I would LOVE nothing more than to chat with you about planning your maternity and newborn photography sessions. Although I am not currently able to meet with clients in person for consultations or sessions, It doesn’t hurt to chat about planning for when the time comes. I am still talking with new clients daily! If you’re interested in booking a future maternity and newborn session please send me a message HERE! I will call you to chat about my portrait process and I will add you to my call back list. As soon as it is announced that it is safe for me to operate and begin photographing clients again, I will call you back to set up your consultation and plan your session! Besides, isn’t it nice to chat with someone outside of the walls of our homes right now?! If you’re anything like me, you’re missing people! I can’t wait to chat with you about big things for the future!

PS- I’m trying to keep my INSTA popping! Follow me on INSTAGRAM for updates and cute babies!

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Laura and Joe | Mechanicsburg Pa Maternity Photographer

As a Mechanicsburg Pa maternity photographer, I think it’s so special when couples want to capture and preserve the memories of this time leading up to the arrival of the new little life they created.

I met Laura and Joe this spring for a consultation to plan their maternity and newborn sessions.  They are seriously the cutest, most fun couple, and oh so deserving of the beautiful baby they were getting ready to welcome.  Laura suggested her back yard as the setting for their maternity photos. When I arrived for their session I knew she made a great choice. It was perfect!

Newborn Photography baby photographer Mechanicsburg PA Newborn photographer_0223Newborn Photography baby photographer Mechanicsburg PA Newborn photographer_0222Newborn Photography baby photographer Mechanicsburg PA Newborn photographer_0221Newborn Photography baby photographer Mechanicsburg PA Newborn photographer_0220

I absolutely loved this session and their images. I loved working with Laura and Joe to capture this special time in their lives.  This is a time you can’t get back.  There is truly no better way to remember your pregnancy than to capture it through portraits. Maternity photography will allow you to look back on this moment forever.

Let’s work together to plan your custom maternity and newborn photography sessions. Planning ahead is best! The ideal time to have your maternity portraits photographed is between week 35 and 37 of your pregnancy.  Send me a message so that we can plan to capture and preserve your most special memories!

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