Mechanicsburg PA Baby Photography

Mechanicsburg Newborn Photography Myths Busted

There’s a lot about Mechanicsburg newborn photography that isn’t common knowledge, and in fact, there are many myths and misconceptions about this type of photo session. As a photographer, I’m here to bust those myths and help you have a better idea of what to expect from newborn photos.

Myth #1: Newborn Photos Must Be Taken in a Specific Timeframe

You’ve probably heard people say that “real” newborn photos have to be taken before a baby reaches a certain age – some say 14 days, some even say 10 days. That’s gatekeeping at its finest and I’m not here for it.

Yes, it’s ideal to take newborn photos in a baby’s first two weeks of life because you can capture how new and tiny they are at this early stage, and because they sleep so much during these days. But there’s no set deadline for newborn photography, and it’s not uncommon for NICU stays or other circumstances to require us to wait until after that 14-day mark.

Myth #2: Studio Flash Photography Will Hurt a Newborn’s Eyes

It used to be common advice to avoid flash photography in front of newborn babies, but according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, extensive research has shown no evidence that camera flashes damage babies’ eyes. While harsh camera flashes in a dark room can irritate babies (just as they can with adults), studio camera flashes are designed to be gentler.

Myth #3: Your Baby Needs to Sleep for Their Mechanicsburg Newborn Photography

Many parents worry that their photographer won’t be able to take newborn photos if their baby won’t sleep, but that isn’t the case. Sleeping babies are easier to pose and photograph, sure. But nearly all babies will sleep for at least part of their photo session, and even while your baby is awake, we can capture plenty of beautiful portraits.

Booking Your Mechanicsburg Newborn Photography

If you have a baby on the way, I can help you preserve a piece of their first days that will last a lifetime. Contact my PA photography studio today.

Is Harrisburg Sitter Session Photography Worth It?

When you have a beautiful baby at home, calling it “love” doesn’t feel descriptive enough. You’re *obsessed* with your new little one and you absolutely adore watching them grow and discover the world around them. If you want to preserve the memories of this exciting time of life, Harrisburg sitter session photography is a great way to do that.

What Is Sitter Session Photography?

Sitter session photography is a photo session that occurs while your baby is confidently sitting up on their own but isn’t yet crawling confidently. This generally happens around 6-9 months of age.

Benefits of Sitter Session Photography

Why do we choose this particular time in a baby’s first year to take portraits? There are several benefits, actually.

Preserve a Beautiful Developmental Stage

Your baby’s sitter stage is such a fun time in their infancy! With sitting up, they can be more engaged with you and with everything around them, and it’s such a joy to watch their little eyes take it all in.

Flexible Posing Options

A large part of why sitter session photography is so popular is its practicality. We can get a much better variety of poses and portrait options because your baby can sit up on their own and look at the camera. However, they haven’t yet hit the point when they’re mobile and wanting to explore. The sitter stage is a perfect opportunity to get precious baby photos you’ll love for decades without having to chase your baby around the studio.

Capture the First Hints of Baby’s Personality

Compared to their newborn days, your baby is showing so much more personality in their sitter stage! You’re starting to see some of their little mannerisms, expressions, and quirks. Now is a great time to capture those on camera so you can look back on them when your child is older and see when that sweet personality started.

So…Is Harrisburg Sitter Session Photography Worth It?

What’s the verdict? Every family has to answer that for themselves, but for many, the answer is a resounding “yes,” sitter session photography is worth it! To get the ball rolling, contact my Harrisburg photo studio today and let’s chat!

Mechanicsburg Baby Photographer Answers Your Top Questions About Sitter Session Photography

As adults, it’s easy for a year or two to pass without our lives changing much at all. Your baby, on the other hand, will only be a baby for a short time, so you want to preserve as many memories as you can from this special, fleeting time. That’s exactly what I do! As a Mechanicsburg baby photographer, I want to help you know your options so I’m answering some of the top questions about sitter session photography.

When Should You Take Sitter Session Portraits with a Mechanicsburg Baby Photographer?

Sitter sessions are meant for a specific developmental stage: when your baby can comfortably sit up on their own but they aren’t yet walking and, ideally, they aren’t crawling yet either. Generally, this is between 6-9 months of age.

Why Take Sitter Session Portraits?

A sitter session marks a fun point in your baby’s developmental journey, but it’s also done for logistic purposes. At this stage, we can get all those adorable seated poses but your baby isn’t so mobile that we’re chasing them around the studio or struggling to keep them in one place. It’s a “sweet spot” for baby photography!

What Sitter Session Outfits Should I Bring for My Baby?

As a baby photographer, I have an abundant client closet with beautiful baby outfits for my clients to wear, so you don’t need to worry about planning outfits. In fact, I’ll custom style your entire photo shoot, from the sets and props to your baby’s outfits and accessories. However, if you want portraits in a particular meaningful outfit like an outfit you wore as a baby, bring it along and I’m happy to use it.

Booking Your Sitter Session with a Specialized Mechanicsburg Baby Photographer

Celebrate this beautiful stage in the adventure of your baby’s first year with custom sitter session photography! To book your session, contact Karissa Zimmer Photography today and let’s chat.

Mechanicsburg Newborn Photos: What to Wear

Whether you’re a full-blown fashionista or you throw on the first thing you grab from your closet, planning a wardrobe for a portrait session is a challenge. You want to find colors and cuts that will flatter you, photograph well, and coordinate nicely among the entire family in the portraits. You’re not alone – you have me in your corner! If you’re planning Mechanicsburg newborn photos, here’s your guide to what to wear for your photo session.

Do I Need to Plan a Wardrobe for My Baby for Newborn Photos?

Here’s some good news: you don’t need to worry about clothing for your newborn. For newborn photography, I have an extensive selection of wraps and accessories to create all the looks you want for your baby. I often take plenty of nude newborn portraits too, as long as the baby will still rest comfortably.

What Parents Should Wear for Newborn Photos

Most of your newborn portraits, of course, will center on your beautiful new bundle of joy. But I always aim to take a few photos of the newborn with you, their loving parents, so you will want to bring some photo-friendly clothes for yourself and your spouse or partner.

My top recommendation is to bring something that is black and very simple – no logos, buttons, or embellishments. Dads will often choose a simple black Hanes-type t-shirt, though we also get a very touching, artistic effect in portraits of dads without a shirt holding their baby.

For moms, there’s no need to go out and buy something new – something simple and black is timeless and stunning. After all, I’ll be posing your baby in a way that covers much of your chest, so you won’t be able to see much of your top. It’s fantastic if you can show a bit of skin with a black sleeveless or short-sleeved top, but long sleeves are still beautiful.

For any parent, we can also take portraits with your newly growing family in special garments that are meaningful to you. For instance, members of the military and first responders may want to take portraits in their uniform with their baby.

I do encourage parents to bring a backup outfit for their newborn portraits too. You never know when your baby might have an accident, and we want to make sure you aren’t scrambling for a way to cover up an uncomfortable stain!

What Siblings Should Wear

I love a great sibling portrait when a new baby comes into the family! Rather than taking sibling portraits during your baby’s newborn session, I take these portraits in a separate add-on photo shoot. We typically take these photos at your home so your kids can be comfortable and relaxed.

I typically take some sibling portraits with a soft, neutral color palette. For these photos, I suggest something white or cream-colored for girl siblings. For boy siblings, we can do the same colors or have them without a shirt. Many parents choose khakis without a shirt for their sons’ photos with their newborn.

Other than this, though, we can take your kids’ portraits in anything that feels natural and has coordinating colors throughout the family. Since we’ll be at your home, you can easily make a wardrobe change at any time if necessary. Keep in mind that for sibling portraits, as for traditional newborn portraits, you’ll want to have backup outfits ready for each member of the family.

Planning Your Mechanicsburg Newborn Photos

Getting spectacular newborn portraits can be easier than you think. As a full-service photographer, I take the time and work off your plate. I’ll guide you through the entire process, including turning your newborn photos into incredible, heirloom-quality artwork that’s ready to display in your home.

To start planning your newborn photos, contact Karissa Zimmer Photography today and let’s chat about your dream portraits!

Ask a Mechanicsburg PA Photographer: What Is Custom Photography?

For as many different family photographers as there are in the world, there are just as many different types of family photography experiences. Many of us, whether in our childhoods or as parents, have had one of those stressful photos shoots in a sketchy studio when we just stood in one spot and smiled over and over, feeling awkward the entire time. That’s why, from the first day I started performing photo shoots as a Mechanicsburg PA photographer, I wanted to create a different experience – an opportunity for priceless memories that brighten your home for generations.

That’s why I choose to provide custom portrait photography. Allow me to shed light on custom photography and walk you through the journey you can expect.

From a Mechanicsburg PA Photographer: What Is Custom Photography?

Custom portrait photography is a full-service photography experience. It’s all about taking your investment beyond just snapping pictures you’ll post on Instagram once and then forget about. Custom photography focuses on giving you a tangible way to treasure your portraits and ensuring that those finished products are of the highest quality.

Many types of photography merely give you the first half – digital files of your family photos. Custom portrait photography finishes the entire journey with you so by the time we’re finished, you have a gorgeous display in your home, ready for you to enjoy.

What to Expect from a Custom Photography Process with Your Mechanicsburg PA Photographer

Each photographer will provide a different experience. When you book your custom portraits with me, though, whether it’s newborn, maternity, family, baby, or senior photos, here’s a peek into what you can expect from the process.

Step 1: Getting in Touch

It all starts with a message or phone call from you! When you reach out to me, we’ll chat for a few minutes about what you’re looking for in a Mechanicsburg PA photographer and we’ll schedule your consultation.

Step 2: The Consultation

A magical photo session always starts with careful planning and, most importantly for me, listening. I want to hear all about your vision for your portraits, how you want to display your photos, what styles and poses you love, and more. We’ll chat about the details and I’ll plan all the essentials for your dream photo session based on your intended purpose and placement for your portraits.

Step 3: The Session

The day has arrived! By the time it’s your session date, you’ll know all about where to go and what to expect because we’ll talk about it all during your consultation. Your photo shoot isn’t just a means to an end, though. I want it to be a memory-making experience too. As a Mechanicsburg PA photographer, I’ll be able to guide you through each pose and set so you can just relax and enjoy.

Step 4: The Reveal and Ordering Appointment

After your session, I’ll get to work combing through each shot, picking out the best of the best, and doing an initial edit. Two or three weeks later after your family photo shoot, you’ll come to my studio for one of the most exciting moments of the process: the big reveal!

I’ll unveil a display of all your amazing portraits and at first, you can just take it all in and enjoy them. Then, we’ll sit down and chat so you can choose your favorites for your finished products. This is also when you’ll decide on the details like the specific products you want and we’ll place the order for your custom pieces. We source a variety of products from top artisans around the world, including:

  • Farmhouse-style framed portraits
  • Heirloom photo albums
  • Folio display cases
  • Canvas or acrylic Italian wall art
  • Amalfi panels

Step 5: The Delivery

When your items arrive at my studio, I’ll give them a close exam to make sure they’re of the highest quality. Then, I’ll give you a call right away to arrange a time for me to deliver your new artwork. I’ll bring your custom pieces to your home and even help you install them if you wish.

Booking Your Custom Photography Experience with a Mechanicsburg PA Photographer

Custom portrait photography is all about giving you a smoother, more guided process so you don’t have to navigate unfamiliar waters – your photographer will take care of it all and provide you with incredible one-of-a-kind artwork that’s ready for you to enjoy and cherish. To kick it all off, contact my photo studio today.