Mechanicsburg PA child photographer

Five Questions You Should Ask Your Family Photographer

When it comes to portrait photography, many people put a lot of effort into their search for the perfect photographer to capture their wedding or engagement. They often forget that finding the perfect person to capture their family’s most special memories is just as important! These images of your family will be something you cherish forever and that your children, grandchildren, and future generations will have to look back on.

If you’re looking for a family photographer, take time to ask them these questions—and don’t shy away from voicing your concerns or clearly asking for what you want. The best way to get the images you want from your session is to communicate clearly with your photographer and let them know right away if you have any questions or concerns.

How much experience do you have?

While it’s great to help out a friend, if you’re looking for gorgeous images to display in your home for years to come, you don’t want to book a photographer who’s just starting out. Ask about their experience and look at some of their past work to determine if their images are consistent and their style would be a good fit for your family. You want a photographer who knows what they’re doing, has high-quality equipment and can handle any type of lighting situation—or any rambunctious kids.

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Do you specialize in a specific type of photography?

If you’re looking for a certain kind of photography, make sure to choose a photographer whose style matches what you’re seeking. Some photographers do more posed photos, and some go for a more candid look, while others do both depending on the client. If you want something specific for your images, don’t be afraid to ask.

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Do you have a lot of repeat clients?


The best photographers often capture multiple milestones for the same families, from engagements to newborns to their baby’s milestones, or child’s high school senior photos and beyond. If a photographer has the same clients coming back again and again, that’s a good sign that their work is strong and consistent—and that they’re easy to work with.

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What is your policy for canceling or rescheduling?


You never know what could happen to keep you from making it to your family photo session. Be sure to ask about your photographer’s cancelation policy and whether you would be able to reschedule your shoot, if necessary.

Have you had any experience with _____________?


You may have unique concerns based on your family’s needs or challenges. Maybe you have a special needs child or a situation that may require some poses outside of the norm. While it helps to have a photographer who has some experience with concerns similar to yours, the most important thing is finding someone who will be understanding and compassionate and who will work with you and your family to get great photos.

When you’re looking for a photographer to capture the love your family shares, it’s important to choose someone who’s willing and able to help you create your vision for your family portraits. Be sure to check out as many of their galleries as you can and be open about what you want for your images.

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Baby Photographer in Mechanicsburg Pa

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!

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!

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

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!

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!

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Langan Family Portraits | Family Photographer Harrisburg PA

As a Family Photographer Harrisburg PA, I love watching families grow through working with them each year.

It's definitely one of my favorite parts about what I do! I love the special bond that I have with my yearly repeat clients like the Langan Family! They become so near and dear to my heart. I have been photographing this adorable family for the past 6 years! I've seen these children grow and change from year to year and have been lucky enough to be the one their family trusts to capture their memories each time around. I love how much they truly value family. They value the importance of preserving each stage of life by making it a priority each and every year to have their family photographed. You know just how important family is when you walk into their home and see portraits EVERYWHERE throughout their home! It makes my heart so happy! After all, what is more important than the people we love?! I can't list one thing!

Family Photographer in Harrisburg PA Karissa Zimmer Photography Family Photographer Harrisburg PAFamily Photographer Camp Hill PA 17011 Karissa Zimmer Photography Family Photographer Harrisburg PACamp Hill PA family Photographer Karissa Zimmer Photography 17011 Family Photographer Harrisburg PAChildren photography Harrisburg PA Family Photographer Harrisburg PACamp Hill PA family Photographer Karissa Zimmer Photography 17011 Family Photographer Harrisburg PAHarrisburg PA Family Photographer Karissa Zimmer Photography Family Photographer Harrisburg PAMechanicsburg Family Photographer Karissa Zimmer Photography Family Photographer Harrisburg PAMechanicsburg PA Family Photographer Karissa Zimmer Photography 17050 Family Photographer Harrisburg PAFamily Photographer 17050 Family Photography 17055 Family Photographer Harrisburg PAFamily pictures in Mechanicsburg PA by Karissa Zimmer Photography Family Photographer Harrisburg PACamp Hill Pa Family Photographer Karissa Zimmer Photography Family Photographer Harrisburg PAFamily Pictures in Harrisburg PA by Karissa Zimmer Photography Family Photographer Harrisburg PAI know it still seems a little chilly outside, however it is Spring! That means my FAVORITE portrait seasons of all are here. There is nothing like the evening Spring and Summer light with new life and blooms everywhere. Spring and Summer make for the prettiest family pictures of all! In my opinion at least! It's never too early to reserve a date for your family's custom portrait session. I will walk you through the entire custom portrait process from start to finish. My goal is not only to capture your family's unique and special story, but to help you preserve these moments forever through beautiful heirloom products. These moments that are so quickly fleeting. I will help you to enjoy them day after day by showing you exactly how they can be displayed on your walls!

Send me a message here to chat about planning your family's personalized portrait session! I can't wait to work with you!

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Lucas {Mechanicsburg Pa Children’s Portraits}

It's an honest fact that i'm passionate about creating children's portraits...I'm even more excited about it when it's for someone I love!

Lucas is a special little guy to me.  He belongs to one of my nearest and dearest friends.  I love watching my all of my friend's babies grow up and being able to capture these special phases for them to cherish forever.

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We couldn't have had a more perfect evening for his fall portrait session. It was such a late fall with all the warm temperatures (that we're now paying for- with these FREEZING temps!) and were so lucky that his November shoot was bursting with brilliant colors!

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One of my favorite parts of my portrait process is being able to show my clients how their finished images will look on the walls of their own home. Of course, my absolute favorite product that I offer and love show show are The The Organic Bloom frames.  Lucas' portraits look so beautiful finished and framed in Organic Bloom frames. Portraits of the ones you love are meant to be printed and displayed on the walls of your home where they can be cherished and enjoyed everyday!

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It's never too early to start planning a custom portrait session for your children and family. Although I love Fall Portrait sessions a ton...I  really love SPRING and SUMMER sessions even more! The weather is comfortable, Spring and Summer lighting is beautiful and there isn't a need for layers of clothing!  Send me a message here and we'll work together to plan a special portrait session to capture your family's story forever.

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Portraits Of Your Family Are Invaluable

I'm on a roll! This NEVER happens that I am editing and sharing images of my own child twice in one week!  As I dedicate my life to capturing and preserving memories for my clients and their families, I realize just how important it is to share the value of portraits in my own life as well.  This is the little girl who lights up my world everyday.  She the person that gives me purpose.  The main reason I get up everyday and do what I do.  The memories I capture of her at this age and every age (past and future) mean everything to me.  Images of my daughter are what I have to remember her at all of the stages of her life as she grows, changes, and moves on to something new.  I could never imagine not having the printed memories I have of her to look back on.  Printed portraits of your family are invaluable.  They will mean everything someday!

Family Photography baby photographer Mechanicsburg PA Newborn photographer Family PhotosWhen you're 9...There is so much joy in twirling in a pretty white dress!

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Let's work together to create some forever memories for your family! Send me a message to start planning your family's special portrait session.

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Summer Memories

It's not often that I share personal images, but I think it is important to do sometimes. Especially summer memories! This is the little person who holds my heart. She's growing up so fast yet when I see these images it reminds me of her pure, young, sweet spirit.  I was so blessed to be able to spend lots of time enjoying my daughter this summer and creating these memories at our favorite place.  I hate to think these beach days are over and we're almost ready to wrap up the summer and send our babies back to school.  The end of this season is always the most dreaded part of the year to me!  I will cherish the memories I have from the summer 17' with my little girl forever and ever.  I know I say it ALL the time, but please stop growing up, Madalyn! Newborn Photography baby photographer Mechanicsburg PA Newborn photographer_0038

 

The memories you capture of your family in print will mean absolutely everything to you someday. I'd love to work with you to create something special. Something that you and your children will have forever to remember their childhood.  Send me a message here and let's chat about how we will tell your family's story!

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Langan Family Portrait Session

I look forward to the Langan family portrait session every spring! I began capturing their family memories in 2013.  I've been blessed to have the opportunity to watch this family grow and tell their story through portraits each year.  I can truly say I cherish the continuing relationship and bond I share with my clients.  This family is always so wonderful to work with. Right from the beginning planning stages all the way to when their family portraits are up on their walls. There is nothing I cherish more than a client to who values love, family and the memories they make together. Newborn Photography baby photographer Mechanicsburg PA Newborn photographer_0024

Together we chose images to create a beautiful collection of framed art for the walls in the Langan's home. I think mom loves The Organic Bloom custom framed portraits just as much as I do! The Organic Bloom frames are truly one of my most favorite items in the collection of heirloom products that I have to offer. Newborn Photography baby photographer Mechanicsburg PA Newborn photographer_0027

Let's tell your family's story together through portraits. I can't wait to meet you and create beautiful images for you to cherish forever.  Click here to book your family portrait session!

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Trevor | Central PA Newborn Photographer

Trevor is one little brother who will never ever have to wonder how much he is loved with a team of siblings like this! I'm lucky enough to often meet families who capture my heart. The love these kiddos have for their newborn baby brother takes the feels to a whole new level! When I arrived to photograph their Newborn Sibling session I could tell instantly just how much love Trevor would experience in a lifetime of being the baby boy in a family of 5 awesome kiddos. They were ALL so excited to hold their baby brother to have their portrait taken with him.
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Mechanicsburg PA Newborn Photographer baby photography newborn baby boy photography in Central PA newborn with siblings photography
Mechanicsburg PA Newborn Photographer baby photography newborn baby boy photography in Central PA newborn with siblings photography
Karissa Zimmer specializes in custom newborn, baby, maternity and family photography in Mechanicsburg, PA and surrounding areas including but not limited to Camp Hill, Carlisle, Harrisburg, Hershey, York, and all of Central PA.

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