Summer has arrived, and for many local families, this is the perfect time for outdoor family photos in Mechanicsburg. The kids are out of school, there are plenty of daylight hours – it’s perfect for portraits you can treasure for years. There’s one problem, though: the heat can make a photo session uncomfortable. Not to worry, because I have some tricks! Use these tips to stay cool for your summer photo session.
Keep the Session Moving
This is the most important tip of all: be prepared to keep the photo session moving. Kids have short attention spans, and that’s especially true when they’re getting too warm. That’s why I try to make all family sessions brief while still allowing for the time we need to get beautiful photos. While I’ll take care of most of the pacing, I advise parents to be ready to get started as soon as you arrive.
Try a Portable Fan for Your Outdoor Family Photos in Mechanicsburg
Handheld, portable battery-powered fans can be lifesavers for any parent in the summer. Bring one of these little fans and feel free to pull it out every so often during your session to cool off your kids (and yourself).
Choose Breathable Outfits
As you’re planning the family’s wardrobe for your portraits, make sure the outfits are set up with summer in mind. Go for light, airy fabrics like linen. Lighter colors will help you to stay cool too. Ideally, choose items that don’t show sweat easily and are loose enough to allow for airflow.
Booking Your Outdoor Family Photos in Mechanicsburg Today
The summer will be over before we know it! If you want to make time for family portraits this summer, contact Karissa Zimmer Photography today and let’s book your photo session. I’ll work with you to plan a photo shoot the whole family will love.
Whether you’re celebrating a special milestone in your family’s life or you’re just due for updated family portraits to chronicle this chapter of your family’s story, the photographer you hire will be the most important choice you make in the process. Before you make it official and book a date in a photographer’s calendar, how do you know if that Mechanicsburg family photographer is the right fit for you and your family?
While it’s partially a matter of human-to-human chemistry and whether you feel comfortable with a photographer, there are questions you can ask as well to make sure that a photographer aligns with you and your needs. Ask these questions before you hire a Mechanicsburg family photographer.
Family Pictures Near 17050 by Karissa Zimmer Photography
What Is the Process for Your Client Experience?
This is a biggie! The family photography experience varies significantly from one photographer to the next, so you want to find a photographer whose process aligns with what you want. Some photographers do all the planning over email, send you an online gallery when your images are ready, and have minimal contact with you throughout the process. Others take a more full-service approach with a personal consultation to plan the session as well as an individual appointment to choose your finished images and more. It’s just a question of whether you prefer that your family photos be quick and convenient or personalized and meaningful.
Make sure you also ask about the timeline for the process, especially if you want your portraits for a specific date or occasion. Ask the photographer how much guidance they will provide along the way as well, such as whether they can give you advice and feedback on planning your family’s outfits.
Mechanicsburg PA family poses together in the creek at their portrait session with Karissa Zimmer Photography
Do You Provide Printed Products or Digital Images Only?
As a full-service photographer, I’m passionate about making sure every family has beautiful portraits they’ll enjoy, so I work with you directly to help you design and order your framed prints, canvas prints, photo albums, or other products you choose, and I offer digital images as well. Some other photographers exclusively offer digital images. Make sure to ask your photographer what they offer in advance to make sure it aligns with what you want.
Where Can I Find a Portfolio of Your Work as a Mechanicsburg Family Photographer?
You’ve probably already seen the photographer’s work before you reach out to them, but I had to include this question for good measure! Photography is an art, and just like any other artist, every photographer has their own aesthetic style. Make sure to review some of the other family portraits your photographer has taken to make sure you love their style.
Portraits of Mechanicsburg PA Family Photography Session
Questions About Your Specific Vision or Needs
If there’s anything specific you have in mind for your family portraits or anything unique about your family that may affect the photo session, it’s always best to ask in advance. For example, you might have a specific location where you’d love to take your photos or a theme you want for your photo shoot, and you’ll want to ask the photographer if they can bring that vision to life.
This can also apply to special circumstances regarding your family. Perhaps you have a child who is on the autism spectrum and want to know if your photographer has experience working with kids with ASD. If they don’t have this experience, it doesn’t mean they won’t do a wonderful job, but it’s always best to know in advance regardless.
Family portraits by Mechanicsburg Family Photographer
Am I the Right Mechanicsburg Family Photographer for You?
I strongly believe that the best family photos happen when a family and photographer feel comfortable with each other and when the photographer can capture the family’s personality in the camera. That’s why I think it’s important to speak with my clients in advance to learn more about you and your family and plan a portrait session that speaks to your one-of-a-kind spirit. That’s why the questions above are so important.
To find out if I’m the right Mechanicsburg family photographer for you, let’s chat! Contact my PA family photo studio to learn more or to book your family photography session.
This is a popular time of year for Mechanicsburg family photo sessions in the outdoors. We have all the stunning colors of fall, families are getting new portraits to use on their Christmas cards, and the weather isn’t yet so cold that it’s too uncomfortable to get great portraits.
If you have an outdoor family photo session on the schedule, what should you bring to make the experience and the portraits even better? I help every family strategize and create their packing list so they know what to bring. From a seasoned Mechanicsburg family photographer, add these items to your packing list:
A change of clothes for each person (kids have a knack for getting messy at inconvenient times!)
Layers like scarves, jackets, wraps, and blankets that coordinate with your wardrobe color scheme
Snacks and drinks to keep your kids comfortable (be sure to choose items that aren’t messy or won’t stain, like water, pretzels, and goldfish crackers
Tissues and wet wipes
A favorite toy, book, or other item for each child in case we need to cheer them up or use it to coax them to smile
Makeup in case you need a mid-session touch-up
Items to enjoy the outdoors! We often take outdoor portraits at parks, so you may want to stick around after the session to enjoy the park for a while with the kids
Accessory options – if you’re not sure what jewelry or accessories to wear, bring them along and I’m happy to help you choose the ones that photograph best or work best with the color scheme
All the items above can help you enjoy a more relaxed portrait session and get photos you’ll treasure even more. If you don’t have a Mechanicsburg family photo session on the books yet and you’re due for new portraits, contact Karissa Zimmer Photography today and let’s chat.
Grandparent Photos near Mechanicsburg PAOutdoor Fall Children’s PortraitOutdoor Family Portraits | Karissa Zimmer PhotographyMechanicsburg Family PhotographerFall Family Photography Mechanicsburg PAMechanicsburg Child 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.
Professional photos are an investment in your memories, giving you something tangible to look back on in the years to come to help you remember the moments that matter most.
Choosing the best family photographer for your family is a very important decision. While it may not seem like much, a collection of images captured of you and your children is worth more than money can buy. Professional photos preserve your memory for future generations. It allows them the ability to look back at what you did and how you got there. The times you celebrated your joys, mourned your losses and recognize their contributions to your life now and into the future.
It’s so important to hire a photographer who can capture the images you want and help you hold on to those memories.
You don’t want to pick a photographer who wont take the time to get to know your family a bit ahead of your photoshoot. A consultation to allows you to meet your photographer and allows them an opportunity learn about your family. A professional photographer should be willing to work with you to create the story of your life, which may mean a longer portrait process. But, well worth the time investment!
Know what style of images you want.
Every photographer has their own style, whether it’s posed studio images or outdoor photo sessions using natural light. Some may even do both types of photography. A photographers editing style is equally as important! You should know what kind of photos you like once you start searching for photographers in your area.
Ask to view full galleries when choosing the best family photographer for you.
For me, one of the biggest signs that a photographer is worth considering as you’re looking for a photo session is how much thought has gone into their process. Being able to see a full session gallery will give you a great idea of the variety of different shots you may get with your session. Check out their website and blog, and take note of the style of images offered. It may even help to talk to previous clients and find what they liked most about their session and working with that photographer.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
You’ll have your first session with your new family photographer within a few weeks to a few months of booking your session. Ask them specific questions about their process and approach to photography, and discuss any fees, location, or wardrobe options. Some photographers will even offer in-person planning consultations at their studio, which is a great way to get to know them and see how they work.
Make sure the family photographer is a good fit.
You will want to make sure you like the photographer you choose and that they have a personality you’ll enjoy working with! You’ll want to hire a professional photographer who fits with your family’s style and personality! Let’s face it – Being in front of a camera can feel awkward! So, choosing a photographer that you feel comfortable with and that will put your family at ease will ensure the greatest smiles and family photography experience!
Set up a consultation with a family photographer
Want to learn more about my portrait process and find out if we are a good fit? I’d love to learn more about your family so that I can capture your most special memories to tell your story. Send me a message to set up a free consultation!
