Every new parent loves to post their newborn photos on social media to show everyone their adorable little one. As much fun as that is, it doesn’t have to be the only way you put your newborn portraits to use. As a photographer who takes countless Mechanicsburg newborn photos, here are my favorite reasons you should display your newborn portraits in your home.
Turning a House Into a Home
No matter how long you’ve lived in your house, it can become more of a home every day with each new bit of personalization you add. Photos of your family are one of the best ways to do this. Your Mechanicsburg newborn photos aren’t just beautiful works of art but they’re deeply sentimental pieces for your home.
Improving Your Child’s Sense of Family with Mechanicsburg Newborn Photos
Did you know that studies have shown that kids have stronger self-esteem and a sense of belonging when they grow up in a home that has photos of them? Psychologist Dr. David Krauss has explored these benefits. Proudly displaying your child’s first professional portraits is a subtle way to remind them every day of how much they are wanted, loved, and valued.
Cherishing a Walk Down Memory Lane
Your baby’s first weeks of life are truly one of a kind, and every parent enjoys an opportunity to reminisce about the beauty of introducing their little one to the world. Those tiny hairs, little fingers and goes, and delicate sleepy eyelids will soon be only a memory but you can preserve that memory by hanging your newborn photos in your home to enjoy on a daily basis. You can turn every walk down your hallway into a walk down memory lane.
How to Display Your Mechanicsburg Newborn Photos
Not sure of the best way to turn your newborn photos into custom artwork in your home? I can help! I provide full-service newborn photography and that includes helping you design and order your bespoke framed prints, canvas prints, and so much more. Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography to get started.
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.
Newborn Photography studio near Mechanicsburg PA
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.
Posed Newborn Photos
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.
Froggy Pose in Mechanicsburg PA newborn photography studio
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.
Mechanicsburg PA Newborn Photographer
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.
Newborn Baby Girl Photography PosesNewborn Baby girl Photographed in Central PA photography studioBaby Girl Newborn Photos
Your Mechanicsburg newborn photos are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to capture your baby at their tiniest. Some parents find themselves dreaming of their baby’s newborn portraits and when they see their photos, they love them but aren’t sure what to do with them. Those gorgeous portraits that signify such a momentous time of their lives just end up as aging files on their hard drive.
As a photographer, I make sure my clients don’t have that problem. I walk families through every step of the process, including helping them decide how to display their portraits and even ordering the finished products for them so they know they’re getting heirloom-quality portraits and albums.
How can I help you put your newborn photos to further use? Try these ideas to make the most out of your baby’s first portraits.
1. Start a “Baby’s First Year” Album Collection Featuring Your Mechanicsburg Newborn Photos
Your baby’s newborn days are just the start of the incredible journey of growth they’ll have in their first year. Consider cataloging their first year in a collection of photo albums. You can start with your baby’s newborn portraits in an heirloom-quality album that I can design and source for you. Then, add albums for their milestone photo sessions throughout their first year. You'll finish the year with a collection of albums that tell the story of how your baby changed from birth to six months to nine months, and finally, their first birthday.
2. Create Birth Announcements
Mailed birth announcements used to be common, featuring a picture of the new bundle of joy along with their birth basics like their name, date and time of birth, weight, and length. That tradition has faded in recent years, but you may be surprised by how many people would love to bring it back.
With today’s technology, of course, word travels quickly so your birth announcements probably wouldn’t be the first time anyone is hearing about your baby’s arrival. It may be the first time some people have had the chance to see your beautiful baby, though, and it serves as a treasured keepsake you can hold dear alongside items like your wedding invitations. I'll be honored to help you create high-quality birth announcements with your newborn photos.
3. Start a Gallery Wall
A gallery wall is a popular trend in home décor and it also happens to be a great way for your walls to tell the story of your family. You can start a special gallery wall dedicated to your baby’s childhood. Your baby’s newborn portraits can be the start, and you can add to the gallery with your baby’s milestone portraits and your family portraits throughout your baby’s childhood. I can help you design and grow your gallery wall with each passing milestone.
Custom Framed Wall Art Designed By Karissa Zimmer Photography
4. Create Custom Thank-You Notes Featuring Your Mechanicsburg Newborn Photos
Baby gifts are incredibly helpful whether you’re having your first baby or you’re adding to your already well-established family. Your loved ones are sure to appreciate a thank-you card, and they’ll love it even more when it’s a personalized card featuring that beautiful baby who received their gift. I can use your newborn portraits to create unique, custom thank-you cards that will become a memento for your loved ones.
5. Give Special Gifts to Grandparents
As momentous of an occasion as your baby’s birth is for you, there’s an entire village of people who are excited to welcome your new baby into the world too, like your baby’s new grandparents. When it comes time for the holidays, grandparents’ birthdays, or other special occasions, I can use your baby’s newborn portraits to design and source custom gifts that loved ones will treasure forever. Those could include quality framed portraits, photo albums, and more. You can do the same for godparents, aunts, uncles, and anyone else who is important in your child’s life too.
Your baby’s Mechanicsburg newborn photos allow you to, in a way, capture time in a bottle so you can preserve the memories of your baby’s first days. With the ideas above, you can put your newborn portraits to good use in numerous ways to get even more out of this investment in your family’s newest chapter of life.
If you’re looking for a photographer to create your baby’s first professional portraits, I’m happy to help! Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography to learn more or to book your Mechanicsburg newborn photos today.
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.
Newborn photography is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to preserve this incredibly special and brief time in your baby’s life. You only get one chance for these sentimental portraits, so of course, you want to make the most of this opportunity. And who’s the expert in making the most of your session? Your newborn photographer, of course!
As you’re hiring a newborn photographer in Camp Hill PA or wherever you are, asking the right questions can allow you to enjoy a smoother process with outstanding results. To help you make that happen, I’m laying out the top questions to ask your newborn photographer.
What Can I Expect from the Process Ahead?
Every photographer has their own process and their own steps they follow. Will there be an in-person consultation or just a chat over the phone? How long will your photo session be? When and how will you be able to order your finished products? This varies for each photographer, so it’s not a good idea to make assumptions.
As an example, here’s a rundown of my process:
In-person Consultation – We’ll chat about how to prepare for your session and what to expect during your session, as well as your vision for your newborn portraits and the ways you want to use your finished portraits (where you might want to hang them in your home, for instance) so I can customize your session to fit your vision.
Your Newborn Photo Session – We’ll meet in my comfortable and well-equipped home studio, starting in the morning for a relaxed session of up to six hours so we can allow as much time as you need for feeding and soothing your baby between shots.
Editing – I’ll custom edit the best photos from your session to give you that true “wow” factor.
Viewing and Ordering Appointment – You’ll return to my studio for your appointment about two weeks after your photo session, where I’ll present you with a slideshow with all your amazing newborn photos and you’ll decide what finished products you want to order
Delivery – I’ll deliver your finished heirloom-quality products to you about 4-6 weeks after your ordering appointment and help you hang your pieces in your home so you can enjoy them immediately.
How Should I Prepare for My Newborn Photo Session?
In newborn photography, I recognize that many of my clients have never had a newborn photo session before, and for those who have, it was probably years ago. Make sure you’re receiving clear guidance about how to prepare for your session. For example, is there an ideal time you should feed your baby before the session? Should you try to get your baby to sleep when you arrive? Is there anything you should do or avoid to make sure your baby is feeling and looking picture-perfect?
What Should I Bring to My Newborn Photography Session?
As you saw above, my newborn photography sessions can last up to six hours. Babies have so many “accessories” they need over that amount of time, and so do new mamas – diapers, wipes, potentially a breast pump, snacks, and so on. There might also be specific items you want to incorporate into your newborn portraits, like family heirlooms or other items of significance. Make sure you get a list from your newborn photographer of anything they suggest that you bring to your session.
Can Parents and Siblings Be in the Newborn Photos?
Some families want the spotlight to be entirely on their new baby, while others want their photos to show this special moment in life for the entire family. Make sure you ask about this in advance so you know who to bring to your session and who should be picture-ready.
Each photographer has different policies, but I include parents in newborn portraits for no additional fee. For families with other children, I recommend my add-on sibling portrait session. This one to two-hour lifestyle session will take place at your home within one week of your newborn photo session. This way, your kids can be where they’re comfortable and you don’t have to bring them to your six-hour newborn session and keep them occupied for that length of time.
What Types of Photo Products Do You Offer as a Newborn Photographer?
Ultimately, the most magical part of newborn photography is having high-quality items that will last for generations. Make sure you know what your options will be, because each photographer sources these items from different artisans or businesses, and some don’t handle finished products at all. At my studio, for example, I proudly offer fine art custom framed prints, well-crafted Italian wall art, customized heirloom albums, mounted prints, and more.
Getting the Scoop from Your Newborn Photographer
As you’re hiring a newborn photographer, the questions you ask will set you up for an easier, less stressful process because you’ll have a clear understanding of the road ahead. Finding the right questions to ask your newborn photographer is the first step. Use the questions above to get the best results from your newborn portrait session. If you’re in the market for a photographer, schedule your newborn photography session with me in Harrisburg, PA today.
Newborn Baby boy smiles when posed in Camp Hill PA newborn photography studio
You’ve ooohed and aaahed over all your friends’ adorable newborn photos popping up on social media. You’ve made a mental note of the most amazing poses and portraits you’ve seen for newborns so you can re-create them for your own baby. But you also know, either from first-hand experience or from other parents, that newborns are unpredictable from one moment to the next – and that’s an understatement! How do you get those incredible newborn photos you want?
Much of it comes down to timing, believe it or not. When should newborn photos be taken in order to get the poses and sleepy baby snapshots you love? As a professional photographer in Camp Hill, PA, I’m here to give you the details you need to know to get the timing right.
Camp Hill PA studio Newborn Photography pose.
When to Take Newborn Photos
In general, the best time for newborn photos is during the first two weeks after birth. To be more specific, though, I’ve found that the best time to take newborn photos is between 7 days and 10 days old. During this stage, your baby is still sleeping most of the time. This makes them easier to pose and photograph for those sleepy newborn portraits parents love. Your baby is also still very “curled up” and hasn’t yet stretched out much. That allows us to safely and comfortably get them into those cuddly little newborn poses you’ll cherish forever.
When Should I Book My Newborn Portraits?
The thought of fitting a newborn photo session into such a tight window might stress you out. I get it! So much is in flux during your pregnancy and your baby’s first days that it’s hard to plan much of anything with any confidence. At the end of the day, babies arrive when they want to arrive. How do you know when that window of 7-10 days will be?
You can’t know for certain, but all we can do is make an approximation and adjust if necessary. To make sure you get a booking in the timeframe you want, it’s best to schedule your newborn photography when you’re in your second trimester of the pregnancy. At this point, you’re past the high-risk period of pregnancy. You’re not yet in the third trimester, though, when you’ll be busy with all the final preparations for your new baby.
Of course, there are many times when babies don’t follow our schedules and they arrive earlier or later than expected. In fact, only 5% of babies are born on their exact due date. Don’t worry! Just give me a call and we’ll see when we can fit your session in during your baby’s first two weeks.
Can I Combine My Maternity and Newborn Photography in One Package?
As special as newborn photos are, it’s even better to have maternity photos as well. You want to chronicle every part of this incredible journey. To make the most out of both your maternity and newborn photography, you can schedule these photo sessions together with the same photographer, because I specialize in both!
Now that you know when to do newborn photos, the natural next question is when to do maternity photos. This can be tricky because every magical mom-to-be experiences her own pregnancy. You want to take your portraits when you’re far enough into your pregnancy that you have a beautifully pronounced belly. At the same time, you don’t want to wait so late into your pregnancy that you’re uncomfortable. You especially don’t want to worry that you might go into labor before your session happens. The sweet spot is usually between 28 and 36 weeks.
How Do I Find the Right Photographer for My Newborn Photos?
There are so many ways to make your newborn photos the perfect addition to your family’s home. The most important step, though, is to choose a photographer who can capture your vision. For newborn photography, in particular, you need a photographer who specializes in working with newborn babies and has dedicated safety training in newborn care and newborn poses. I’m proud to say that I meet those criteria.
Make sure you take a look at the photographer’s work too, particularly their newborn photo gallery. Photography is an art form, at the end of the day. You want to know if a photographer has similar aesthetic tastes to you and can create the portraits you want for your baby.
Booking Your Photographer for the Best Time to Take Newborn Photos
Now that you know the best time to do newborn photos, there’s just one thing left to do: book your session! Contact my Camp Hill photography studio today to book your newborn photoshoot or to learn what I have to offer.
You know you want the best Mechanicsburg Newborn Photographer to photograph your new baby. Every parent wants to have high-quality, professional photos of their newborn, but sometimes the cost can be a little daunting. I’ve often had people ask me why I charge the prices I do for my photography. After all, everyone has a decent camera on their phones these days, right? How hard is it to snap a few photos?
Hiring the best Mechanicsburg newborn photographer is an investment.
Hiring a professional photographer is an investment. You’re paying for so much more than “a few photos.” You’re paying for many years of continued education, experience and their unique talent and expertise. You wouldn’t pay just anyone to cut and style your hair or to fix your car, would you? Of course, you want someone who is knowledgeable and who can get the job done correctly and done well.
The same goes for photographers. While you want an experienced professional for any kind of photos you need, it’s especially important with newborn photography. Posed newborn photography requires training and knowledge on how to pose an infant safely. That’s not something you want to trust to an amateur! The wrong pose or a lack of care can actually hurt your child or even cause long-lasting damage, but a photographer certified in newborn posing can create adorable images while keeping your baby’s safety as their number one priority.
Like any product or service, you get what you pay for when you hire a photographer.
You’ve likely heard the phrase, “You get what you pay for.” If you opt for a “cheap” newborn photographer or a family friend who is just starting out, you likely won’t get the images you want. However, when you invest in a professional newborn photographer, you get so much for your money, including:
A professional studio space, accessories and props
Lighting expertise
Years of experience and knowledge
Safe, adorable poses
Professional, high-quality editing of your images
Quality wall art, albums and tangible products that will last forever
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. A professional newborn photographer has likely gone through years of training, purchased expensive professional equipment and become certified in how to safely pose newborns. They have invested countless time and money in their business in order to provide you with a high-quality service and products. Running a successful, professional photography business costs a significant amount of money and is a full-time job for most photographers. And as a client and a parent, you want to work with someone who is focused on meeting your needs and creating images you will love and cherish forever.
A professional photographer is a storyteller. They capture the story of your family’s growth and love in a way you can visually see, freezing a moment in time and creating memories that your whole family will cherish.
While newborn photography may seem costly, it is an investment that will increase in value as the years go by. As your child grows into a toddler and a teenager and even an adult, you will have their newborn images—and hopefully other professional photos as well—to look back on to remind you where this unique and special journey began. That’s something you simply cannot put a price on.
Choosing the best Mechanicsburg Newborn Photographer for you
Hi! Welcome to Karissa Zimmer Photography! If you are expecting your first baby, or even your fourth baby, I am here to make sure your newborn photography session is a wonderful experience, while creating keepsakes for your family to cherish forever.
Karissa Zimmer Photography is a boutique photography studio located in Camp Hill PA (Hampden Township). She serves all of Mechanicsburg PA, Harrisburg PA and all surrounding areas including Carlisle, Enola, New Cumberland, Lemoyne, Hershey, Palmyra and York PA. Karissa photographs expecting parents, newborn babies, children & families, including high school seniors. Karissa’s style is timeless and forever.
The goal for each session is for you to leave with printed, tangible artwork including heirloom albums, fine art framed prints, and modern Italian wall art. Your memories are forever and they deserved to be displayed in your home and preserved forever.
Please enter your information and I will be in touch shortly to set up your in person consultation. Just a little reminder: Newborn, maternity and family sessions do book several months in advance. For newborn sessions please contact me while you are still pregnant. Maternity sessions take place between 33-36 weeks. Newborn sessions take place within the first 10 days of your baby’s life, and not more than 2 weeks of age. Newborn sessions are very limited each month and are scheduled on a first come, first to reserve basis. So, please contact me as soon as you can to reserve a spot just for your baby. I can’t wait to meet you and capture your most special memories!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
When Should I book my Camp Hill Newborn Photographer?
When should I book my Camp Hill Newborn Photographer? This is a common question on the minds of many moms-to be early on in pregnancy! To be completely honest, there are so many things expecting a new baby that nobody ever prepares you for ahead of time. Let’s be real, without resources like “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” and a few REALLY close and unfiltered friends, lots of us would be totally left clueless about things like mucus plugs, episiotomies and the struggles of breast feeding. Even after having my own very crazy childbirth experience, I still find myself continually learning things about pregnancy and childbirth. Things like “Who would have known a prenatal massage would give so much relief!” or “Who knew taking a newborn to a chiropractor could solve colic and reflux!”
Another of the numerous mysteries for expecting mamas seems to be how to find and when to contact and book a newborn photographer. Sure, you see some pretty darn amazing images of your friends newborns all over Instagram and Facebook, and you know you want beautiful portraits just like that of your very own new little one. You’ve likely even heard just how important it is to have newborn photographed in the first couple of days or weeks of your new baby’s life. But, how could you ever know when to set this date up when your baby may arrive early or even a few weeks late?
I am here to set this mysterious question straight for you! Certainly, the last thing you’ll want when you are trying to get accustomed to life with a new baby is to be trying to contact a newborn photographer to get in her schedule with the next few days!
I’ve answered the three most repeated questions I hear as a newborn photographer in regards to booking a newborn session.
When Should I book a newborn photographer?
The absolute ideal time frame to book your Camp Hill Newborn Photographer is during your 2nd trimester. By this point you’ve made it past the the 1st trimester and into the “safety zone” with less elevated risk. Now, it’s time to really begin to prepare for your new baby’s arrival. I HIGHLY recommend reserving your photographer in your 2nd trimester so that it’s one less thing on your on your lengthy “to do” list while preparing to welcome a new baby! Of course you can absolutely wait and try to book later during the 3rd trimester. However, there is a greater risk that the photographer you really want may be completely booked and not able to accommodate you. I personally will always try to take a last minute booking whenever possible. However, at times it can be tough to squeeze someone in around the already booked sessions.
How do you schedule a newborn session when you can’t be sure what day the baby will be born?
I can not be sure how every newborn photographer works, but I know most of us have an almost identical process when it comes to scheduling our newborn clients. When you reserve your session with me during your in person consultation, I will add your due date in my schedule. This will give me a good idea for when I need to be available for your baby’s session. Though, we will not pick an actual date for your photo session until you reach out to me to let me know that your baby has made her grand appearance! Once your baby has made her entrance into the world, we’ll set up your newborn session within the first 10 days of life. I am pretty acquainted with the unpredictable nature of newborns entering the world on their own timing. So, there is no reason to worry if your baby comes early or late!
Please keep in mind that I book a very limited number of newborn sessions each month! I want to make sure I can always accommodate both early and late arrivals for my tiny clients!
Why do you have to schedule newborn sessions when babies are so young?
Each photographer has their own favorite “perfect” for the age they prefer to photograph a newborn. Many photographers will not agree to book a newborn session after a this time frame has passed. There are several reasons for why this window of time for newborn photos exists.
1st, the newer your baby is, the sleepier he is. And sleepier newborns are more likely to cooperate when getting them into the snuggly little poses you see in my newborn gallery.
Also, the longer the baby spends outside of the womb, the more time their sensory nerves have to develop. This means that older newborns are more responsive to touch and likely to wake up from the slightest of pose adjustments.
Last, the longer a baby is out of womb, the less “snuggled” they get. Most newborn clients love the poses that capture their baby all curled up and illustrate just how new they are. These poses can become less comfortable a for a baby as they grow and spend more time outside of the womb. Thus making them much harder to achieve.
The general “rule” for the best time to have a posed newborn session is no later that 14 days old.
I hope these short tips help you feel a little more prepared to book your newborn photo session! There will be so many things to stress and prepare for as you are waiting to welcome a new little life into the world! Making sure you have the perfect photographer reserved to capture your memories while keeping your baby safe shouldn’t be one of them!
I am always excited to answer any questions or concerns you may have about my newborn portrait process. You can find many answers in the F.A.Q. section of my Newborn Page, but please feel free to send me a message!
Karissa Zimmer Photography is an experienced and professional Camp Hill PA Newborn Photographer based near Mechanicsburg PA and serving all of Central Pennsylvania including Harrisburg, Camp Hill, Mechanicsburg, Hershey, York & Carlisle. I specialize in creating tangible heirloom portraits that will remain in your family for generations to come.
Camp Hill Newborn Photography – Brinley. Isn’t Miss Brinley just THE SWEETEST? I photographed her older cousin as a newborn a few years back. I could distinctly remember him as an overly adorable, dark haired, sleepy baby! So, when Brinley’s grandmother contacted me (before she was born!) about purchasing a newborn session to gift to Brinley’s Mama I was very excited! Brinley did not disappoint! She totally filled my newborn baby loving heart the moment I met her!
Your Camp Hill Newborn Photography session customized to fit your style and the things you love. During your consultation we will talk about the color tones you like, how you decorate your home and the colors you used to decorate your newborn’s nursery. Of course, you put lots of thought and love into making her room just perfect. We will do the same for your newborn portraits! Brinleys Mama had requested this dusty pink/purple color for her baby girl. I LOVE it on her. How could you not fall in love with her sweet little face?! And, she made it so easy for me to pose her!
One of my favorite things to include in a Camp Hill Newborn Photography session are shots of new parents with their sweet, new baby. This is something both you and your little one will treasure forever. You will only be able to hold your child in your arms just like this for such a short time. Once this fleeting moment has passed and you have these images to look back on – they will mean everything to you!
Planning Your Custom Newborn Session
So, now that you’ve been able to fall in love with some sweet, sweet baby images it’s time to book your own custom newborn portrait session! Are you expecting a newborn anytime through February 2021? It is never too early to reserve a session and is ALWAYS best to plan ahead before your baby arrives. Therefore, there is no better time than now to start planning! I am here to help and walk you through the entire custom newborn photography process. You can sent me a quick message HERE to get in touch and start planning! I can’t wait to work with you!
