Mechanicsburg Newborn Photos: What to Wear

11.18.22 11.30.22

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.

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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!

Mechanicsburg Family Photo Tips: What to Bring for Outdoor Portraits

11.12.22 11.30.22

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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.

Ask a Mechanicsburg PA Photographer: What Is Custom Photography?

08.25.22 10.25.22

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.

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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.

From a Mechanicsburg Baby Photographer: An Overview of Baby Photo Sessions

07.29.22 10.25.22

When you become a parent, there’s a whole new baby world to learn. You’re trying to figure out everything you need to know about your child’s health, how to make them happy, and how to enjoy this stage of life. You’re learning it as you go, and I’ve been there with you! One of the many parts of baby parenthood for new parents to figure out is baby photography. As a Mechanicsburg baby photographer, I can help.

What photo sessions should you schedule for your baby? What are the key milestones you need to capture? I’m happy to guide you through this world. For starters, I’ve created a basic guide to the top types of baby photo sessions to help you understand your options and what to expect.

Newborn Photo Session

A newborn photography session is all about capturing the fleeting newborn stage when your baby is at their tiniest and newest. Technically, newborn sessions should take place in the first 14 days of your baby’s life. Sometimes life gets in the way or your baby has a long hospital stay and the session doesn’t happen within 14 days, but we aim for as close to that timeframe as we can.

Your newborn session is often several hours long because we’re on the baby’s timeline. We take most of the photos while they sleep, so when they wake up and need to be fed, changed, or soothed, we take a break. This is also a relaxed session for you, proud parent, because I can take care of everything while you sit back and relax.

Sitter Session with a Mechanicsburg Baby Photographer

A sitter session is a photo session when your baby is comfortably able to sit up on their own – usually around 6-9 months. This is a popular photo opportunity for a few reasons.

First, your baby is able to sit up and give us adorable smiles but they aren’t yet walking so they’re easier to keep in one place. Second, we get to highlight your baby’s new skill and show it off so you’ll have mementos of these proud moments forever. Third, your baby is starting to show the first hints of their personality, so we get to put their precious little quirks front and center.

One-Year Session/Cake Smash Session

Your baby’s first birthday is an incredible milestone, and there’s no better way to celebrate than to preserve this exciting moment! That’s what a one-year photo session, first birthday photo session, or cake smash session does.

The cake smash is a tradition for one-year baby photos. Your baby gets to dig into a birthday cake and get messy like babies do, and we capture all the gooey fun on camera.

Keep in mind that one-year photography sessions tend to be hands-on for you as a parent. Kids at this age are very mobile and energetic, and as much as we all love to see that fun, vibrant spirit on camera, it does mean I’ll need your help to keep them in place and happy.

Milestone Photo Sessions with a Mechanicsburg Baby Photographer

Milestone photo sessions are less specific than most other baby photography sessions because you can do them at any point you want. While newborn, sitter, and one-year sessions are designed for precise times of your baby’s life, you can opt for a milestone photo session for any milestone.

For example, many families like to have a photo story of their baby’s first year, so they schedule a newborn session, 3-month milestone session, 6-month sitter session, 9-month milestone session, and one-year session.

You could even make milestone sessions more personal and use them to celebrate unique achievements or landmarks in your baby’s life. For example, you could do a milestone session to celebrate the last of a series of surgeries to repair a congenital health condition, or to celebrate your baby’s first steps or first word.

Navigating the World of Baby Photos with Your Mechanicsburg Baby Photographer

My hope is that you now feel more informed and comfortable with baby photography and the sessions you can choose to preserve memories of your baby’s first year. Remember, you can choose as many or as few photo sessions as you want – there are no rules and it’s all about giving yourself the gift of these memories! A trusted Mechanicsburg baby photographer like myself can guide you along the way.

8 Things Your Mechanicsburg PA Newborn Photographer Wants You to Know

07.14.22 07.14.22

Your baby is only a tiny newborn for a matter of weeks, and newborn photography is the perfect way to preserve little pieces of this special time for you to treasure for a lifetime. I’ve been a Mechanicsburg PA newborn photographer for nearly 20 years, and I can tell you that we want you to absolutely love your baby portraits!

How can you get the best possible photos (and make your session go smoothly too)? I’ve laid out a few bits of advice your Mechanicsburg PA newborn photographer wants you to know.

Your Newborn Will Guide the Session

Every baby is different – they’re comfortable in certain positions over others, they’re willing to indulge us for certain poses or they aren’t, etc. We go with your baby’s flow during your session, taking breaks when they need breaks and sometimes acknowledging that they don’t want to give us a particular portrait or pose. Know that we can’t guarantee that all your dream poses will be possible.

Your Baby Will Be Safe with a Specialized Mechanicsburg PA Newborn Photographer

Newborn photographers need to be trained specifically in safe posing for newborn babies. Feel free to ask your photographer about their expertise with posing safety for newborns. We won’t be offended and we want you to rest easy knowing that your baby is safe.

We Love Inspiration Photos! But Try to Pull Them from Our Gallery

A photographer’s goal is to create portraits you love, so it’s fantastic when you can show us some photos to give us an idea of your taste. Try to look for inspiration in your photographer’s gallery, though. Photography is an art form, so there is some ethical gray area if you show us another photographer’s work and want us to recreate it. Plus, we may not have the supplies to make it happen

Messes are Normal

You might notice that you don’t usually see diapers in newborn photos, but babies don’t stop having bodily functions for their photo session. Messes happen often, and that’s okay! Don’t be embarrassed because I promise you, we’ve seen it all. Do bring an extra outfit for yourself, though, especially if you’ll be in photos with your baby.

Yes, You Really Can Relax During Your Session

Take a load off, Momma! Exhaustion is an unavoidable part of having a newborn, but your newborn photography session is a chance to rest. Baby photographers have plenty of tricks for soothing your baby, and we’ll let you know if we need you to hop in to feed or soothe your baby, but for the most part, you can take a break and even grab a nap in the studio.

We Love When You Post Your Pics on Instagram, but Please Credit Your Mechanicsburg PA Newborn Photographer

When parents love their child’s newborn photos enough to share them with the world on social media, it always brings a smile to my face. I’m thrilled that you love your portraits! Please remember to credit your photographer, though, because the portraits are copyright-protected as original artwork.

Our Preparation Guides Benefit You, Us, and Your Baby

When you book your photo session, your Mechanicsburg PA newborn photographer will probably send you a preparation guide. This could include a list of things to bring, tips for making sure your baby is sleeping and in the ideal mood for their session, and so on.

These guides are the result of years of experience and trial and error in creating the best circumstances for your photo session. They’re our best way to get a smooth, stress-free session for you, your baby, and everyone involved, so please take some time to read through them and follow the suggestions.

We Really Do Love to Hear Your Thoughts

You and your photographer are a team – we both have the same goal of creating stunning newborn photos you’ll be able to enjoy forever. As on any team, communication is key. We really do want to hear your thoughts, ideas, and questions both before and during your session. In addition, if you have any concerns about a pose or anything else during your session, please let us know because your comfort is important to us.

A Final Note from Your Mechanicsburg PA Newborn Photographer

Getting fantastic newborn photos is a matter of teamwork. I promise you that your photographer is just as motivated as you are to create newborn portraits you love, and the insights above are designed to make that happen. You are the reason we do what we do! If you haven’t booked your Mechanicsburg PA newborn photographer yet, contact my photo studio today and we can start planning your session for truly magical portraits.