As a newborn photographer, I serve clients often who have never had a newborn photo session before. Any new experience can be intimidating, and a newborn photo shoot looks very different from family photos or other photo sessions you’ve had in the past. It helps to have an idea of what to expect. Here’s a peek at what to expect in a Camp Hill newborn photo session.
How a Newborn Photo Session Works
During a newborn photo shoot, you and your spouse or partner will bring your little bundle of joy to my cozy home studio. Based on the details we discussed in our pre-session consultation, I’ll have a plan for what newborn props and sets I’ll use, what wraps, outfits, and accessories I’ll dress your baby in, and so on. You just show up looking camera-ready!
I typically begin with the photos of you and your partner with your baby, creating those precious portraits that highlight the deep bond you have with your new little one. After that, you and your partner can relax on the comfy furniture I have in my studio. I’ll spend the rest of the session gently posing your baby and creating the looks you love for your baby’s portraits. I’ll call on you as needed to feed or soothe your baby, but for most of the session, you can kick back and rest.
How Long a Camp Hill Newborn Photo Session Takes
Newborn photo sessions run on the baby’s timetable! Whenever your baby needs to take a break for a feeding or to fuss for a bit, we stop and give them what they need. Because of this, expect your session to last about six hours.
Planning Your Camp Hill Newborn Photo Session
Hopefully, your newborn photo session feels a bit less intimidating now that you know the basics of what to expect. If you’re expecting a baby or even if your baby has already arrived, contact Karissa Zimmer Photography to book your session.
So many of the families I work with are experiencing professional newborn portraits for the first time. Whether they’re new parents or they have other kids but they’re trying professional portraits for the first time, they usually have plenty of questions. As a Camp Hill newborn photographer, I’m happy to help and answer any questions you might have!
There are some questions that make parents blush, though, or that you might be too embarrassed to ask. First of all, let me assure you that I’ve been photographing babies and families for many years, so I’ve seen and heard it all! You can ask me anything. To help you know what to expect before your photo session, I’m answering some of the top embarrassing newborn photo questions in this blog.
Newborn Baby Photographed In the “Froggy Pose” in Camp Hill PA Newborn Photography Studio
What happens if my baby pees or poops during the session?
Honestly, accidents happen – a lot! You might notice that you don’t often see diapers in newborn portraits. It’s a risk we willingly take.
If and when your baby pees or poops when they’re diaper-free during their photo session, don’t be embarrassed. Your baby is just being their natural and healthy self. I have plenty of clean-up supplies and extra items available.
However, I do encourage parents to bring an extra outfit for their newborn session. If your baby uses the bathroom on you during your portraits with the baby, a backup outfit lets us still get the sweet family shots we want.
Newborn Photography Bucket Pose in Camp Hill PA Newborn Studio
I’m self-conscious about my postpartum body. Do I have to be in my baby’s newborn photos?
First things first: you have no reason to be self-conscious. I get it, your body has changed so much in the past several months (and several weeks), but it’s the mark of all that amazing work your body has done.
With that said, I want you to feel confident postpartum and at ease during your photo session. We don’t have to include you or your partner; we can just focus on solo newborn portraits. As a Camp Hill newborn photographer and family photographer, I can also strategically pose you in flattering ways. I can compose pictures as well that don’t show your belly, like photos of you holding your baby lovingly against your cheek.
New Mom and baby posed newborn studio photographyMother and Newborn Baby Photographed together by Studio Newborn Photographer in Camp Hill PA.
Will I be able to pump or breastfeed during my baby’s photo session?
Absolutely! My private studio is designed for newborns and their parents, and I want you to be able to feel at home. I have plenty of quiet places where you can breastfeed or pump. Because newborn sessions can last up to six hours, this is something we plan for in every session.
Parents are photographed with their newborn baby in Karissa Zimmer’s Camp Hill Photography Studio
What if my baby’s older siblings are being disruptive during the newborn photo session?
Is there anything more precious than portraits showing the instant love between your new baby and their siblings? Bringing young toddler siblings to a newborn session doesn’t work well, though, because newborn sessions are so lengthy. What child wouldn’t get antsy after sitting in a studio for six hours? We also want to maintain a quiet, relaxed setting so we can keep your baby asleep for most of the session.
That’s why, for families that want sibling portraits, I offer a sibling add-on option. We’ll do your baby’s full newborn session in my studio, and on a different day, we’ll do a brief sibling photo shoot at your home. This way, you get the stunning sibling shots you want but your kids have the space to have fun and be kids.
Newborn Photo Shoot Camp Hill
I want to maintain my baby’s modesty in their newborn portraits. Can a Camp Hill newborn photographer do this?
Of course! These are your newborn photos, and we can be as modest as you would like to be. Generally, nude poses are done in a way that hides any private areas other than possibly your baby’s butt in some poses. However, if you prefer not to do any nude poses, I’m happy to stick to wrapped newborn portraits.
Central PA Newborn Baby Boy Photography
Questions for Your Camp Hill Newborn Photographer? Ask Away!
As a Camp Hill newborn photographer, I can all but guarantee you that whatever you want to ask, I’ve heard it before! If you have questions or if you want to discuss a newborn photo session for your baby, contact my photo studio today.
Newborn Baby Photo Session Karissa Zimmer PhotographyPosed Studio Newborn PhotographyNewborn Photography Studio Near 17011Newborn Baby Photoshoot Camp HillDad and Newborn Baby Boy PhotographyNewborn Photography Studio Shoot
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.
Choosing the best newborn photographer near Camp Hill PA may be one of the most important decisions you make when expecting a new baby! There are a few key factors that you may want to think about when deciding on something so very important! Are you patiently awaiting a new baby in the coming months? Have you just welcomed a precious newborn into the world? Your baby will only be a tiny newborn for such a very short time. Capturing these special new moments through professional newborn photography is likely on your mind! While price can often be a factor for many people when choosing a newborn photographer, it most certainly shouldn’t be your only deciding factor. Here you can find some great tips for choosing the best Camp Hill newborn photographer.
Camp Hill Newborn Photographer SAFETY trained.
The safety of your baby should be your number one priority when choosing the best photographer to capture these sweet, delicate moments. Almost every expecting parent does a ton of research when it comes to selecting safe products and services such as bottles, car seats, cribs and child care providers. You will want to use this same standard of care when it comes to choosing your newborn photographer. You’ll want to know that the photographer who is handling and posing your sweet baby has the training necessary to pose your baby safely. A few things to ask your potential newborn photographer…
Does the photographer have in-person newborn photography training?
How long has the photographer been posing newborns?
What is the studio sick policy?
What are the studio cleaning practices?
Is the photographer insured?
Are there any additional precautions being taken?
I personally prioritize the safety of your baby above all else. There is absolutely nothing more important to me than keeping your precious little love safe during his or her newborn session. I have nearly 14 years experience working with newborn babies and have invested thousands of dollars in training workshops. I am constantly learning and perfecting my skill level and craft.
Specializing in Posed Newborn Photography.
When choosing the best newborn photographer near Camp Hill PA you will most certainly want to know that handling newborns is their area of expertise. Therefore, you’ll want to make sure that posing newborn babies is what your photographer specializes in. Professional newborn photographers should have the very specific and specialized training that is necessary when handling and posing tiny babies. An experienced newborn photographer will know how to sooth, position and pose your baby in the safest way. There are many genres of photography. Just because someone owns a camera and calls themselves a photographer does not mean they have the specialized training necessary to photograph a newborn. Quite like you would not seek the care of a cardiologist to deliver your baby even though they are both doctors – you likely won’t seek a wedding photographer or a family friend with a nice camera to photograph your baby.
The Location and Style
Each and every professional newborn photographer will have their very own special, unique style. Your newborn’s portraits will be something you have to look back on to remember and cherish for your entire lifetime. Therefore, it’s very important to choose a photographer with a style and images that tug at your heart strings. These images of your baby will be on display on your walls for many years to come, so be sure to select a photographer with a style that you love! I specialize in posed newborn photography and enjoy turning images of your most precious creation into works of art.
How far is the photographer’s studio located from your home? If you’re located in Central PA and looking for studio newborn photography near Mechanicsburg, Harrisburg or Camp Hill then my cozy newborn studio is just a short car ride away.
Investment and Artwork. “Full Service” vs “All-Inclusive” Newborn Photography
Newborn photography prices are based on a variety of factors such as the photographer’s experience and training, the quality of their work, the amount of time they spend working with each client throughout their portrait process, a customized-full service experience vs. a generic all- inclusive, product offering and quality, and design services offered.
I am a custom, full service newborn photographer. My focus is on a quality experience and product. I walk my clients through the entire portrait process from start to finish. From our initial phone conversation, through consultation, newborn photo session, ordering appointment and the delivery of your portrait art. I put great time, love and care into your newborn photography experience. It is my belief that any great product or service takes time when done well. I spend about 40 hours with each client from start to finish, making sure each of them receive exceptional quality and care, and a product that will help you remember your baby as a newborn, forever.
You can find newborn photography priced anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the photographer and type of service they offer. A client of mine can typically expect to invest an amount between $2000 and $10,000 (although some spend a bit more or less) on a variety of portrait art such as beautiful framed prints, Italian wall art, heirloom albums, and keepsake folio display cases.
Professional newborn photography is an incredible luxury and a worthwhile investment in this wonderful time in your life!Your baby will only be so tiny for such a short time.
Am I the best Camp Hill Newborn Photographer for you?
Find out! I would love to share more about my custom newborn photography experience with you, and answer any questions you may have for me! The best way to start is to get in touch with me by filling out my short contact form HERE. You can expect a phone call from me so that we can chat about the details and to set up a time for you to come to the studio for a newborn photography consultation. I can’t wait to connect with you!
Karissa Zimmer is an experienced professional newborn photographer based in Camp Hill and serving the surrounding areas, including Mechanicsburg, Harrisburg, Hershey and Carlisle.
