newborn photography camp hill

Camp Hill PA Newborn Photos: Choosing a Color Palette

You only get to take beautiful newborn photos of your baby once, and you want them to be truly stunning. Every gorgeous newborn picture starts the same way: with excellent planning. As a photographer who specializes in Camp Hill PA newborn photos, I love working with families to plan their newborn sessions in a way that celebrates their beautiful new babies. Details like your color palette will make a difference.

How do you choose that color palette? I’ve got you covered.

Tips for Choosing a Color Palette for Your Camp Hill PA Newborn Photos

As your trusted neighborhood photographer, I’m happy to help you pick the perfect colors for your baby’s portraits. Keep these tips in mind.

Decide Where You’ll Display Your Portraits

I’m all about giving families tangible portraits they can hang on their walls and enjoy every day. While you’ll love your baby’s newborn photos no matter what, you’ll love them even more if they complement the room where you hang them. Think about where and how you want to display your baby’s portraits and consider what colors in the portraits will best suit the colors and decor in that room.

Consider a Cultural Homage

A wonderful way to honor your cultural heritage is to incorporate colors into your newborn session that are special to your culture. Maybe they are colors that signify renewal or simply are central to your culture, but either way, I’m happy to bring in your cultural aesthetic.

You’ll Never Go Wrong with Neutrals

It’s true, neutrals are always an excellent choice for your Camp Hill PA newborn photos. Every baby looks beautiful in white or shades of tan and brown! 

Talk to Your Photographer

As a photographer, I’m not just there for my clients during their photo shoot. I’m here to support you through the entire process, and that includes offering my expertise in the planning. I’m happy to make color recommendations based on my experience.

Booking Your Camp Hill PA Newborn Photos

Ready to start planning your magical newborn photos? I’m here to help! Contact Karissa Zimmer Photography today.

Camp Hill Newborn Portraits: How to Prepare for a Photo Session at Your Home

If you’re browsing my portfolio of newborn portraits, you might notice that some seem to be taken at clients’ homes. These in-home portraits can be a beautiful way to tell the story of your growing family. Let’s take a closer look at in-home Camp Hill newborn portraits and how you can prepare for one of these sessions.

Why Might You Have a Newborn Photo Session at Home?

In-home newborn portraits are often referred to as lifestyle newborn photography. It’s all about creating stunning and genuine portraits of your family enjoying your time together.

I generally perform my clients’ core newborn photography session at my studio. For families who have other young children they want to include in their baby’s newborn photos, though, I offer a sibling add-on session at your home.

With this process, you don’t need to bring your children to your baby’s newborn session and entertain them for the several-hour session. You’ll still get the meaningful sibling portraits every parent loves, though. Throughout my years of specializing in newborn photography, I have found this to be the best of both worlds.

Preparing for Camp Hill Newborn Portraits at Your Home

If you have a sibling add-on session on the schedule, follow these helpful tips to prepare for your home session.

Have Your Nursery Photo-Ready

When I arrive at your home, I’ll be able to see the lighting in various areas of your home and choose the best places for portraits. For the most part, though, I’ll take your photos in the baby’s nursery. There’s no need to have the house spotless but if the nursery is tidy, it helps so much.

Prepare Your Children

Chat with your kids about the upcoming photo session, and be sure to frame it in a fun way. The best family portraits happen when everyone is relaxed and having a great time! Let them know they can just have fun and be themselves.

Booking Your Camp Hill Newborn Portraits

Have a baby on the way? I’d love to help you preserve these special moments. Book your photo session today.

Camp Hill Newborn Photographer Answers Your Most Embarrassing Questions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Best Mechanicsburg Newborn Photographer | Why are they so expensive?

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?

baby boy photographed by Best Mechanicsburg newborn, karissa zimmer photography

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.

best mechanicsburg newborn photographer karissa zimmer photographed newborn baby boy

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.

new mother is photographed by best Mechanicsburg newborn photographer Karissa Zimmer
baby boy posed in bucket and photographed by mechanicsburg pa best newborn photographer
newborn baby boy photographed in Mechanicsburg pa by karissa zimmer photography
newborn baby photography by karissa zimmer photography
karissa zimmer photography photographs newborn baby boy on plaid

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.

Contact Karissa

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!

When Should I book my Camp Hill Newborn Photographer?

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.

camp hill pa newborn baby photography

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.

camp hill newborn photographer karissa zimmer photography captures image of baby girl in red

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!

parents pose with their newborn baby at their newborn session

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.
Booking a newborn baby girl session with Karissa Zimmer Photography

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!

Newborn baby girl photography in Camp Hill pa
newborn photography session booked with camp hill newborn photographer karissa zimmer
Newborn girl photographed by Camp Hill Newborn Photographer
big brother poses with his baby sister during photo session with camp hill newborn photographer
family poses in their home during lifestyle newborn photography session with camp hill newborn photographer
little boy checks out his new baby sister
newborn photographer karissa zimmer photographs baby girl near camp hill pa

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.