newborn photos near mechanicsburg pa

Mechanicsburg Newborn Photography for a Baby with Clubfoot: One-of-a-Kind Beauty

Every parent has a vision for what their baby will be like when they finally meet them after all those months of feeling them growing. Even a fairly common birth defect can throw you for a loop, but it just makes your family’s journey that much more unique. In my Mechanicsburg newborn photography studio, I recently had the honor of taking newborn portraits of a beautiful baby girl who was born with clubfoot.

Mechanicsburg Newborn Photography

Beauty and Awareness Through Mechanicsburg Newborn Photography

Along with showing off this gorgeous baby girl’s newborn photos, I’d like to use this blog as an opportunity to spread awareness of clubfoot and the basics about this treatable condition.

Mechanicsburg Newborn Photography

What Is Clubfoot?

The clinical name for clubfoot is talipes equinovarus or EV, but it’s best known as clubfoot. In a baby with clubfoot, their foot points downward and inward. It actually happens more often than most people realize - about 1 in every 1000 babies is born with clubfoot. It may not be common, necessarily, but it isn’t as rare as you might think.

It’s typically treated in a child’s first years of life, though, so by the time they go to school, no one would ever know that they were born with the condition. In fact, there’s a good chance that you know someone today who was born with clubfoot, even if you don’t know it!

Mechanicsburg Newborn Photography

What Causes Clubfoot?

Clubfoot is actually a very simple condition: it’s just a short Achilles tendon. This is what keeps the baby’s foot from flexing. It’s largely genetic, but doctors don’t really know why some babies have it and some don’t.

Mechanicsburg Newborn Photography

How Does Clubfoot Affect a Child?

Any birth defect is scary when you first discover it, but clubfoot doesn’t have any serious health risks. It’s also very treatable, so babies born with clubfoot can eventually have perfectly healthy, active lives. This little girl has a bright future ahead of her, especially with all those proud big brothers who will help out throughout her treatment!

Treating clubfoot essentially involves stretching the Achilles tendon little by little throughout the first months of the baby’s life so the tendon lengthens to a typical size.

The treatment starts with a process called Ponseti casting. A week or two after a baby is born, the doctor will put their clubfoot in a cast that is designed to slightly stretch the Achilles tendon. Every week to 10 days, the doctor replaces that cast with a new cast that stretches the tendon a bit further, since the tendon has adjusted to the cast it’s in.

That progressive process continues for about a month to six weeks. At this point, the doctor does a small in-office procedure to further lengthen the Achilles tendon, and then puts the baby in one last cast for a few weeks.

After the baby has “graduated” from their last cast, the doctor will fit them for a brace to maintain their longer Achilles tendon. The baby will wear the brace throughout the day and night for two months, and then they only need to wear their brace while they sleep until they reach kindergarten age.

Treating clubfoot can be a long road, but ultimately, your child can have all the function and ability they would have had if they hadn’t been born with clubfoot.

Mechanicsburg Newborn Photography

Honoring Every Chapter of Your Family’s Journey with Mechanicsburg Newborn Photography

My Mechanicsburg newborn photography is all about celebrating this incredible time in your family’s life. I want to chronicle your authentic journey of welcoming this precious new child into your family, and sometimes that involves unexpected twists like clubfoot. I’m honored to tell your family’s story, whatever that story may be, and surprises like clubfoot just make your story that much more unique.

I loved capturing these memories so this lovely family can always look back and recall the journey they’ve been on, and I would be thrilled to do the same for your growing family. Reach out to my Mechanicsburg newborn portrait studio and let’s chat!

Mechanicsburg Newborn Photography
Mechanicsburg Newborn Photography
Mechanicsburg Newborn Photography

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Mechanicsburg Newborn Photography Safety: What Every Parent Needs to Know

Mechanicsburg Newborn Photography

Your baby’s newborn portraits are a gift you give to yourself and to your family. You’re creating once-in-a-lifetime heirlooms you’ll cherish more and more as the years go by. As wonderful as Mechanicsburg newborn photography can be, though, it does have its risks if it isn’t done properly.

If you have a baby on the way or you’re preparing for newborn portraits, reading up on the essentials can help you make sure your baby is safe throughout the session. As a professional newborn photographer, I have five top facts that can help you get the spectacular portraits you want while putting your mind at ease.

There is newborn photography safety training, but not all newborn photographers have it.

Every new parent goes through the learning process of discovering how to safely handle their delicate little baby. Photographers need to learn this too, but to a greater extent because they need to know how to pose babies safely. There are plenty of safety courses for newborn photographers, but photographers don’t have to complete any of these courses to offer newborn portraits.

It’s common to assume that if a professional is offering a service, they must know what they’re doing. The truth is that there is no legal regulation of newborn photography, who can offer newborn photography, or what training these photographers need.

As a parent, when you’re hiring a newborn photographer, be sure to ask about their safety training. I’m proud to have thorough training in newborn photography safety, and I have specialized in newborn photography for over ten years.

Mechanicsburg Newborn Baby Photography
baby photography Mechanicsburg, newborn photography near me

Not all poses are safe for every baby.

You’ve probably seen countless newborn portraits, either from browsing Pinterest or just seeing your friends’ babies’ portraits. Some of them feature elaborate or unique poses you may want to recreate for your baby.

It’s important to understand, though, that every newborn pose has its limitations. Some poses are only safe or practical for newborns who are still fairly curled up, for example, while others work best for babies who have stretched out more. Some babies also just won’t be comfortable in certain poses, and it’s safest not to try to force them into those poses.

As you’re planning your newborn session, it’s wonderful to share some ideas of what you love with your photographer. Try not to become too fixated on any one pose, though, and rest assured that you’ve hired a professional who will give you beautiful portraits regardless.

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In a safe Mechanicsburg newborn photography session, the baby calls the shots.

During my newborn photography session, there’s no watching the clock – your baby is in charge and we take as much time as they need. I give your baby as much time as they need to get settled and comfortable whenever they need to throughout the session.

When it comes to posing, I let the baby decide what they’re comfortable with. If there’s a pose that they aren’t settling into, I simply move on and create a gorgeous portrait in another way. Not only does this make your baby’s portraits look more serene because your baby is sleepy and relaxed, but it keeps your baby safe in the process.

baby photography Mechanicsburg, newborn photography near me

Follow your photographer’s instructions and guidance.

When you book your newborn photography session, your photographer will give you a guide of dos and don’ts – what to bring, who to bring, and so on. These instructions are designed to help everyone and ensure that you get the best newborn portraits possible, but they’re also designed for your baby’s safety.

For example, I request that parents don’t bring young children (besides their newborn, of course), grandparents, or anyone else to their newborn session. If the studio gets too crowded or if there are active kids moving around, it can create a safety hazard because of the equipment and other items in the studio. Please follow your photographer’s guidance because it’s there for the benefit of everyone.

baby photography Mechanicsburg, newborn photography near me

Enjoying Safe Mechanicsburg Newborn Photography

Newborn photography can allow you to preserve priceless memories for your growing family, and it can all be done without putting your baby at risk. It all comes down to hiring an experienced, knowledgeable, and safety-minded newborn photographer and placing your trust in their guidance.

I am honored to provide this experience to countless families throughout the Mechanicsburg area, always keeping baby safety as my top priority. If you’d like to book your newborn photography session, contact Karissa Zimmer Photography and let’s chat.

baby photography Mechanicsburg, newborn photography near me
baby photography Mechanicsburg, newborn photography near me
baby photography Mechanicsburg, newborn photography near me
baby photography Mechanicsburg, newborn photography near me
baby photography Mechanicsburg, newborn photography near me
baby photography Mechanicsburg, newborn photography near me
baby photography Mechanicsburg, newborn photography near me

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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!

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