featured galleries
your family, your unique story
hershey, pa summer family session
This beautiful summer family session took place in Hershey, PA, surrounded by rows of colorful zinnias in full bloom. This sweet family of six spent the evening laughing, playing, and simply enjoying time together while I captured a mix of timeless family portraits, individual photos of the kids, and the candid moments that often become the favorites. Flower fields create such a beautiful backdrop for family photos, especially during those warm Central PA summer evenings.
golden hour mechanicsburg family session
This was the fifth time I've had the privilege of photographing this wonderful family, and it's such an incredible honor to continue documenting each new chapter of their lives. Instead of focusing on perfectly posed smiles, we let the session unfold naturally—playing with the kids, sharing laughs, and simply enjoying an evening together. Their beautifully coordinated outfits complemented the goldenrods perfectly, creating a warm, timeless backdrop. Some of my favorite family photos are the ones that aren't planned at all, and this session was filled with those genuine moments that tell the real story of a family's love.
Boiling springs children's lake
This summer family session at Children's Lake in Boiling Springs, PA was everything I love about warm evening family photos. We spent the session playing with the boys, sharing snuggles, and strolling along the lake together as the sun began to set. Their bright, vibrant outfits perfectly complemented the colors of a summer evening, creating a gallery filled with joyful, genuine moments. Sometimes the best family photos come from simply slowing down and enjoying time together, and this session was the perfect example of that.
boyd big tree harrisburg
Every year, I have the honor of celebrating this sweet little guy's birthday with a family photo session, and his third birthday was no exception. This year, we explored Boyd Big Tree Preserve just outside Harrisburg, where mom and dad brought along a giant number three balloon to mark the occasion. We spent the evening playing, exploring the trails, and documenting their sweet family of three as they celebrated another year of laughter, growth, and making memories together. These yearly sessions are such a beautiful reminder of just how quickly childhood flies by.
King's gap family session
King's Gap is a little farther than my typical service area, but I'm always up for an adventure—and this location is well worth the drive. With sweeping mountain views, beautiful gardens, and gorgeous golden light, it's one of Central Pennsylvania's most stunning backdrops for family photos. Add in a family that's ready to laugh, play, and simply enjoy time together, and you have all the ingredients for a truly unforgettable session.
golden hour family photography
This golden hour family session was extra special because mom came to me with a creative vision, and together we brought it to life. After capturing timeless family portraits of this sweet family of five, we ended the evening with a beautiful milk bath featuring two proud big sisters and their baby brother. I love when families share their ideas and trust me to put my own creative spin on them. Some of the most memorable images come from collaborating to create something uniquely yours.
The laughter, the cuddles, the chaos?You'll want to remember that.
Harrisburg Family Photography
I specialize in family photography that feels natural, relaxed, and centered around the people you love most. Serving families throughout Harrisburg and Central PA, my goal is simple: to create an experience that lets you slow down, have fun together, and preserve this season of life exactly as it is.
Whether we're exploring a beautiful golden hour field, strolling through your favorite park, or celebrating a milestone with the people you love most, I'll guide you every step of the way. No stiff poses or forced smiles—just genuine connection, playful moments, and timeless images that reflect your family's unique story.
Take a look around, browse through my family portfolio, and get to know my approach. If you think we'd be a great fit, I'd love to help you preserve the moments that you'll look back on for years to come. Childhood changes in the blink of an eye, but the memories you make together deserve to last forever. I can't wait to meet your family!
HARRISBURG FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER
THE FAMILY EXPERIENCE
The first step is easy! Reach out through my contact form and tell me a little about your growing family. I'll answer any questions you have, send over all the details, and help you decide which session is the best fit for you.
SAY HELLO
01.
Once you're ready to move forward, we'll choose a date, complete your contract, and pay your retainer to officially reserve your session on my calendar.
RESERVE YOUR SESSION
02.
This is the fun part! I'll help you with everything from choosing the perfect location to coordinating outfits. You'll also receive access to my client closet and plenty of guidance so you don't have to stress over the little details.
03.
PLAN THE DETAILS
Relax and enjoy the experience! Whether we're chasing golden light outdoors or creating timeless portraits in the studio, I'll guide you every step of the way so your photos feel natural, beautiful, and authentically you.
YOUR SESSION
04.
Within a week, you'll receive your proofing gallery to select your favorite images. After you've made your selections, I'll hand-edit each photograph and deliver your final gallery, ready to download, print, and cherish for years to come.
YOUR GALLERY
05.
PRICING DETAILS
SESSIONS FROM $595
Flexibility is built in!
Sessions allow space for snack breaks, outfit changes, and big feelings so nothing ever feels rushed.
Don't forget your fur babies!
Your pets are always welcome to join your session, because they’re part of your family story too.
Locations that work for real families.
I’ll help you choose an in-home or Central PA outdoor location that fits your family and this season of life.
"This was our 3rd time using Kate. I'm so impressed with her quick turnaround time, and she makes the session stress free by just letting the kids be themselves without any prompted posing. Even my husband walked away from our session saying that was fun."
Liane R.
"Our experience with Kate has been amazing. She was great with getting our 5 month old to look at the camera and guiding us on how to sit, stand, and interact with each other. Professional but laid back, and she made us feel comfortable. We'll definitely be back!"
Taylor M.
"We've used Kate since I was pregnant in 2021 and have booked 5 sessions with her, from maternity and family photos at Boyd Big Tree to a newborn session at our home. She is patient with babies, toddlers, and kiddos alike, and some of the impromptu photos she's taken have become our favorites!"
Melissa H.
Melissa & her son playing at Boyd Big Tree
Kate is so amazing to work with!!! We will be using her for all of our families needs going forward!
- Alyssa M.
"Kate makes the entire experience seamless and stress-free from start to finish. She has a natural way of putting you at ease, making the shoot feel fun and relaxed rather than posed or forced. Her work truly speaks for itself. You won't be disappointed."
- Sallyann B.
Kate did an incredible job capturing our family photos. I shared my vision with her, and she went above and beyond to bring it to life. She was so patient with my kids and gave us the most beautiful golden hour session—plus a fast gallery turnaround! We’ll absolutely be using her again for future photos.
- Katie R.
"We have had family photos taken by Kate five times now and every session has been wonderful. She has a true gift with babies, patient, gentle, and always able to capture those sweet candid moments. We are always so happy with the photos we get back."
- Dana S.
"I am SO thankful I found Kate. She has done both my maternity and my daughter's newborn pictures. Life can be overwhelming days after welcoming a newborn, but Kate made the session so easy. From coming to our home to providing clothes from her client closet for the whole family, I couldn't be more thankful."
- Macie H.
REVIEWS
FAQ
There's no wrong time to schedule family photos! Whether you're celebrating a family milestone or just haven't had updated photos in a while, Central PA is beautiful year round. If you have a specific vision of blooming wildflowers, tall grasses, or changing leaves, contact me today to coordinate the perfect time!
This is completely up to you. I offer my clients a curated list of amazing outdoor locations throughout the Susquehanna Valley and beyond. I am always open to new locations if you have somewhere you hold near & dear!
My calendar books out a couple of months in advance, so my recommendation is to schedule your session a few months in advance. This ensures you get a date that works best for your schedule, allows time for planning, and I always tell people if you put it on the calendar you make sure it happens!
That’s completely normal and totally expected! I’ll meet your kids right where they are, and together, we’ll find ways for them to be themselves and have fun. Sitting still and saying "cheese" isn’t my style. Instead, we’ll play games, chat about their favorite things, and capture who they truly are in this moment!
Where will my session take place?
When is the best time to schedule a family session?
How far in advance should I book my session?
What if my kids won't sit still or listen?
Do you travel outside of Central PA for sessions?
What should I wear to my family session?
Prior to your session we will have a consult call where we will discuss wardrobe, color preferences, and plan out your entire session. I will help guide you to choose outfits that complement your style and photograph beautifully.
Of course! While the majority of my work takes place in and around Harrisburg, PA - I am always open to traveling to you.
A nominal mileage fee does apply for sessions that take place more than 30 miles from 17370.
Ready to get started?
contact me to be your harrisburg FAMILY photographer
My studio is located off I-83 in York Haven, PA and I travel throughout Central PA for sessions. Fill out the form below and I will be back in touch within 24 hours. Can't wait to hear about your family!
let's create
memories
beautiful
yay!
You're one step closer to an incredible photography experience & absolutely stunning family memories!
NOW WHAT?!
You'll receive a response back within 24 hours. If you don't see something within that time frame, be sure to check your spam!
E-mails come from kate@katemccordphotography.com if you want to add that to your address book to avoid sending me to spam.
