Carisa

Every Christmas, Pappy, my grandfather, would set up his projector in his living room. We’d squeeze into the living room with heaping plates of Mam Mam’s cut-out cookies and at least one dog resting beside us. For a brief moment together, we would watch our family's messy, real, hysterical, and even sometimes depressing story unfold. We would relive the past year: its birthday parties, holidays, graduations, weddings, 80’s hair, and beloved family pets. Big, little, and lots of in-between moments. Those might be my favorites. It didn't matter that we were all crammed in one room which felt bigger than it really was, and that someone (Uncle Cliff) always stole a cookie from my plate. This is how I fell in love with photography, and this is why I love the stories it can tell. My grandfather was our family’s storyteller. Maybe I can be yours.

PET PARENTS, I GET YOU!

I love my fur babies like they are members of my family. I cherish my time with them and want to immortalize them. Let me capture your bond with your animal companions. Let me capture their gray grizzles, their wiggly little butts, the charming way they look at you. . .their favorite humans.

You do not have to have a dog for me to photograph you and your family or your event.  However, if you have one (or more) as a member of your family, we'll probably get along quite well.   

WHO ELSE?

In addition to photographing humans with their animal companions, I enjoy photographing families, couples, graduating seniors, events, weddings, and branding or commercial images for creative individuals and businesses.

FUN DETAILS

You already know I love photography and animals (especially dogs). I’m also passionate about swing dancing, homeschooling (I run www.thrivespacepa.com), books, Ayn Rand, fresh garden flowers, snow days, autumn, adventures, and the value-driven relationships that make up my family and friend’s circle.

IN THE BEGINNING

Photography has been my career since 2005. I purchased my first camera for $30 when I was 9 years old. It was a tiny camera that came with a free roll of black and white film. My twin sister, our cats, and some Cabbage Patch kids were my first muses! This was the beginning of my photographic journey.

When I was 16 years old, I became our highschool’s yearbook photographer. I studied photography in college and worked for the university photographer. Hours were spent developing my own film and prints in my basement darkroom with my best friend, Bethie.

From 2002 - 2005 I started and owned a successful pet sitting business which my older sister, mom, aunt, and future husband helped me run. I believe that all animals and humans should be treated with care, kindness, and respect. It was during this time that I really started to love the idea of photographing the family pet. I wasn’t the only one who had an overwhelming love of her heart dog! I took photos of my clients and something just “clicked.”

MY PHILOSOPHY

I believe in conscious and respectful parenting for both my human and animal kids. Sessions should be fun, easy, and without stress. Photography is not an emergency. During my sessions with human or animal “kids” I subscribe to the “do no harm” philosophy for pets (and of course humans). I try to pay attention body language and it goes a long way to helping me create safe, fun, and authentic images for my clients.

ARE YOU MY CLIENT?

Do you enjoy my style found in my galleries, blog, and on my social media pages? Do you resonate with my philosophies regarding how I approach my sessions? If so, let’s connect. My clients are looking to invest in artwork, albums, and products. Most of my clients invest, on average, between $800-$1500.

My portrait prices begin at $595 for a full lifestyle session experience. Petite sessions are also available.

Celebration Sessions are $195 and are for senior pets or those pets with a terminal illness.

My petite wedding coverage begins at $1795, and full wedding coverage begins at $3195.

PA tax may be applicable

Please feel free to send me an inquiry form or just send me an email to ckphotog@gmail.com

Please contact me for more information or to book your session (email strongly preferred).

ckphotog@gmail.com

717.421.3262

Previous Client List

• Ruff Guide to the United States: 365 of the BEST places to stay and play with your dog in all 50 states (Kendall Media, May 2014)

• Susquehanna Style Magazine

• Premier Bride, Harrisburg Magazine

• Dreamstime Stock Agency

• Kent Nutrition

• The Ayn Rand Institute

• Lodge Stoneware

• Bartoli Wealth Management Group (Morgan Stanley)

I am based in the Central PA area serving Camp Hill, Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, Lemoyne, New Cumberland, Hershey, Hummelstown, Gettysburg, Dillsburg, and Carlisle as well as other local townships.  I love to travel for my clients and have photographed them in NY, VA, DC, TX, CA, UT, ME, OH, NJ, and NC.