Granger Indiana Birth, Fresh 48, and Newborn Photographer - The WHERE of Fresh 48's

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Last week, I covered the WHAT of Fresh 48's. This week, lets talk about the WHERE...

The beauty of a Fresh 48 session is that it comes to you. Whatever type of birth you chose (or fate chose) to have, Fresh 48's can accommodate. Here are the three most common Fresh 48 locations and some details:

Hospitals - Many Fresh 48 sessions take place in the mother/baby unit of the hospital during visiting hours. This allows the photographer to capture many of those "firsts" that happen, like the first bath, first diaper change, first meeting of siblings or family. Don't think that because you are birthing in a hospital that the setting will somehow be cold or unappealing! They're actually almost always warm, welcoming, and comfortable for everyone involved.

Birth Centers - Some Fresh 48 sessions happen at a Birth Center. Somewhere between a hospital and a home birth, birth centers are usually low stress, calm and serene and offer a great setting for a Fresh 48. It also allows you to include the midwives or OB's who have played such a huge role in your pregnancy and now delivery since birth centers are focused on individualized care and relationships. Please remember though, many birth centers try and get you back to the comfort of your own home ASAP so plan accordingly for your photographer!

Home Births - For those who choose to have their babies at home, Fresh 48 sessions are absolutely still an option for you! You have the luxury of being in your own surroundings with your own comforts with a tiny newborn in your arms. This can make such a beautiful setting for your session and will absolutely melt your heart down the road.

Wherever your birth takes place, Fresh 48's are a great option to capture the memories that you are making with your brand new baby. 

Like what you see? CONTACT ME.

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IG: bornebackphotography

Granger Indiana Family Documentary and Storytelling Photography - It's in the Details

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Sometimes, we get so caught up in the "Hallmark moments" of life that we forget to appreciate the little things. It's the same case in photography! Sometimes when clients, and even I, go through a gallery, I get so swept up in the amazing interactions and big, honest emotions that the details get lost. So this week, I am challenging myself and YOU to stop and look at the little things. Notice the way your child sticks out their tongue while drawing, watches tv with their mouth hanging open obliviously, or plays with your hair whenever they need just a little extra comfort (my daughter does this). Go ahead and add those awesome little details to your list of reasons that a documentary family session is the right choice for you...

Like what you see? CONTACT ME.

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In-Home Holiday Family Stories - Granger Family Lifestyle Documentary Photographer

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It's crazy to me that the holidays are on my mind already! I've started making Christmas lists, discussing what family we will see on which days, planning new family traditions for our growing toddler to enjoy...

Traditions are something I've been looking forward to starting since we got married. While there were a few small ones we did as a couple, I don't think they became fully appreciated until we had a baby. Now, I can't wait to do things like bake holiday cookies and watch cheesy Christmas movies and wrap presents. Those are the memories that I want our daughter to cherish and I want to be able to smile whenever I think about them.

That's the beauty in documentary photography! It doesn't force your family into poses with props that don't have any real meaning to you. It takes something that is already special and meaningful and captures it in a creative, beautiful way. I think that's the best of both worlds! You get your gorgeous holiday photos perfect for the Christmas cards but you also get the chance to cherish your traditions for years to come. Holiday sessions are already booking fast and weekend slots are the first to go. Don't let your story go untold!

Why I Don't Mind Outdoor Sessions in the Fall - Michiana Storytelling and Family Documentary Lifestyle Photographer

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As a documentary photographer, I'm one of those weird people who genuinely prefer shooting indoors for a lot of reasons. First, indoor light offers more unique lighting opportunities. Some of my favorite shots are a direct result of window light falling just right. I also love getting to capture someone's home because that is the setting to all of our stories; our homes are the heart of our lives. The place where we wake up each morning and fall asleep each night. To me, that is so important in producing great documentary images! 

 

Isn't this light fantastic?! (Swoon)

 

However, as much as I don't want to admit it, I really don't mind doing outdoor sessions in the fall. The warmth of the colors, the soft light at sunset, and the comfy fall clothes all make it totally worth it. Autumn is such a great time to take short story and full story sessions! Don't let your story go untold...

Like what you see? CONTACT ME.

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FIRST Fall Short Story Session - South Bend Family Documentary and Storytelling Photographer

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First, lets start with the absolute perfect night we had for these photos! It couldn't have been any better. Second, how about this location? It was like an autumn paradise for toddlers (just ask baby S ). And most importantly, the cutest little family. Have I ever mentioned how good all of my sweet, adorable families make me look as a photographer? This fall short story session was a lot of fun and once baby S realized that she was in a toddler paradise, she let loose with the smiles and smirks. Her mom and dad are clearly nuts about her and I think its easy to see why.

I'd also like to say that "I pride myself on a quick turn around for image editing." Which is partially true: I do think getting images to the families quickly is wildly important. But if I'm being completely honest, I have a confession. I am the most impatient. person. ever. And this fully applies to editing images! When I get home from a session and I know there are photos on that SD card just waiting to be processed into magic, I have to do it NOW. And so, I usually end up staying up to all hours of the night until I get them done. And while that makes for a very tired me the following day, it makes for some very happy clients.

Shout Out to the Fresh 48 - Granger Documentary Photographer and Storyteller

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Looking back through my old blog posts, I noticed something ironic: I have harped on birth photography, gushed over family sessions...but I have really neglected my absolute favorite type of session! So before I blow up my blog with family photography from the short story sessions, lets stop and give homage to the Fresh 48 session.

1). You don't think you need it...until you do.

Let me clarify by sharing my own experience. I did not book a fresh 48 session because I wanted my birth experience to be extremely private between my husband and new baby. I wanted to bond, uninterrupted and enjoy every sweet second. (SIGH) It was a nice thought. But in reality, my delivery was nothing of what we planned for or expected, my recovery was less than expected, and lets face it, in the moment it sure doesn't feel like there is anything beautiful or private about those first hours as a new parent! 

But looking back, the chaotic parts are the parts that stand out...but I KNOW that there were peaceful, amazing moments. I was just too tired and out of it to remember them. What I wouldn't give to have photos of my daughter just hours old snuggling with her daddy and I. Or meeting her grandparents for the first time. Or just being a part of this big new world! I truly and honestly regret not taking that opportunity to capture that part of our story!

2). They are seriously the most beautiful images - ever. 

When you have a new baby, you could literally stare at them for hours - days - eternity. They are squishy and wrinkly and regardless of what every person says, they look nothing like you or your husband yet but goodness, its just impossible to look away. These tiny beings are experiencing the world for the first time. I think we owe it to them and to ourselves to freeze those moments and go back and relive all those feels every chance we get. 

3). The meet and greet.

What a phenomenal moment when you get to introduce the newest love of your life to your other loves of your life! Whether baby is meeting a sibling, grandparents, family or friends, its a fleeting but magical moment (sorry for all of the fluffy language, but we ARE talking about newborns). To have those shared smiles and tears on film is priceless. 

Like what you see? CONTACT ME.

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IG: bornebackphotography

Fall Short Stories - Michiana Storytelling / Documentary Photography

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It is almost October (how the heck did that happen?!) and I am so excited to get started on some of these short story (and one full story) sessions. Its a fun month ahead including some philanthropic photography opportunities that just make my heart melt.

If you are still tempted by the idea of a short story session, there is STILL TIME! There is limited weekend availability towards the end of the month as well as weeknight availability. Just think of how much fun it will be to look back months or years down the road and see how much fun your babies and children were having during these amazing fall evenings? 

Like what you see? CONTACT ME.

Check BBP out at:
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IG: bornebackphotography

Work on the Weakness - Michiana Documentary / Storytelling Photographer

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As a former teacher and a parent (and a perfectionist), I am a firm believer in working on your weaknesses...THROUGH your strengths. That's right; use your strengths to help gain ground on your weaker areas. In life, we so often concentrate on perfecting our weaknesses by concentrating on them - harping, stressing, and eventually growing really frustrated with them. In all reality, this is a terrible way to get better at something! Think about it: why do diets often fail? Because clearly food and/or exercise is a weakness that we harp on, try and make drastic, unfamiliar changes, only to realize "this stinks" and quit. But what happens when you realize that you really, truly enjoy dancing and music? Ah ha! Use dance to workout. Suddenly, you're much more successful. 

Anyhow, beyond that ramble, I realize I still have many weaknesses in photography and plenty of room to grow! I don't think this is something that will ever change. I will always have room to get better and improve. So this week, I am focusing on two areas that I struggle with: portraits and detail shots. Rather than forcing myself to set up the perfect posed photos (which would be the equivalent to working on my weakness by harping on my weakness), I am going to use my 365 storytelling project to improve (using a strength to work on a weakness). 

This started off as a portrait shot of Baby F after church but when our dog (who has NO concept of personal space) photobombed, I ended up in love with the resulting image. 

Portraits and details are such important parts of storytelling and documentary photography! I owe it to myself and my clients to be able to incorporate these priceless photos into the galleries. 

Like what you see? CONTACT ME.

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How to Have a Documentary Session That Captures Your Story - Granger Storytelling / Documentary Family Photography

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Many people feel that they just aren't "interesting enough" for a good documentary session. Others are self-conscious that their home is "too messy" or "incomplete" and wont be a good setting. So here's the questions I pose to you: in one, two, ten years...will it matter? Will it matter when you look at your photos that it was "just" another family supper or movie night? Will it matter that there was a pile of unfolded laundry in the background? 

Yes. Yes, it will matter. In the best. way. possible. 

 

I hardly think that K & J will look at this image and think, "Darn, if only we had that window framed." The unframed window is a part of their story in the here and now! Want to see more of the perfect way that an "unfinished" house makes for an amazing story?? Check out their full gallery.  <-- Click

 

Its funny how things that seem to be a big deal in the moment are so insignificant down the road. What feels like just another family dinner right now will be a cherished memory when your kids are teenagers and hardly have time to sleep let alone sit down for a relaxing meal. And that unfolded laundry? It just means that you had BETTER things to do! Like play with your toddler, or kiss a boo boo. Do you think your 60 year old future self will see that laundry and think, "Gee, if only I had folded those socks!" Doubtful. What you WILL think is, "Look at my family. Look at my babies. Look at that life we lived." 

This is the beauty in the documentary style. It tells your story just how it is. It is honest. It is raw. It is absolutely gorgeous because it is yours. Don't let this opportunity slip by.

Like what you see? CONTACT ME.

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Fall Short Story Sessions: What's it Look Like? - South Bend Storytelling / Documentary Photography

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For those of you that are used to getting your quick, fall portraits but are intrigued by the thought of a short story documentary session but aren't quite sure what to expect, I feel ya! This is such a new form of photography, especially in this location, it can be completely intimidating to think about investing your hard earned dollars in something you're not sure of! So allow me to help pain the picture:

Below are photos from my "Day in the Life" project from earlier this summer. Part of our day included blueberry picking with our friends and it perfectly embodies a summer activity; much like picking apples, painting pumpkins, or raking leaves perfectly embodies autumn! These photos are very similar to what you can expect at your own session...except you will have even more images and you will be included. Obviously, since this was a personal project, I was trying to juggle snagging pictures while corralling a toddler! For your session, your family will be my sole focus and I can promise you will love the outcome when you see the natural, joyful smiles from everyone involved.

Why I Love It - Granger Storytelling Documentary Lifestyle Photographer

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Now before I start, I know what you're thinking: every photographer LOVES photography. True. But here's the difference between a storytelling photographer's love...

Its a daily occurrence. Most portrait photographers are shooting similar poses, in similar settings, during booked sessions. Storytelling and documentary photographers are immersed in their genre each and every day. I know for me, having a photo (or 20) a day is hugely important to me! My daughter is young and she changes every day and I will admit, I am afraid I'm going to forget about the way she wigs out at reptiles, "reads" to our dogs, and pushes her stunnas onto her forehead, even though no one ever taught her to. 

And so, I shoot. I capture each goofy, candid moment that will help me look back in years to come and laugh (or cry) because these days were so, so good. But it's not just the fact that I am getting to tell my story every day! I love getting to witness other families's stories. It is so much fun to see the differences and the similarities, the love and interactions, the sillies and the seriousness. My job is NEVER the same and I love that! 

Storytelling photography allows me, and challenges me, to never take the same photo twice. Because everyone's story is different! What a cool way to get to spend my days. I am truly blessed. 

Like what you see? CONTACT ME.

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Fall Short Story Sessions - Mishawaka Family Documentary Lifestyle Photographer

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This weekend was such a great taste of what is just around the corner: cool breezes, big fluffy clouds, blue skies. It's almost FALL! Is that anyone else's favorite season? I seriously love just about everything when it comes to fall which is why I am so excited for this newest offer...

 
 

Fall short story sessions! Yay! What does this entail, you ask? These mini documentary sessions are meant to help capture your fall activities. Think back to your favorite fall memory with your kids (or even of your own childhood). Was it jumping in the leaves? Bonfires? Picking pumpkins? Carving and painting pumpkins? Just think of these amazing, heart warming moments frozen in images. Fall minis offer such an awesome opportunity to integrate the natural beauty that comes with a midwestern autumn with your own family traditions. 

I am so excited to start on these but spots will fill up fast! Please PM on my facebook page or go to the CONTACT ME tab here. 

Check BBP out at:
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IG: bornebackphotography