South Bend Indiana Newborn Fresh 48 Photographer - Hospital Fresh 48

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It had been entirely too long since my last Fresh 48 session! While I will always love family sessions, Fresh 48 and birth photography is my where my heart is. I always love walking through the quiet halls of the mother baby unit knowing that I am getting a little sneak peek of a tiny person's first hours on earth. It's kind of humbling!

This session was unique for a few reasons: first, because it was super last minute! Secondly, because it was for the son of one of the amazing office managers/nurse's who worked with my husband and I during our pregnancy and birth. I was so excited to be able to give back to her family after the amazing experience our midwife group gave to us. Third, because it was the first session I've done where baby didn't have a name yet! It made it a little exciting ha ha. 

From the minute I walked into the room, it was obvious how loved this new baby boy was. Despite him being the umpteenth grandson and having multiple older siblings (his next closest being 9 years older), the excitement was unparalleled. In fact, mom stated that she "made the babysitters first," just for this little guy! And lets just pause to talk about the guest of honor. Baby boy was probably one of the most laid back newborns I have ever seen. I always have some sympathy for newborns; imagine living your life day in and day out exactly the same way for nine months and then suddenly...BOOM! Big, bright, loud new world. But this little guy seemed to have slid right into "our world" with no problem. He took everything in stride and hardly gave a wimper. It is my sincerest hope that his calm disposition continues (for mom and dad's sake) and that they share his surely epic name when it is official. What a great family!

Update: His name is Kyler :) :) :)

Granger Newborn Baby and Family Documentary Photographer - Why Storytelling and Documentary Photography?

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HAPPY 2017 EVERYONE!!! I hope that you all had a safe and great end to 2016 and are looking forward to the new year as much as I am. So, lets start the year off right and answer the ever nagging question...

"Why documentary photography???"

This is a question that I am certain crosses just about everyone's mind. When we are surrounded by beautiful portraits and stylized lifestyle images, it is very hard, maybe even uncomfortable, to think about stepping away from this genre. Especially when most of it is so beautifully done! So let me share my own personal experience that flipped the switch for me:

When my daughter was about 7 months old, we decided to do a family shoot. The photographer picked a beautiful location at a state park and we headed out for our session. Right when we got there, while carrying Baby F to the woods, I tripped and we both fell. Thankfully, neither of us were hurt, but we were both REALLY shaken. My normally happy, never-cries baby would not stop crying and wanted nothing to do with anyone except me. I wanted to just reschedule and call it quits, but at the encouragement of our photographer, we pressed on. I was sure we wouldn't get any usable images through the sobs and tears!

But we did. The images turned out adorable. Because the photographer was just that good.

Not a single one of those photos hangs on my walls.

 Why? Because it was a horrible experience! It was unnatural. It was uncomfortable. It was, well, fake. None of those images represented what I wanted to remember about my daughter! Where was her sweet personality? Our REAL baby smiles? Where was OUR honest story?

I started to think back on previous sessions and while all of the images were great, they just weren't real. I mean, I don't know about you, but I rarely put my baby in a bucket with a bow as big as her head at home! I realized that what I loved about photography is the ability to freeze reality; in my mind, there was nothing more beautiful than our every day, messy hair, baby spit up, chaotic days. That is what I wanted on my walls. That is what I wanted on my social media. That is what I wanted for our albums. And THAT is why I decided to offer that to you. I want you to have the every day beauty at your fingertips, to look back on whenever your heart aches for those moments and milestones. Real is so much better than ideal.

Storytelling and documentary photography is so much more than just pictures. It is a direct representation of your story; of the steps you're taking to get where you're going. Whether that means a messy house, or a pony tail and no makeup, or a baby in a t-shirt and diaper, if that's your story then that is what I want to capture for you! 

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Granger Newborn Baby and Family Photographer - A Look at BBP's 2016

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When I first decided to take this leap into documentary photography in 2016, it was one of the most terrifying and exciting things I have done (besides getting married and becoming a mom). I am not one to make myself feel vulnerable and this jump was the epitome of becoming vulnerable. But looking back, I am SO glad that I did it! This week, I have been cleaning up my hard drive (partially for sentimental reasons and to see growth but also because I managed to max out my Macbook's hard drive space) and I have come across so many amazing images. Not just of my own family, but the families of my clients!

It is so humbling to look back at this year's families and babies and know that these awesome people invited me into their lives and with a new type of photography to boot. To be a part of the stories of others is a really awesome experience; to see how they love each other and work together and spend their days. I genuinely enjoy looking back at these images and remembering each session and each family member. Knowing that these families will have images they can look back on together and remember all of the real, honest moments that they represent makes my heart happy, both as a photographer and a momma. I am so so excited to see what 2017 brings for BBP! 

Here's a look back at my favorite images of 2016. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do...

 

 

South Bend Indiana Family Documentary Photography - How to Take Your Own Great Holiday Photos

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Some of the biggest, most joyful, meaningful days of the year happen during the holidays. Filled with events, family and friends there are so many reasons to pull out your personal camera and make sure those moments live on forever. Just think of the laughs and smiles you will share with your kids years down the road when you look back at the fun memories you managed to capture!

But how do you take average, un-inspired images up to the next level and turn them into something beautiful AND priceless? How do you use the camera you have easy access to (say a phone) and use it to create high quality, artistic images? Here are a few tips and tricks to turning your blah holiday pictures into fun, appealing, priceless images...

1). Get the "safe shot"

I always encourage folks to take the "safe shot" first. Kids move FAST and sometimes, if you think too much, you miss the moment. It might not be the best quality shot, but at least you have the feels on your screen to relish down the road. 

Safe shot. 

The good shot. 

2) Do. Not. Say. "Cheese."

For the love of Christmas, do NOT tell your subjects to say "cheese!" Maybe this is just the documentary photographer coming out in me, but whoever decided to tell people to say "cheese" during a picture needs a quick kick to the shins (nothing like a little violence for the holiday spirit). In all seriousness though...the best pictures you will take are the ones in the moment. By telling your kids or the photo's subject to stop what they are doing, focus on you and the camera and say "cheese" completely deflates the scene. And if you're dealing with small children or (shudder) toddlers, we all know that the moment they realize you want them to smile...HAHAHAHA. Right. So fight that instinct to get them to focus on the camera and just get the amazing pictures that can come from being in the moment. You won't regret it.

And if you just can't fight it and you really want that look-and-smile picture, just tell them to smile. Young children are still learning phonetics and saying words, especially words that end in consonants, often forces their mouths and cheeks to do funny things and is counterproductive to getting them to smile. 

3) Angles, angles, angles!

When we take photos with our camera phones or point-and-shoots, we tend to take them right where we stand. We see a cute moment like our kids bonding with their cousins or hugging the family dog and we whip out that camera and snap the picture. That's fine! Like I mentioned above, get the safe shot first. But once you've secured that, get out of your comfort zone and think about your angles. The absolute best and most simple thing you can do to improve your photos are to get on the same level as your subject. If you're photographing kids, prepare to get your squat quota maxed out pretty quickly. Get down on their level and suddenly the picture feels much more real and in-the-moment.

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Another fun angle is from above. People tend to focus on faces when they take pictures but that's not always what tells the best story. Sometimes getting directly above your kiddos really changes the perspective and tells a stronger story.

4) Use your camera's focal point.

Have you ever had the perfect picture opportunity in front of a bright window and you take the photo and it's completely blown out? How frustrating! Cameras are designed to focus on the light and then balance the settings accordingly. Having a big, bright window is great but it tricks your camera into thinking that the entire room is also that bright which just isn't the case. So how do you we fix this? On most cameras and phones, its as simple as tapping the face or subject that you want to focus on. The camera then says, "Oh, you want to focus on this darker subject? Got it!" (Because, you know, cameras talk now). It still might not be the best picture you'll ever take, but it will salvage the shot.

5) Avoid mixed lighting.

It is easier said than done, but if you can, avoid "mixed lighting." This means, try not to take pictures where a window and lamp is influencing the light in the same photo. Most people assume that all light is good light but that is just wildly untrue. Here's the basic breakdown: window light is the best light. Its natural, pretty and neutral. 

See photos below for an example of mixed lighting. 

6) Consider your surroundings.

Holidays can be such a tough time to photograph even for a seasoned professional because there are usually 100 brightly colored decorations and 101 distractions. Both of these things make for some challenges but if you're aware of them, it is (slightly) easier to avoid them. Quickly consider your subject (say your child), squat down to their level, tap your focal point and then look past them. If they are sitting in front of 10 boxes and three cousins, try to move yourself left or right so that you can either hide or minimize the distractions. I'm all for embracing the clutter and chaos, after all, that's what documentary photography is all about. But there's a difference between adding to the story and just being distracting. 

Distracting red shelving and mixed lighting. 

Still a busy background but not directly behind the family AND it helps tell the story.

I hope that these quick and easy tips help you get some great holiday photos this weekend! But most importantly, don't forget to put down the phone and camera and just enjoy the moment. Not even the best picture can replace the memories you have of getting in on the holiday chaos.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE :) 

 

Osceola Indiana Family Documentary Photographer - Reed Sister Session

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Being a girl mom always seems so sweet to me; maybe it's because I have a little girl or maybe its just the cute factor but no matter the reason, this session totally won me over! Normally, sessions include mom and dad so when Momma Reed decided to have a session primarily focused on her two daughters and her fur baby, I was nervous to make it work but excited for the challenge.

From the moment I walked through the door, Miss P was SO excited to be in front of the camera. I'm convinced this girl is going to be a star. She's got the spunk, the sweetness, the looks; she's pretty much the whole package. Where most kiddos like to ignore me or feel intimidated by the camera, Miss P had to be reminded NOT to say cheese! 

Miss H might be one of the most laid back, go-with-the-flow three year olds I've yet to meet. She was up for whatever big sister wanted to do and could make each situation fun and happy. Her idolization of her sister and her love for her fur baby was so apparent and heart warming it made me think MY Baby F might need a sister...(just kidding). But sereously, these girls were a total blast and between the dressing up, tea party and playing with babies, there was almost too much cute for one session! Thank you Reed girls for letting me into your sparkly little world. 

South Bend Indiana Documentary Lifestyle Photographer - Reed Sisters Sneak Peek

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When I booked this session and found out this was going to be a sisters only session, the "girl mom" in me swooned a little. There is nothing with a cute factor higher than sisters! I am so anxious to share this full gallery but until then, here's the sneak peek:

South Bend Indiana Family Documentary Photographer - Watts Holiday Gallery

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This was the first holiday in-home session of the season and if this doesn't put you in the mood for some holiday cheer, I don't know what will! J and J and their sweet babes (2 years old and 11 months - no, they don't have their hands full at all) were so welcoming and comfortable, it was hard to remember that I was "at work." 

We started this session with a typical Saturday morning family breakfast (with matching pajamas for the Christmas feel) in their super adorably decorated kitchen and dining room. Baby I was super excited about helping Mom out as well as checking in on her [empty] fish bowl - don't worry, they were stocking it later that day for her birthday! All the while, Dad and Baby C were contentedly chilling, sharing some guy time and devouring some waffles.

After breakfast, the family moved on to some tree decorating! Baby I was all about it and Baby C was totally cool with just chewing/licking/throwing the bulbs. Disclaimer: shatter proof bulbs are NOT shatter proof; proven by Baby C's hulk-like grip. Even the family pup got in on some tree decorating. 

The best part about holiday in-homes with young kids is that this time of year is actual magic to them. It's miracles and music and lights and sparkle. There is absolutely nothing more special than watching kids experience the holidays and all of the feels that go with it.

Like what you see? CONTACT ME.

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South Bend Indiana Family Documentary Photographer - Fischer Holiday In-Home Sneak Peek

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This weekend was PACKED with sessions and I'm pretty sure this one might be one of my favorites to date! I'm super anxious to get the editing done and share this holiday in-home session for the Fischer family (I will save my sappy descriptions of how much I adore them all for the full gallery post - but seriously, they're like the best people). Until then, here is a quick snippet of their cookie baking endeavor...

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South Bend Indiana Newborn Fresh 48 Photography - The "When"

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So we have covered the WHAT and WHERE of the Fresh 48 which means today we cover the WHEN. Now this might seem obvious (during the first 48 hours, duh), but the truth is that there are a lot of options in those 48 hours!

The first hours - Choosing to capture the very first minutes or hours after birth is such an incredible option. It's a close second to actual birth photography yet still allows for the privacy of the actual labor and delivery while capturing those emotion filled minutes of meeting your baby. A lot happens in the first few hours after birth (skin-to-skin, first nurse, footprints, weighing and measurements, possibly the first bath) that will fly past and easily get lost in the flood of feelings and chaos. Choosing to have this time documented will enable you to look back and recall all of those beautiful moments.

The family meetings - Whether this is your first baby or your tenth, your family will undoubtedly be excited to meet this new member! There is hardly anything that comes across as beautifully on camera as tear and smile filled loved ones falling head over heals for your newborn. Choosing to have this first meeting captured will offer you and your loved ones a lifetime of memories; not to mention a humbling experience for your baby years down the road when they see how much they were loved immediately upon their arrival. 

The exit - This one gets passed over a lot but is one of my favorites! After the fastest / longest 48+ hours of your life, its finally time to go home! This is the most terrifying and exciting moment of your journey so far and it makes for such an amazing session. Between dressing baby in their going-home outfits, saying goodbye to the nurses (and begging them to come home with you), packing your bags and headed out the door, there are so many priceless moments happening that need to remembered. 

As you can see, just because it is a session that happens in the first 48 hours doesn't mean you are limited or that your images are going to be generic or look like anyone else's. That's the beauty in documentary storytelling photography; it is the tale of your newborn and therefore, completely unique and beautiful. 

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Osceola Indiana Family Photographer - The Watts Sneak Peek

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Saturday was the first in-home holiday family session of the season and it was everything I had hoped! This sweet family welcomed me into their home and their traditions and made me feel like I belonged there. Between their perfectly decorated home (seriously, I might be asking Momma Watts to come and give my house a face lift), their two gorgeous babes, and their obvious love for each other, I couldn't have asked for a better session. Full gallery to come...

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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. 

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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...

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