South Bend Birth Photographer - Birth is a Milestone

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Birth photography is something that many are intrigued by but are also uncomfortably with. Until recently, as in the last 20-30 years recently, birth was something that was "private." So private that fathers were often kept out of the birthing space. This has made it very taboo, even in our progressive society. So I am here today, to share some common concerns and responses to those concerns.

You don't need photos. You will remember this very private moment.

Let me start by saying that I, too, wanted my birth to be private. I wanted it to be between my husband and I. I wanted it to be a memory only the two of us shared (well, us and our midwife and nurses). How could I ever forget the most important moment of my life??? But the fact of the matter is that the human brain is just not equipped to deal with hormones, pain, chaos and elation and be expected to make detailed, beautiful memories in the process. So much of my labor and delivery are lost and blurry and uncertain. Even the days that followed are a mess of memories! After 22 hours of labor, one c-section and four days in the hospital, this is what I have to remember it by:

That's it. I am so insanely grateful that my amazing labor nurse got someone to cover her other patients and came into the OR with me and had the good sense to grab my camera and snap a few pictures or I'd be left with TWO images. 

Birth doesn't have to be raw and unfiltered.

When we think of birth, we often picture what we see on TV. Lots of screaming, lots of misery and lots of blood. If you have been through a birth, you know that this isn't an accurate representation and at best is a hugely exaggerated portrayal. Birth photography doesn't strive for a "shock factor." It is meant to capture the relationship and support between everyone involved. It is meant to capture the amazing strength shown by mom as she literally creates a new life. It is meant to freeze that one amazing moment when mom sees her baby, touches her baby, holds her baby for the first time. The ins and out like how filtered or unfiltered, what angles and what details are included in your session is all customized and planned by you. It is your birth. You control the session.  

Birth is a milestone.

Think about it. As parents, we are constantly photographing every tiny milestone of our children's lives. Every time they change, develop, learn, accomplish - we are there to document it. So why is birth any different? Isn't birth the most important milestone of all? Birth is the milestone where they enter our world, take their first breath of air and turn us into parents. There is no bigger or more important milestone and just like the others, it deserves to be preserved. 

So don't let modesty, fear or discomfort stop you from hiring a birth photographer to be there to provide endless memories of the most important day of your life. 

Like what you see? CONTACT ME!

Granger Newborn Photographer - Leila's Fresh 48 Full Gallery

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This session was the stuff that dreams are made of! I mentioned in the sneak peek post how excited I was to share this story with you and now is my chance! When Momma K and I first spoke, I was thrilled that she wanted to do the "Chapter One" package. Nothing makes me happier than getting to watch babies and families grow throughout their first year of life. Plus, knowing she had three beautiful kiddos at home that would undoubtedly be involved in the sessions was just like the icing on the cake. But what I didn't know was how amazing her kids are, but more on that later.

When I first arrived at the hospital for Leila's Fresh 48, I didn't even know if baby was a boy or girl. Mom was happily bonding with baby while Dad was on a Starbucks run (come on, Mommas, we all know that we craved that the minute after things calmed down) and I saw the pink swaddle. Not that she needed it because one look at Leila and you knew she was a baby girl; she's gorgeous. When Dad arrived with coffee in hand and we waited for their three older kiddos, they shared their story...

Six years ago on February 1st, Momma K and Daddy E's first baby girl passed away due to Congenital Heart Defect (CHD). Baby Leila was born on January 31st. If there was ever a moment that was bitter sweet, this was it. It was without a doubt that Baby Leila was a true gift of comfort and beauty straight from God. As I watched Momma K with her new daughter, it was obvious that her earlier words from our consultation were so, so true: being a mother defines her. This was even more obvious when her three older kiddos showed up. Her genuine, warm smile shows in every picture and her kids were clearly crazy about mom as well. While Dad had everyone smiling and laughing and was adorably ogling his new daughter, the entire room just radiated with love.

And lets just stop and talk about their kids. I have been around a lot of kids in my life and I can say with certainty that I have never seen children who loved each other and their parents more obviously than these three. Each one of them was so excited to be a big brother and sister and where it may look like I instructed the kids to sit on the bed and play with their new sister, I did no such thing. Every single picture in this gallery is unposed and authentic. All of that love and joy and smiles is candid and real. These are the kinds of sessions that make me feel so blessed to do this type of work and I truly hope that this sweet family loves these picture as much as I do...

Granger Family Photographer - Beauty of a Second

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As many of you may remember from my previous video announcement blog posts, I am starting to offer fusion films and event videos! I'm a firm believer in practicing your skills as often as possible and so, on top of a 365 project I decided to add a "Beauty of a Second" project as well. Essentially, this is just a video version of a 365 project; every day, I take a short video burst and then stitch them all together at the end of each month to create a film. This helps me get better at videography and also gives my husband something to look forward to because he LOVES these videos! It's so funny because when I use my camera to take pictures, it is second nature to me. I hardly even notice my fingers are changing settings as I shoot to optimize the outcome. As soon as I flip that setting over to "video" I feel like a 90 year old trying to figure out an iPad! Ok, I exaggerate, but it is definitely a new learning curve. But I love a challenge and I am definitely seeing improvement. And so, I share with you my January "Beauty of a Second" video:

Like my video? Be sure to check out Ashley McMath Photography's "One Second a Day" project! I absolutely LOVE how you can see her family's personalities through these quick film clips!

Like what you see? Contact me!

South Bend Newborn Photographer - Leila's Fresh 48 Sneak Peek

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I am excited about this baby girl for so many reasons. Firstly, because this family has gone through so many ups and downs and always come out the other end stronger. Secondly, this momma is just amazing; I can't wait for the full gallery post just so I can tell you about her. Lastly, this is my first "Chapter One" baby! Until the entire gallery is ready for viewing, here's a quick teaser:

Like what you see? Contact me!

Granger Family Photographer - Getting in the Frame

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Since this is the LAST WEEK  to nominate someone for the 50 Beautiful Moms Campaign, today's post is for the moms! Chances are, if you are reading this blog, you are a mom. You are a mom who sees the value in documentary photography (or you're at least intrigued by it). You are a mom with kids who adore you. With kids who will one day crave photos that have you in them. Cringe.

I get it, moms! I really do. There are bad hair days, extra baby  or holiday fluff, haven't-seen-the-sun-in-months skin tones and 101 other reasons that you don't want to get in front of that camera. It is incredibly hard to look beyond the present and see that the beauty isn't in your appearance but in the moment. So let me put your mind at ease and break down some of these barriers for you:

Misconception: Extra "Fluff"

This is frequently a concern of moms who schedule sessions; it also hits home personally. Ever since having a baby, I haven't bothered to get myself back to those "before baby" days. I never blame this on the baby, I am completely to blame for the extra fluff. I love sugar and carbs, ok? I constantly have that conversation with myself about starting that diet next week, THEN I will feel better in my photos. But what about the moments that take place during that day? The day before the diet? Those moments count, too. Think about how you feel when you look at photos from high school or college. I remember taking those pictures and thinking ugh, I look so heavy/frumpy/insert any concern with vanity. Now I look at them and think, "Wow, what a fun moment that was." Chances are, our future self is not going to look and think, "If only I had lost those 10lbs before I took this picture." Nope, not going to happen. Take the picture. Forget the fluff.

Misconception: The Moment is About Your Kids, Not You

Wrong. Just wrong. You are MOM. You are like the sun of your family's solar system: you keep everyone alive and thriving. If your kiddos are having a great moment and making an awesome memory, it is most likely because you or Dad created it for them. You set the stage and made this moment possible! Get in there and live it with them. Hand the phone or camera to your significant other, set the self-timer, hire a documentary photographer (hint hint) and capture that memory with your kids. You will never regret that you did.

Misconception: You Can Get in the Frame Tomorrow

 Just like anything else you procrastinate doing, when you say, "I'll do it tomorrow," you rarely do it tomorrow. As hard as it is, take a deep breath and get in the picture today. Tomorrow is never a guarantee  and we all know that life can throw us unexpected curve balls. Make sure your children remember the good days, the laughs and the love - all of which include you. Documentary photography shows your future adult children how amazing you were when they were kids and how much you loved being their mom. They will always think you look beautiful and seeing you happy and joyful in pictures from the past are going to make their hearts happy one day.

Like what you see? CONTACT ME.

South Bend Newborn and Family Photographer - Baby Bodie's Fresh 48

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Have I ever mentioned I LOVE Fresh 48's? Ok. Just checking...

From the moment that I walked into this mother baby room, I knew that this was a special family. Their newborn baby boy was being admired by what may have been the nicest, most knowledgable nurse ever, with both parents staring on adoringly:

I mean really, have you ever seen such a happy little family? I was so excited that Momma T texted me really quickly after Baby Bodie was born because I got to capture so many sweet, special moments! From his first bath (he loved the hair wash but not so much with the sponge bath), to the delivery of Jimmy John's subs (come on mommas, we all KNOW how much we crave a good cold-cut after depriving ourselves from them for nine months), to the family meet and greets, this was just a beautiful session.

Momma T had specifically mentioned wanting lots of photos of the family meeting Bodie. This little guy was the first grandbaby for both sides so needless to say, he was destined for an infinite amount of love and adoration from the get-go. The way that the grandparents looked at baby was just so heartwarming, I couldn't take enough pictures. When I finally got around to getting some detail shots, I fell head-over-heals for his amazing dimpled chin. This was the baby chin that dreams are made of. I am so excited to share this gallery with you all and hope that Momma T, Daddy B and Baby Bodie enjoy these pictures for years to come...

Event and Family Photography in Granger, Indiana - VIDEO Has Hit BBP

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I always thought my heart belonged with photography - until I realized I could also have video. I first started taking video of my daughter; I figured if I learned most of my photography skills by constantly photographing her, I could learn video the same way. Then, I surprised some of my clients with fusion films (big hit). Finally, this past weekend, I put all of my filming skills to the test and made a video.

And. I. Love. It. 

In 2017, fusion films and other video options are available to all of my clients! If this is something that pulls at your heartstrings, contact me.

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50 Beautiful Moms Campaign

PRESS RELEASE

Local Photographer Joins National Search for America’s Beautiful Mothers

As part of Beauty Revived, a photography movement, Cara Bettcher is asking for nominations for beautiful mothers in Michiana to be featured in a national magazine.

The beauty of these women will not be measured by their waist size or flare for fashion.  No, these women will be chosen because of their real beauty, their courage and their countenance.  The winner will be given a free photo session with Borne Back Photography and a feature in the Mother’s Day issue of Beauty Revived magazine.

Beauty Revived is a movement that celebrates women with real beauty.  Photographers donate sessions to these women and their stories are featured in their magazine and website: www.beautyrevived.com. 

Hundreds of photographers applied to be a part of the Beauty Revived 50 Beautiful Mothers campaign and Cara Bettcher of Borne Back Photography was chosen to find a deserving mother to photograph.

“Beauty Revived is such a great organization working for an even greater cause. They see beyond the surface and place the value where it truly belongs: in the integrity and inner beauty of women, in this case, specifically mothers.”

Bettcher will be accepting nominations from January 20th through February 11th and will then choose one individual to donate a photography session to.  The mother chosen will be an example of real beauty and will have shown their beauty by their service when weary, grace in defeat and kindness when tried.  

“By participating in this campaign, I hope to bring awareness and appreciation for all of the amazing mothers in our community.”

Beauty Revived was started eighteen months ago as a way for photographers to use their lens for good and shine light on the real beauty that was happening in our communities.  In the last year and a half, more than 300 women, girls and children have been featured on their website and magazine.

“As a high school senior photographer, I started Beauty Revived because I saw the power that a photographer has in shaping perception and altering dialogue on beauty,” Michelle Gifford, Beauty Revived founder, said. 

 “The photographers who participate in our campaigns not only have great technical and artistic talent but also have big hearts and a desire to be more than just a picture taker.  They want to be a photographer who changes the world with their work,” Gifford said.

For more information about Beauty Revived, please visit www.beautyrevived.com and to nominate a deserving mother please visit the NOMINATION PAGE HERE.

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Birth, Fresh 48 and Family Photographer in Granger, Indiana - Baby Bodie's Fresh 48

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Fresh 48 newborn photography sessions are amazing. Period. Seeing people become parents, whether for the first time of the tenth time, is such an incredible experience. Seeing how they adjust, grow and learn to be everything their tiny new baby needs is beautiful. I really can't say enough about Fresh 48 sessions...

And this one in particular has my heart. Taeylor and Brant were first time parents but you would never guess that when you see them with their handsome baby, Bodie. These two were clearly head-over-heals in love with this little guy and that made everything feel completely natural. I can't wait to blog more about this session when I share the whole gallery! Until then, here's the sneak peek...

Plymouth Indiana Family, Event and Birth Photographer - Baby R's First Birthday

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This blog post is so awesome to me for so many reasons, but the main one is the fact that Baby R, whose birthday party I got to document, was my very first Fresh 48 baby! I can't even wrap my head around the fact that she is ONE! 

I was so grateful one year ago when Momma K put her trust in me, then a total novice in the world of hospital sessions, and let me be a part of their intimate moments as a new family of three. Now, I am again grateful that she invited me to document Baby R's first birthday. The amount of love and adoration for this littler girl was evident. The smiles, hugs and genuine happiness that graced this party was so heartwarming and I think that is obvious in her images. I can't wait to share the whole gallery and the new product (VIDEO! Stay tuned to Facebook on Saturday) but until then, here's a quick sneak peek:

Like what you see? CONTACT ME!

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South Bend Indiana Birth, Newborn and Family Photography - The Image vs. the Pull Back

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So many times in family documentary photography, I hear the common concern that the house just isn't a good setting. It's too "old," too cluttered, too small, too dark, {insert any common qualm we all have about our own homes}. Many people genuinely feel like this will inhibit their images but I am here to tell you: they're wrong. Maybe not wrong, but misinformed. 

Your house is part of your story.

Empty walls, couch clutter, bummy clothes. None of that matters when I see this photo. All I see is my awesome husband bonding with our adorable baby.

I like to start by pointing that out. So many times, we get caught up in the "ideal" and this includes our homes. I'm absolutely guilty of this; I love decorating my home and it drives me absolutely crazy when there is clutter. And all of those concerns I listed above about homes (old, small, dark) - my house could be put into all of those. But when I look at pictures of my family a year ago and see the pillows, blankets and unhung clocks laying around our then un-renovated living room, it brings a true and honest smile to my face. This was our story a year ago and the plain walls and clutter doesn't bother me in the slightest. I can promise that it will be the same for you when you look back at your images in years to come. You wont even notice the clutter and if you do, it will likely just bring back all the feels that come with reminiscing about your younger children. 

The image can be great because there's the composition of the photo vs. the "pullback."

The pullback is what photographers refer to when describing the full setting of an image or the "wide shot." Often, the pull back is shockingly different than the actual image. Part of what makes an in-home photographer "good" at their job is being able to find the best layout and composition for an image within the setting they are presented. Just take a look at these images and then their pullback counterparts:

Final Image.

Final Image.

Pullback 

Pullback 

Final Image

Final Image

Pullback

Pullback

Final Image

Final Image

Pullback

So if you have been holding back from booking a documentary in-home session because you felt like your house wasn't up to par for a photo shoot: DON'T! Just do it! Your future self will thank you as will your children when they get a glimpse into their everyday when they're older.

Like what you see? CONTACT ME.

South Bend Birth and Newborn Fresh 48 Photography - Lets Talk About the "C-Word"

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Caesarean. C-Section. Surgery. 

This topic is so very important. So many women think that birth photography or even Fresh 48 sessions aren't for them if they are getting the dreaded "c-word" and I want to just clear one thing up: That. Is. Not. True. C-Section births are just as beautiful as "natural" births. Birth is birth is birth.

I bring this up for many reasons. First, because there is a stigma. For some reason, some people see caesareans as a weak way out or not a "real" birth. But I challenge this thinking in every way! These moms and moms-to-be had to make a seriously hard decision, often in the heat of a very scary moment, to do what is best for their babies. I'd dare to assume that no one stops and thinks, "Gee, I think I will opt for major abdominal surgery that leaves me bed ridden for twice as long as vaginal delivery and in pain and/or discomfort for months after my baby is born." It is not a decision that is ever made lightly. I speak from experience.

C-Sections are absolutely beautiful. The strength shown by the parents, the graceful and skilled dance that the nurses and surgeons do that brings a beautiful new life into the world - its all incredible. So if you are a c-section momma and you want birth photos or a fresh 48 session (or both), don't hesitate. This is your story and it is one to be proud of. Don't let it go untold. 

IV's, needles, stitches and staples can't hold back the beauty of a fresh c-section mom and baby.