Granger Newborn Photographer + Family Photographer: Family of Five

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When a family grows and a new baby is brought into the equation, everything suddenly changes. Sometimes this looks like loving chaos. And sometimes, every now and then, it just look meant to be. That is how this newborn/family session with the N family went. Their family grew to a total of five, with the oldest sibling being only five. What should, in theory, be utter craziness was just so loving, comfortable and fun. 

From the minute I got there, the kids were excited to show what great big siblings they were to their new baby brother. Between helping mom feed baby to taking turns holding him, they were absolute naturals. Once Baby was settled and in full blown momma-milk coma, it was upstairs for story time with Dad. I loved how into the story both the older kiddos got; complete with singing and shaking their booties (and yes, I got that on video - which I can't wait to share down the road! Stay tuned.). 

After stories was crafts. Mom wanted to do a fun family canvas with little hand and feet prints to go underneath. This ended up as such a fun project for the kids, and even though Mr. Toddler decided to taste some paint and also decorate his jeans and feet, the final product was super cute. This was such a fun session and I feel so lucky to have been a part of their morning!

South Bend Family Photography - Day in the Life Session

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Looking back over my past blog posts, I have gushed over each type of session I offer...except the Day in the Life sessions! Which is ironic because it is probably the most epic one (except maybe birth) that is offered and is also a personal favorite. Many people have never heard of a "Day in the Life" session so here are a few basics to get your gears turning...

What is a Day in the Life session?

It's exactly what it sounds like: a personal family photography session that documents a typical day in life. I show up right when the family generally wakes up and I catch all of those amazing moments that come with the morning routines, family activities and meals, daily emotions and milestones, as well as the always adorable bedtime schedule. 

Why would I want an entire day photographed?

Why wouldn't you?! Your daily doings are your story. Just think about your future self, 10, 15, 20 years down the road. Your life will look wildly different! How amazing would it be to have the opportunity to look back at a gorgeous photo book or video that perfectly showcases what your life looked like with your littles back when they were, well, little. Our kids grow so fast and change daily, don't we owe it to ourself and to them to be able to share those every-day memories that you create each and every sun up to sun down? 

Being a parent looks different to everyone and our roles are changing with ever passing second. The parent we are now is not the parent we will be in 10 years, just like our kids are not the people they will be 10 years. I know I never want to forget what my daughter was like right now, and Day in the Life sessions let me ensure that I wont. 

But my days are so boring and bland...

They're really not. When we are living our current lives and going about our normal routines, it is easy to feel like nothing important or exciting is happening. But the truth is, our "normal" is beautiful and perfect. Just because you don't have epic outings every day doesn't mean your life isn't photo worthy. Just take a look at my own personal Day in the Life session I did for my daughter's 2nd birthday:

 

 

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Michiana Family Photographer - 50 Beautiful Moms Campaign Sneak Peek

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Beauty Revived's 50 Beautiful Moms Campaign was such a blessing to be included in. When I found out I was selected as one of the photographers, I was so honored and humbled. Then, I started getting the nominations and that took things to an entirely different level. To read about some of the amazing moms in our community was simply beautiful and I truly wished I could have donated a session to each one of them. However, in the end, only one mom could be selected and so, I'd like to introduce Katie Van Tornhout.

Katie's story is nothing short of amazing and I can NOT wait to share it with everyone in depth when the campaign is officially published. Until then, here are some sneak peeks form her sweet in-home family session:

Michiana Birth Photography - Invest in Your Moment

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I had a lovely meeting with a potential birth client recently (side note: I genuinely love meeting new people and hearing their stories) and as we chatted, I loved her complete understanding of the beauty of birth photography. One thing that I consistently see people struggle with when it comes to birth photography is the lack of what I like to call "frame-ability." 

So many times, people can't see paying a significant amount of money for images that they can't share on their walls or social media pages. But here are a few reasons why this is just not a good argument against birth photography...

It is frame worthy!

Just look at the image above. I can definitely say that I would be proud to have this hanging as a beautiful canvas in my child's room or my room or even in my living room! It's stunning and absolutely honest; it shows the beauty of your first moments as the new parents of your tiny human. Not all birth images have a "shock factor" or are too intimate to be hung up. Many are just simple and heartwarming and absolutely wall quality. 

It's a moment you can't get back.

Birth is often chaotic. There are so many emotions happening and whether its the pain induced memory blur or fuzziness from epidurals or just plain stress related, our memories aren't perfect and accurate. We frequently miss entire moments! Quite frankly, I just feel that birth moments are not something that we can risk giving up. It is one of the biggest life changing events in your life and it deserves to be preserved. Even if some of the images are confined to a beautiful album or on a gorgeous slideshow, you deserve to have them to revisit as your babies grow.

You aren't there for every moment.

Think about it. Birth and birth photography is more than just about Mom (although you are the star of the show). There is so much that goes on behind the scenes! Your partner plays a huge role in your baby's birth, sometimes in ways you don't see or notice in the moment. Wouldn't it be great to be able to let the chaos pass and have images to look back on and see all of the love and support they offered? Your caregivers (nurses, midwives, doctors) also have wildly important role in your birth story. There is something truly humbling to have pictures of these wonderful humans caring for and genuinely loving you in your time of need. 

The details.

Birth is filled with minute details that we don't even think about. The completely mind-blowing placenta, the first latch of your baby, the first finger grab, the first weighing. These are all irreplaceable details that we, as moms, often miss because we are busy recovering/sleeping/crying/laughing/[insert any post birth activity]. Having pictures of these details to cherish is priceless. 

Michiana Family Film and Photography - Personal Fusion Film

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Have I mentioned how much I LOVE fusion films? Maybe once or twice? Fusion films are this completely amazing compilation of stunning images and fun video and it takes documenting your family to an entirely new level. While nothing can ever replace wall art and albums, this is the digital age and I have zero doubt that these types of fusion films are the next big thing in family photography. So obviously, I have to make them for my own family all of the time! Here is a fusion film of our amazing family trip to PCB. Enjoy :)

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Michiana Family and Newborn Photography - What to Expect from a Documentary Newborn Session

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There are a few specific life events that trigger the "I need pictures" area of your brain and probably the most common one is the birth of a baby. Newborn baby photography started becoming more and more popular in the last decade and now, it's almost more uncommon NOT to get them than it is to get them. There are few things more beautiful than a brand new baby and portrait photographers have showcased that through posed, swaddled, accessorized and propped babies. The images are adorable, undoubtably. However, the issue falls with this: they all look the same! I don't want to look at my newborn's pictures and have them look just like the session before hers. I want to see how peaceful she was in her new home, how little she looked in her crib, how curious our dogs were about this squishly little human and how utterly in love with her we were (still are). Doesn't that just pain a sweeter picture?

So now you're on board. You see the value in documentary newborn sessions. But what happens next? Here's the breakdown:

Choose your time frame.

When photographing newborns, often portrait photographers suggest getting them done between days x-y because the babe's are still pliable and sleepy (i.e. easier to pose). Your documentary newborn session can essentially take place as quickly or leisurely as your prefer. Some people want that immediate session within a day or two of getting home to truly get that newborn feel and to commemorate those first days as new parents. Others want to get settled in or let the newborn blemishes pass before the photo day. This is one of the great things; you choose whatever fits your needs.

Photos where you're most comfortable.

This is a big one for me. I am a homebody, and this was emphasized when I had a newborn. The last thing I wanted to do was pack up my baby and alllllll of her things (because, come on first time moms, we all know we overpacked every time we went out) and sit in front of a camera in a studio I'd never been to. The beauty of a documentary session is that you get to be in your own environment, doing what you'd be doing anyway. Fallen into the habit of nursing in your favorite chair? Perfect. Love putting baby in their bouncer while you prepare food in the kitchen? Great. Enjoy putting baby on your bed and just marveling that you created this tiny person? Lovely. Not only will these moments generate amazingly beautiful pictures, but will also help you remember what life looked like in this new chapter of your life.

It's more than "just" the baby.

When we think of newborn pictures, we usually think of just that: the baby. But documentary newborn sessions let everyone else get in on the moment. You get to choose the focus of your session. If you want solely baby focused images, no problem. We can do that! But often, we have other people (and even pets) that are a huge part of our newborn's story. Grandparents stop by with food, aunts and uncles come to get their baby fix, siblings patiently (or not) wait for cluster feeding to be done (see above haha), and furbabies learn to love the new addition. All of these things can be incorporated into your session and will be priceless additions to the photos.

Variety.

Life is rarely (if ever) stagnant. Inviting a documentary photographer into your home ensures that no two pictures will be the same. Each moment changes the scene and you will end up with a gallery of images that are unique and beautiful. 

Interested in a newborn session? CONTACT ME.

Michiana Family Film and Photography - Beauty of a Second: February

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I have no idea where the month of February went but I DO know that I love this month's Beauty of a Second video! I'm still learning when it comes to video (heck, I'm still learning when it comes to photography...is there ever a point when we're not growing?) but I'm loving this project more and more. These videos give such a priceless glimpse of my girl as she grows. 

Love watching this "One Second a Day" videos? Don't miss Margaret Albaugh's February video! 

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South Bend Family Photography - PCB Personal Project

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Last week, we packed up our SUV and drove 900 miles to Panama City Beach, Florida. This trip was fairly last minute but so, so important: Miss F needed some extra time with her Gigi (Great Grandma Mary). Miss F is Gigi's only great grandchild and the two of them are cut from the same cloth. Seeing them together definitely made my heart happy. 

Panama City Beach is not only ridiculously family friendly and absolutely beautiful, but it also holds further meaning to my husband and I because about four years ago, we got married there! I love that we are able to go back to the exact spot we said "I do" with out daughter. If you're ever looking for a great place to get away with your kids, consider PCB. Between the white sand beaches, Gulf World and amazing seafood restaurants, you won't be disappointed. 

Anyway, I always struggle when it comes to vacations because I am torn between being present in the moment and capturing the moment. This time around, I decided to allow myself "the first ten minutes," meaning that whenever we went somewhere or did something, I took pictures for the first ten minutes we were there...and then I put my camera away. Let me tell you, this was no easy feat for me! I'm chronically concerned with "missing the moment" and I constantly found my mind noticing times that would have made for a great photo opp. But I fought the urge and left the camera in the bag. And you know what? I'm glad I did. I still got beautiful images that told our story, but I also got to just enjoy the moment. And let me assure you, this trip was packed with beautiful moments.

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Granger Birth, Newborn and Family Photographer - The Specialist

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When you have a cold, do you go to the dermatologist? When you want a perfectly prepared steak, do you go to a baker? When you want to learn about literature, do you go to a science teacher? The answer to all of these questions is simply: no. 

In almost every field of work, there are specialists.

These are the people who focus their training and attention on a specified area of work or interest in order to be the best in that field. Yet for some reason, this just doesn't seem to be the case in photography. Many times, photographers market themselves as a "jack of all trades"; they do weddings, engagements, newborns, families, events. You want it, they'll make it happen. And while this may seem appealing, I just can't get on board with it. 

I don't want to be "pretty good" at everything, I want to be exceptional at something I love.

My passion lies in families. I love families. I love their dynamics, their complete and total uniqueness. I love the story of life. I think that families are often under-appreciated and overlooked and I strive to put a stop to that and showcase the absolute beauty of families. This is why I specialize in birth photography and family photography. 

To me, the growth of a family is a new chapter and often one of the most important ones. Birth, fresh 48's and in-home family sessions allow me to focus entirely on what I love and offer skills and experience to you that maybe a "jack of all trades" doesn't have. When I spend every single session out of studio, in unique homes, with unique families, I am constantly learning how to better capture the lives in front of me. This constant practice lets me grow continuously which in turn, means stronger and more priceless images for you. You don't deserve pictures that are "pretty good." You deserve pictures that are captured by a specialist whose love, passion and practice is right where you are: in the heart of your family. 

Michiana Birth and Newborn Photographer - Leila's Fresh 48 Fusion Film

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(Siiiigh). I could watch this every single day - and it's not even my family! I am so in love with fusion films! Obviously, I'm crazy about what photographs offer in terms of capturing and saving memories but fusion films truly take it to another level. Having video to help document your life's moments will bring a smile to your face instantly. No matter how little the moment may seem (like this little gal's sneeze half way through, or Dad marveling at her holding his finger), having that to look back on forever is amazing. Thanks again to Leila's family for allowing me to be a part of these next 11 months!

South Bend Family Photography - It's a Special Day

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I wrote this last night, right after putting my not-so-baby baby to bed:

"Tonight I went to bed with stickers on my hands. She carefully placed them there and counted them happily only to announce I needed more and scampered off to retreive them. I could have taken them off. I could have put her straight to bed without rocking her. I could have. But the thing is, tomorrow she may not decorate me with stickers or even fit in my arms comfortably enough to fall asleep. So tonight, I sleep with stickers and tomorrow my baby turns two."

Michiana Newborn and Birth Photographer -

borne back photography
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It's sneak peek time again! Baby Leila's in-home newborn pictures turned out so gorgeous with all of the soft whites and lovely, bright window light. Once again, this family made my job easy because they were so willing to just hang out and be together in a totally effortless, beautiful way. These are the sneaks focused on Miss Leila but gosh, I can't wait to share the full gallery complete including the documentation of a well-earned chocolate milk party...