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. 

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 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...

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!

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...

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. 

Goshen Birth, Newborn, and Fresh 48 Photographer - The How

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This is the last installment of my WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY and HOW of the Fresh 48. Describing the how is a little different than the other blog posts because rather than it being centered on what you, the parent, will get or choose, and focuses more on what I, the photographer, will do. So here we go...

HOW I conduct Fresh 48's

I want to start by saying that Fresh 48's and births are really where my photographer's heart lies. I adore family sessions and will always keep them in my session offerings, but there is just something special about a new life being brought into the world and the impact that has on the new parents and their family and friends. That being said, this pricelessness is what I try to convey in your images. 

For Fresh 48 newborn sessions, I send a questionnaire a couple of weeks prior to your due date where we will discuss all of the important elements of your session like what you want captured, important elements of your pregnancy, unique facts about your partner and family, etc. Again, this is YOUR special time as a bigger family and I want to capture exactly what you want to remember. This questionnaire allows me to come into the session well prepared to make this a unique and valuable session for your family.

I usually ask for a quick email or text when labor has started so I know that I will have a session within the next few days! Once I arrive upon your request, you can think of me as a fly on the wall who happens to have a camera (no distracting flash or awkward tripods). I will use the light that is available in the room (fingers crossed for at least one window) and capture the moments of bonding, family meetings, or whatever else was specified in the questionnaire responses. 

I want to get the details...

The newborn habits...

And the intense, undeniable feels...

Fresh 48 and newborn sessions should NOT be stressful or uncomfortable. This is your special family time that you can not get back and I want to give you the most calm, relaxed, real experience possible. Real over ideal.

Like what you see? CONTACT ME.

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. 

Like what you see? CONTACT ME.

Check BBP out at:
www.facebook.com/borneback

IG: bornebackphotography

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.

Check BBP out at:
www.facebook.com/borneback 

IG: bornebackphotography

South Bend Indiana Newborn Baby Photographer - The Four W's (and the H) of Fresh 48 Sessions

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The English teacher is coming out in me for this blog post; I'm talking about the four W's and the H. Flashing back to high school yet? Over the next few weeks, I want to spend my Thursday posts discussing the what, where, when, why and how of Fresh 48 sessions. So this week, lets start with the WHAT:

WHAT is a Fresh 48 session?

The Fresh 48 session is a fairly new type of session where a photographer comes to you within the first 48 hours after your baby was born and captures candid moments like parental bonding, family and sibling meetings, or preparations to head home after your hospital stay. 

Here's what they are:

  • They ARE emotional. If you are a first time parent, just think of the absolute awe you will be in of this tiny human that YOU created and brought into this world. If you are a second, third, fourth, fifth time parent think of the pure love and joy you feel when your new baby meets their siblings for the first time. Fresh 48 sessions capture all of the feels that can get lost in the chaos of the first days.
  • They ARE unique. Sometimes, typical newborn sessions can become cookie cutter. Newborns don't have full blown personalities to show for the camera yet, so stylized images can look uniform. I mean, in truth I know I've seen about 101 babies in a bucket! (No judgement, I had those taken as well). Fresh 48 sessions tell your story and your baby's story. Some babies are awake and aware from the get go, others are sleepy and dreamy. Some parents are all tears and smiles, others are relieved and relaxed. Whatever your story as a parent is; whatever your baby's story is, Fresh 48 sessions will capture it and tell it to the world. 
  • They ARE relaxed. From my personal experience, having to get myself and my newborn "photo ready" for a typical newborn session just four days post major surgery and as a new mom and as new breastfeeder and sleep deprived...well, let's just say it was anything but relaxed! Fresh 48's allow you to be completely candid and comfortable, whether they are in the hospital, at home, or at a birth center, tiny outfits and bows and caps are far from your mind. Your images will be raw and simple and beautiful; just like a newborn should be.
  • They ARE amazing and priceless. The first few days with your new baby fly by in a whir of chaos. I'm (obviously) a picture junky but with my own daughter, I ended up with a handful of pretty rough phone photos and nothing more of those first hours and that makes me so sad. I wish I had photos of her teeny tiny everything, of me nursing her for the first few times, of my husband stepping up and taking on exclusive diaper duty since I was confined to a bed, and mostly of the absolute crazy notion that we could not lay her down alone and literally took shifts sleeping so someone could be holding her 24/7 (yup, we were THOSE people). Having photos to capture these once-in-a-lifetime moments are truly irreplaceable.

In closing, the best way I can think to put it is: you wont ever regret getting Fresh 48 images but you might regret not getting them. Why take the chance? Capture your love show for this precious new baby!

Like what you see? CONTACT ME.

Check BBP out at:
www.facebook.com/borneback 

IG: bornebackphotography