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

October 03, 2016 by Cara Bettcher in birth photographer, birth photography, documentary photographer, documentary photography, family, lifestyle photographer, lifestyle photography, photography, storytelling photographer, storytelling photography

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.

newborn photographer fresh 48 session photography

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.

fresh 48 photographer newborn photographer photography

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

September 22, 2016 by Cara Bettcher in birth photographer, birth photography, documentary photographer, documentary photography, family, lifestyle photographer, lifestyle photography, photography, storytelling photographer, storytelling photography

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… — 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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Your Story: Birth Photography (Part 2) - Mishawaka and South Bend Birth Photographer

September 08, 2016 by Cara Bettcher in documentary photographer, documentary photography, lifestyle photographer, lifestyle photography, photography, storytelling photographer, storytelling photography, birth photography, birth photographer

Birth photography seems to run hot or cold: most people are totally infatuated by it or totally turned off by it. I can honestly see both sides! It is definitely not for everyone and that is fine. But if you are on team birth photography and see the same value of having your story frozen in time as I do, here are a few answers to some common concerns:

1) Modesty. It's an issue.

I know for my first child, I was constantly concerned with modesty (hahaha the current me laughs). Who wants their business out for all to see? Let alone in a PHOTO?! Rest assured. Birth photography is NOT about the shock factor or about giving an anatomy lesson. It doesn't end up looking like a horror film gone wrong. Birth photography is about capturing the emotions that go with labor and delivery. It will capture the pure and raw feelings shared between the soon-to-be parents, the trust placed in the nurses, doctors, and midwives, and most importantly, that epic moment when you meet your child. So rest assured, your business will stay private (pun intended).

2) Timing. Some labors go fast...some take a small eternity.

This is probably the trickiest element of birth photography. So here's the story: when you book a birth photography package, I am officially at your labor's mercy. Your retainer will ensure that I am "on call" for 10 days prior to and after your due date. This means that I will have a babysitter at the ready and when I get "the call" from you or your hubby that its time to make a move, I will be on my way within the hour! Now, this doesn't mean that "the call" should come at your first twinge of labor. Doctors are usually pretty decent at letting you know a time frame for how long you're looking at! So we will work together and make our best educated decisions and my goal is to be there for the tail end of active labor, transition, birth, and bonding.

3) This feels awkward...and how involved is the photographer while there?

Birth photography is a big investment both of time, emotion and money. I don't want ANYONE who books a birth photography package to feel like they have a stranger in the room! I will make sure that we have plenty of contact before the big day. If you like to text, great lets be text buddies. Are you an in-person chatter? Great, lets go grab coffee (decaf for you of course). I want to know you and your family so that I can better tell your story on birth-day. So when we meet, you can tell me exactly what you envision. I can be as transparent and invisible or as active and chatty during labor and birth as you want. I am happy to accommodate your wishes.

Like what you see? CONTACT ME.

Check BBP out at:
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IG: bornebackphotography