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. 

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!

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...

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. 

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:
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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:
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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:
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IG: bornebackphotography

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

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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. 

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. 

Like what you see? CONTACT ME.

Check BBP out at:
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IG: bornebackphotography

How to Have a Documentary Session That Captures Your Story - Granger Storytelling / Documentary Family Photography

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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 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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IG: bornebackphotography

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

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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