Work on the Weakness - Michiana Documentary / Storytelling Photographer

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As a former teacher and a parent (and a perfectionist), I am a firm believer in working on your weaknesses...THROUGH your strengths. That's right; use your strengths to help gain ground on your weaker areas. In life, we so often concentrate on perfecting our weaknesses by concentrating on them - harping, stressing, and eventually growing really frustrated with them. In all reality, this is a terrible way to get better at something! Think about it: why do diets often fail? Because clearly food and/or exercise is a weakness that we harp on, try and make drastic, unfamiliar changes, only to realize "this stinks" and quit. But what happens when you realize that you really, truly enjoy dancing and music? Ah ha! Use dance to workout. Suddenly, you're much more successful. 

Anyhow, beyond that ramble, I realize I still have many weaknesses in photography and plenty of room to grow! I don't think this is something that will ever change. I will always have room to get better and improve. So this week, I am focusing on two areas that I struggle with: portraits and detail shots. Rather than forcing myself to set up the perfect posed photos (which would be the equivalent to working on my weakness by harping on my weakness), I am going to use my 365 storytelling project to improve (using a strength to work on a weakness). 

This started off as a portrait shot of Baby F after church but when our dog (who has NO concept of personal space) photobombed, I ended up in love with the resulting image. 

Portraits and details are such important parts of storytelling and documentary photography! I owe it to myself and my clients to be able to incorporate these priceless photos into the galleries. 

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.

Check BBP out at:
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IG: bornebackphotography

Fall Short Story Sessions: What's it Look Like? - South Bend Storytelling / Documentary Photography

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For those of you that are used to getting your quick, fall portraits but are intrigued by the thought of a short story documentary session but aren't quite sure what to expect, I feel ya! This is such a new form of photography, especially in this location, it can be completely intimidating to think about investing your hard earned dollars in something you're not sure of! So allow me to help pain the picture:

Below are photos from my "Day in the Life" project from earlier this summer. Part of our day included blueberry picking with our friends and it perfectly embodies a summer activity; much like picking apples, painting pumpkins, or raking leaves perfectly embodies autumn! These photos are very similar to what you can expect at your own session...except you will have even more images and you will be included. Obviously, since this was a personal project, I was trying to juggle snagging pictures while corralling a toddler! For your session, your family will be my sole focus and I can promise you will love the outcome when you see the natural, joyful smiles from everyone involved.

Why I Love It - Granger Storytelling Documentary Lifestyle Photographer

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Now before I start, I know what you're thinking: every photographer LOVES photography. True. But here's the difference between a storytelling photographer's love...

Its a daily occurrence. Most portrait photographers are shooting similar poses, in similar settings, during booked sessions. Storytelling and documentary photographers are immersed in their genre each and every day. I know for me, having a photo (or 20) a day is hugely important to me! My daughter is young and she changes every day and I will admit, I am afraid I'm going to forget about the way she wigs out at reptiles, "reads" to our dogs, and pushes her stunnas onto her forehead, even though no one ever taught her to. 

And so, I shoot. I capture each goofy, candid moment that will help me look back in years to come and laugh (or cry) because these days were so, so good. But it's not just the fact that I am getting to tell my story every day! I love getting to witness other families's stories. It is so much fun to see the differences and the similarities, the love and interactions, the sillies and the seriousness. My job is NEVER the same and I love that! 

Storytelling photography allows me, and challenges me, to never take the same photo twice. Because everyone's story is different! What a cool way to get to spend my days. I am truly blessed. 

Like what you see? CONTACT ME.

Check BBP out at:
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IG: bornebackphotography

Fall Short Story Sessions - Mishawaka Family Documentary Lifestyle Photographer

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This weekend was such a great taste of what is just around the corner: cool breezes, big fluffy clouds, blue skies. It's almost FALL! Is that anyone else's favorite season? I seriously love just about everything when it comes to fall which is why I am so excited for this newest offer...

 
 

Fall short story sessions! Yay! What does this entail, you ask? These mini documentary sessions are meant to help capture your fall activities. Think back to your favorite fall memory with your kids (or even of your own childhood). Was it jumping in the leaves? Bonfires? Picking pumpkins? Carving and painting pumpkins? Just think of these amazing, heart warming moments frozen in images. Fall minis offer such an awesome opportunity to integrate the natural beauty that comes with a midwestern autumn with your own family traditions. 

I am so excited to start on these but spots will fill up fast! Please PM on my facebook page or go to the CONTACT ME tab here. 

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

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

What About the Portraits? - South Bend Documentary Lifestyle and Storytelling Photographer

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The biggest concern I've run across from clients is the issue of (dum dum dummmmm) portraits! "What about the portraits? The framable photos? The pass-out-to-family photos?" Great questions and absolutely valid concerns!

But let me assure you: Documentary photography ABSOLUTELY provides that for you!

 

If this isn't frame worthy, I don't know what is!

 

First, I know I want photos in my frames that make me smile and true, honest memories do that for me! I love when people come over to my house and smile at the fun photos on my walls. I always get comments about how fun and adorable these images are which I would take any day over the "Aww, it's a baby in a bucket!" comments.

Second, I love love LOVE the simplicity of a documentary style portrait! There is nothing more beautiful and gorgeous than your own child's innocent little face. And I always make sure to capture that, too. Each session I offer will include some simplistic, honest portraits which also make great framables. Want a quick, "say cheese" family photo? No problem! It wont be the focus of your session but I also see the value in these add ons as well! The best part is, most of the time during the "say cheese" photo, families get close and have some really sweet and adorable candids along the way. Double bonus! 

So don't fear the documentary genre. Don't balk at the storytelling. Embrace the beauty of the every-day!

Like what you read and saw? CONTACT ME!

Want to see more?

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IG: bornebackphotography

Editing - South Bend Documentary Lifestyle and Storytelling Photographer

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One topic that continually gets brought up in the documentary photography arena is editing. And for good reason! I regularly talk about how this style of photography is honest and real and so, should editing be included? 

I say yes.

 

Read below for my feelings on removing major objects from photos!

 

Here's my rationale: In my mind, editing is like makeup. Some women go all out: foundations, contouring, highlighting. And some photographers, especially portrait photographers, do the same. It's truly mind blowing what can be done to manipulate a photo! And I am in no way insinuating that this is a bad thing; seriously, the quality of the photo in the video is amazing! I mean, whether it is with makeup or editing, there is no doubt that these subjects look gorgeous. But the type of editing I like to implement, the kind I think most documentary photographers like to apply, is more comparable to a mascara, concealer, and maybe some powder foundation kind of gal. (Gosh, that makeup routine sounds familiar). I don't use makeup to change myself or to hide my features. I use it to emphasize important areas and draw attention to assets. I use it to hide an unsightly blemish that pops up here and there. And to me, editing should be the same way! I use it to draw attention to my subjects. To highlight the amazing lighting. To soften a scratch or mark on the skin. And evvvvery so often, I will remove something completely distracting in the background...but I really don't like to do this unless it takes away from the story!  

 

Left: SOOC (straight out of camera) Right: Mild editing

In reality, the lighting in this house was mixed (meaning both indoor lightbulbs and natural window light - a photographer's nightmare). By implementing some mild edits, it is clear which image is more appealing yet the story is left completely in tact!

 

So when you book a session with BBP, know that I support imperfections, I love blotchy baby skin, and I think you and your family are beautiful just the way you are. And I will do all that I can to help you and others see that, too. 

Beth's Mini Family Session - South Bend Documentary Lifestyle and Storytelling Photographer

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This mini family session was for Beth and her kiddos. Beth, her husband, and their two gorgeous kids recently moved back to the area (their hometown) and she decided to take a break from work and stay home with her babies for awhile. And who wouldn't want to document that?! A new house, a new SAHM, and kids that are growing up WAY too fast? What a great story. 

The genuine warmth that this momma brings forth is definitely something to admire. From the moment I stepped through the door of their (seriously) amazing new home, I felt like I was chatting with an old friend. Her kids were so funny and while one was shy and adorably sweet, the other showed me some hilarious antics and conversation! (I'll let you see if you can guess which was which via the pictures). As always, I am so humbled and appreciative of everyone who allowed me into their homes, gave me their time, and put trust in me to produce images that make their hearts smile. I just hope these pictures reflect the awesomeness of Beth's life as well as deserved!

Love what you see? CONTACT ME

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Aberegg Mini Family Session - Mishawaka Documentary Lifestyle and Storytelling Photographer

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Ah, the Aberegg family. Having been friends with them for a couple of years, our kids have gotten to grow up together. In fact, we may or may not have a betrothal between their Baby L and our Baby F! This family is so much fun and so down to earth and despite the challenges of shooting a nearly two year old (something I am quite familiar with), we had a great time and got some really good images.

Rectenwal Fresh 48 Session - South Bend Documentary and Storytelling Photographer

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There's really nothing quite like a new baby. It figuratively represents so many things: the love of a family, a fresh start, a blank slate, absolute purity. But they also literally bring so much to the world! A whole new person who wouldn't even exist if not for the love of their parents. How special is that?

Baby Evie is the newest addition to the Rectenwal family and is already bringing smiles all around. One thing is for sure: there is NO shortage of love for this little girl. And not only does she get to start out in this world with two pretty awesome parents, but she is also blessed with a built-in buddy in her 16 month old big brother. (PS. There is a special place in heaven for parents of two under two...but two under 18 months? I think that's grounds for sainthood). I felt so lucky to get the chance to drive down to Indy to document the coming together of this little family and be a part of some serious Lolli and Evie bonding time. I cant wait to watch this little girl grow. 

So not only am I excited to have this post be my first "officially public" blog post, but also to debut a sample of the slideshows offered in Package B and C. 

Camping - North Liberty Documentary Lifestyle and Storytelling Photographer

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While editing these pictures tonight, a couple of things hit me:

1). THIS is why I do this. Sifting through your photos should bring an instant smile to your face and some of these images even made me laugh out loud. So what if they don't mean anything to someone else? They made MY heart happy. That's the great thing about storytelling and documentary photography; its YOUR story that matters.

2) Nothing makes my heart smile more than watching littles play together or seeing the BIG littles play with the little littles so willingly. 

3) Camping is not my thing. There, I said it! But just to see how purely and deeply happy Baby F was...totally worth it. I mean just look at that dirty face at the end of this gallery. THAT is the face of a day well spent.