Plymouth + South Bend Family and Newborn Photographer - A Glance at 2017

in , , , ,

2017 was a great year. I mean really, truly great on both a professional and personal level and I think it can be summed up in one word: growth.

 I absolutely loved seeing my business grow, documenting my first births and meeting so many new amazing clients. I think that's my favorite part about photographing families and births: for some reason, documentary photography just seems to attract the most fantastic humans! Being invited into people's intimate, personal moments and asked to capture them in a beautiful way is nothing short of humbling. And that fact that it allows me to set my own schedule and also be the one there to raise my daughter...well that's just like the cherry on top. 

Not only have I gotten to watch my business grow, but I've also gotten to see my work grow. The wonderful thing about photography is it's not a "master-able" art form. It's something you continue to evolve and learn and expand upon forever. I love the challenge that this presents! Looking back at my photos from early 2017 and comparing them to my more recent work is so exciting because I see that I have found my editing style (something that, trust me, is not easy) and that I have grown in my confidence and started taking deliberate photos instead of safe photos. I can't wait to see how my work continues to change and evolve in 2018!

Finally, I've also had the opportunity to watch my daughter grow through my photos. When you're with a tiny human (or multiple tiny humans) every single day, it's easy to overlook all of the changes that happen in one short year. But by completing my second 365 project, I get an exclusive look at the huge changes that has happened and how much she has grown in her skills, personality and physical appearance. I absolutely love doing these 365 projects and plan to do another one in 2018. (Note: I don't do a calendar year 365 project but rather one by my Miss F's age...so I won't be sharing that project until it is completed in February!)

So in celebration of this amazing year, I wanted to take some time to share some of my very favorite client photos from this year. Some are favorites for obvious reasons (like they're just completely stunning and epic moments) and some are favorites for more personal or sentimental moments but no matter the reason, I hope that all of my clients love these shots as much as I do and that maybe in 2018, I can document some of your family's growth again! Happy end of 2017, everyone!

Mishawaka Birth and Family Photographer - Nursing Session

the well
in , ,

Awhile back, in support of National Breastfeeding Week, I ran a contest for a mini-nursing session for any currently breastfeeding mommas. I had an overwhelming response, which I was so excited about. It was great to see so many moms not only on the breastfeeding train in the local area, but to see so many of them who valued it and took pride in it as to want photos of it was incredibly exciting. I ended up working with a mom of two girls; a newborn and a toddler. Both girls were active nurslings. Mom was a doula. And the clouds parted and the birds sang. (Ok, I exaggerate for effect but seriously, this mom was such a dream). 

After discussing what we envisioned for this session, it was clear that this was going to be so far beyond a normal in-home nursing session. This mom was all about normalizing breastfeeding and shared her story with me. In an effort to balance mom life and doula life, she had started taking her daughters on "coffee dates" on a regular basis in order to create a fun routine for them and as an outlet to host meetings with her clients in a way that her girls were accustomed to and comfortable with. So naturally, this was how she wanted to document her breastfeeding journey. Um, yes please.

I also knew just the place to suggest (because as she specified and I cheered in support for, she didn't want somewhere cookie cutter or corporate), so we ended up at an amazing little not-for-profit coffee house in Mishawaka called The Well. The atmosphere was so unique and the staff was so welcoming and supportive! If all of that wasn't enough, mom also shared with me that the nursing of her toddler during the session would officially be the last time she would nurse her. To many that's not a big deal, but as a mom who also participated in extended breastfeeding, I can say with certainty that its a big moment! And I am so, so excited to share that moment with you. I hope she enjoys these images as much as I enjoyed telling her story...

Plymouth + South Bend Family Photographer - The H Family

in , , , , , ,

With documentary photography being a new style to the Michiana area, its always so amazing to meet a family that just "gets it." And that was the case with the H family! From our very first email, it was obvious that we were on the same page: we both value real, honest moments as a family. When we set up our session, I knew this would be a great one!

This family of three was so fun and light hearted and completely natural. We started the session with one of their favorite family activities which was a walk to the river from their home. During the walk, I was able to snag some fun moments and document some silly toddler habits. When we got to the water, they sat and played together in the grass and talked about the non-existent fish in the water.

When we got back to the house, the family decided to decorate pumpkins. They had everything from feathers to sequins to puff paint. It turned into one of those hilariously relatable endeavors where the toddler enjoys it but the parents REALLY enjoy it. After pumpkins came a quick snack before they headed out to a Halloween party. The sweet, quiet moments in the family room were a perfect representation of a normal day in their household. Hearing mom's rave reviews of her gallery and knowing that I was able to document her family just as it is in a way that will make her smile in the days and years to come is truly a joy. 

South Bend + Michiana Birth Photographer - Birth Photography Can Be PG

in , , , ,

It's funny because when it comes to birth photography, people seem to be totally for it or absolutely weirded out by it. Most of the folks I meet who do the "You're a WHAT photographer?!" double take think of all of the raw and unfiltered moments of birth and wonder why anyone would want that documented. And I get it! I really do. (But trust me when I say that even the raw unfiltered stuff can be documented tastefully and beautifully.) However, I'm not here to change anyone's mind or opinion, but I would like to explain how birth photography can be completely PG. Nothing "raw'. Nothing "embarrassing". Nothing you wouldn't want your kids to see. 

Birth photography doesn't have to be "shocking."

Mainstream media has taught us to believe that birth is traumatic and "gross." However, your photos will reflect differently. There are so many moments during labor, delivery and postpartum that are soft, calm and beautiful. A mother laying eyes on her baby for the first time is breath taking; a moment that you can't get back. It's also a moment that we, as mothers, can't see for ourselves. Having photos to look back on and see the joy and relief and pride on our own faces as we meet our children is priceless.

BBP's packages are totally customized long before the delivery.

I realize that birth photography is a big investment, both monetarily and in trust, which is why I want you to feel comfortable and in control every step of the way. At our first consultation, I will answer any questions you have before booking a session and make sure that I am someone you feel comfortable with including in your birth story. Then, at the beginning of your third trimester, we can meet in person, talk on the phone or communicate via email (your discretion) to customize your session. You dictate what moments you want documented and which you don't. For example, one previous birth client wanted minimal labor photos, no delivery images and mainly wanted immediate bonding moments, dad's reaction to seeing baby and all of the little details like weight, footprints and first latch. It was a PG session through and through and the images were refined and beautiful. But don't take my word for it...

"She [Cara] photographed our second son's birth ... and we are completely in love with the photos. She was professional and courteous and like a "fly on the wall" during labor and delivery -- I didn't even know she was there! She asked plenty of questions about what type of photos we wanted to have as a result of her photographing his birth and just made sure she knew what we were looking for."

This is your baby's first milestone. It deserves to be documented.

We document our children's first steps, first words, first everything. Yet somehow, we often don't document their first moments on earth. Babies are born perfect and beautiful and they also change day to day. By waiting to document your baby until the traditional newborn sessions lets days slip by that are filled with changes! Make sure you don't miss your baby's true newborn moments.

South Bend Family Photographer - Lyra's In-Home Newborn Session

in , , , ,

This family session had it all: amazing parents, adorable girl babies and the coolest house packed with character. I immediately felt comfortable when I walked in to Dad snuggling his newest daughter while big sister played in the living room. His love for his girls was so obvious that I knew it would transfer into photos that were fun and beautiful!

Throughout this session, both mom and dad were so relaxed and just reveling in parenthood and doting on their newborn that my job was suddenly quite easy. From nursing on the couch while reading to their toddler to cuddling with each other and bonding over baby Lyra, this session was what dreams are made of. Not only was the immediate family there and so incredibly welcoming, but two super supportive grandmas were also there to observe and add to the laughter. There was no shortage of love for these two beautiful girls, that's for sure. The new big sister (who was only one and a half) was so patient and kind towards the new baby and she definitely loved getting her snuggles in with mom and sister. I also loved how incredibly understanding and comfortable these parents were about keeping this session completely documentary. They were more than willing to let me capture the beauty of their family in a totally candid, unscripted way and the results speak for themselves.

I'm so grateful to this family for inviting me into their home and letting me capture these sweet memories of them as they adjust to life as a family of four.

Niles Michigan Birth Photographer - Baby C's Birth Story

in , , , , ,

When I first met Momma T, I was so excited for two reasons: 1) she was a super awesome human and 2) she was having a home birth! For some reason, in our area, birth photography largely happens in the hospital (which is kind of backwards from many other areas). So when I found out I was going to be shooting a home birth, I was incredibly excited! As I got to know this sweet family, it became obvious that this was going to be an amazing birth.

The family of four was team green, meaning they didn't know what gender baby #3 would be. Big sister was pretty set on having a little sister but little brother...well, I don't think he cared much. When I arrived, it seemed that everyone felt confident that we would be welcoming a girl into the world soon. I was so impressed with mom's concentration and calm throughout her long early labor and I loved watching her breathe through contractions as her kids played around her, like nothing exciting was even going on. These thoughtful parents also gave their oldest daughter a camera for her to document the birth from her perspective (can I admit that I geeked out over this a little?). Once early labor passed into active and transition, stuff got real pretty quickly. Once mom got into the birth pool, it was just a matter of time! Momma T's doula and midwife was so supportive and amazing and helped talk her through her sunny-side-up baby who took a little extra effort to bring into the world.

And guess what? It was a BOY! Just scroll through this beautiful gallery below and see if you can pick out which image showcases mom finding out she was holding her new son. I am so grateful for this family inviting me into their home and into this intimate and emotional experience as they welcomed a baby boy, also their rainbow baby, into this world. What an incredible moment!

In-home First Birthday Milestone Session - Niles, Michigan

in , , , , , ,

People don't alway associate lifestyle photography with milestone sessions but I'm SO glad that Momma K did! I had such a good time hanging out with this sweet little guy right before his first birthday to capture all of his fun milestones and silly habits. Baby S had a double ear infection but you'd never know it based on how happy and laid back he was the entire time I was there. I love capturing the simple things like his favorite toys, story time and bath time for his parents to look back on in the years to come so that they can remember everything about this fleeting moment in time. Happy Birthday big guy!

Notre Dame Family Photo Session - Go Irish!

in , , , , ,

While I have my documentary style, I never mind dabbling into lifestyle, especially when it's for an amazing family like this in a nearly equally amazing setting! This sweet family is here in the area for Dad's job and as he finishes up his Notre Dame project and they get ready to move out of state (sob), they wanted some commemorative photos of their time living on Eddy Street Commons and frequenting the amazing university. It was a super hot day and we were fighting the midday sun, but when your family is this fantastic, your photos demonstrate it...

Before and After - South Bend Michiana Family & Wedding Photographer

in , , , , , ,

I have a confession: one of my guilty pleasures is before and after photos. It doesn't matter what of, I just love looking at them! I couldn't even begin to tell you why, but it's just satisfying. And I'm willing to bet that many folks out there feel the same way so I'm going to double dip here and give you the satisfaction of many before and afters as well as explaining why it is so important to hire a photographer who knows what they are doing beyond just pressing a shutter button...

Mixed Lighting. It happens.

One of the biggest challenges of being a photographer who shoots a good portion of their sessions indoors (no matter if it is a church, reception hall, hospital room or family room) is that you frequently have to deal with mixed lighting. This may not sound like a big deal; how hard is it to balance out warm lightbulb light and cool window light. Um, it's hard. Like super hard. Like lets-just-throw-everything-in-black-and-white-and-call-it-a-day hard. This is when having extensive knowledge in post processing becomes so immensely important! It can save an otherwise asethetically unappealing photo.

south bend family photographer

Just look at the photo above. There is really soft, yellow light on the left and really hard, blue light on the right. There is no way I would provide a client with a photo that was so unbalanced as that left image! And so off to Lightroom and Photoshop we go and after some [really obsessive] editing, I felt comfortable and even pretty pleased with the outcome of this lovely family photo.

Its gives the photographer a voice and it lets you connect to specific style.

The fact of the matter is very simple: editing is a way for a photographer to stand out (or blend in) and give their work some personality. This also lets you as the consumer, find an editing style that you really connect with and then choose a photographer that most appeals to you.

elkhart family photographer

Some people like the matte and airy look and while I find those images truly beautiful and soft, I lean more towards the clear, vibrant and even sometimes moodier edits. It is just like a clothing style; what works for some doesn't work for others!

Sometimes, it changes just enough.

So many times, photographers take a photo that SOOC (straight out of camera) is barely sub par and it takes some post processing to give it that little bump into being interesting and artistic.

michiana family photographer

Knowing how to manipulate a photo just enough that it still tells an honest story but looks even more powerful and beautiful is essential to great photos.

Sometimes, it changes everything.

And just like that, a lovely but very flat image suddenly jumps off the screen with it's breathtaking drama. The emotion is intensified with the colors and balance. The setting can truly be appreciated for its simplistic beauty. Everything suddenly comes together.

south bend wedding photographer
michiana wedding photographer
south bend birth photographer

So there you have it! Hopefully, even if you didn't read the text, the before and afters told the story well enough to convince you that photography is more than just the good camera and artistic eye. Its all about balance and understanding and patience (oh, so much patience). I encourage every reader and viewer out there to find a photographer whose style speaks to you and let them tell your story! 

Baby and Newborn Lifestyle Photography in South Bend - Baby Leila's 6 Month Milestone

in , ,

I absolutely love getting to follow along on a baby's journey. Most of the time, I get to be present for the biggest milestone of their lives: birth. It is big and emotional and epic. But then, I deliver the photos to the family, check in occasionally and then see mom's occasional social media updates (unless another baby follows the first and I get to document that baby's journey!). So when a mom books me for a Chapter One package, where I get to document quarterly milestones, plus a Fresh 48. I get to watch babies grow and change and develop into tiny people with big personalities. And I honestly could not have wished for a more perfect baby's journey to follow than Miss Leila's. 

She is beautiful and full of smiles and has amazingly adorable siblings to boot. Her family just moved into their gorgeous forever home and they are all getting to grow up in a loving household and fill it with good memories and lots of laughs. I have no doubt that Leila is going to contribute many, many, MANY smiles to this sweet family's memory bank and I feel so blessed to be a part of that and to help capture a handful of them for her parents to look back on in the years to come. 

Baby Bodie's Fresh 48 Newborn Pictures in Elkhart, Indiana

elkhart hospital
in , , ,

Welcome to the world Bodie Alan! First, I need to say how much I adore his name. He's the second Bodie I've had this year and I just think it's the cutest and coolest little boy name. Second, Bodie Alan also happens to be the son of two of our very best friends (and the parents of my daughter's best girl friend). I always feel so blessed to be included in my friends' babies' first days earthside and this one was even more special because I got to capture the bond between him and his sister. 

Bodie was tiny like his sister, weighing in at just 5lbs 13oz but that didn't put a damper on his handsome! He was also long awaited for by his maternal grandparents; they had four granddaughters which made Bodie their first grandson. This little dude will have his work cut out for him with all of those ladies to grow up with, but I have no doubt he will be a tough guy Harley junky just like his daddy. I can't wait to capture the rest of this sweet boy's milestones throughout the year.

Brycen's Birth Story in South Bend Indiana

memorial hospital
in , , ,

The thing I love most about births is how unique each story is. Every baby is made differently, loved differently and born differently. No two stories are ever the same and there is so much beauty in that alone. Baby Brycen's birth story is filled with so much love and faith, there is no doubt that this beautiful boy is going to have an amazing childhood.

When I first met Brycen's momma, she shared their journey to becoming parents with me. She described how much they wanted their babies and prayed for them and through God's power and the miracles that modern medicine provides, they were able to have two successful pregnancies. Despite these challenges to bring their boys into the world, this mom was so positive about the experience and willing to share in order to help and support others. It was really very humbling to hear.

Once we had everything in place and were chatting about when to go on-call, we decided to start on-call a little early because her first son came at 38 weeks and was a fairly quick delivery for a first time mom. Better safe than sorry. Fast forward to 41 weeks and one failed induction later and we were both anxiously awaiting this little guy's arrival! During one of our many check-ins during those last weeks, we established a nice little saying: "Babies always come when they're supposed to, but never when they're expected to!" 

Finally, the second induction day came and Baby Brycen entered the world at 5:09pm and weighed in at 9.3lbs. He was perfect and handsome and the love that filled that room was undeniable. My heart can hardly handle this gig, guys. Congrats to this beautiful family and thank you for including me in your journey.