South Bend Family Photographer / South Bend Family Photography - A Personal Project: My Tiny Equestrian

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In case you missed it on my Facebook page, we have added a new member to our family: Knox. Knox is a 24 year old Quarter Horse. 

Some back story: I grew up riding horses from around 8 years old into adulthood. It was one of those things where the first time I rode, it just clicked. It was natural, it was fun and I was really, really good at it. What started off as a hobby turned quickly into an obsession and I pretty much lived at the barn. Throughout junior high and high school, I owned three horses, trained others, showed all over the country at a National level and found peace and love at the barn.

Flash forward: My daughter is two. I haven't owned a horse in several years (sniff). For about six months, Miss F is just drawn to horses; she plays pretend horses, we have plastic horses everywhere, she begs to see her friend's pony. My husband says I'm nuts, she's just two, she loves everything. I reach out to an old horse show friend who is now a trainer and she mentions she has a client with a perfect old gelding who would love some extra affection and treats. Despite some dragging of the feet from my hubs, Knox was suddenly a part of our crazy family! 

I wasn't totally convinced myself, that I wasn't wishful thinking Miss F's love for horses. That is, until we started going to the barn and riding. Then it all became abundantly clear (even to my skeptical hubby). I will just let the pictures speak for themselves...

Clearly, this love is not imagined. The bond between these two is undeniable. This docile old giant perks right up when he sees her (and no, not just because she frequently comes baring treats). He snuffles her hair and teases her; he's infinitely patient and calm. She is enthusiastic and eager to learn and she adores her big gelding. I can't wait to continue the "My Tiny Equestrian" project and document the journey of Miss F and Knox!

Indiana Birth Photographer / Indiana Birth Photography - Taking Your Own Amazing Newborn Pictures

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I am the first to admit that I literally had to go out and buy a new iPhone with more storage when my daughter was first born. Why? Because I took approximately 236 pictures of her a day. When you first bring baby home and you're SO excited and SO proud that you created this beautiful, perfect little creature, there is no stopping a momma's shutter finger! With that in mind, we also want to get the best pictures we can with our limited camera phones so here are some tips...

Don't Skip the Professional Newborn Images

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If it is in the budget, I still encourage you to get these done professionally. Whether it is a Fresh 48 (pick me! pick me!) or an in-home newborn session, invest in it. You will never regret having those professional photos of your beautiful new baby.

Get the Details

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I would venture to say that there are few things more beautiful than the tiny, intricate details of a newborn. From their squishy cheeks, to dimpled chins (just look at that little guy above), to their perfect little toes, don't miss those shots! Make sure to get creative here and notice your light and your perspective when taking these images. Don't take 12 pictures from the same exact spot, use some variety and move your phone around then delete the ones that are less than favorable (or just upgrade to a larger storage plan on the cloud and keep them all...like me...sigh).

Tell Your Story

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Use your surroundings to tell your baby's story. Even the newest of babies has their quirks and habits and you never want to forget about those. Make sure to reach beyond the beautiful details of your baby's face, fingers and toes and tell the story of your life as it is right now (messy house and all).

Use Your Light

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Unless you are catching that amazing first smile or some other fleeting moment, use all of this newborn sleepiness and down time to make sure you get the best picture possible. Natural window light is your best option so make sure baby is placed somewhere that the soft light hits their sweet faces just right. Embrace the shadows and use it to play up some of those features! Don't be afraid to move yourself or baby to get the most flattering angle.

And probably the most important tip...

Get. In. The. Frame.

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I get it, ladies, I do. You just had a baby. You may not be feeling your most attractive (although you totally should because there is nothing more radiant than a powerful woman who just spent nine months growing a human and then battled for hours to bring said human into the world but I digress...). At this point in time, you are quite literally the sun to this newborn's world. You provide safety, comfort, companionship, food and never-ending love. Capture that. Don't let these moments slip away. Because let me assure you, you will blink and suddenly this tiny baby who once fit in the palms of your hands will have to fold themselves into impossible positions to fit in your lap...if they even let you cuddle them for that long anymore! This time with your baby is irreplaceable and both you and your baby will want these pictures to exist years down the road. So hand the phone over to dad and tell him to click away, because you are the friggin' sun! 

Michiana Birth and Family Photography / South Bend Birth and Family Photography - Leila's 3 Month Milestone

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I. Loved. This. Session. I was a little worried at first, because at three months old, babies are just gaining some independence and stability, but aren't overly active yet. But this girl immediately put my worries at ease with her sunny disposition and sweet baby smiles! You would never, ever guess that she had been woken from a nap or that her gorgeous momma was going off of three hours of sleep after a night working at the hospital. They simply went about their day with joy.

And I know I've raved about these kids during their last two sessions, but oh my goodness, they are just the best! They are such great siblings! While each of them has their own big personalities, they clearly enjoy each other and look out for each other. Not only that, but it was abundantly clear that the infatuation with their youngest sister was still going strong. Little Leila is so lucky to have so much love in her life. I can't wait to see this family again in three months! 

Indiana Family Photography / Indiana Family Photographer - Outdoor Documentary Family Sessions

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Documentary family sessions almost always take place inside. Your house, your home, is the heart of your family and so this equates to the ideal setting for your family's photography session. It allows you to be natural and comfortably and will give the future you a glimpse back into your daily surroundings of a different time. I love in-home sessions.

That being said, there are a lot of positives to outdoor documentary sessions, too. There are a few really great reasons to opt for outside sessions and I thought I'd address a few of them:

1) Your family has a favorite outdoor activity.

Some family are just outdoor families (we are). Some families routinely go on adventures beyond the confines of their home. If your family enjoys going to beach on the weekends, grilling out in the backyard on nice nights, swimming in your pool after a long hot day or playing at the park together, you might want to consider taking that leap into documentary family sessions! 

2) The outdoors are part of your daily routine.

Many families have daily outdoor routines! Living on a farm means daily chores, and let me assure you, these chores make for amazing documentary sessions. Whether you are feeding the animals, picking stalls or sweeping barns, the rustic setting makes for amazing images that tell such a huge part of your story.

Don't live on a farm? How about sports?! If you have children who are involved in sports, you know that this is a huge part of your current chapter in life. Its often a family affair from packing up equipment, commuting to practice, cheering during practice/games and celebrating (or consoling) afterwards. These moments are worth remembering and preserving through photographs and video.

3) You're just not ready to take the leap into in-home sessions.

You may be intrigued by documentary photography. You may silently watch and love the storytelling sessions you see on social media. You may adore how families are captured so honestly. But you're just not ready to take that leap away from portrait photography and let someone into this very personal space that is your home. That's ok! I get it; really I do. If you are that person, then consider an outdoor session. Sometimes, just being outside feels less intrusive and more relaxed and also takes away any insecurities you may have about the current state of your home (even though I'd argue that your home is just an extension of your story, but I digress). Outdoor sessions still allow you to capture the important milestones and sweet tendencies of your family while offering a gentler stepping stone into this new genre of photography!

South Bend Birth Photography / Michiana Birth Photography - Mother's Day

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Moms are amazing.

There's just no arguing it; moms are some of the strongest and most selfless people you will ever meet. It pretty much starts as soon as those two pink lines show up. Moms give up specific foods, alcohol, sleep, comfort...all before baby even gets here! And once baby is here, moms go to the ends of the earth to provide for them and will work to exhaustion just to make sure their children are happy and content, even at the cost of meeting her own needs. 

And this is what makes my job so, so blessed. I get to work almost exclusively with moms! I have met so many incredible women in so many different chapters of their motherhood. I get to see them at their most vulnerable yet their strongest during birth, I get to see them in absolute bliss as new moms, I get to watch them teach, raise and nurture their kids as they grow. To have this be the type of human I get to interact with is nothing short of humbling and beautiful.

Some of the moms (too many) I have met have endured the impossible: the loss of a child. And yet these women smile and support and love with a fierceness. Some of the moms struggled to have a family and now, they revel in even the most challenging moments of parenting. Some of the moms endure personal and physical battles that most of us can't imagine and yet they offer a shoulder and kind word to both their own children and everyone around them. (Scroll down to continue reading).

I am truly a better person because of the moms I have had the privilege of working with. I am more grateful for my own blessings. I am stronger because I know I can be because of their examples. I am more patient because they exhibit nothing but true understanding. So thank you, moms, for making me better. Happy Mother's Day!

Please scroll down for my mini-mushy-moment over the girl who made me mom and my own mom!

Thank you to the girl who made me mom! She has changed me in every way possible and I never knew this kind of love until her. She makes me smile, even on her worst days (which are far and few between). She truly is my tiny best friend and I feel so blessed to have a daughter to share this life with. I also feel an inexplicable gratitude to my own mom, who I hope I can be half as good as!

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South Bend Family Photography / Granger Family Photography - Leila's 3 Month Sneak Peek

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For this session, I wasn't in my element. I have documented just about every milestone except a three month milestone. So going into Miss Leila's session, I was a little less confident than I am in some of my other sessions. But the moment I peeked at my memory card and saw some of the images, I knew this had potential to produce some of my favorite images to date! I just love this family and baby Leila and I can't wait to finish editing the entire session...

Michiana Birth Photography / Michiana Birth Photographer - Why Birth Photography?

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"Why birth photography?"

It's a common question I hear, often with different inflections behind it, depending on the source. I usually give a short, simple answer and move on but this last time someone asked me, it really started to stir in my mind. Why do I concentrate on birth photography? What are my reasons? I've written many blog posts about why YOU should choose birth photography (like all of these), but I've never spelled out exactly why I do it. So, here it goes...

Its Beautiful

I think this is the most obvious answer but rightly so. Birth. Is. Beautiful. There is absolutely nothing in this world more amazing than watching parents meet their new creation. It is so insanely humbling to watch a baby placed in their parent's arms and know that this baby is a direct result of love. Whether it is the first baby or the eighth, a long awaited result of a plan or complete surprise, this baby is here because their parents loved each other. I mean, wow. It's the most beautiful love story ever told.

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It Needs to be Normalized

Now don't overthink this one: I'm not a super crunchy granola momtog (nothing against those folks, I'm just not one of them). However, it boggles my brain how something so normal as birth can be considered so tabu. I mean, we were all born. Most of us give birth. It happens daily. Its literally the creation of a person. How is this not considered the most normal thing in the world?! Birth photography allows me to play a small role in nudging birth in the right direction, into the normal zone.

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I Meet Amazing People

I am a people person. Before I was a photographer, I was a high school teacher. In college I worked in retail sales. In high school I taught horseback riding lessons. I love people and I love meeting new people and honestly, some of the most amazing people I have had the privilege of meeting were a direct result of a birth. The parents I have met make me want to be a better mom myself. They are always so loving and open and fun to be around. The birth team members are also some truly wonderful people who put their own needs and ideas aside to give mom the attention she deserves. What a blessing it is, having a job that brings so many lovely people into my life!

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Its Intense and Fun

I love the feeling of excitement. I am that person who shows their excitement, sometimes even too much so. This means anything that can give me that "can't wait" feeling, I'm hooked. The entire labor, delivery and bonding experience is just flat out thrilling! Pretty much nothing can compare to watching a new life join the world, take his/her first breath, finally meet the mom and dad they've been listening to for the past nine months. It gives me all of the feels and makes my heart so happy.

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I'm Selfishly Intrigued

My own birth was not what I had planned (read about it here) and I honestly feel like I somehow missed some of it, even though I was there. Being at other women's births gives me a peak into what I missed! In some ways, I missed out on a vaginal birth so watching other mom's deliver this way allows me to see what its all about. Watching another mom's c-section (something I'm yet to do but hoping to experience) will undoubtedly be equally as amazing because I will see exactly what I went through from an entirely new perspective. 

Those are my reasons for wanting to being a birth photographer. I'm sure I could list about 15 more but for your sanity, I will keep it brief. If you are considering birth photography, please don't hesitate to contact me. We can chat (totally noncommittally) about your birth journey and if that includes birth photos. 

Michiana Family Photography - Finding the Beauty in the Ordinary

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As I was writing my bi-monthly newsletter, I found myself typing out the phrase, "Find beauty in the ordinary." I closed my lap top and went about my evening but then the weight of that phrase really started to set in for me. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that it completely embodies what I do as a documentary photographer and what my clients do when they book sessions. 

In todays world, we are constantly bogged down with media: both large scale and small scale, like social media. We see everyone's extravagant vacations, their brand new cars, their perfectly choreographed parties and internally, we start to feel a little less good about our lives. But the thing is, your life is beautiful because its yours. Your daily happenings are beautiful! Whether that means a birth or a newborn or just a day in the life of your family, there is true and cherished beauty there that deserves to be preserved. 

Want proof? Here are some of my very favorite images that perfectly embody finding beauty in the ordinary...

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This image is so relatable to anyone with multiple kiddos. Its such a simple moment. A moment that probably happens a few dozen times a day. But when time is stopped and the moment is captured in a photograph, the beauty just jumps out at you and tells so much about this family.

If you follow my Facebook, you know how much I adore documentary style portraits! This picture was from a mini-milestone session. It took place at a park. Not the scenic, peaceful ponds type of park. The 101 kids climbing all over some crazy playground equipment (no, seriously, a bus showed up about five minutes into the session and dropped off no less than 40 kids). Yet the simple, beautiful portrait was still captured during all of this chaos and it means even more to mom because it is at a park that they frequent and that Sophie adores!

Coloring. I think its safe to say that most families do this on a daily basis. Its a great filler for those down times when we want our kiddos to be content yet intrigued. Rarely would you run for your camera to snap a picture, yet in this in-home family photography session, the vibrant crayon colors, the careful selection by Mr. Cain along with his concentrated face and little sis in the background observing while savoring a sucker all tell an adorable story in a beautiful way.

(I had to sneak a personal image in here). My own home is where I truly learned to see the beauty in the ordinary! I love capturing the fun quirks and habits of my girl as she grows. Since she was very, very young, she has loved to take my books and pretend to read them. Its a simple habit that, in words, doesn't sound like anything special. But in this picture, its truly gorgeous.

See? Its not just the big moments that need to be captured. It doesn't have to be a major milestone or epic event to deserve to be preserved. Our every day lives offer infinite opportunities to capture their beauty. Contact me to schedule your session and capture your family's beauty!

Granger Newborn Photographer + Family Photographer: Family of Five

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When a family grows and a new baby is brought into the equation, everything suddenly changes. Sometimes this looks like loving chaos. And sometimes, every now and then, it just look meant to be. That is how this newborn/family session with the N family went. Their family grew to a total of five, with the oldest sibling being only five. What should, in theory, be utter craziness was just so loving, comfortable and fun. 

From the minute I got there, the kids were excited to show what great big siblings they were to their new baby brother. Between helping mom feed baby to taking turns holding him, they were absolute naturals. Once Baby was settled and in full blown momma-milk coma, it was upstairs for story time with Dad. I loved how into the story both the older kiddos got; complete with singing and shaking their booties (and yes, I got that on video - which I can't wait to share down the road! Stay tuned.). 

After stories was crafts. Mom wanted to do a fun family canvas with little hand and feet prints to go underneath. This ended up as such a fun project for the kids, and even though Mr. Toddler decided to taste some paint and also decorate his jeans and feet, the final product was super cute. This was such a fun session and I feel so lucky to have been a part of their morning!

Michiana Family Photographer - 50 Beautiful Moms Campaign Sneak Peek

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Beauty Revived's 50 Beautiful Moms Campaign was such a blessing to be included in. When I found out I was selected as one of the photographers, I was so honored and humbled. Then, I started getting the nominations and that took things to an entirely different level. To read about some of the amazing moms in our community was simply beautiful and I truly wished I could have donated a session to each one of them. However, in the end, only one mom could be selected and so, I'd like to introduce Katie Van Tornhout.

Katie's story is nothing short of amazing and I can NOT wait to share it with everyone in depth when the campaign is officially published. Until then, here are some sneak peeks form her sweet in-home family session:

Michiana Family and Newborn Photography - What to Expect from a Documentary Newborn Session

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There are a few specific life events that trigger the "I need pictures" area of your brain and probably the most common one is the birth of a baby. Newborn baby photography started becoming more and more popular in the last decade and now, it's almost more uncommon NOT to get them than it is to get them. There are few things more beautiful than a brand new baby and portrait photographers have showcased that through posed, swaddled, accessorized and propped babies. The images are adorable, undoubtably. However, the issue falls with this: they all look the same! I don't want to look at my newborn's pictures and have them look just like the session before hers. I want to see how peaceful she was in her new home, how little she looked in her crib, how curious our dogs were about this squishly little human and how utterly in love with her we were (still are). Doesn't that just pain a sweeter picture?

So now you're on board. You see the value in documentary newborn sessions. But what happens next? Here's the breakdown:

Choose your time frame.

When photographing newborns, often portrait photographers suggest getting them done between days x-y because the babe's are still pliable and sleepy (i.e. easier to pose). Your documentary newborn session can essentially take place as quickly or leisurely as your prefer. Some people want that immediate session within a day or two of getting home to truly get that newborn feel and to commemorate those first days as new parents. Others want to get settled in or let the newborn blemishes pass before the photo day. This is one of the great things; you choose whatever fits your needs.

Photos where you're most comfortable.

This is a big one for me. I am a homebody, and this was emphasized when I had a newborn. The last thing I wanted to do was pack up my baby and alllllll of her things (because, come on first time moms, we all know we overpacked every time we went out) and sit in front of a camera in a studio I'd never been to. The beauty of a documentary session is that you get to be in your own environment, doing what you'd be doing anyway. Fallen into the habit of nursing in your favorite chair? Perfect. Love putting baby in their bouncer while you prepare food in the kitchen? Great. Enjoy putting baby on your bed and just marveling that you created this tiny person? Lovely. Not only will these moments generate amazingly beautiful pictures, but will also help you remember what life looked like in this new chapter of your life.

It's more than "just" the baby.

When we think of newborn pictures, we usually think of just that: the baby. But documentary newborn sessions let everyone else get in on the moment. You get to choose the focus of your session. If you want solely baby focused images, no problem. We can do that! But often, we have other people (and even pets) that are a huge part of our newborn's story. Grandparents stop by with food, aunts and uncles come to get their baby fix, siblings patiently (or not) wait for cluster feeding to be done (see above haha), and furbabies learn to love the new addition. All of these things can be incorporated into your session and will be priceless additions to the photos.

Variety.

Life is rarely (if ever) stagnant. Inviting a documentary photographer into your home ensures that no two pictures will be the same. Each moment changes the scene and you will end up with a gallery of images that are unique and beautiful. 

Interested in a newborn session? CONTACT ME.

South Bend Family Photography - It's a Special Day

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I wrote this last night, right after putting my not-so-baby baby to bed:

"Tonight I went to bed with stickers on my hands. She carefully placed them there and counted them happily only to announce I needed more and scampered off to retreive them. I could have taken them off. I could have put her straight to bed without rocking her. I could have. But the thing is, tomorrow she may not decorate me with stickers or even fit in my arms comfortably enough to fall asleep. So tonight, I sleep with stickers and tomorrow my baby turns two."