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!

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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. 

A Day in the Life - South Bend Storytelling/Documentary Photography Session

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"Do a day in the life shoot," they said. "It'll be fun," they said.

It's funny, because before I got into photography, even as a hobby, I was like everyone else and underestimated how difficult it is to get THE shot (let alone a multitude of shots) in one session. And now, after nearly a year of practice and a very painfully acute appreciation for the difficulty of having everything come together to get THE shots...I still underestimate the difficulty! Every. Single. Time.

Good thing I like a challenge!

In all seriousness though, this was such a a challenging but fun project. It wasn't a special day; just a random Tuesday which equates to swim lessons, outings with friends, grocery shopping, and good ol' fashioned home time. I can't wait to look back on this type of day 5, 10, 30 years from now and smile at the way Baby F practiced facial expressions that look JUST like Daddy, or turns away random bites of food and devours others, or smiles with her whole self . This is what storytelling and documentary photography is all about. All the memories. All the feels.

Fischer Family Photography Session - South Bend Documentary Lifestyle and Storytelling Photographer

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Letting someone into your life and your home is a big decision, even if only for a few hours. I try and keep this in mind as I am invited into clients' lives. Thankfully, the Fischer family welcomed me into their newly renovated farm house with open arms. I could not have asked for a better experience than with these three! Not only was their story and their environment perfectly awesome (I mean, a 1904 farm house that was gutted and totally updated in order to become the house of their dreams that they will raise their gorgeous little girl in?! This is the stuff photographers dream of) but this family was so natural and warm and just happy that it was a joy to be there with them. Between the dogs, cats, chickens, and one rotten rooster, this setting couldn't have been more rustic and charming. Throw in their big country kitchen sink and fireman PJ's and I was sold. I am so thankful to Jason, Kate, and Gentry for being such awesome models and for making my job that much easier.