Notre Dame Family Photo Session - Go Irish!

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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...

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

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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. 

Lifestyle Family Photos in South Bend, IN - Why You Should Consider Lifestyle Images for Your Fall Photos

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Its no secret that fall is a photographer's busiest season! And for good reason; the colors are gorgeous, the temperatures are cool and comfortable and the evening light is spectacular. Its the trifecta for a great family photo. But keep in mind that it takes more than a great environment to make an amazing photo, which is where you have to decide what style is most fitting of your family. I'd like to share my thoughts on why documentary and lifestyle photos might be a great fit for you and your family:

1). They're unique.

Every family is so different and so unique and your pictures should be, too. So often, you will see the traditional ad pop up for fall minis on a specific date in a specific location. These images are always gorgeous and well set-up...but they all look alike! Each family that comes through is getting the same setting and the same poses and while they are lovely outcomes, do they really tell your family's story? Your family is so beautiful and each person in it has their own personalities that deserve to shine through and make your images unique from the session before and after yours. This is where lifestyle family photos come in and ensure that no two sessions are alike. 

I love this fall favorite! This little guy was a mover so having a photo like this allows you to capture him exactly as he was (a rambunctious two year old) in a beautiful way.

I love this fall favorite! This little guy was a mover so having a photo like this allows you to capture him exactly as he was (a rambunctious two year old) in a beautiful way.

This beautiful family bought this farm house in order to totally renovate it and turn it into their forever home. This photo isn't just beautiful, it tells the story of their family's journey, too!

This beautiful family bought this farm house in order to totally renovate it and turn it into their forever home. This photo isn't just beautiful, it tells the story of their family's journey, too!

Who knew cows could be so entertaining? Lifestyle images let us relax and enjoy ourselves but still result in breathtaking photos. 

Who knew cows could be so entertaining? Lifestyle images let us relax and enjoy ourselves but still result in breathtaking photos. 

2). They capture the truth.

When you hang a family photo on the wall or send out your holiday card, do the images capture the sassy attitude of your youngest daughter? Or your oldest son's silly side? Or your husband's amazing genuine smile? Do they showcase how you interact as a family? These are all things that should immediately come to the surface when you look at your family photos. Lifestyle images tell your family's honest, candid story in a beautiful way.

This family was Silly with a capital "S" and it shows in this photo. Everyone's personality shined through and I don't doubt for a second that mom can't look at this image without smiling. 

This family was Silly with a capital "S" and it shows in this photo. Everyone's personality shined through and I don't doubt for a second that mom can't look at this image without smiling. 

This little girl had so much joy in her heart that all of her older siblings were drawn to her.

This little girl had so much joy in her heart that all of her older siblings were drawn to her.

In between the family photos, Baby G just couldn't resist her kitten and chickens. I loved that not only could we get some fabulous family portraits, but we could also capture this girl's amazing heart for animals and the obvious nurturing of that l…

In between the family photos, Baby G just couldn't resist her kitten and chickens. I loved that not only could we get some fabulous family portraits, but we could also capture this girl's amazing heart for animals and the obvious nurturing of that love from her momma. 

3). They can be fun - and therefore, beautiful.

Lets face it, when the topic of family photos comes up, some of your family members might not jump for joy. Rarely do people feel entirely comfortable in front of a camera and unfortunately, that often shows through in the images via uncomfortable poses and forced smiles. Lifestyle photography simply captures your family as it is; interacting with one another in a much more natural way. When I plan a family session, I always suggest having a few fun family activities planned (bubbles, a book, apple picking, pumpkin decorating, etc) so that everyone has something else to focus on besides the camera clicking in the background. The results speak for themselves:

For this session, we visited a local fall farm fair and it is safe to say that this may have been one of the most unforced, natural sessions I've had. Everyone had a great time! 

For this session, we visited a local fall farm fair and it is safe to say that this may have been one of the most unforced, natural sessions I've had. Everyone had a great time! 

When no one is telling you to "look here and smile," you get some pretty amazing candid moments. Can't you just see every personality in this one image?

When no one is telling you to "look here and smile," you get some pretty amazing candid moments. Can't you just see every personality in this one image?

First time carving pumpkins? What a fantastic idea for a session!

First time carving pumpkins? What a fantastic idea for a session!

BONUS: The outtakes are epic. 

I am TOO big enough to pick up this giant pumpkin!!!

I am TOO big enough to pick up this giant pumpkin!!!

Ok, so maybe not everyone in this one is happy, but its still one of my favorite photos because it tells such an honest story!

Ok, so maybe not everyone in this one is happy, but its still one of my favorite photos because it tells such an honest story!

That's a wrap, everyone!

That's a wrap, everyone!

So this fall, why don't you step outside the box and beyond the traditional. Let your family's candid beauty shine through. CONTACT BBP today to book your session. 

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 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!

South Bend Event and Family Photographer - Norah's First Birthday Sneak Peek

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One of the great things about hiring an event photographer, is it lets you concentrate on the important things rather than making sure to take pictures. You can play hostess, visit with your guests and make important memories. Basically, its just one less thing off your already very full plate.

Little Norah was such a bundle of happiness at her first birthday party! Seriously, this girl didn't shed one tear and was so happy to have all of the birthday festivities around her. As if her sweet smiles weren't enough, the family's fun demeanor was just the cherry on top. I can't wait to share this fun gallery with you but until then, here's a sneak peek:

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Michiana Family Film and Photography - Beauty of a Second: March

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This project just gives me all of the feels. I seriously (and not exaggerating) watch these short monthly films about twenty times each. It's such a fun way to capture my daughter and all of her milestones and quirky habits.

Don't forget that BBP offers family films and fusion films to clients as well! Wouldn't it be lovely to have one of these for yourself???

Want to see other amazing Beauty of a Second projects? Check out Margaret's "One Second a Day" project and follow the links to see more.

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!

South Bend Family Photography - Day in the Life Session

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Looking back over my past blog posts, I have gushed over each type of session I offer...except the Day in the Life sessions! Which is ironic because it is probably the most epic one (except maybe birth) that is offered and is also a personal favorite. Many people have never heard of a "Day in the Life" session so here are a few basics to get your gears turning...

What is a Day in the Life session?

It's exactly what it sounds like: a personal family photography session that documents a typical day in life. I show up right when the family generally wakes up and I catch all of those amazing moments that come with the morning routines, family activities and meals, daily emotions and milestones, as well as the always adorable bedtime schedule. 

Why would I want an entire day photographed?

Why wouldn't you?! Your daily doings are your story. Just think about your future self, 10, 15, 20 years down the road. Your life will look wildly different! How amazing would it be to have the opportunity to look back at a gorgeous photo book or video that perfectly showcases what your life looked like with your littles back when they were, well, little. Our kids grow so fast and change daily, don't we owe it to ourself and to them to be able to share those every-day memories that you create each and every sun up to sun down? 

Being a parent looks different to everyone and our roles are changing with ever passing second. The parent we are now is not the parent we will be in 10 years, just like our kids are not the people they will be 10 years. I know I never want to forget what my daughter was like right now, and Day in the Life sessions let me ensure that I wont. 

But my days are so boring and bland...

They're really not. When we are living our current lives and going about our normal routines, it is easy to feel like nothing important or exciting is happening. But the truth is, our "normal" is beautiful and perfect. Just because you don't have epic outings every day doesn't mean your life isn't photo worthy. Just take a look at my own personal Day in the Life session I did for my daughter's 2nd birthday:

 

 

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