South Bend Wedding Photographer / Michiana Wedding Photographer - What IS Documentary Wedding Photography

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First, let me explain what documentary photography is in a broad sense: documentary photography tells an honest story through photos. It does not pose. It does not direct. It does not "say cheese." It simply documents the moments, the details, the emotions and the interactions. It tells the story as it happens with nothing posed or fake. One motto I regularly like to tell people is that it places the value in the real rather than the ideal. 

When we apply this concept to wedding photography, it manifests into a few key points:

- It tells YOUR love story.

So often, we see wedding images that are stunning. Beautiful. Breathtaking. And uniform. I hate to say it, but go look at Pinterest's wedding photos and they all kind of blend in together; they are so, so similar! You and your partner's love story is unique and your photos should reflect that. Maybe you are a country couple who loves the outdoors and who wears cowboy boots on a daily basis who show their love for each other subtly and softly. That is what your images should showcase. Or maybe, you're a super quirky couple who loves all things original who demonstrate your love for each other loudly and unashamedly. That is what you want to see in your photos. Documentary wedding photography doesn't pose or modify your love story; it simply captures it in its purest form.

- It shows REAL emotion.

Ironically, seeing as I'm a photographer, I hate being in photos. When someone points a camera at me and says "stop what you're doing and now do this!" I not only feel wildly uncomfortable but kind of annoyed. Now, not everyone has that feeling, but some do. Documentary photography takes most of that away. Rather than trying to force love into an image through traditional wedding poses, documentary wedding photographers simply wait for the love to be shown naturally and then capture it. I know my favorite pictures of my husband and I are the ones where we are laughing and being natural, totally unaware that our picture was even being taken. This is the same experience that documentary photography offers to you. 

- You get the BEAUTY without the effort. 

One of the main concerns from people interested in documentary wedding photography is that they won't get those stunning images. I beg to differ. In fact, I will just let these completely candid images above speak for themselves. 

- It preserves the DETAILS.

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When planning a wedding, you harp on even the smallest of details. Why let those details get lost? You put all of this time and effort into perfecting everything, it deserves to be preserved. Whether it is the groom's grandfather's watch or the bride's "something blue" or even a fun detail like goofy glasses or pre-wedding festivities, these are all HUGE points in your story and need to be shared and remembered. Documentary photography not only captures these details, but makes them a priority.

While documentary wedding photography may not be for everyone, it is definitely something to consider. If you value candor; if you know your love story is worth telling; if you want more time to focus on your wedding day and your new spouse rather than spending hours in front of a camera, then documentary photography is worth pondering. 

SOUTH BEND + MICHIANA NEWBORN AND FRESH 48 PHOTOGRAPHER - BABY B ARRIVES

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I could not possibly be more excited to share this sweet session with everyone. This...was my first repeat momma! In fact, Momma K's daughter's Fresh 48 session was my very first. I remember feeling so thrilled and excited doing her session in January of 2016 and after I left, I was hooked. I knew this was going to be one of my favorite types of sessions. Watching this woman become a mom and seeing her husband become a girl day (come on, admit it, we all know that guys melt over their daughters) was intoxicating in the best way.

Fast forward to November of 2017, and I got to help welcome this family's second baby, this time a son, as well as capture the meeting of his big sister. I can't even begin to express the feelings I had watching this sweet girl who I have now known and documented for two years become a big sister. There were funny moments (like her refusal to touch him initially), sweet moments (like the very first finger touch she worked up the courage for) and all of the stuff in-between. Not to mention all of the mommy snuggles and classic newborn portraits that took up the time we spent waiting on big sister's hospital arrival. This little guy was so alert and sweet...and in the words of his mom, looked like the tiniest old man ever. 

This fresh 48 newborn session was simple and beautiful and something I hope that this family will cherish for a lifetime!

South Bend + Michiana Family Photographer - Gushing Over Documentary Family Photography

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As 2018 hit and I got to organizing my catalogs and organizing last year's client work, I started oggling all of the family documentary and lifestyle sessions I got to do this year. Documentary family photography is still something that is widely unappreciated in this region, but I see it slowly creeping its way onto people's radars. And for that, I am thrilled. I genuinely can't begin to try and explain with words the true level of pricelessness these types of photos provide. But, I'm going to try anyway:

- We live in a world of ideal but we need to start embracing the real.

Every day, we go on our social media accounts and we see the best of everyone. Because lets face it, no one posts the bad parts, the hard parts or the less-than-pretty parts. And we start to think that this is their reality and somehow, ours is less-than. I think we need to change that mentality...and fast! Documentary family photography places the emphasis on the real moments. Our kids change and grow so, so fast and when we look at the posed, "ideal" kids in the photos that traditionally grace our walls, are we really remembering them as they were? Is this an accurate representation of who they are in the here and now? 

I think that photos should capture the essence of it's subject. I want to look at a photo of my daughter and not remember how adorable she was (how could I ever forget?) but I want to remember how, at one year old, she was obsessed with books and at two, she loved animals more than anything and at three, she had the sass and intelligence of a teenager. I want to remember how my guys-guy husband would paint nails, play baker and pretend to be a unicorn just to make her smile. These are the moments that our kids will want to remember. Which brings me to the next point...

- Our kids won't look back at the baby in a bucket pictures or posed portraits and gain anything.

Sorry. I do believe there is a place for portrait work and I completely respect the beauty of it and the skill it takes to create it. However, lets think into the future. Lets pretend our children are now grown adults (sob). When you sit down with them one day and start going through those old photos, which do you think will make them stop and smile? The photo of them wearing their best outfit in a studio chair or the one with their sibling tickling them to tears or when they baked cookies with Grandma? 

Documentary photography captures real moments that tell real stories about your family's life. They document real moments and real relationships. They're a gift that your child doesn't know they want but will be so incredibly grateful for in the future.

- They show our real relationships with those who matter the most.

Some of the people who are currently a big part of our children's lives may not be here to reminisce with them when they're older. People move, relationships shift, life happens. But none of this changes the fact that these relationships and memories existed at one point in time. Having real, raw photos that show what a big part these people play and how much love was shared are truly invaluable. There are few things that mean more to us than the people in our lives and having photos of them will never be out of style. Its a ceaseless gift we can give to our children...and ourselves. 

- And the places that matter the most.

I think this one gets lost in the shuffle sometimes but lets not discount the place. The place we call home. The place we love to take our kids to. The place where you made your favorite memories. Whether you are living in your starter home, your dream home or you choose to do your photos at a spot that your family adores (like the beach, or your favorite park or bowling alley), these places all mean something to you. It doesn't matter if they are old, cluttered or messy because it's all part of your story. Even the stuff you can't stand now will bring a smile to your face later. Don't believe me? Just the other day, we were looking at photos from my childhood home complete with the lime green linoleum that graced our kitchen and my mom burst into laughter and commented how much she hated that floor. That ugly floor that bugged her so much at the time, made her laugh out loud and smile now. 

So you see, photos are so much more than pretty smiles and beautiful backdrops. They're a priceless peak into your past. They're a relationship you never want to forget. They're everything that makes your heart smile. Document your moments; you'll never regret it. 

  

Granger Birth Photographer / Granger Birth Photography - A Letter to the First Time Mom

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I'm not usually one to make generalizations, but now that I am firmly grounded in the "birth world," I am noticing a pattern: most of my inquiries come from second (or more) time moms. And sadly, there's a phrase that I keep hearing from many of them: "My biggest regret for my first birth was not having a birth photographer." This makes me so sad...and also hits home. 

When I was pregnant with my daughter, I was certain that I wanted it to be a sacred, private experience between my husband and I. I didn't want any unnecessary bodies in the room that I did not need and that included a photographer. "Why," I wondered, "Would I need pictures of a moment I will surely remember for a lifetime?" It is with this in mind that I write this note:

Dear First Time Mom,

Congratulations, first and foremost, for putting yourself on the back burner and nurturing this tiny life growing inside you. You are already demonstrating how selfless and strong you are. 

As you continue through this journey towards delivery day, please consider documenting your baby's birth. I know that this already feels like an overwhelmingly epic event and that you are certain you will remember every precious second of it. But please, think carefully. Remember that birth can be chaotic and unpredictable and often, in these types of situations, our brains fail to remember important details. Details like how amazing your support system was and how strongly they stood by your side and helped guide you through the chaos. Details like your amazing medical staff who you will hardly notice in the moment, but who later, you will appreciate more than just about anyone. Details like your baby's first breath and moment meeting you: mom.

Consider your limited perspective. Your sole concentration will be to get through labor and to get your loving hands on that baby. You will be the very first person to look into baby's face, and that you won't ever forget. But what was Dad's reaction when baby was born? Was your manly-man partner overcome with emotion and tears? Was your partner smiling from ear to ear at the site of their new baby? What was your reaction? Did you cry with pure exhausted joy? Did you laugh out loud in elation? These are perspectives that you simply don't have in the delivery room but that you CAN have when you hire a birth photographer.

And moving beyond ourselves and thinking about our future child. How amazing would it be to sit down with your now mature son or daughter and be able to show them their journey into this world. To show them all of the joy they brought with their arrival. To show them how loved they were from their very first breath. Isn't that a gift you want to be able to give?

So, from one once birth-photography-hesitant-first-time-mom to another, step outside your comfort zone. See the value in this amazing experience and the importance of documenting it. Give the biggest moment of your life the chance to be preserved and revisited. 

Sincerely,

A converted birth photographer

SOUTH BEND + MICHIANA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER - A NEW ADVENTURE

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When I started my photography journey, I went into it with the hopes of providing candid, documentary images to families and to birth moms. I wanted to offer something beyond the "baby in a bucket" studio portraits that saturate our area. I wanted to help spread love for the beauty in the everyday and to help capture families how they really are and place the value in the real and not the ideal. And I had no intention or interest in photographing weddings. I don't like posing people and I definitely don't like over edited images, so in my mind... 

...wedding photography was just not for me.

Enter Katie Lynae Photography. A long time friend from our 4H days, Katie reached out to see if I had any interest in being her second shooter (assistant photographer at weddings). I figured, "Sure! Why not? A fun chance to hang out with an old friend." And that's when I got my first look at the behind the scenes moments of a wedding. The candid, beautiful moments that happen so naturally and effortlessly. The amazing relationships that are displayed between family and friends. The hilarious antics and interactions between people. And most of all, the overwhelming love story that is told in just a few short hours. 

I. Was. Hooked.

Why had I not seen this sooner?! Michiana wedding photography was just as in need of a candid, documentary photographer as the families were! And so, with the start of 2018, I am so excited to announce...

BBP is officially booking weddings!

If you have followed my work up until now, you have a good feel for my "style." This style will translate into weddings as well. I want to offer minimally posed and primarily candid wedding photography to the amazing couples in the South Bend and Michiana area. If you value your love story in it's most natural, purest form, BBP is a great option. If you don't feel the need for hundreds of posed, "say cheese" images and otherwise scripted moments, I'd love to talk with you. If you love modest editing with high contrast, film based finishes, BBP can provide that.

I want to capture your wedding day exactly as it is and document the love you experience with friends and family as it happens organically. By booking a wedding with BBP, you will be able to look back on your photos in the years to come and recall memories exactly as they happened, not how they were posed. There are few things in this world more beautiful than the start of a life-long love story and your photos should represent that!

If you want to know more, don't hesitate to CONTACT ME for 2018's discounted portfolio building pricing. 

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

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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

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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...

Elkhart + South Bend Fresh 48 Photographer - Newborn R Meets Her Siblings

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Baby R was the long awaited girl in a family of boys. She was loved beyond measure before she even arrived and I was so blessed to be a part of her first hours on earth. When I got the text from mom (also one of my best friends), that said "Surprise!" alongside a family photo of mom, dad and baby, I was shocked. We had spent the prior morning together on a play date and while mom had felt very ready for baby to make her arrival, she wasn't having any signs that she would be earthside just twelve hours later! 

When I arrived at the hospital, it was a truly beautiful moment as the family's friend and pastor, along with his wife, were there cuddling and praying over the new baby girl. It was such a great start to a session. The first half hour, I got to take some really soft and beautiful documentary portraits of Miss R, all while she stared quietly around the room. She was so alert! In fact, she was awake the entire session. She was so intent on exploring her new world in her own quiet way. It was one of the most laid back and calm Fresh 48's I had been to. 

Then, in came her brothers. End the tranquil calm! These boys are the sweetest and cutest little guys and they are all boy. They rushed into the room, thrilled to see their mom and more than a little curious about their new baby sister. They were so inquisitive and patient around her...but when they weren't around her, well, they were still all boy. Just take a look at the last photo in this post and you will get a good feel for what this amazing family's new normal looks like!

Thank you Mom and Dad S, for letting me be a part of this amazing sibling meeting. Little Miss R is so lucky to have such fantastic parents and loving big brothers. 

Birth Photography in South Bend - Why You Should ALWAYS Interview Your Birth Photographer

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The birth space is a truly personal space; one that is often only shared with loved ones and medical professionals. Therefore, making the decision to invite a birth photographer into this space is a huge step to take. You scour the web for birth photographers in your area; you study their work and decide what style you are drawn to. You reach out for package inquiries and share email correspondence back and forth. Now what? Do you take that leap and invite this person into your birth story? 

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Here are 3 reasons your next step should be interviewing your birth photographer:

1). First impressions matter.

Apply the old saying, "Don't judge a book by it's cover." In this case, an online portfolio and emails are the cover. Do yourself a favor and read a little further! No matter how great someone seems behind a keyboard and computer screen, sometimes you just do or don't "click" with a person. I have yet to do a birth session without meeting with the client at least once before the actual delivery and, speaking from experience, I can truthfully say that every client I have had the pleasure of working with, I clicked with the moment we met. If we hadn't, it would have been in both of our best interests to say a simple, "Thanks, but no thanks." Your birth space is sacred and making sure you are comfortable with everyone in the room is so important!

2). You see their passion.

Birth photography is something that takes passion and commitment. When you meet with someone who is a birth professional (doulas, midwives, OB's, nurses, etc), you can tell right away that these people genuinely love birth and the birthing experience. It resonates from their voices and stories; they don't hide it and are unashamedly excited about it. No matter how eloquent you are at writing, you just can't convey that through text. If you meet with your birth photographer and don't feel their passion, this may not be the right photographer for you. 

Just look at this lovely doula, Rachel, of Enlightened Labors. Tell me that her face doesn't say it all about her passion for birth. Here's what Rachel had to say about being a part of the same birth team: "As a birth doula, presence in the birth sp…

Just look at this lovely doula, Rachel, of Enlightened Labors. Tell me that her face doesn't say it all about her passion for birth. Here's what Rachel had to say about being a part of the same birth team: "As a birth doula, presence in the birth space is so very important. I had the pleasure of working with Cara professionally and she brought a calm and uplifting air in to the client's birth. Not only are her images stunning (and I mean STUNNING) but she added great energy to the space. I can't wait to work with Cara again and will recommend her to all my clients!

3). The conversation is revealing.

No matter how many emails I share with folks who inquire with BBP, its just not the same as face-to-face conversation. So many times, when we are conversing, we end up going completely off topic somehow...and that's great! I very clearly remember meeting with my August birth client (I only take on one birth a month so that I can give that mom-to-be my full attention and time) and suddenly glancing at my phone only to see it had been almost an hour and we were laughing and sharing funny aspects of being the mom of sassy toddler girls. Was it relevant to the consultation? Nope. Did it assure both of us that this was a good fit? Absolutely. 

So once you have decided that you do indeed want to invest in birth photography (and you totally should because, well, just look at these beautiful moments below), take that extra time to meet with a few of us. See beyond the price differences and choose the person whose work you love and whose personality you love even more.

Plymouth + South Bend Family Photographer - The H Family

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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

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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 Wedding Photographer - Lexi + Austin's Engagement Session

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So in case you haven't picked up on this...I am officially booking weddings in 2018! And I seriously couldn't be more excited about it. I love telling stories through photographs and lets face it, we all love a great love story. When Lexi reached out to me about photographing her wedding, I was so thrilled. Prior to being a mom and a photographer, I was a high school teacher and Lexi just happened to be one of my [favorite] students from back then. In fact, I had her in class for all four years and I got to know her beyond just a student; I saw that she was a truly beautiful person inside and out. So to have the privilege of documenting her love story was really quite the honor.

When we met for her engagement session, it was obvious that she and her fiance, Austin, were completely made for each other. Their personalities balanced one another and it was pretty clear that they kind of liked each other...just a little. She had told me from the get-go that neither of them were big "look and smile" people when it comes to pictures (which obviously was right up my alley) but you'd never tell they were anything less than fun and relaxed throughout their session. We had such a great time just walking around outside on a beautiful fall day and I loved hearing about their love story and helping to tell it. I absolutely can't wait to capture their boho wedding next summer!

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