South Bend photographer capturing nostalgic narratives.

April 28, 2020

Fitness Photography: Energy in Stills

Imagine how you feel when you finish a workout. Are you glistening with sweat? Do you feel strong? Exhausted? Accomplished? Ready to tackle the next big thing? Do you revel in the soreness of your muscles? Are you motivated to go again?

Do you ever wish you could hold on to that post-exercise high?

Keep That Feeling Alive!

Fitness is a way of life. It is an investment in our body, our health, ourselves.

Fitness photography celebrates the hard work and self-improvement efforts that leave us breathless. And it depicts the energy of the human form. It is for athletes of all levels of training and abilities–anyone who wants to acknowledge and honor their health and their love for athletic endeavors.

The physical benefits of exercise are well-known, but don’t discount the mental and spiritual gains that accompany workout routines. All of it keeps us moving. Even as stay-at-home orders have closed the gyms and sports arenas in an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the virtual exercise classes, skills sessions, and online workouts are everywhere. The fitness community continues to come together even at a distance.

Energies of Fitness Photography

Colorful fitness photograph of a Zumba instructor doing the splits in a studio with "Love" painted on the wall.

Fitness is loving yourself by caring for your body–no matter your age. And fitness photography is a way of expressing pride in those efforts.

Fitness photograph of a tween girl wearing a Nike tank top and running high knees to the side as she looks directly at the viewer.

Fitness is a home away from home. It’s that studio, space, field, gym, court, route, or rink that you know like the back of your hand. Fitness photography immortalizes your special place as you know and love it.

Portrait of a figure skater sitting in a sunbeam and leaning against the boards on her home ice, Notre Dame's Compton Family Ice Arena.

And it memorializes the practice hours, conditioning, strength training, and teamwork you put into the sports you love the most.

Portrait of a high school senior tennis player bouncing a ball on his racket as he looks directly at the viewer. He is wearing his team's jersey.

Fitness photography is full of energy. Your energy.

Fitness photograph of a girl doing plyo box jumps at Primal South Bend gym early in the morning as the sun is coming up. She is framed by the doorway, windows and rows of fitness equipment.

That energy can be powerful.

Fitness photograph of a muscular female personal trainer doing pushups on kettle bells.

It can be graceful.

Fitness photograph of a teenage ballerina stretching with her toes touching the back of her head as she arches her back.

It can be tough.

Fitness backlit photograph of a young woman doing barbell squats at Primal South Bend.

The energy can be quiet or it can be loud. Either way, it motivates the people around you and then cycles back to motivate you all over again. It celebrates the dynamic human form and personal accomplishments.

Fitness photograph of a woman preparing to lift a heavy barbell for her workout. She is alone in her gym with the American flag in the background.

No matter how you describe it, the energy inspires. It is contagious.

Colorful portrait of a teenage girl hockey player holding her hockey stick while wearing her CCM gloves and wearing a t-shirt that says, "Girls inspire girls."

Are you proud of the ways you’ve incorporated physical fitness into your life? I’d love to hear about what you have done to care for yourself–especially in the time of the pandemic. What motivates you? What have you accomplished that gives you a deep sense of satisfaction? Drop me a line and let me know!

Email me for a free consultation!

February 11, 2020

Choosing a Location for Your Photo Shoot

Choosing a location for your photo shoot is like designing the set for a magazine article about you. You want the environment to contribute to your narrative without being distracting. Lighting, colors, textures, and other artistic elements all have to be taken into account to decide whether they contribute to or distract from the story.

More than anything, the location should be a place that says something about you. It might be a place where you spend a lot of time. Or it could represent your interests or talents. Maybe it’s somewhere that symbolizes your dreams and aspirations. To make your images truly your own, consider the following location examples and the reasons for choosing them.

Abby knew she wanted to have some of her senior photos made at Notre Dame’s Compton Family Ice Arena. It’s a place where she spent countless practice hours–usually very early in the morning. Her experiences told her the sun would stream in through the windows shortly after sunrise and she wanted to capture that energy and nostalgia.

A high school senior figure skater holds her skates over her shoulder as she stands on the ice rink at Compton Family Ice Arena.

We decided on Moreau Seminary for Jennifer’s maternity shoot because it was a place that meant something special with regard to her pregnancy. Her story deserves a blog post all its own.

Maternity portrait of a mother sitting in front of stained glass window at Moreau Seminary.

Lexi requested her shoot take place in Wellfield Botanic Gardens, a place where she enjoyed spending time. It also holds incredible beauty and countless options for creative portraits.

Portrait of a high school senior girl looking over her shoulder after walking through an arch at Wellfield Botanical Garden.

The violin has played a major role in most of Andrew’s life. He was no stranger to concert halls and clearly felt at home when we shot at the Debartolo Performing Arts Center.

Portrait of a high school senior boy playing his violin at Debartolo Performing Arts Center.

In choosing a place for the Lutz family, it was all about elegance, a quality they exhibit no matter where they are or what they’re doing. This historic hotel with its ornate and classy details was the perfect location for them.

Portrait of a family interacting on a balcony in the elegant and historic LaSalle Hotel.

For Kate and Soren, their home was the obviously perfect spot. Not only was it the place where they connected every day, but the style of the shoot was inspired by their own decor. A light and airy feel to the rooms contributed to the soft, caring narrative of their images.

A mother holds her sleeping baby as she looks out the window of the nursery.

A mother sits in front of a window in her home and gazes at her sleeping infant son.

Rich colors were the preferred style for Jackson’s family, which were also evident in their own home decor. This shoot was designed around specific colors and lighting choices.

An infant snuggles in his wrap in a large leather chair and sleeps. "Best-Loved Fairy Tales" book in the background.

In Emma’s case we found a historical library that symbolized an exciting time in her life. As many seniors do, she was looking forward to pursuing higher academics. And she herself is the perfect combination of beauty and brains.

A high school senior girl leans on some books on a window ledge of Carnegie Library in Mishawaka, IN and looks directly into the camera.

Twins Joshua and Abby had different preferences about where to do their senior shoot together. Joshua is more nature-oriented, while Abby wanted an urban feel. So we did a little bit of both–with all of their images made on the same city block.

A high school senior boy sits in front of a wall covered in vines. He leans forward with his elbows on his knees and hands to his chin as he smiles.

A high school senior girl laughs with the viewer as she leans against a yellowish brick wall.

Maybe you don’t have a specific location in mind, but you know the colors and the feel you want. This is when we look for spots that meet those expectations and also offer light, lines, and textures that suit your style.

A high school senior girl wearing a long coat holds onto a log fence as she leans and looks into the camera.

And sometimes the best location is a studio–where the options for lighting and design are nearly limitless. For these women, we wanted a minimalist background so that the beauty and closeness of this family could take center stage.

Portrait of three generations of woman who are embracing each other as they look directly into the camera. Studio shot with light gray background.

So where should you go for your next photo shoot? Revisit your list from this blog post (specifically, tip #5) and/or your Pinterest board of things that inspire you. Think about the kinds of environments, structures, and decor that make a statement about you and where you are in your life right now. Perhaps you need a blank slate where you can design your own setting, as in a studio. The possibilities are endless, but what about a photo shoot at a record store, laundromat, movie theater, or parking garage? If you’re the girl or boy next door, you can find a white picket fence in a historic neighborhood. If you could place your photo shoot anywhere you want, where would it be?

I’d love to hear your ideas–no matter how crazy you think they might be. Comment below or drop me a line!

Email me for a free consultation!

January 29, 2020

More Tips for Dreaming Your Ideal Photo Shoot

Did you ever consider that you can dream your ideal photo shoot and make it come to life? Why settle for the same shoot that everybody else is doing? Make it your own. This is a continuation of a previous blog post about planning your ideal photo session, where you can find more tips on making your shoot all about you.

There is no time like the present. Accept who you are. Own who you are. Love who you are. Look forward to all that you can become.

The next set of tips for dreaming your ideal photo shoot addresses putting your whole self into your session and coming out on the other side with images and memories that will make your heart sing, cry, shout, smile, laugh, or melt; images that will make you feel.

Tip #6: Name what you like about yourself.

And be specific. These are the things you want to emphasize in your images. Maybe it’s your eyes or lips or freckles or hair. But it doesn’t have to be a physical feature. Maybe you’re musically talented or athletic. Maybe you have an eye for fashion or a love for reading. What are your gifts and passions? Write them down, own them, and then use your photo shoot to feature them.

A high school senior sniffs purple flowers while standing in brush and wearing a black hat. — Mikaela was so much fun to photograph and much of the reason is that she could tell us that she likes her freckles and her hair. She likes the way she looks in her glasses–and without them too. Her acknowledgement of her gifts made us–and the camera–love her all the more.

Tip #7: Invest in the process.

Know that making great photos is an emotional process and when you see yourself in those photos you want to have an emotional reaction. Making extraordinary images involves time spent soul searching, some vulnerability, and putting effort into discovering the ideal everything. And when you put this time and heart into it, you will be rewarded many times over.

A mother holds her baby in her arms, rocking him as she looks into his eyes. — Motherhood can be full of conflicting emotions, but at the end of the day, nothing beats cuddling your baby and looking into his eyes as he looks right back at you.

Tip #8: Elevate it.

Dream about your ideal photo shoot. Now is the time to pull out all the stops and take some risks to make epic images. You don’t have to pretend to be someone you’re not, but take this opportunity to be the best you that you can imagine–the person you aspire to be or to become. Have your hair and makeup done in a way that accentuates your best features. Wear clothing that makes you feel like you’ve got it all together. Pick a setting that complements your vibe. Don’t settle for the everyday nor what everyone else is doing.

An elegant woman wearing an evening gown descends the steps of a historic hotel. — Amelia exudes grace no matter what she wears, but dress her in a formal gown and place her in an elegant setting and she looks absolutely magnificent.

Tip #9: Make it an experience.

Consider yourself a model for the day. Have your hair and makeup professionally done. Have your wardrobe, props, lighting, posing, and location curated by the professionals and let the magic happen. Leave exhausted from all the fun you’ve had, the emotion spent, and the knowledge that the experience will always be with you–and so will the images that document it.

Les Mills national presenter and personal trainer Kerri Anderson performs a bent over row on a dressing room bench while dressed in an evening gown by Lovers + Friends. This shows her gritty side along with her feminine side. — Kerri went all out for this shoot, wearing both workout gear and a formal gown for a variety of looks, combining her grit and love of fitness with her feminine side.

Tip #10: Do it now.

There is no perfect time. Embrace yourself as you are at this moment. Don’t wait for the braces to come off. Don’t wait to lose weight. Acknowledge that wrinkles only deepen with time. And realize that your children (and you!) are changing before your very eyes.

When your loved ones view your photos in the years to come, they will not be wishing you had waited to become perfect before having a professional portrait made. Now is the time.

Three generations of women strike an editorial pose. — It is impossible to explain the emotion felt in this 3-generation session. Tears were shed before we even started shooting, the love is so great. At the end, these three ladies were emotionally spent, but everybody left feeling uplifted from the experience.

Imagine how refined and emotional your next photo shoot will be if you take advantage of these ten tips. Visualize what you really want your images to be. Put yourself in the frame–with and without your loved ones. Perhaps you already have something in mind. Share it here, or send me a message if you want to discuss further!

Email me for a free consultation!

January 23, 2020

Tips for Your Best Photo Shoot Ever (Part 1)

The magic of a photograph lies in its ability to take us back emotionally to points in time that have slipped away–usually quietly. The value of a photograph only increases as years pass, but too often we put off having these precious images made.

While some people welcome being photographed, just as many dread or avoid it–usually out of fear that they won’t like their own likeness. Fortunately, every person has the ability to make it an experience that culminates in images you will cherish and then pass on to others who love them just as much–if not more.

Instead of simply showing up on “picture day,” take the time to think–no, dream–about what you want out of your photos. Today, we start with a few ideas to get your mind working on the ultimate goals of your shoot.

Tip #1: Know your why.

Why is it that you want or need to have your photo made it the first place? The reason for scheduling a photo shoot should direct not only the timing, but also the location, styling, and products purchased. If you are marking a time in your life, as with a high school senior portrait session, you will want to consider the elements of your personality that make you who you are at this time. If you are designing your business brand, you will need to articulate your business’ mission and how you want your brand to be perceived. And if you are looking for a family shoot, each member of the family should have their “say” while preserving the feel of the family unit at the same time.

Tip for your photo shoot: Know your why. A preteen girl looks directly into the camera during her photo shoot at a local gym. — Drew needed some images to add to her portfolio and wanted to showcase her love of athletics.

Tip #2: Have a conversation with your photographer about what you plan to do with your images.

Would you like to have an album? Are you using your photographs on your website or as a profile pic for your business? Will you be gifting prints to family members? What about displaying your art on a wall? The answers to all of these questions play a role in determining orientation, cropping, and number of images shot–just to name a few variables.

Tip for your photo shoot: Know what you want to do with your images.
A collage / album page of a pre-teen ballerina photo shoot showing her in a tutu and various ballet poses. — While there was more than one purpose for these images, Cate’s mother wanted to have an album made to give as a gift to her own mother.

Tip #3: Plan for your shoot with your photographer.

Making stunning photographs is so much more than showing up in your Sunday finest and having someone click a button when you say cheese. Your photographs should illustrate who you are. Identify your unique features and brainstorm with your photographer how to best showcase them. Consider how wardrobe, hair, makeup, accessories, location, and props contribute to your looks. Set aside the time to do it right rather than feeling unprepared and rushed on the day of your shoot. Even if you feel your picture is only being made to satisfy an obligation, slowing down will make the process much more enjoyable–and productive.

Tip for your photo shoot: Plan in detail.
A high school senior girl looks straight at the viewer and smiles as she sits in front of bushes and pink flowers on the campus of St. Mary's College in South Bend, IN. — Maeve and her mother spent a lot of time deciding on looks that they could both love–and their thoughtfulness paid off in the end.

Tip #4: Make your location mean something–or make your portraits only about you.

At times, the location of your photo shoot serves as a prop, and sometimes it is a blank canvas that perfectly showcases you. Both scenarios are completely legit. The most important thing is that when all is said and done your photographs tell your story.

Moreau Seminary holds a special meaning for Jennifer in many ways, including how it related to pregnancy and her faith.

Tip for your photo shoot: Use a plain backdrop in studio.
A teenage girl wearing braces smiles big as she dances for the camera. She is photographed on a white background and wears a short dress and snakeskin boots. — Greta is fun and smiley and her personality really shines with the right lighting and a simple white background.

Tip #5: Identify what you like in photographs.

Better yet, find the things in this world that fill you with passion. It may be colors, music, textures, books, quotes. Or it may be paintings, other photographs, people, architecture, or fashion. All of your likes and dislikes say something about you and your own story. What inspires you? Write those items down and then find visual representations of them.

My clients often use Pinterest for this, but I also tear pages out of magazines, save photos from Instagram, and record quotes from books that I love. Once you collect representations of the things you like all in one place, patterns tend to develop that highlight YOU and how your photo shoot should go.

Plan for your photo shoot: Identify what you like.
A high school senior girl in a red dress brushes her hair away from her face. — Sometimes it is not easy to describe inspiration with words. In Bridget’s case, she added to a collaborative Pinterest board to illustrate her style, interests, and passions. This helped immensely in creating a photo session that wowed her.

Do you think you’re ready for your photo shoot? Hang on a quick minute. This is a good starting place, but there’s even more to dream about–and it gets even better! At this point, I encourage you to go through these tips and record your thoughts on paper. Then stay tuned for the next post with even more tips to make your best photo shoot ever–more ideas on how to elevate your next session.

Let me know what’s on your mind! Drop a question or comment if you want to share, or even if you’re struggling with any of this. I’d love to hear from you!

Email me for a free consultation!

May 16, 2018

Personal Branding: Kerri

Meet Kerri. She’s a fitness instructor and personal trainer, not to mention an inspiration to those who spend any amount of time with her.

Over the past three years, she has logged countless long and physically challenging hours as she has found her happy place in the gym.

Formerly working as a stay-at-home mom, she decided to build upon her personal passion for health and fitness and began her pursuit of helping others gain healthy bodies and attitudes. Once she made that commitment, there was no stopping her. She cranked out 14 certifications in a matter of two years. Of those, she is most proud of her personal training certification through the National Academy of Sports Medicine and her Pilates Reformer certification, which required a higher-than-average level of dedication to achieve.

With all there is to love about fitness, Kerri can’t be restricted to teaching just one type of class or even one type of client. She teaches mat and chair Pilates too, Ballet Barre, high intensity interval training (HIIT), and stretching. She loves seeing some students achieve fitness goals and helping others to recover from injuries. Her true passion, however, lies with high intensity training and the Les Mills GRIT series in particular. She is already an advanced GRIT coach and aspires to become a master trainer for GRIT–the one who assesses incoming GRIT coaches.

Kerri keeps an upbeat attitude, evident whether you’re meeting her in class or out on the street. She cares about wellness of the mind and body–her own and yours.

You can’t help but be motivated by Kerri. (Even though I spend my fair share of time at the gym, I found myself doing pushups and burpees while editing the images from her shoot.) Not only does she have muscles, she has a contagious energy and a can-do attitude that makes you believe you can indeed move beyond your limits.

While keeping a friendly and kind spirit, she pushes her own limits and in doing so sets a wonderful example for all who want to better themselves. She digs deep to constantly improve and to satisfy her competitive nature.