I’m a wife, mama x3, and lifestyle photographer based in Northwest Indiana. Most days you’ll find me with a coffee in hand, chasing toddlers, editing in cozy clothes, or dreaming up my next creative shoot.
I specialize in capturing families, motherhood, love stories, and all the beautiful chaos in between. So, the real-life, giggle-filled, messy, magical moments you’ll want to hold onto forever. I’m all about photos that feel like you: honest, warm, and full of connection.
Whether we're laughing through a family session or documenting a milestone, I promise to show up with patience, heart, and a little bit of silliness (especially if it helps your kids smile). I can’t wait to tell your story.
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Newborn
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There is something so special about photographing moms with their babies. Whether your little ones are tiny enough to fit on your hip or already running circles around you, motherhood deserves to be documented in every stage. These recent South Bend motherhood mini sessions in my studio were full of cuddles, giggles, and sweet in-between moments.
For these sessions, I created a setup that felt soft, timeless, and playful. The clean white studio paired perfectly with the pastel spring florals scattered throughout the space. I wanted the focus to stay on the connection between each mom and her children while still giving the sessions a fresh spring feel.

Every family interacts differently during sessions, and that is one of my favorite parts of this job. Some children run around the entire time. Others stay attached to mom’s hip. Some want to cuddle while others want to play.
I never expect kids to sit perfectly still or smile at the camera the whole session. Instead, I focus on creating space for real moments to happen naturally. Those genuine interactions almost always become the favorite images in a gallery.
These South Bend motherhood mini sessions focused on connection over perfection. I guided each family throughout the session, but I also encouraged movement, laughter, and play.

The studio space worked beautifully for these sessions because of the soft natural light pouring through the windows. Spring weather in Indiana can feel unpredictable, so studio sessions remove a lot of stress from the experience.
We did not need to worry about muddy parks, cold temperatures, or strong winds. Moms could simply show up, relax, and enjoy time with their little ones.
The bright studio also photographed beautifully with spring colors and soft wardrobe tones. Every family brought their own style to the session, and each one fit the setup perfectly.

I always remind moms that their children do not need to behave perfectly during a photo session. Kids do not need to sit still, smile on command, or look at the camera every second.
Some of the sweetest moments happen during the chaos.
The tight hugs, messy cuddles, and uncontrollable giggles often tell the story best. Those are usually the images families treasure most years later.
As a mom myself, I understand how easy it feels to stay behind the camera instead of stepping in front of it. But your children will not care if your hair looked perfect or if you felt awkward that day. They will care that you were there with them.
That is what these South Bend motherhood mini sessions captured.

My South Bend studio is made to feel simple, cozy, and relaxed. I want families to walk in and immediately feel comfortable. Whether I photograph motherhood sessions, family sessions, newborns, or milestones, my goal always stays the same… capturing genuine connection.
These motherhood mini sessions reminded me again why documenting this season matters so much. The little stages often feel exhausting while you are living them. Years later, they become the moments you miss the most.
I feel so grateful to every mom who trusted me with these memories during this year’s South Bend motherhood mini sessions. I already cannot wait to offer them again next year.
If you would like to book a future motherhood session or studio family session, make sure to follow along on social media or reach out through my website for upcoming openings. You can contact me by clicking HERE 🙂

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I’d love to work with your family and create something meaningful together
© 2025 chaeney layne Photography
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northern indiana + southwest michigan photographer
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