#ilovesouthbend
Jul 18

#ilovesouthbend

Need portraits? Contact Kaity to book your photos with OMG today!

“We have all known the long loneliness and we have learned that the only solution is love and that love comes with community.” – Dorothy Day

If you have ever met me (or read this), then you know that I love South Bend. It’s my town. My home. It’s where I grew up, went to school, and where I’ve decided to start my life as an adult. It’s where I started my business at the age of 22 and it’s where that same business has continued to thrive ever since. From the Potawatomi Zoo to the East Race Waterway to the awesome restaurants in Downtown South Bend and the dozens of parks and bike paths, not to mention the free concerts and activities all over town, South Bend really is a beautiful and fun place to live. However, what makes South Bend truly incredible is the community of people that live and work here every day.

Over the past few months, I’ve been trying to think of a way to really illustrate how great and diverse and culturally rich our community is. I wanted to start a project that would show how interconnected we are as a city and I wanted to take the chance of getting to know people I see everyday a little bit better, to take a peek into their lives. So, last night, I introduced a new ongoing project called Pop Up Portraits: #ilovesouthbend. During these events, I will offer free portraits and in exchange all I ask is that you tell me a little bit about yourself. At each event I will have prompts to get you thinking, but really, I just want to get to know my community and to have the opportunity to give my neighbors a platform in which they can tell their story (or at least a little bit of it). I will then share those photos on OMG’s Facebook Page and here on the blog.

I am so excited to get started on this project and I’m thrilled to share this first session’s photos. These photos were taken at last night’s Seitz and Sounds Concert (which, if you’ve never been, you NEED to check them out).

Thank you to everyone that participated and if you missed out last night, but want to get in on the action next time, make sure you ‘Like’ OMG Photography to get updates for the next Pop Up Portraits: #ilovesouthbend event!

Last night we asked “Why do you love South Bend?”

Above:
“I met here here!” Kevin, Age 41
“I met him here!” Abby, Age 25

Below:
“I bought my first house here!” Dana, Age 23
“I love South Bend for the awesome events, the beautiful river that runs through it, and the amazing people.” Damon, Age 23

Below:
“I love the music!” Kelly, age 21
“I love the people!” Cathy

Above:
“I love South Bend because I am growing with my city. I’ve lived here my whole life and, it’s like, as I get older, the city continues to grow. It’s a great place to be a young artist.” Robin, Age 17

Below:
“When I leave, I miss it!” Drew, ageless

Above:
“We love South Bend because Nana and Papa live here!” Ellie, age 2 1/2 and Angie, age 36

Below:
“Awesome people, The Indiana Whiskey Company, East Race, and walking along the St. Joe River.” Tina, Age 32

“The neighbors and friends that make South Bend feel like home.” Charles, Age 32

Above:
I love South Bend because it’s the perfect combo of city and country!" Meghan, Age 26


Below:
“I have amazing friends here” Caitlin, Age 16

“The friends that I’ve met are my world” Harper, Age 16

“There is no place like it in the world… it’s home” Caitlin, Age 16

“[South Bend] is full of amazing people, places, and music!” Winter, age 16

“I love SB because of all the local talent and opportunities.” Aaliyah, Age 16