Humans of Da’ Region is an ongoing photography and storytelling project by Rick and Jodi Bella that celebrates the everyday people of Northwest Indiana – at work, at play, around the table, and everywhere real life unfolds.
Inspired by the belief that the most powerful stories often live in ordinary moments, the project documents the character, resilience, creativity, and warmth of the humans who define Da’ Region.
From the streets of Gary to the dunes near Chesterton, from local diners and coffee shops to small businesses and backyard gatherings, Humans of Da’ Region focuses on real people, real moments, and real stories—captured honestly and without pretense.
Northwest Indiana is diverse, layered, and deeply connected. Region residents take pride in that diversity—from cultural traditions and festivals to family-owned restaurants and everyday interactions that reflect a shared sense of place. While the geographic boundaries may be loosely defined—often including Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Jasper, Newton, and sometimes Starke and Pulaski counties—the regional identity is unmistakable.
This is a place shaped by industry and innovation, anchored by small towns, enriched by cultural diversity, and sustained by generations of people whose stories deserve to be seen and remembered.
As professional photographers, Rick and Jodi Bella believe imagery has the power to do far more than sell products or promote brands. Photography can connect people, preserve culture, and spark pride in where we live. Humans of Da’ Region exists to:
- Celebrate the people who live, work, and build community here
- Document everyday life in an authentic, respectful way
- Showcase professional photography in real-world, unscripted environments
- Create a growing visual archive of the Calumet Region for future generations
- Encourage curiosity, empathy, and connection within our local community
The Bellas approach people they meet organically—often during everyday moments—and ask if they would be willing to participate. To make the process transparent and comfortable, they provide a simple card explaining who they are and what the project is about.
The experience is intentionally light, respectful, and conversational. While capturing the portrait, they take time to connect—much like they recently did with Veronica, a barista at Fluid Coffee in Crown Point. After learning about the project, she was flattered, enthusiastic, and proud to be included.
We are excited about this project. Meeting people throughout the region is engergizing, and sharing something positive-especially right now-feels more important than ever.
Every photograph tells a small story. Together they tell the story of Da’ Region.
Visit the webpage dedicated to this special project here: https://bellaphotographs.com/humans-of-da-region/