A Photographic Tribute to the People Who make Northwest Indiana Feel Like Home
Humans of Da’ Region
Humans of Da’ Region is an Ongoing Photography Project by Bella Photography That Celebrates the Everyday People of Northwest Indiana – at work, at play, at the table, and everywhere life happens. Inpired by the idea that powerful stories live in ordinary moments, this series documents the character, resilience, creativity, and warmth of the HUMANS who define Da’ Region.
What Is Da’ Region?
Da’ Region – or the Calumet Region is an unofficial but deeply felt Geographic area in the northwestern corner of Indiana. It is mostly associated with the counties of Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Jasper and Newton.
Why We’re Doing This
As photographers, we believe imagery has the power to do more than sell products or promote brands – it can connect people, preserve culture, and spark pride.
This project 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.
Drive curiosity and connection back to our local community.
Every photograph tells a small story. Together, they tell the story of Da’ Region.
Meet some of the Humans of Da’ Region below. . .
Meet. . . Vito?
Vito (is what we’ll call him) loves the Region because this is where his family and friends live. He also remembers some great paying jobs here although those have lessened over the years he said. Thanks for letting us capture your Region Face! There’s a lot of character in his portrait!
Kosta Nuses – Merrillville Police Chief
“First and foremost, I love the Region because it’s home. There’s something about that sense of belonging that you just can’t duplicate. But what truly makes it special are the people who make us Da’ Region. We’re unique. We’re hardworking, intelligent, and gritty when we need to be. There’s a resilience here, a quiet toughness that defines who we are. We’re also cheerful and very proud of who we are. And then there’s the diversity. We’re a true melting pot, and that blend of cultures doesn’t just shape our community, it fills our tables. The result is a cuisine that’s rich, flavorful, and packed with character, just like the people who live here.
Serving Michael Griffin
From Mike: A Region that built steel, an alloy that blended iron and carbon to make a new, stronger, better metal. The people of Da’ Region, like steel, are an alloy. They are a blend of histories, many hues, many customs, many aspirations and they combine, taking the best qualities of each to make a new, durable better alloy. It is why the Region is strong. It is why it endures. Why I serve here – The late Frederick Buechner, was asked to define ministry. He said it is the place of the world’s greatest needs. While I don’t think of my work as meeting something world shaking, his words do inform my thinking. I serve here seeking the place my deepest joys, my skill sets, my interests, in service to meet my Region’s great needs. Hopefully, the place where my deepest joys and the Region’s great needs intersect, I can make the place a little better, a little stronger, a little more livable, a little more sustainable, a little more like home. – Micheal Griffin is the Town Manager of Merrillville. He served over three decades as Highland’s Clerk-Treasurer and a year as a State Senator.
Olga – Social Media & Marketing Pro
The Region has my heart because it’s where my favorite things meet. The peace of nature, the energy of the city, and the warmth of home. I love that I get to share that same feeling of love and belonging through TradeWinds, making sure every client feels truly at home. – Olga is the Social Media & Marketing Coordinator at TradeWind Services. A long-time region service provider.
Linda – Admin Pro
“I love living and working in the Region – especially Merrillville – because of its incredible mix of culture and environment. Within an hour, often less, you can be at the beach, in a major city, exploring state or national parks, driving past rolling fields, or strolling through a quaint small town. The people here are uniquely Northwest Indiana – full of Region Pride and small-town kindness.”
Awesome Radius Server
Meet Bailey – working at the new Radius Restaurant in Crown Point. Bailey loves the closeness of everyone in Da’ Region and how everyone knows a little bit about each other.
Mayor Angie
Michigan City Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch took office in January of 2024. She’s already making her mark in the city with development and transportation.
Drawing Smiles
Meet Albert – He makes other humans smile with his ‘Live Caricatures’ that he provides at various event around Da’ Region. About Da’ Region “It’s a place where talent is supported, individuality is welcomed, and you can still feel connected to your neighbors while building something meaningful.”
Chas the Communicator
What Chas likes best about Da’ Region is THE Diversity! “I love meeeting people from different backgrounds. I also enjoy how each community is unique and offers something different.” Chas is the Communications Manager at The Town of Merrillville.
Riley – Pizza & a Smile
Meet Riley – What started as a high school job at Greek’s Pizza in 2016 became a constant through high school, college, and beyond. The Karamesines family made it feel less like work and more like home—great pizza is just a bonus.
History of Advocacy
Barbara Domer has called Valparaiso home for over 3 decades. Currently serving on the City Council & RDC, she pairs her passion for local growth with a long history of advocacy-from her time with the United Retail Workers Union to her current work with the League of Women Voters in Porter County.
Familiar Pepes Smile
Celi has been with Pepe’s Off Broadway in Merrillville for 20 years! Lit here with neon lights from the lounge signs, she loves Da’ Region for the wonderful sports offerings it has for her student children.
Jordan Offers Coffee Vibes
Meet Jordan – Barista at Fluid in Valpo. His favorite thing about Da’ Region is Favorite thing about the region – The people and the way people support local businesses.
Barista Pro
Veronica, a barista at Fluid Coffee Roasters in Crown Point prepared us spectacular latte’s recently. A Vanilla Bean Espresso, and Voodoo Latte was enjoyed. Great job Veronica!
Nick is Hooked
Nick attending the Three20 Recovery Community Center’s Hooked on Art festival. Nick works at the support & recovery outlet in Chesterton.
Charity Supporters
Roxanne & Jeff at the Tradewinds Gala at Hard Rock Casino. Jeff serves on the Tradewinds Board of Directors.
Mixologist Pro
Meet Cynthia – a familiar face at Gamba Restorante in Merrillville. From puring a perfect glass of wine to mixing your favorite cocktail, she helps keep the energy flowing at this busy Italian favorite.
Senior Talent
Jacob went over the top offering us a variety of senior photos for his shoot. This MHS graduate is ready to take on the world. Best of luck Jacob!
Then and Now
Close cousins Gracie & Caleb had fun during their senior photos dressing like they did about 15 years prior to this shoot.
Kate – Asparagus Manager
Kate manages the very popular Asparagus Restaurant in Merrillville offering a Swanky Eastern-toned setting for inspired takes on Thai cuisine.
Mike Sakich on the dance floor
Mike Sakich partner owners of ‘In Good Company’, a residential property management company clowns around at charity event. This image is also displayed at Gamba Ristorante in Merrillville
Isabella
Meet Isabella (Bella), a VU student and model for Bella Photography. We wish her luck as she studies to become a nurse.
Commercial Realtor
David Lasser, SIOR/CCIM, managing broker of Commercial In-Sites posed for a photo for the cover of Northwest Indiana Business Magazine. Dave has been a lifelong region human and is active in the Crossroads Chamber.
A/V Pro
Joe Hasik, owner of HQ Production Audio is hard at work setting up at the Lake County building for an event his team was covering.
Performer
Chad Clifford, owner of Front Porch Music plays and sings for the Three20 Recovery event in Chesterton. Chad is a well known performer throughout the region.
Tom Keilman
The well known, but sorry to write, late Tom Keilman, a true region person who served as Merrillville’s first Town Manager. Tom finished his working career at BP serving as the Government Affairs liaison. RIP Tom.
Mr. Cam
Meet Mr. Cam – a local Merrillville business owner of The Experience Barbershop located at 1523 W 81st Ave. Great cuts and always a fun experience!
Brian Derring
Lifetime REGION HUMAN Brian Derring, a long time NIPSCO employee also provides DJ services at Merrillville town events. He’s been donating his time to the town for decades. Brian is also a member of the Plan Commission.
The Guernsey’s
You just may recogniae this group of lifelong Region siblings. It’s the Guernsey’s – from left to right: Randy, Joan, Gene, Greg, and Don. They have a huge family helping to make Da’ Region great!
Happy Winner
Meet Erica Dumbey – A leader in business financing with the Regional Development Authority. She makes dreams come true using non-traditional lending programs.
IGC Property Management
Jon Hicks & Mike Sakich are partner owners of ‘In Good Company’, a residential property management company. It’s their mission to offer REAL HOSPITALITY to their apartment home guests.
On Message
Jon Gold, CEO of Tradewind Services addresses the large group of supporters at the annual Gala held at Hard Rock Casino.
Always a Smile!
Many know this Regionite – Lisa Tatina, Director of Development & Marketing for Tradewind Services presents winners at the annual gala.
Region Face
Craig Lamb is usually seen all over Merrillville where he lives. Craig is the video person for the Town’s online meetings. A lifelong Region Human.
Sojourner Truth House
Certainly Humans of Da’ Region celebrate during the fundraiser Walk for Truth House in Gary. When done, they all looked the same colors!
Thank You
Jeff Strack (left) accepts an award from Jon Gold, CEO of Tradewind Services for Strack & VanTil’s contributions to the region charity.
Unique Photo
Familier region faces Jon Costas (left) and Matt Murphy, both past and in the case of Jon, the current mayor of Valparaiso.
All Right Reserved
All Right Reserved