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Northwest Indiana Photographer, Valparaiso Photographer – Samantha Uphold Photography bio picture

so glad you're here....

This blog contains my most recent work. I'll update it often with client sneak peeks, silly ramblings on various topics, and upcoming business news.  Here you'll find a mix of modern and vintage, color popping crazy photos mixed with soulful black and whites, wild and crazy childhood moments mixed with heart-melting newborn captures.  I am primarily a natural light photographer (although I'm known to rock crazy lighting techniques when the moment is right.)  Check back often, and be sure to leave some love while you're here.  Comments make me smile!  :)

My heart soars when I work, and this is where I share it.  I love this journey I'm on, and I hope you can find a bit of enjoyment in it, too.  

loves.....

love, children, smiling, happiness, story people, color, soul, innocence, laughter, silliness, hoodies, Starbucks, lipgloss, candles, magazines, sunglasses, light, reminiscing, my family and friends, boxers, imagining being uber organized, teaching, snowmobiling, reality tv, music, believing in fate while working hard to make my dreams come true, the first snowfall, hugs, crunching leaves, mint chocolate chip ice cream, and much, much more!

my style....

I strive to document everyday moments in a unique way.  You won't hear me say "say cheese".  You'll see me play with your child, gently handle your newborn, engage your family in activities that you would do if you were hanging out and having fun.  Posed, studio-ish photos are not my general style.  I work to get to know you - what makes your family special - so that I can create artwork that shows the spirit and love of your family.  

my mission....

I want you to feel, smile, laugh, and remember the moments I capture.  I want to show you, or remind you, how beautiful your life is.  I want to take the happiest and simplest of moments and capture them for you.  I want to show you...."the art of your heart"  

{Oh, Hello 2010!!}

2010 is proving to be an interesting year to say the least.  This week has already had its share of ups and downs.  I was planning on posting several sessions that never made it to the blog, along with the annual image of the year contest.  However, I think I may be experiencing my very first (traumatic, scary, ohmygoshi’mfreakingout!!) hard drive crash, and I have no clue what exactly it will take to fix this.  And, this is just the *tip* of my overwhelming iceberg that is turning out to be 2010.  Fun business.

Sooooooo…….I think I’ll share a sweet story instead.  One of my former students presented me with an amazing present, right before our Christmas break started.  Z came to visit me, made me close my eyes, and handed me my very first Storypeople print.  I have LOVED, LOVED, LOVED, Storypeople for years.  They are one of my most favorite things in the UNIVERSE.  They hit that certain spot in my heart that makes things feel all warm and fuzzy, all the while helping to put some of life’s strangest situations into perspective.  I was blown away and so incredibly touched by the present – it brought tears to my eyes.    The print reads  ”Most people don’t know there are angels whose only job is to make sure you don’t get too comfortable & fall asleep & miss your life. ”

 

AngelsOfMercyNow, there are a lot of storypeople story’s that really resonate with me.  I thought this one was cute and interesting, but it didn’t quite strike a chord with me right away.  Sitting at my desk this morning, feeling particularly down – I looked over at the print and it clicked.  Being shook up and startled and blown away and confused and sad and blissful and happy and let down can sometimes be exactly what someone needs.  I have felt all of these things lately, not understanding the course of events that have recently transpired.  I have been asking myself “Why?” for several days now – I think I just received my answer.  I may have just been a little too complacent lately, a little too comfortable and sleepy in my current situations. 2010 is going to be different.  I am certainly wide awake now.  Thanks, Universe.  ;)

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January 8, 2010 - 12:02 pm Zoe - AWwwwwwww! Thanks! I knew you have never had one and they're your fave. ENJOY!!! :P :P

January 8, 2010 - 2:08 pm Lara - Wow, what a great phrase!! I have never seen Storypeople before......I bet 2010 turns out to be an amazing year for you Samantha!

{Happy New Year!!} | Indiana Senior Photographer

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{Love} | Northwest Indiana Child and Family Photographer

Yesterday was one of *those* days.  One of those icky days where everything seems to go wrong and everything tests your patience.  I don’t speak too much about my personal life here on the blog, but yesterday was stinky.  I was actually headed to this session in tears after the last straw broke right before I had to leave, and it sent me over the edge.  I was trying so hard to get it together, knowing I had a very important session in front of me.  And, the moment I laid eyes upon Mom and Dad’s smile from their car window, my bad day got better.  Then – I walked up to their car and was greeted with squeals, and hugs, and pictures drawn for me by 3 of their 4 girls.  And THEN – THEN!!! – I was able to meet and hold and love on the newest member of this family – Clayton.

There is no way I can do this adoption story justice, so please go read Mom’s blog.  She is such an amazing woman. I have followed this adoption story since the beginning, cheering on this family in all of the hurdles they overcame, praying for them every step of the way, and shedding tears of joy when I finally heard the news that they were bringing this sweet boy home.

Yesterday I was blessed to be reminded of how lucky I am to capture these moments.  Yesterday I was blessed by the experience of documenting this wonderful family.  Yesterday I was blessed.  Thank you for erasing my bad day and making it one that I will remember fondly for a very, very long time.  I simply adore you all and am beyond elated when I look at these images and was beyond elated to capture them!!  So much {love} to you all.

Please also don’t forget to submit your entries to Giving Is Awesome!!

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November 29, 2009 - 9:37 pm ~love - do you have any idea how thankful we are for these images? for you? can you believe that just over a year ago we did our last family shoot and bianca was still in my belly....and sweet clay was trying to find his way home?! totally crying at our life that you've captured here. love them so, so much.

November 29, 2009 - 9:46 pm Adventures In Babywe - These are just JOYFUL. Steph

November 29, 2009 - 10:10 pm Amy - I cried reading her blog! You are so lucky to photograph this family!

November 29, 2009 - 10:19 pm Gillian - OH.MY.GOODNESS..... I am crying! THESE are amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love, you must be over the MOON excited with these images! Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!

{’Lil Miss Lila} | Northwest Indiana Child Photographer

Oh, how I just adore this child!!!  This is now my third time having the pleasure of photographing this beauty.  I couldn’t believe how much she had changed since last year.  We had a fantastic time downtown playing, laughing, singing, tickling, and jumping around during our photo session.  Can’t wait til next year!!  :)

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{Giving Is Awesome – Round 2} | Northwest Indiana Photographer

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I would like to start by thanking Kristen Kalp of Essential Imagery for this truly awesome idea. She is not only the brainchild behind this incredible giving idea, but she encouraged photographers all over the world to donate last year.   AND, she started this amazing website to track the donations of photographers! Now, onto the awesomely awesomeness that is the heart of this season….the spirit of giving…..

You know someone. You know someone who’s experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can’t afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family’s spirit, love, and beauty.

You know someone. I guarantee it. Who is that person? I need your help!

We all know that custom photography is a luxury, not a necessity. But, what is more important to us than our relationship with family and the precious memories that we create? I can’t think of much else. That is one of the reasons I choose to photograph families in the way that I do. I want them to have a physical, constant reminder of their precious connection – the spirit of their family. I want to give them something that will lift their spirits when they look at it. I’d really like to give someone a chance to have that year long reminder. And, I’d like to give it to someone who deserves it and could otherwise not afford to have it. This is where you can help me.

I want to know who you think deserves a holiday “pick me up” of sorts , and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography – $2,000 worth, to be exact. Whether they choose a gallery-wrapped canvas, albums, prints for Grandma, or a slideshow to watch over and over . . . it’s in your power to give them the artwork they deserve this holiday season. Oh, and a little bonus? The person who nominates the winner receives a $500 print credit. What better reason do you need to show some love?

The rules:
1. You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a two-million-dollar vacation home in Paris does not qualify as sincere financial need.)
2. The nominee must reside in Northwest Indiana or be able to travel here for their session. If your nominee lives outside the area, send me an e-mail, anyway. There are loads of incredible photographers partnering on this project and there’s sure to be one near you.
3. Comment on this blog entry to let me know you’ve entered and e-mail me the full story: samantha@samanthauphold.com. Tell me who you know, what they’re experiencing, and why they deserve their life translated into art. Please include contact information for your nominee and yourself. The winner will be announced on Christmas Eve . . . get nominating! I can’t wait to read all of your entries!

Open your heart to someone this holiday season. And thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.

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November 30, 2009 - 8:40 am Sarah Conway - I sent my nomination of my brother, his wife, and their new precious baby to be photographed.

December 4, 2009 - 10:30 am Erin - What an amazing gift. I just emailed a nomination!

December 9, 2009 - 3:39 pm Lisa Kurth - You have captured the sole's of these babies and children in your photographs. It's almost like you can feel their smiles! I definitely know a couple deserving of your holiday contest. Lisa

December 10, 2009 - 12:21 am Jennifer - What a great way to share your love and art! You are an amazing person!!

November 29, 2009 - 9:27 pm {Love} | Northwest Indiana Child and Family Photographer » Northwest Indiana Photographer, Valparaiso Photographer – Samantha Uphold Photography - [...] Please also don’t forget to submit your entries to Giving Is Awesome!! [...]

{Stunning Senior} | Northwest Indiana Senior Photographer

Sweet, funny, smart, beautiful…..

::sigh::

Clients make my job TOO easy!! ;)

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{GQ watch out!} | Northwest Indiana Child Photographer

There may have never been a happier child in front of my camera. I think this session took all of 24.7 minutes. Hello, Blue Eyes!!
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{I Love Them To Pieces…} | Northwest Indiana Family Photographer

and pieces, and pieces, and pieces. Seriously, this family is SO much fun – my cheeks were hurting when the session was over from laughing so much. They are some of the most genuinely FUN families around. Thanks for a fantastic afternoon!!

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{Teagen Rose} | Northwest Indiana Baby and Newborn Photographer

I was lucky enough to get to spend the afternoon with a fantastic family that I know quite well! Meet the newest addition to their family…..Teagen Rose!!

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November 22, 2009 - 12:09 pm Lara - Every time I check your blog, you blow me away!!! Amazing!

November 22, 2009 - 12:21 pm Taylor - oh my gosh! your pictures are so awesome :) we loved having you here, and thank you so much! can't wait to see the rest of them!

November 22, 2009 - 12:31 pm Lauren Keough - Mrs. Uphold you did amazing!!!1 that baby is soo adorable they are such a beautiful family!!!! you did a great job

November 22, 2009 - 2:21 pm Mandi - Great images!

November 22, 2009 - 2:48 pm Tarrey - Ilove these pictures!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I wish I could see more :) but these are amazing

November 22, 2009 - 2:51 pm Torrey - these are amazing

November 23, 2009 - 10:19 am Kimberly - These pics are simply amazing. I wish I knew you when Haley was born. You are a photo genius!!!

November 24, 2009 - 4:22 pm Zoe - OMG!!!!! Could this baby be any cuter? And to top it all of the awesome pictures! You honestly rock!

{My Valpo Senior Model who is really a Model} | Northwest Indiana Senior Photographer

I couldn’t have better things to say about this gorgeous girl. When one talks about the “total package” they are referring to girls like this…smart, funny, sweet, beautiful, generous, and on and on. I’ve known Taylor for a few years now, and I am continually impressed by this young woman and her achievements. Taylor is my Senior Model for Valparaiso High School this year, and well….could I have lucked out any more? Taylor is an ACTUAL model!! Jackpot!! :)
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