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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"  

{Berlyn’s 1st Birthday} | Northwest Indiana Child and Family Photographer

What can I even say about this event that will do it justice?!?!?!  What an incredible birthday celebration for little Miss Berlyn!!!  I don’t photograph many events, but every so often one comes along that sounds like it will be a blast, and I just can’t pass it up.  I arrived a little early to do some photos prior to the party.  We got a few captures – my favorite are the first three below.  Mom informed me that her daughter wasn’t super smile-y, she was more of the inquisitive, serious type – always thinking and checking things out.  Julie – I can’t tell you how much I adore you for not only informing me of that (so I didn’t look like a goon, dancing around trying to get her to smile – lol), but for wanting to capture the essence of Berlyn’s character.  Yes, we caught some smiles throughout the day, but the first few shots below are the ones that speak to me the most.  THANK YOU for including me in your day and choosing me to be there to capture it!!  It was a wonderful party that you put on for your family and friends.

Are you kidding me??  I think Dad and I were both tickled pink when she started doing this.  It was like she was posing for us.  SO STINKING CUTE!!!

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My favorite.  Oh, how I love this shot.

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July 13, 2010 - 1:41 pm nichole frank - Good to know I'm not the only mom who got pony rides for the 1st birthday. My inlaws told me I was crrraazzzyyy. :) She's sooo adorable. I love her big eyes! Gorgeous!

July 13, 2010 - 1:41 pm nichole frank - Good to know I'm not the only mom who got pony rides for the 1st birthday. My inlaws told me I was crrraazzzyyy. :) She's sooo adorable. I love her big eyes! Gorgeous!

{Gorgeous Girlies} | Northwest Indiana Child and Family Photographer

These two young ladies were so fun to photograph.  I loved that Mom told me she wanted to capture this time in her oldest daughter’s life – because she was missing her front tooth!  I have many parents that are waiting for the “perfect” time to get photos done.  Some even wait until the teeth come back in.  I thought it was great, and I just adored how cute she looked with that little gap.  Thanks for a wonderful evening, “A” Family!  :)

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July 11, 2010 - 3:21 pm Donna - very cute! love the first one (:

July 11, 2010 - 8:19 pm Mary - The girls are so cute!

July 12, 2010 - 5:48 am Andrea Berarducci - Sugar and Spice oozing all over the place. The Milhalsky/Achtzehn genes quite evident. Just adorable and unique.

July 12, 2010 - 10:48 am nichole frank - oh holy night. you rock sam. you rock.

{I’m Gonna Knock You Out} | Northwest Indiana Newborn Photographer

Last Friday, I had the pleasure of meeting and photographing little Jillian.  Let me tell you, this precious little girl is SO LOVED.  She is welcomed into the world by Mom, Dad, and 3 older brothers.  Her older brothers were so sweet and loving toward her – even the 16 year old just came in for a few minutes while mom was feeding her and smiled at her so sweetly it melted my heart.  I am very excited for the family to see all of the images.  Thank you for welcoming me into your home and choosing me to capture this special time in your life.  :)

Hahaha…..I love baby outtakes.  Her big brothers were so very gentle and loving toward her, but with three of them there are is no doubt in my mind that there will be some rambunctious times in her future.  Looks like baby girl is prepared.  ;)

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Look at that HAIR!!!  ::swoon::

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AYKM with this nursery!?!?!?!  The light was so gorgeous, the room was so impeccably decorated.

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I love shots like this where they look like they are still all smooshed up in the womb.

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And those EYES!!!!!!!!  :::swoon::: x2

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Seriously?  Love.

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June 29, 2010 - 3:09 pm Lara - Outstanding.....each and every one!!! LOVE the nursery!!!

June 29, 2010 - 7:46 pm Pamela Mnichowski - Those pictures are adorable. I love the colors.....too cute! Love the Nursery! Love Jillian!!!! Congratulations again Stacy!!!!

July 7, 2010 - 7:41 pm Amy Majchrowicz - OMG!!!!! Gorgeous!!!!!!!!!

{Happy Father’s Day!!!} | Northwest Indiana Baby and Family Photographer

Happy Father’s Day Eddie!

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June 20, 2010 - 7:25 pm Lara - Outstanding Samantha!!! I so regret not having photos done like this when mine were teeny tiny!!!

July 7, 2010 - 4:30 pm kylee conley - love it!!! cant wait for our photo shoot

{Summer Fun} | Northwest Indiana Family and Child Photographer

It was so fun to see this family and photograph them at the beach last week.  I went to school with both Mom and Dad and haven’t seen them for quite some time.  They have such adorable little boys that were a blast to photograph playing together.  And, I *loved* the way mom coordinated the colors of their outfits.  It is a perfect example of how you don’t have to be all “matchy” for family photos.  Combining different colors and patterns can work – and I loved the way the colors of their clothes pop against the beach backdrop!!   Thanks for a great evening, K Family!

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June 16, 2010 - 11:04 pm alaina conley - omg..i was there and i didn't see how bea-u-ti-ful these were..i love them..and ur right i liked how they did the outfits to!=]

June 19, 2010 - 6:09 pm Zoe? - OMG! Sam you've done it again! Amazing job!

June 21, 2010 - 11:30 am Maria - Oh my Oh my Oh my - beautiful!!

July 1, 2010 - 4:49 pm Lisa - Sam, you really captured our boys' spirits! Thank you so much!!! We love our pictures!

July 1, 2010 - 4:53 pm Lisa - Sam, you really captured our boys' spirits! We love our pictures!

{Introducing Kayden} | Northwest Indiana Newborn Photographer

What a precious addition to this wonderful family!!! I had such a fantastic time with these guys, and I just *adore* mom.  We had to break up the session into two parts, and the second day I arrived at her house she had  SATC on in the living room where we were shooting. If you know me at ALL, you know that was probably the most fantastic surprise – ever.  :)  Kayden was sleeping peacefully, we were chatting away while I was snapping photographs, and Carrie Bradshaw was on in the background.

::swoon::  :)

You know how you meet people and you just click with them?  Yep – she was great AND she took one look at my very chipped, darn it, I KNEW I shoulda polished my nails before I left nail polish and exclaimed, “Pompeii Purple!!”.  We both ONLY wear that color.  It’s the best OPI color, just in case you are looking for one that is simply fantastic.  Maria – you are the best!!  Thanks to you and your family for a wonderful session.  I can’t wait for you to see the rest!!

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June 9, 2010 - 9:50 pm Kari Freyenberger - so cute!!

June 9, 2010 - 10:38 pm Eve Adams - Simply beautiful! My little nephew Kayden, in all his perfection was captured beautifully. Kindly, Eve

June 9, 2010 - 10:59 pm Carlos M Perez - Great pictures of my Grandson.

June 10, 2010 - 5:32 am Lara - To die for!!! Fantastic Samantha!!!

June 21, 2010 - 11:38 am Maria Adams - All I can say is "L-O-V-E" --- I couldn't be more in love w/ the way you captured my children and new little man! Thank you Samantha! :0)

{Summer Special} | Northwest Indiana Photographer

If you are a blog follower, you know things have been beyond crazy in my life lately.  I am VERY happy to report things are settling down.  I just finished my second treatment of chemo, and am finding that I am handling the treatments quite well.  When I ran my usual special earlier this year (which is generally only run once a  year), I was sideswiped by some scary health news and actually had to turn clients away for fear I wouldn’t be able to keep on schedule with the uncertainty of what was to come.  Sooooo….in that case I am running the special AGAIN!!  :)   This is the *perfect* time to purchase the session fee for your yearly summer or fall sessions which are perfect for holiday gifts and Christmas cards, to get your 2011 Senior photographs, or to buy that special someone an amazing gift for a shower or just because.  Due to dealing with cancer, I will be taking a limited # of sessions this summer and fall, so please book now to ensure that your session gets on the books!!  219.405.5117  or samantha@samanthauphold.com

Once a Year Session Special

Purchase a standard session for $175 and receive a complimentary $100 gift certificate for prints or products. Offer good through 6/5/10.

And, here is my KHS Senior Model……Wow.  She is STUNNING.  :)

Kouts Seniors – contact me for a special I am running JUST FOR YOU!!

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June 5, 2010 - 2:59 pm Rhonda - Samantha you are amazing! This could not have been timed more perfectly. You are so passionate about your work!! We had a blast with you :) Can't wait to see all the pictures.

{Addison’s 1st Rodeo} | Northwest Indiana Child and Family Photographer

This little darling has just celebrated her 1st birthday.  It was so wonderful to spend time with her and her two amazingly sweet parents, again.  I love, love, love watching my clients grow up, and I hadn’t seen little Addison since she was just a newborn!  For her 1st birthday party her theme is “Addison’s 1st Rodeo”, and her mom found this amazing location through a client at work.  We had a fabulous time at this beautiful farm.  Thank you guys for another flawless session.  You are so beautiful to watch together as a family.  :)

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May 29, 2010 - 7:54 am Kari Freyenberger - love these Sam! you are just amazing:-)

May 29, 2010 - 8:04 am Lara - I LOVE checking out your new blog posts!! I don't know how these parents will choose!! They are all darling. LOVE the one with the diaper cover!!

{News}

Things have been quiet on the blog this year.  2010 has been a little rough on me.  I have started a new, personal blog to document my journey through my latest news – my battle against cancer.  I plan on continuing to work through this time, but I’m just a little unsure of what is to come in the near future.  I was diagnosed on April 16th, and will most likely be starting treatment in the next couple of weeks.  I will be posting updates, news, and progress on this site.

http://samanthauphold.com/journal

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May 2, 2010 - 6:19 am Lara - You are brave. You are strong. You are amazing. One day at a time Samantha.........

May 11, 2010 - 8:33 am Mary Loza :) - Hey kiddo! Sorry you've been forced to the join the 'cancer sorority'. I know you will do well. If there is anything you need, please let me know. I went thru chemo treatments with a coworker who had lymphoma at the time (she used Dr. Klein, I Dr. Sloan). Both of us have gladly hit the 4 year mark. Keep moving forward, and let people help. It makes them feel useful in this battle. God Bless! Mary Loza

June 8, 2010 - 8:14 pm Barb Elston - Hi Samantha, I just got done reading you journal and I've never known such honesty, compassion, and strengh as I do now. When your whole world is turned upside down you are worried about how your loved ones are going to handle this diagnois. I think I would be having the worlds largest pitty party for myself, but not you . You stand there and face everything straight up. I always thought you were a special lady, from the moment my Rachel had you as a teacher. And couldn't stop talking about you and your teaching techniques, I knew. I want you to know I had that pitty party the whole time I read you journal but I had it for you . Please know that we are keeping you so very close to our hearts and prayers and stay positive because thats your strengh and you're going to take this journey and come out the end alittle scared but whole and ready to get on with your life. We send you only positive thoughts and a full recovery.

{Tori’s Sweet 16} | Northwest Indiana Photographer

So a couple of Saturday’s ago, Valpo’s Venue got rocked by Tori’s Sweet 16 Birthday Bash.  Let me tell you, this was a party like none other.  Not only is the Venue an awesome place to have a party, but the family made this party insane!!!  The pictures will tell the story.  Tori – Happy Birthday, sweetie!!!  It is always a treat to photograph you, and I was honored to be there for this big occasion.

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The Grand Entrance

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The Band

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The DJ – and Tori’s amazingly sweet and cute brother.  :)

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Tori’s other adorable and so, so sweet brother- The Videographer

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And the PAR-TAY!!!  I hope you had a great night, Tori!!!

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May 1, 2010 - 2:26 pm Lara - How fun!! As always, I enjoyed them Samantha!!

May 1, 2010 - 4:04 pm Carly - THAT'S MY BEST FRAND!!!!

May 1, 2010 - 4:21 pm Lisa - You are simply the best Sam! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! xoxo

May 1, 2010 - 6:25 pm tori - OH MY GOSH!!! these are sooo great!!! thank you thank you thank you 2384t37286428167 times!!

May 1, 2010 - 8:57 pm Ashley - that was the BEST party ever! Tori thank you soo much! and cute pictures samantha!

May 2, 2010 - 7:34 am kylee - haha these are ah-mazing pictures=]

May 2, 2010 - 7:35 am courtney - ha ummm.. kylees comment was suppose to be mine, i didnt change the email bar lol

May 4, 2010 - 10:39 pm One Day At A Time » Blog Archive » {and so it begins….} - [...] have been a better scheduled visit.  I spent that day visiting with so many friends.  I had to work for 2 hours that night, and then afterward we had a cookout and bonfire, and our house was filled with friends and [...]