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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"  

{I Wanna Know Where Da Gold At!!} | Northwest Indiana Photographer

Thursday, March 11, 2010 Posted in Personal

Isn’t this early Spring weather AMAZING?!?!?!  Gosh, I am loving it, and it is certainly a sign that the next season is right around the corner!  Things are going to get crazy around here soon.  I have several Senior Models lined up, and I will start shooting their sessions at the end of the month.  It’s been slow around here due to the weather, and the break has been nice.  But, I am ready to get back in the swing of things.  :)

With St. Patty’s Day approaching, I thought it would be a good time to share one of my FAV youtube videos.  I am, admittedly, a youtube junkie.  I could watch the silliness for hours.  I have so many favorites, but this one makes me laugh.  EVERY.  TIME.  It’s just ridiculous.  I hope on St. Patty’s Day you all find your pot of gold, or maybe even your leprechaun!!  :)

I would LOVE to hear what your favorite youtube videos are.  Please let me know!!

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by sammyv22

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{Special and Senior Models Needed!!} | Northwest Indiana Senior Photographer

Tuesday, March 9, 2010 Posted in Uncategorized

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 3/12/10

SENIOR MODELS NEEDED

Attention 2011 Seniors – I am looking for Senior Models from the following high schools – Valparaiso, Merrillville, Chesterton, Morgan Township, Andrean, Highland, Lake Central, Crown Point, and Munster. Contact Samantha at samantha@samanthauphold.com to find out how you can receive a FREE session and other complimentary goodies! Rep applications are being accepted through the end of March. Please pass this on to any upcoming 2011 Senior that you think would be interested.

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by sammyv22

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{Winners!!} | Northwest Indiana Family and Child Photography

Friday, March 5, 2010 Posted in Contests

1st Place

teagenwin

2nd Place

palmwin

3rd Place

emmawinAnd the winner of the free session is Robyn Markos!!!  :)

Thanks for all the entries and sweet comments.  This was a lot of fun. Congrats to the winners and thank you to everyone for making 2009 a fantastic year!  There will be a session special announced on Monday.  Stay tuned!!

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March 5, 2010 - 11:00 am Kari Bennett - YEAH Teagen Rose!!! Thanks for the votes everyone! :)

March 7, 2010 - 4:19 pm jenny gurley - WOW............Im still just so amazed about your pictures really am going to book a session soon for my daughter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!WOW terriffic job Samantha.

Image of the Year Contest | Northwest Indiana Photographer

Monday, February 22, 2010 Posted in Contests, Uncategorized

Thanks to 2010 starting with an epic computer crash, this contest is SUPER late.   That just gives me an excuse to make this an even better contest than the past two years.  :) The winning family will get their choice of the image in a 16×20 or a complimentary session.  The 2nd place winner will receive an 11×14, and the 3rd place winner will receive and 8×10.  Encourage all of you friends and family to vote AND to leave a comment at the bottom of this post.  After the contest is over, I will enter every person who leaves a comment into a drawing.   One person will win a complimentary session!!    Everyone can vote once, and the contest ends on March 3rd at 11:59 pm!

1.

1-of-74ra

2.

93-of-97brooklyn

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89-of-78tonie

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aidenc14

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44-of-117mathisfam

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19 ( of )44emmylounewbornbw

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37 ( of )52tylergantnewborn

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12-of-57paigemma

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kimberling06

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3-of-3bradenb_2

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1-of-1addi1

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katem55

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57-of-75perryfamily

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teagan10

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44-of-61evane_1

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shelbie28

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61-of-62sydksenior

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22-of-67ian2yr

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minix05

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94-of-75rocksandersfam

24.

35-of-46kenzyergler

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stevea40

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by sammyv22

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February 22, 2010 - 10:24 pm Aleka Dovellos - This is such a precious photo! The older brother is tenderly kissing the young baby with the father overlooking! So sweet!

February 22, 2010 - 10:28 pm ann - Ohhh, so hard to choose Sam !!! They're all wonderful and beautiful :)

February 22, 2010 - 10:28 pm Heather - Love this one. A kid smiling is magic

February 22, 2010 - 10:29 pm michelle - Ok, I have to vote for my princess!!!!! And the amazing job your did capturing this memory for us! Your awesome!

February 22, 2010 - 10:32 pm tori - omg, haah i cant believe that my photo made it on here! im so excited!

February 22, 2010 - 10:39 pm Ashley Bradney - Your photography is so beautiful! im getting married in 2011 i hope you'll be open to do my wedding!! i hope!

February 22, 2010 - 10:41 pm Kylee - This one is my favorite...but they all are sooo good.

February 22, 2010 - 10:49 pm Sherri LaFrance - All the pictures are beautiful! So hard to pick a fav! The eyes in some of the pictures are absolutely gorgeous! I have to pick the baby with the adorable hat and beautiful, puffy lips! ;) It is just so sweet that she is sleeping with her arms in that position. Priceless!!! :)

February 22, 2010 - 10:52 pm Rachel Snowden - You do great work, Samantha!

February 22, 2010 - 10:59 pm Marc Schwind - Beautiful photography. You should be very proud of your work!

February 22, 2010 - 11:11 pm Kari - love you. love your pictures. really love your pictures of my babies! thanks for the memories of a lifetime! go teagen rose

February 22, 2010 - 11:11 pm Amber Smith - Samantha, this was a SUPER hard decission!! Your photos are ALL AMAZING! I just love this one though!! The clouds are breath taking and this girls' personality shines through!

February 22, 2010 - 11:18 pm Onica Leverich - They are all so great Samantha. I like #1 best because I can almost see the creative wheels turning in their heads. Reminds me of being a kid and just thinking about what to play, where to go...Love it. #9 is a close 2nd...you really captured innocence in that one. Keep up the good work!!

February 22, 2010 - 11:22 pm Kathy Cervik - How can I choose just one? You are an amazing photographer!

February 22, 2010 - 11:23 pm Byron Lee - Hi Samantha, Your photography is amazing! It was hard to pick a favorite. Hope I win the contest :)

February 23, 2010 - 12:22 am Tabetha - I love.love.love. your work =) Part of me can't wait to have babies just so you can take pictures of them!All of these pictures are amazing!

February 23, 2010 - 1:07 am Amy - Love them all, what a choice! Your photos are amazing!

February 23, 2010 - 1:28 am Sharon Simmons - Your pictures are all so masterfully done, it is very hard to choose only one. You truly bring out the finest features in all of your subjects. It is almost as though you could read the story behind the picture. WELL DONE!!

February 23, 2010 - 1:51 am Sally - These photos are ALL absolutely amazing! This was not an easy decision, in the least! I scrolled over and over the photos to choose one and feel bad for my other favorites! The lighting and attention to detaileverything was just as you would hope photos to be. You have such a gift, Samantha! ~Sally : )

February 23, 2010 - 4:50 am Mike E. - Amazing, Mrs. Uphold! =) I hope this gift continues to give you such happiness for years to come! Keep up the wonderful work!

February 23, 2010 - 5:56 am Michell Mathis - That was WAY to hard of a choice! All of your photos are WONDERFUL, but I was really torn between 3 or 4 being the TOP picks! Keep up the amazing work!

February 23, 2010 - 5:58 am Chris - Wow, that's all I have to say! : D

February 23, 2010 - 7:30 am Lara - R & A were SO excited to see that their photo was included. You made their day! You have given us such priceless memories......a snapshot in time......a moment I will treasure. Thanks so much!!!

February 23, 2010 - 7:51 am Liz Chatwell - so hard to choose!!!

February 23, 2010 - 8:02 am Sarah - I love the shear joy and laughter in this boys face and the way the red chair stands out.

February 23, 2010 - 8:03 am Karen Novina - very nice picture

February 23, 2010 - 9:46 am Brenda Allen - All the pics were amazing. the photographer is awesome!!

February 23, 2010 - 10:14 am david evans - Gorgeous!!

February 23, 2010 - 10:17 am Kristin Weston - That is the cutest picture I have ever seen! Love the pose, love the hat, love the baby!!! You rock. I wish I lived closer so I could have my family pics taken by you!!! Kristin

February 23, 2010 - 10:17 am Sheila - What a beauty!

February 23, 2010 - 10:22 am Kristin Weston - If I am voting again, it because i don't know if my first vote went through. Love the pose, love the hat, love the baby! you rock and wish i could have my family pics taken by you if we lived closer. Kristin

February 23, 2010 - 10:44 am katy - it was a toss up between #10 and #8.....you're so talented sam!

February 23, 2010 - 10:46 am Paula Hoffman - Beautiful photography!

February 23, 2010 - 11:01 am Michele Arndt - I think you get better by the day!!

February 23, 2010 - 11:13 am Steve Gray - Great Photo!

February 23, 2010 - 11:26 am Deborah Dearybury - perfect picture of a brother and siter. enjoy that moment

February 23, 2010 - 11:48 am Liz Albertini - Had to vote for my beautiful first grandchild,.Brooklyn snuggling with Hunter

February 23, 2010 - 12:07 pm ~love - our first picture as a family of 7?!? of course it is my favorite, but i really do love all your work. i'm so thankful for you and the memories you have captured for us.

February 23, 2010 - 12:11 pm Brenda Nobleza - I think this is the most precious picture I have ever seen! It makes my heart melt :-)

February 23, 2010 - 12:32 pm Lisa Brady - Too precious for words!

February 23, 2010 - 12:33 pm nickole huffman - What a gorgeous family!

February 23, 2010 - 12:44 pm Ashlee - I love them all! You do amazing work!

February 23, 2010 - 1:03 pm Shea Copenhaver - I love all of your photos, especially #12. They each have their own unique personality and character. Very creative and colorful! ~Shea Copenhaver

February 23, 2010 - 1:04 pm Michael - #10 Love my neice!

February 23, 2010 - 1:05 pm svajda@uark.edu - all the pics were great

February 23, 2010 - 1:17 pm Rachel Konopacki - Sam you are amazing it was so hard to decide!!!! I just love dogs so that pic I thought was so cute!!!

February 23, 2010 - 1:23 pm Adventures In Babywearing - Wow! They are all amazing. I'm in love with Lovelyn's family photo! Steph

February 23, 2010 - 1:27 pm JEN - These photos are amazing! #17 is my favorite!

February 23, 2010 - 1:28 pm Marilyn - so many beautiful photos it is hard to choose.

February 23, 2010 - 1:36 pm Liz Yost - Oh my goodness! I came here to vote for #12 but all of the photos are incredible! AMAZING!

February 23, 2010 - 1:39 pm Alexis - OMG! Michelle, Emma is adorable, where did you find this photographer! #10

February 23, 2010 - 1:40 pm Tina - Beautiful shots!

February 23, 2010 - 1:53 pm Helen Anderson - What FABULOUS pictures! You have been blessed with VERY MUCH TALENT behind the lens! There are SOOO many great shots in this contest, but I HAVE to vote for my adorable cousin, #10!!!

February 23, 2010 - 1:56 pm Ashley - Cute as can be! How adorable

February 23, 2010 - 2:00 pm Julie Warren - An adorable baby and a dog...you can't beat that ! Such peace !

February 23, 2010 - 2:05 pm Bri - Goreous photos.

February 23, 2010 - 2:14 pm Tanya - You are a truly gifted photographer - all your photos hold magic!!!!!!

February 23, 2010 - 2:34 pm Kim - My vote is for #17!!!! This little bundle of joy is so precious and beautiful!!

February 23, 2010 - 2:36 pm Lisa Braun - Love this pic:)

February 23, 2010 - 2:38 pm Anna Smith - These are beautiful. It would be wonderful if you travel out of state to do weddings... :)

February 23, 2010 - 2:44 pm Teresa Griffin - Absolutely beautiful!! Love them all.

February 23, 2010 - 2:47 pm Jenine - I don't know this baby or the family, but this picture is fantastic!

February 23, 2010 - 3:14 pm Sue Hills - Adorable!

February 23, 2010 - 3:16 pm Gary Hills - Beautiful!

February 23, 2010 - 3:30 pm Gary Hills - Just gorgeous!

February 23, 2010 - 3:50 pm beth - what a great picture.

February 23, 2010 - 4:00 pm Kari Freyenberger - It was very hard to pick one picture...I was torn between 2. It would have been easier if one of the choices was Christian:-) I had to go with the one that looks like a model shoot photo. It looks like a glamour shot from America's Next Top Model!! They are all amazing pics Sam!!!

February 23, 2010 - 4:13 pm Renee - LOVE IT!

February 23, 2010 - 4:35 pm Michelle Carter - All the photos are gorgeous and turned out terrific but I voted for #12. I love the family, the girls clothes, all the bright colors, and the background. What a beautiful family!

February 23, 2010 - 4:39 pm Paige Schwind - WOO let's go emma :D #10!

February 23, 2010 - 4:56 pm shanna - Gorgeous photos Sam!!! Kinda hard to pick just one./// But I think I have to go with the little puffy lips baby.....SOOOO cute.

February 23, 2010 - 4:58 pm Kristi Massner - Holy cow!!! This has GOT to be one of the most precious baby pictures ever!!! Samantha--you put Anne Geddes to shame!! Sooo soft and cuddly:)

February 23, 2010 - 4:59 pm Gabby - i love ur photos Mrs. Uphold see ya in class!!!!!!! love gabby rogers

February 23, 2010 - 5:01 pm Megan B - Awesome pics!

February 23, 2010 - 5:27 pm Beth - They're all so beautiful and original! This is my fave, though...

February 23, 2010 - 5:47 pm Erin - Love the contrast between sky to grass...not to mention the cute kids!

February 23, 2010 - 6:18 pm Kendra Chiolis - They are ALL so beautiful!!

February 23, 2010 - 6:19 pm Damon Yuill - All of the pictures look awesome! It is ridiculous to choose just one on this level.

February 23, 2010 - 6:19 pm Sarah - Sam, I love the sweet picture of my boys! And I am going to need more soon. Braden is almost 8 months already!

February 23, 2010 - 6:20 pm Autumn Martin - I like the tranquility of this photo.

February 23, 2010 - 6:35 pm Kelli - Of course I have to vote for my nephews...too cute! You are amazing! Hopefully you will be available to take pics of our baby this fall!

February 23, 2010 - 7:21 pm ashley tor - I love this picture it is soo adorable!!

February 23, 2010 - 7:25 pm Geoffrey Brown - Such a photographic eye / talent and to pick just one?

February 23, 2010 - 7:31 pm Caren - I had such a hard time picking...I love them ALL!

February 23, 2010 - 7:35 pm Renee - Love my daughter - and love your photography. You are amazing, Sam!!

February 23, 2010 - 7:59 pm Michelle Z - What a DOLL!!! Great photography!!

February 23, 2010 - 8:01 pm Rachel Gotshall - I love your work Sam -- especially the baby photos. They are so creative! We have Braden's birth announcement on our fridge with 8 or 9 others....and it always get's a comment from visitors. Rachel Gotshall

February 23, 2010 - 8:04 pm Erin Eck - Wow!...your photos are breathtaking! My passion is photography...I can only hope that I will ever be 1/2 as good is you someday! If you ever have a Samantha College I would love to attend :) I wish I would have had you capture my little guys picture especially when he was brand new

February 23, 2010 - 8:47 pm Lisa - Can't wait to do it again Sam!!! Thanks for your support with FD and picking my gorgeous girl.... You truly have an amazing gift!

February 23, 2010 - 9:10 pm Kim Lunato - Wonderful photos! We are moving to the area and know the twins in #1. We have girl twins and are excited to perhaps connect with you some day to have our own photos done.

February 23, 2010 - 9:19 pm Denise Reese - I love this photo!!!

February 23, 2010 - 9:34 pm Lois Janiszewski - Sam, I had a really hard time trying to decide which one I liked the most,I loved them all! You truly are an artist. It must feel wonderful to be the one to capture timeless memories of those we love so much. Keep up the beautiful work Sam, and may your camera never ever run out of film!

February 23, 2010 - 9:57 pm Alison Rentschler - All the pics are beautiful!! Voting for my daughter's gymnastic's teammate.

February 23, 2010 - 10:10 pm Carrie Belt - All were cute pictures! Good job to all!

February 23, 2010 - 10:29 pm Jessica - Sam, great job! I love you and my Ty baby!!!

February 23, 2010 - 10:49 pm Barbara Cote' - They look like true love

February 23, 2010 - 11:21 pm Tina Mergenthaler - I am just blown away at all these pictures! It was so hard to pick just one. BEAUTIFUL WORK!!!!

February 24, 2010 - 12:07 am Tara - I like picture #10. There is something about the girls eyes that stand out to me. Beautiful. She is a natural.

February 24, 2010 - 8:59 am Chris Wasz - Too many to choose from - you need to have categories next time! Great pictures!

February 24, 2010 - 9:33 am Kathy Kelly - Wonderful pictures but #17 is too good to be true! Right Grandpa????

February 24, 2010 - 9:34 am Joy Graf - Baby Tyler hanging from the tree branch is adorable. They are all so good it was hard picking one.

February 24, 2010 - 9:35 am Kimberly Billetter - Wow....these are so amazing and the feel is different in so many of them with the different settings, lighting and people. Good Luck.

February 24, 2010 - 10:47 am Tammy Dutcher - WOW! Your work speaks for itself! You are a true master at your profession... Eda Who?

February 24, 2010 - 12:28 pm O. Selgo - Beautiful family with a beautiful purpose! I love this photo!

February 24, 2010 - 1:40 pm Renae - Your photos are amazing! It is clear that you have a passion for your work!! Beautiful!!

February 24, 2010 - 2:39 pm Jordan - These are absolutely amazing :] It was such a hard decision to choose just one! You should be very proud of all of these. It is indescribable how well you can capture emotions in your pictures.

February 24, 2010 - 4:24 pm Wendy Sheely - My grand daughter in # 6 is just way to cute. Had to vote for her. All your photos are simply amazing. Would love to have you do some photos at our farm.

February 24, 2010 - 7:09 pm Gabby - WOW! You are an amazing photographer...It was hard to just choose one!!!

February 24, 2010 - 9:18 pm Laura Underwood - THAT IS THE COOLEST PHOTO EVER!!!!!! What a family!!!!!!!!! I love it!

February 24, 2010 - 9:49 pm Monique - Your photography is amazing! It's fun to see pictures of my friends!

February 24, 2010 - 11:28 pm Teresa - WOW. What wonderful photography. Truly beautiful. Of course I had to vote for #1....not only a wonderful picture but AMAZING KIDS!!!

February 25, 2010 - 11:00 am Jill MacLennan - I love this picture of my friend Lara's twins...I have 5 year old twin boy & girl and want to come to you for photos:)

February 25, 2010 - 1:13 pm Carly - LOVE ALL the pictures as usual Sam!! You are so talented!!!!! You know I want to have kids just so you can photograph them!

February 25, 2010 - 1:36 pm Charlene Kleiner - I may be prejudice, but the picture of Teagan Rose is truly priceless. Go #17!

February 25, 2010 - 5:31 pm Michele' Brown - Your pictures are amazing!!!! I would like to get my girls pictures taken in their dance outfits. I own a local dance studio. Check out my website. Michele' Brown

February 26, 2010 - 9:09 am Linda Mahoney - this is precious...just look at her eyes!

February 26, 2010 - 9:19 am Maren Hjelmeng - #17 makes 12 perfect grandchildren in a row! How lucky am I??

February 26, 2010 - 12:00 pm Dora Schmidt - Great work, Samantha! I am really, really impressed with your work! WOW! All of the photos are great. Would LOVE to win that free session....:) (who wouldn't, right?!)

February 26, 2010 - 4:56 pm Torrey Bnnett - i love all the pix and i didn't vote for Teagen just because shes my baby sister......... there perfuct

February 26, 2010 - 7:57 pm jenny gurley - love your pictures....think they r so amazing

February 27, 2010 - 2:30 am Leah White - These pictures are amazing! i 100% love #6 *the girl is so beautiful *the sky is pretty *the background is amazing all in all the picture is perfect!

February 27, 2010 - 11:32 pm Megan Wiesjahn - I absolutely love #2. The baby on the dog....precious. Great work. All of the pictures are fantastic!

February 28, 2010 - 1:56 pm Kailee Saulsgiver - There is absoultely no way I could choose, I will not vote! They are all awesome!

February 28, 2010 - 5:23 pm erika - The photographs are beautiful!

February 28, 2010 - 8:59 pm Jamie - They're all so good! However,this has got to be the cutest thing I have EVER seen. Quite the talented lady!

March 2, 2010 - 7:32 am Lori Strickland - Beautiful photography!!

March 2, 2010 - 10:03 am Jessica - she is beautiful...you made her look stunning!

March 2, 2010 - 10:07 am Crystal - #17 has to be the most adorable thing that I have seen in a long time. So innocent, so cute, so refreshing. It brought a smile to my face. Best of luck.

March 2, 2010 - 4:42 pm Rachel C - The first image is my favorite b/c I know how hard it is to get my kids to pose for pics - what a great image!

March 2, 2010 - 5:03 pm RuthAnn McKinney - I love the chemistry of these two kids portrayed in this photo

March 2, 2010 - 10:55 pm Mechelle D'Antonio - Wonderful job Sam! All of your pictures are beautiful, so tuff to decide a favorite!

March 3, 2010 - 9:13 am Jaimee - Wonderful work!

March 3, 2010 - 3:28 pm Melissa Zamojski - Stunning photos - true photography!

March 3, 2010 - 4:45 pm Jaime Unate - If I wasn't byest to the Palm family I would have a really hard time voting! Your work is so amazing Sam!!!

March 3, 2010 - 8:04 pm DExtraordinaire - you do wonderful work! they are all excellent!

March 3, 2010 - 8:18 pm Kim Cook - love your photos-beautiful!!

March 3, 2010 - 9:36 pm Holly Woodyrrie7 - Love the family!!! No. 2 is really cute too!

March 3, 2010 - 11:13 pm AbiQ - Ummmm there is no contest! #12 alllll the way!

March 3, 2010 - 11:36 pm Robyn Markos - I love this picture!!!!

March 4, 2010 - 1:25 pm Shelbie - All of these pictures are aboslutely amazing! I know im too late to vote but I couldn't resist leaving you a comment! Im so excited a picture of mine was in the contest, but there would have been wayy too many for me to pick just one! I can't wait for my next big life event so I can have you take pictures! You're incredible!

{Oh, Hello 2010!!}

Tuesday, January 5, 2010 Posted in Personal

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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by sammyv22

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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

Saturday, January 2, 2010 Posted in Sneak Peeks, seniors/teens

katem42

katem48

katem55

katem21

katem26

katem19

katem05

katem33

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by sammyv22

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February 28, 2010 - 2:03 pm Kailee Saulsgiver - She is really pretty!

{Love} | Northwest Indiana Child and Family Photographer

Sunday, November 29, 2009 Posted in Sneak Peeks, children, family

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!!

palmfamily60

palmfamily26

palmfamily27

palmfamily64

palmfamily14

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by sammyv22

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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

Sunday, November 29, 2009 Posted in Sneak Peeks, children, family

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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by sammyv22

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

Thursday, November 26, 2009 Posted in Contests

christmasgiveaway

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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by sammyv22

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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

Wednesday, November 25, 2009 Posted in Sneak Peeks, seniors/teens

Sweet, funny, smart, beautiful…..

::sigh::

Clients make my job TOO easy!! ;)

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by sammyv22

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