Form submitted successfully, thank you.

Error submitting form, please try again.

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"  

{Senior Contest} | Northwest Indiana Photographer

Hey everyone!  I am leaving tomorrow for a stem cell transplant to hopefully cure me of Hodgkins Lymphoma.  Due to this, I am not able to hold my usual Senior Rep/Model program this Spring.  As a small replacement, I am running a senior contest.  This contest is inspired by the heart of my business.  I strive to really get to know my clients and develop a session that is unique to each client.  So, I want to get to know you!!  Here are the details you need to know in order to enter.

1.  Student must be a 2011 or 2012 graduate.

2.  I will take up to two students from the following schools:  Kouts, Morgan Township, Washington Township, Hebron, Boone Grove, Valparaiso, Wheeler, Kankakee Valley, Chesterton, Merrillville, Andrean, Lake Central, Highland, Crown Point, Hanover Central, Hobart, Westville, Portage, South Central, North Judson, Knox, Lowell, Munster.

3.  The number of prizes depends on how many schools are represented.  I will only hold the contest if at least 10 schools are represented.  Then, there will be one grand prize. If 15 school are represented, there will be one grand prize and one second place prize.  If all 23 schools are represented, there will be one grand prize, one second place prize, and one third place prize.  So – spread the news!  Tell your friends from other schools!!

4.  What do you have to do?  Take a photograph or have someone else take a photo of you holding up a sign of your favorite quote.  Please email the photo to me at holla@samanthauphold.com.  Please include your name, phone #, school, year of graduation, your quote, and tell me three things about yourself.  I will pick up to two students from each school.  The photo does not have to be anything fancy.  Feel free to be as simple or as creative as you want.

5.  I will accept photos until May 5th, 2011.  After May 5th, I will select the photos (again, up to two from each school).  The winners will then be determined by a vote.

6.   The grand prize will be a custom designed photo session and all of the digital images from the session (at least 35).  This is the cd of the edited, high resolution photographs with reprinting rights.  This is a $2500 value!  You will have the reproduction rights to your senior photographs, forever!  You can print them as much as you like, make cool products with them like, open house invites, phone covers, wall art, jewelry, etc!   If 15 schools are represented in the contest, the second place winner will receive a custom designed photo session and 10 digital images.  This is the same cd, but with 10 images of my choice.  This is a $1025 value.  If all the schools are represented, the third place winner will recieve a custom designed photo session with 3 digital images.  This is a $475 value.  This contest is a HUGE GIVEAWAY!  Don’t miss out on this!

7.  The prizes are non transferable.  I reserve the right to cancel the contest at any time, for any reason.  The session will be held at a mutually determined location and date.  This will not be until June, 2011 but possibly after.

Here is an example of the photograph I took yesterday, with the help of my niece, Alaina.  You do NOT have to submit two photos.  I just really liked the full photo, but you couldn’t read the sign, so I posted two.

Obviously, this photo has a lot to do with my journey through cancer.  Here are the 3 things about me.

1. I once had lunch with Billy Corgan, the lead singer of the Smashing Pumpkins.

2. I love pickles, but never eat the butt end. Yes, there is a butt end.

3. I once peed my pants in the bookmobile (in the name of friendship).

Click the following link to “Like” my Samantha Uphold Photography Facebook page to be notified of the latest news and contests.

I can’t wait to see all of your submissions!

Share

{Baby Greyson} | Northwest Indiana Child and Baby Photographer

It’s been pretty quiet around here.  I hope to be fully recovered and back in the swing of things by June or July.  If you are interested in a session then, please email me at holla@samanthauphold.com to be put on the waiting list for when my business fully re-opens!

I had a little break from treatment, and happened to feel wonderful.  I took it as the perfect opportunity to squeeze in a session with this chunk-a-licious baby boy!  Is he not the cutest little guy you have ever laid eyes on?!?!?!

Share

April 12, 2011 - 11:01 pm Steph - Oh so adorable! Love that name! :) Steph

{The Winners!} | Northwest Indiana Family and Child Photographer

Before I announce the winners, I would like to take a moment to thank all of my 2010 clients – sincerely, from the very bottom of my heart, for your business this past year.  As I was going through the images for the contest, I realized that I held my first portrait session after I started chemotherapy treatment.  Which then led me to realize, I held ALL of my sessions this year while I was being treated for this horrible disease.  I’m incredibly lucky to get to live out my passions through my daily work.  Many of you know how hard it was for me not to be able to teach this past year.  However, each and every one of YOU allowed me to keep doing something I truly love, in spite of the difficulties I was facing with my health.  Many of you have become friends and cheerleaders through this time in my life, and I am grateful for each and every one of you.  People always comment on how positive I have been able to stay throughout this crazy, horrible mess called cancer.  Please know, that you all made that positivity something that was much easier for me to feel and live each day.  THANK YOU for choosing me to capture your families.  THANK YOU for being patient with me through this time.  THANK YOU for your care, concern, prayers, offers of help, hugs, and well wishes.  THANK YOU for allowing me to continue to have this part of my life.  This was a huge part of what kept me going, and for that I could never thank you all enough.  I hope you can feel all the warm fuzzies I have thinking about you all.  :)   You guys are incredibly special to me, and have blessed my life more than you know.

Now onto the winners!! It was a mighty close race down to the very end last night.

The grand prize winner of the complimentary session and a 16×20 canvas ($775 value) is the Klepsch Family!!  Congrats you guys!  I can’t wait to see you again this year!

The second place winner of the complimentary session ($225 value), is the Dovellos Family!  I already know what session Mom is thinking of for the coming year, and Aleka – wouldn’t TODAY be just perfect for it???  Well, if the snow stopped blowing, it would be perfect.  We don’t need another windy session, do we?  ;)

And, the third place winner of a $100 print credit, is the Palm Family!  Mom is currently serving with a ministry in Uganda at this very moment.  All prayers for her and those precious orphans she is loving on right now would be much appreciated!  If you wish to follow her journey over there, you can find her blog, here.  I am mighty excited to see if there may be a new addition to their amazing family when it comes time for our next session. :)

The winner of the free session *just* from leaving a comment is  Emily Guzek!!  That winner was picked by random. org  She left the winning comment number.

Thank you all for your votes and comments!

Share

Image of The Year Contest

Here we are again, folks!  The Image of The Year Contest 2010 has begun.  :)   THANK YOU to all of my 2010 clients.  It was an honor to capture you and your families.  Thank you for stopping by to vote.  Make sure you “like” Samantha Uphold Photography on facebook to find out about specials and keep up with the latest news!

Click here to be taken to the facebook page.

Please vote for your favorite photo at the very end of this post.  The winning client will get a complimentary session and a 16×20 canvas ($775 value).  The 2nd place winner will receive a complimentary session ($225 value), and the 3rd place winner will receive a $100 print credit.  Encourage all of your 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 (votes are monitored by IP address), and the contest ends on February 1st, 2011 at 11:59 pm.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

29.

30.

31.

32.

33.

34.

35.

Share

January 24, 2011 - 7:44 pm Tammy - These are all great pictures, but I love the unique theme in #1. Of all the pictures, I was very drawn to this one.

January 24, 2011 - 7:58 pm Ashley Sims - You take such BEAUTIFUL photos!

January 24, 2011 - 7:58 pm Lara - We had a hard time narrowing it down!! So many great photos Samantha!!!

January 24, 2011 - 8:00 pm Eric Sims - Beautiful Work!

January 24, 2011 - 8:08 pm Megan Reberg - They are all Soo Beautiful!!!

January 24, 2011 - 8:14 pm bob - You got the photo bug from your grandma.

January 24, 2011 - 8:22 pm Alaina Recker-Price - I love the concept of picture 30. It's so unique! You are so talented Sam!!

January 24, 2011 - 8:31 pm Amy - #24 is Absolutely Adorable! It was so hard to choose! All of the pictures are beautiful!

January 24, 2011 - 8:42 pm Connie - Absolutely love everything about this photo!! The colors, period dress, fall, love, it's a fabulous shot!! A piece of Art!

January 24, 2011 - 8:48 pm Aleka Dovellos - Great work, Sam! But I think I'm biased towards #28!

January 24, 2011 - 8:54 pm Michelle - Thanks again for the AWESOME pics!

January 24, 2011 - 8:59 pm maria m - beautiful pics!! too hard to pick just one!!!

January 24, 2011 - 9:00 pm Megan Zimmerman - Love your work...so beautifully done!

January 24, 2011 - 9:16 pm Beth - I absolutely LOVE the joy you captured in #12. I would LOVE to win a free session. Your work is so etheral. It just seems to bring out the magic in everyone.

January 24, 2011 - 9:26 pm Gina Warwick - GORGEOUS WORK!!

January 24, 2011 - 9:30 pm windy wireman - the photo are all amazing!incredible work!

January 24, 2011 - 9:44 pm Nikki Klepsch - This is such an amazing picture of two amazing kids!

January 24, 2011 - 9:45 pm liz chatwell - Thanks for including Owen's picture in this beautiful collection! So have to choose!!

January 24, 2011 - 9:52 pm Pam - All of them are so so beautiful............but just am touched by number 16.

January 24, 2011 - 9:55 pm Stefanie - Absolutely beautiful photos!

January 24, 2011 - 9:59 pm Lindsay Cuculich - they are all wonderful!

January 24, 2011 - 10:09 pm Lisa Kolan - Such a sweet pic of my boys!

January 24, 2011 - 10:12 pm Michael Rogan - you captured their essence so well!

January 24, 2011 - 10:22 pm Shawnna Seymour - Samantha, how do you pick just one? They are all gorgeous! Your work is amazing, as are you.

January 24, 2011 - 10:29 pm Jaime Unate - Of course I voted for Lovelyn and family, but if I didn't know any of these people I would truly have a VERY hard time choosing!!! These are some amazing photos Sam!!!

January 24, 2011 - 10:39 pm Shannon Zaronias - I have seen your work many times through several friends and your photos are absolutely gorgeous! I would love to set up a session for some family photos!

January 24, 2011 - 10:56 pm Melinda - Great pics...I love your work!!

January 24, 2011 - 11:05 pm Jaime Keene - OMG!!! What beautiful pictures you take. I was in awe looking at them all. You are an AMAZING photographer!!

January 24, 2011 - 11:21 pm Dee Vossos - great pictures

January 24, 2011 - 11:26 pm Carolyn Bublitz - Some of these are absolutely amazing. Beautiful artistry.

January 24, 2011 - 11:29 pm karen highsmith - Your photographs are wonderful. You always seem to capture the moment.

January 24, 2011 - 11:41 pm stacey shaffer - Great newborn photos!

January 24, 2011 - 11:46 pm Kurt Klepsch - The red-heads are the cutest!

January 24, 2011 - 11:49 pm Virginia Martin - All the pictures are great. You do nice work.

January 25, 2011 - 12:06 am Valerie Beach - I think #33 is very beautiful, the girl in the picture is very pretty and sophisticated looking the scenery in the picture brings out her beauty and her beautiful dress.

January 25, 2011 - 12:50 am Tara Scott - Your pictures are so wonderful, very hard to chose. I love them all!

January 25, 2011 - 7:06 am Trish - Samantha...beautiful work as always, so hard to pick.

January 25, 2011 - 7:44 am lisa brakebill - You capture the heart and sole of everyone. Simply beautiful.

January 25, 2011 - 7:58 am Kim Reberg - You have such an amazing gift! Your work is extraordinary! Love #8... Those precious kiddies just make me smile!

January 25, 2011 - 8:04 am Amber Mcconnachie - Love all the photos you take each one is so unique. By far the best professional photos I have ever seen. Very talented and creative!

January 25, 2011 - 8:17 am Beth Boyett - Great photos all!

January 25, 2011 - 8:38 am Pam Thurner - Great collection!!

January 25, 2011 - 8:42 am Molly - All of the pictures are wonderful.

January 25, 2011 - 8:47 am Alicia graves - Once again the Famous Sam has out done herself! its like comparing wolfgang the chef to anyother chef out there! your the best Sam! still need you to get us on camera:( Love you

January 25, 2011 - 8:52 am Stacey Mitchell - Sam, you are so talented! All of these pictures are beautiful! It would be so hard to choose if my own wasn't in the contest;) Great work!

January 25, 2011 - 9:00 am sophie stergos - i love number 28

January 25, 2011 - 9:02 am Kathy - Wonderful photos, great stories, all of them.

January 25, 2011 - 9:03 am Maria - #7 isn't listed to vote above - yikes! Plz add our vote! So many amazing pics to choose from but Im a little bias to my pumkins basket photo! :0)

January 25, 2011 - 9:21 am Marba Chnupa-Paskash - The black and white is beautiful.....the subject breath taking....

January 25, 2011 - 9:21 am Debr Batistatos - I love that pic!

January 25, 2011 - 9:24 am Nicole Gignac - Beautiful photos!!

January 25, 2011 - 9:41 am Courtney - Would love to win a free session with you! Love your work!

January 25, 2011 - 9:56 am love - you are amazing samantha. your work is amazing. i truly love all of them. as always, thank you for capturing our family as we are. i LOVE this picture of us.

January 25, 2011 - 10:08 am Marsha Jensen - very hard to choose. I want to squeeze every one of the kids!

January 25, 2011 - 10:09 am Ruby Hoover - Beautiful photography

January 25, 2011 - 10:10 am Becky Ryder - Awesome pics!

January 25, 2011 - 10:13 am Shauna - Pure beauty...

January 25, 2011 - 10:50 am Evelyn Ames - Your creative talent is phenomenal. I want to look at these pictures over and over again.

January 25, 2011 - 11:10 am Amber H. - Your work is AMAZING.

January 25, 2011 - 11:11 am Erica Navarro - You are amazing! I love all your pictures. :-)

January 25, 2011 - 11:39 am karen - I love the way you bring out the inner beauty of each person, every photo tells a story.

January 25, 2011 - 11:45 am Katie - REALLY close between 10, 16 and 29! Priceless

January 25, 2011 - 11:49 am Jennifer Polachek - fabulous work!!! Go Hudson & Lily!

January 25, 2011 - 11:53 am jennifer - awesome photos!! GREAT photographer!!!!

January 25, 2011 - 12:16 pm Jennifer - ADORABLE!

January 25, 2011 - 12:30 pm Lisa Christy - Wow!! That was hard. Took me awhile to decided. All so beautiful. The one I chose just reminded me of my siblings. Three girls and one boy as we have in my family. All so different but look so close. I could relate to the picture. Could see a story just looking at it. Great work Samantha!!

January 25, 2011 - 12:56 pm Rosemary Brannon - Fantastic pictures

January 25, 2011 - 1:23 pm Heather Maple - Your pictures are amazing. My favorites are in nature!! You capture the people in an amazing way!!

January 25, 2011 - 1:46 pm suellen boomer - I love all the pictures. the 1 and the 16 really stood out. such good work

January 25, 2011 - 2:06 pm Sarah - Amazing as always!

January 25, 2011 - 2:39 pm Katie - I love how every picture tells a story! Thank you for using the gift God gave you in such a beautiful way!

January 25, 2011 - 2:49 pm Laura McMahon - Beautiful pictures, Samantha! You capture such amazing moments in these people's lives!

January 25, 2011 - 3:11 pm kelly coulopoulos - Love these images! I'm hoping to win a freebie, but if not, I WILL be calling you anyway in 2011 to schedule a session with my family of 7!

January 25, 2011 - 3:51 pm Martha Emmanoilidis - beautiful pictures!

January 25, 2011 - 4:03 pm Meghan Adams - these are all so pretty! it was a tough choice!

January 25, 2011 - 4:45 pm Paul LaGrange - Beautiful family!!

January 25, 2011 - 6:14 pm Kim - Amazing pictures, as always!

January 25, 2011 - 6:17 pm Sandra - So many to choose

January 25, 2011 - 6:27 pm kori schmidt - I loved all of these pictures. We had some very cooperating weather!

January 25, 2011 - 7:15 pm Kimberly Bullock - Wow, amazing work!! Our family has yet to have a professional picture taken. I sure know who I'd hire when the time comes :D Beautiful work.

January 25, 2011 - 9:42 pm Rhonda Fenstermacher - Beautiful picture.

January 25, 2011 - 9:52 pm Heather Grieger - You are truly amazing, Samantha! I'm blown away everytime I see more of your photos!! (Eating an apple never looked better!!!)

January 25, 2011 - 10:05 pm Heidy Best - I love this picture of Lily and Hudson! You really captured how energetic they are. Amazing pic!

January 25, 2011 - 11:05 pm Carlos M Perez - Fantastic

January 25, 2011 - 11:23 pm Alissa - Amazing work! I am in love with pic #8.

January 25, 2011 - 11:27 pm Raeann Trakas - Amazing,amazing photos. truly captured the love in #17. would love to have my family photographed by you

January 26, 2011 - 1:45 am Justin Savich - I like # 28!

January 26, 2011 - 8:09 am Alexandra Cominos - Beautiful pictures!

January 26, 2011 - 11:07 am Johnna - Such great pictures!!! Love #8!

January 26, 2011 - 11:53 am Angela Vivo - I love this picture! I feel a picture does tell a thousand words. This one expresses the endless love and joy a mother has for her child. It could never be taken away. It is a gift from God that is better than know other. All the pictures were nice, however, this one pulled at my heart strings! Beautiful!!!!

January 26, 2011 - 4:32 pm Catherine Sheikhi - tough but I had to go with #8 too cute

January 26, 2011 - 5:07 pm kelly - Beautiful work!

January 26, 2011 - 10:27 pm Maria Pyrros - Love the pictures ... Love how natural everyone and everything looks!!

January 26, 2011 - 10:48 pm Bre - I love all of the pictures but #4 is definately my favorite! The colorful sky and the beach all fit together perfectly, not to mention the girl in the picture is beautiful!

January 26, 2011 - 10:54 pm Monica Stillman - stunning work unique, beautiful and and and.....thank you

January 27, 2011 - 12:22 am Tammy Soulounias - Hats off to Samantha ,amazing work your choice of scenery was just wonderful and it looks like you had great people to work with!!I enjoyed all the pictures and had a difficult time narrowing down to a winner.Thanks for the entertainment i really enjoyed it!!!

January 27, 2011 - 12:44 am Cindi Petsalis - All of these pictures are wonderful and very artistic. You are very talented!

January 27, 2011 - 3:00 am Naum Doneski - wow u take amazing photos!! I would love for u to take pictures of our daughter.

January 27, 2011 - 8:36 am tammy schultze - what a wonderful moment!

January 27, 2011 - 9:04 am Ivy Hartsfield - Beautiful pics

January 27, 2011 - 9:32 am Brooke - Just wish I had talent like this. Makes me envious.

January 27, 2011 - 1:39 pm Clarissa - So many adorable photos and precious moments to treasure!

January 27, 2011 - 4:41 pm Lesley Langfeldt - These pictures are all beautiful. It was a hard decision.

January 27, 2011 - 6:24 pm Rebekah @ It Only Gets Better - i went with the one that made me gasp audibly! #28

January 27, 2011 - 6:46 pm Howard Gulick - Hard choice but I finally settled on my niece.

January 27, 2011 - 8:13 pm Sonja Damjanoski - big fan of your work. your color saturation is sooo rich.

January 28, 2011 - 9:33 am Evelyn Martinez - YOU are sooo creative! I especially love the newborns.

January 28, 2011 - 9:45 am Jill - Samantha you are an extremely talented artist.

January 28, 2011 - 10:23 am Michelle Cataletto - I love the gold and blue in this picture! You take wonderful shots!

January 28, 2011 - 12:44 pm Jennifer Ilic - Too many beautiful pictures to choose from!! Narrowed it down and still had to come back and look at them all several times before i could make one choice! Lovely work!

January 29, 2011 - 5:30 am Michael Thiros - Absolutely gorgeous pics!

January 29, 2011 - 7:50 am Kristin McGrane - I vote for #30, DJ Fesko.

January 29, 2011 - 10:20 am Yianna P. - Your pictures are amazing!

January 29, 2011 - 5:37 pm Emily Guzek - Your pictures are AMAZING:) I'd love to have pictures taken by you!

January 29, 2011 - 5:50 pm Donna Grass - love #21

January 29, 2011 - 6:02 pm Alexandra Zarakas - Love the way her dress is whipping with such power and force. Awesome pic

January 29, 2011 - 6:52 pm Lara - Beautiful work!

January 29, 2011 - 7:01 pm Angie Boulas - You do such beautiful work!

January 29, 2011 - 9:39 pm ~natalie - samantha i LOVE your work! you make it so hard to pick just one favorite. i think i could seriously pick all of them. you have an amazing gift and i love that you share it with all of us. good luck to all of them. they are all amazingly beautiful shots. =)

January 29, 2011 - 10:22 pm Steph McLain - I can't tell you enough how much I absolutely love your pictures!! They just make me smile....Thank You!!

January 29, 2011 - 11:59 pm Jani Cross - Beautiful photos!!

January 30, 2011 - 11:15 am Kelly - Awesome work! These pictures are outstanding! But my vote is for that little cutie in picture #5!

January 31, 2011 - 10:55 am jennifer villicana - So many great photos!!! Vote went to #7. :)

January 31, 2011 - 12:28 pm Alexandra Karabatsos - Amazing picture!!!! Your work is breathtaking!

January 31, 2011 - 12:29 pm Eve Adams - Amazing images.

January 31, 2011 - 12:59 pm Ginny Baxter - Love these shots - very talented!!

January 31, 2011 - 1:39 pm Dana Huwig - I love #8...looks like a Gap ad!

January 31, 2011 - 5:52 pm Ashley bradney - Yourr awesomee!!!

January 31, 2011 - 7:24 pm lisa shoemake - all your photos are breathtaking!!!!!!

January 31, 2011 - 7:28 pm Audrey LaMere - I love your work! These photos are beautiful!

January 31, 2011 - 9:13 pm Carlos M Perez - Beautiful

February 1, 2011 - 1:17 pm tia - I VOTE FOR KAYDEN

February 1, 2011 - 4:13 pm Kristen - All of those pictures are really great.

February 1, 2011 - 10:05 pm nik kajmakoski - #28 gets my vote!

February 1, 2011 - 10:08 pm chris karabatsos - Great Pictures! my vote is for #28

February 1, 2011 - 11:48 pm Mary Priestley - Beautiful pic, Beautiful baby!!

February 17, 2011 - 7:37 pm Bailey - i think number 24 is the cutest one because of the baby

{Senior x2} | Northwest Indiana Senior Photographer

Anytime I get a chance to photograph twins, I am in heaven.  I had SO much fun with you guys.  Thanks for being so adventurous!  :)

Share

December 6, 2010 - 12:51 pm Janie Welsh - Hey Samantha! I just wanted to tell you what a BEAUTIFUL job you did photographing Emmy and Chris! They are my brother and sister and you really did capture their personalities so well. I miss them so much and these just made me sob like a little baby. I can't wait to see the rest of them. Thank you so much for your hard work!

December 8, 2010 - 3:07 pm Amy Henderson - Your work is stunning!

January 31, 2011 - 12:02 am Life with Kaishon - You captured so many beautiful pictures this year Samantha! I love your work! What wonderful moments of family love you were able to see! LOVE your style!

{So Full of Love} | Northwest Indiana Family and Child Photographer

If you have been following this blog for anytime, you are quite familiar with this beautiful family.  I’ve been photographing them for a few years now, and I simply adore them.  At the beginning of this session, the girls came bursting out of the truck with coloring pages for me, accompanied by lots of hugs and smiles.  It really doesn’t get much better than that.  It has taken me a few days to get around to writing this blog post, because there is so much that I want to say.  There is so much on my heart right now, and while I normally don’t post too many personal posts on this blog – I feel the need to get it out.  It’s been a challenge to figure out how to express just what I’m feeling right now, and what exactly it has to do with these photographs.  But, it’s all jumbled up inside me, and I’m going to try to put it out into words.  Bear with me, as this may be a little ramble-y.

I have been wanting aching to do a session with a family on a bed in a field for quite some time.  It is not a new idea.  I have seen many other photographers do this, and I’ve always thought it was just perfect.  I had to find the right bed frame (which turned out to be just a $5 headboard from an antique store).  I had to find the right family (I knew Lovelyn‘s would be up for this!).  Then, I had to find the right space (a field I had permission to shoot in with the right low hanging branches to hang paper lanterns).  Once I had all of this into place, it was just a matter of getting everything set up and in place.  Who knew that day my husband, who hadn’t had overtime for months, would be working.  To say I freaked out a little bit would be completely accurate.  I was frantic that I wasn’t going to be able to get this all set up on my own.  Good thing we have a truck, and I’m not too much of a weakling.  Oh, and did I mention this was the day before chemo treatment #12 of 12.  Yeah, I was tired, stressed, but also so. incredibly. determined. that nothing was going to stop this session from going off without a hitch.  I made this happen, one of my dream shoots – while having cancer and going through chemo. And, for that, I can say I am pretty proud. The results just thrill me over and over again each time I look at these images.  But, for me, it is so much more than the light, exposure, even the setting of these photos.  There is SO MUCH in these photographs that bring me to tears these days each time I look at them.

For those of you that don’t know me or follow my updates on facebook or my personal blog, I am currently waiting to find out if I still have cancer.  I will most likely know on Dec. 8th.  The past few weeks have been trying.  I haven’t been able to work at school through my treatments (I am a 5th grade teacher).  Luckily, I’ve had photography to give me something to keep me going physically and mentally.  It’s been one thing that the cancer hasn’t been able to take away from me through all of this.  I am so thankful for it.  I tried to post this blog on Tuesday morning, but I couldn’t get through this part without dissolving into tears.  I’m not exactly succeeding right now, either.  Tuesday was one of the hardest days I have ever faced.  Yes, battling cancer has been tough.  It isn’t nearly as hard as it was to come to grips with what Tuesday brought. On Tuesday, I drove to Indy with my mom to visit my Godmother, Robin.  Robin was recently diagnosed with stage 4 inoperable pancreatic cancer.  I had been down to visit her once since her diagnosis, and she had just one chemo treatment under her belt.  We laid in bed and talked a lot that day.  I will forever cherish that day.  The love and connection I have with this woman is more than I can express in a blog post.  She is like a second mother to me.  She has always been such a bright, warm, welcoming, loving, perfectly wonderful piece of my life.  I’m not sure how much is appropriate to share in this post, but I will just say that the reality of her situation was drastically set into focus on this visit.  I had started to come to terms with the severity of this all, but the first few moments of our visit hit me like a ton of bricks.  I realized, really realized, that cancer may permanently take her from us.  And, we TALKED about it.  I don’t know how to wrap my head around that.  I again, laid with her in bed, holding her hand, the both of us bawling, affirming our love for one another.  We were both desperate for the other to really, truly feel and understand how much we meant to one another.  What a wonderful blessing to have that moment, yet what a horrible feeling at the same time.  It is so strange to me to have those two feelings and so many others together all at the same time.  Thankfulness, love, fear, sadness, anger, hope…..all hanging out in the same place.  It is a challenge trying to understand how to manage them all.  To say this has been hard for me is an understatement.  To say this has been hard on her is not even starting to describe what she has been through.

Today is her 60th birthday.  I love her with all of my heart and then some.  I could never tell her enough how much she means to me. Happy Birthday to my most special Godmother.  Love you bunches and bunches, forever and ever.

So, what in the heck does this have to do with these photos?  These photos give me something to smile about.  These photos give me hope.  These photos give me something that defies cancer, that defies the crappy parts of life.  These days I am clinging so tightly to anything that brings that into my life.  In these photos, there are so many of those things……like…………

these 5 faces

the love between twins

(My Mom is a fraternal twin, Robin is an identical twin. and I have twin brothers.)

the joy in simple moments

that I got to witness little guy is showing us “the wheels on the bus” and the robot.  :D

those two expressions – aykm?  :swoon:

childish wonderment residing with the sweetest heart

baby cheeks and smiles

joy in simply being with the ones you love

snuggling on a bed with the ones closest to your heart

This photograph means the most to me….I see so much in it.

I see how different emotions, that don’t normally seem to go together can reside side by side.

I see the eyes of a mother loving on her children and dreaming of the future.

I see SO MUCH LOVE.

I see that empty space on the bed where there is always room for more.

Thank you for being a part of my life.  Thank you for letting me share in your beautiful journey.  I love you all, and please know how much you do for my heart every time I get to see you!

Share

December 2, 2010 - 12:12 pm Stephanie - Oh, Samantha I love you so much. I am a mess right now, tears everywhere. I pray for you and good news to come. And no matter what, you already know you can do just about anything now, right? These photos speak Love's family's language. Love to you. Steph

December 2, 2010 - 1:06 pm Kari - Samantha you have been so strong for so long. Everyone in the community, your school, your friends...all love you. You are so strong (physically too...dang girl, moving a bed?). It's ok to let go. You are always in our thoughts and prayers. And, these pictures are TDF! Truly AMAZING.

December 2, 2010 - 3:23 pm love - samantha. i know i say the same thing everytime, but it is because i mean it with my whole heart. thank you could never be enough for you capturing our family so beautifully exactly where we are in life. our pictures are my most prized material possessions and these are truly treasures from you. i hate that you had to do that set-up by yourself, but geez! just another piece of evidence to yourself [and everyone!] how unbelievably strong you are...and i'm talking about your spirit, too. i love you & am praying for you. may God's glory shine brightly when you get your news soon. i'm so sorry about your godmother. i'm so thankful that you've had these times with her & that you both took the time to speak your hearts. may you be able to have many more! thank you, sam. thank you for getting my family. thank you loving us. thank you for capturing our story. thank you for seeing that BIG OL' white space on the bed with MORE ROOM! thank you.

December 3, 2010 - 1:16 am Mary - You made me cry! We are praying for you and for Robin.

December 3, 2010 - 9:35 am Laura - Thank you for sharing your thoughts....real thoughts that must be hard to have and even harder to share. And although we have never met and probably never will, the next week I will be praying for you. "I see that empty space on the bed where there is always room for more." Is one of the most beautiful things that I have ever, ever heard.

December 3, 2010 - 11:56 am siobhan - Samantha, Although i dont know you i found you through love's blog,i just wanted to let you know i am praying.Praying for strength,peace,joy,courage and most of all for you to heal.I am so sorry you are experiencing such pain,i cannot even begin to imagine.It sure does sound like your an amazing woman,not to mention photographer:)and i wish all the best for you. god bless, siobhan

December 4, 2010 - 11:35 am Tristina - These pictures are so unbelievably touching, gorgeous, happy, full of hope, and perfect. Perfect. I come from Love's blog and I am wishing you all the health and happy and hope in the world. You are a beautiful photographer with a natural gift.

December 4, 2010 - 6:53 pm Kate at Big City Bel - Samantha, beautiful photos. Love that last one too. Praying for you and good news to come for you.

December 6, 2010 - 8:06 pm Life with Kaishon - Hi Samantha, I am visiting via Love's blog tonight. Even before I came over I told Love I would pray for you and I will. I will pray on my knees tonight that God spares you from this horrible disease. And I pray He gives you strength to fight the sadness that accompanies it. It seems like you have an amazing attitude. I love the pictures you have captured. They fill me with joy. What exceptional work. Praying for you. Love, Becky

December 7, 2010 - 11:01 pm Laura - good thoughts tomorrow, samantha. and beautiful pictures here, and on beth's blog. you are beautiful.

December 8, 2010 - 12:02 am racheal - Hi Samantha, I usually don't comment much but have been pointed to your blog twice now (Love and Beth) and both times, have been so incredibly moved by your spirit and strength that I felt compelled to just say something. Someone told me this a long time ago, and I just wanted to share it with you. "God doesn't give you more than you can handle, and right now, God thinks you're a rockstar" And you are. You are compassion, grace, love, courage. Your ability to see and capture and appreciate the little things blows my mind. These pictures are absolutely gorgeous and the way you write and take care and pride in your work shows. I hope you are encouraged today, and I hope you know how much love and support and prayers are being sent your way and you find peace. Hugs.

December 9, 2010 - 11:51 am Erin - These are simply breathtaking. You captured the joy and spirit with which Love's family lives their lives perfectly!

December 23, 2010 - 4:01 pm Kari Shaffer - Thank you for sharing your thoughts....real thoughts that must be hard to have and even harder to share. And although we have never met and probably never will, the next week I will be praying for you. "I see that empty space on the bed where there is always room for more." Is one of the most beautiful things that I have ever, ever heard.

{I Was Impressed} | Northwest Indiana Senior Photographer

Sweet, studly, athletic AND plays the guitar?  What a guy!!  :)

Share

November 19, 2010 - 12:14 pm Tammy - Samantha - you did a great job (knew you would)! Thanks! I love them!

{Family Fun} | Northwest Indiana Family and Child Photographer

I love it when a family can so easily just “be” in front of my camera.  I love capturing them playing and laughing together.

Thank you for letting me capture these moments for you and for being so FUN!  :)

Share

November 19, 2010 - 7:51 am Di - WOW@the girl hanging off the tree. What a perfect picture. Lovely as always Sam!

{Urban Family} | Northwest Indiana Family Photographer

One of my favorite families + downtown Chicago + 60 some degrees in November + fantastic outfits (do you SEE the little one in Matilda Jane and Ugg boots?  Eeee!!!)  = pure bliss for me (and probably the biggest sneak peek ever).  I love capturing moments for your family!!!  Thank you, Bennetts.  Thank you!  :)

Share

November 14, 2010 - 12:14 pm torrey - thanks i love it

November 14, 2010 - 5:29 pm Tanya - Fabulous pictures - what a beautiful family!!!!!! You have captured them all to perfection Magic Woman!!!:)

November 14, 2010 - 7:52 pm Brenda - Wow...amazing! Grandma's or Bust is my favorite, but thr rest are all amazing as well. What a beautiful family!! Samantha, you are so talented!!

{Wee People} | Northwest Indiana Photographer

AYKM?  I just fell in love with this new kiddo clothing line.  Seriously.  It’s bananas (oh, how I miss my Rachel Zoe! :’( ).  Wee People

Related Posts with Thumbnails
Share