I'm a lifestyle family photographer — extremely chill and laid-back. I strive to capture raw, genuine emotion rather than stiff, posed images. I'll direct and guide your family for a seamless session full of laughs and real moments. If you're looking for perfectly posed, formal portraits, I'm probably not your photographer — and that's okay. If you want something that actually looks and feels like your family, you're in the right place.

It means you don't have to perform. You are free to be messy, loud, emotional, and authentic. My goal is to capture the heart of your family exactly as you are right now — not a curated version of it.

I started my professional photography career in 2016, shortly after graduating from Amarillo College with my Certificate in Photography. Nearly a decade of sessions across the Texas Panhandle — maternity, newborn, family, and everything in between.

Yes! At the end of 2024, I transitioned from Underwood Family Photography to Vanessa Underwood Photography. The name is a bit more personal now, but the same chill, authentic experience remains exactly the same. Still slowly updating some older materials — thanks for bearing with me during the glow-up!

All sessions are all-inclusive — one price covers everything. No hidden fees, no "pick your favorites" stress. Here's the full breakdown:

View the full session info page →

It means your session fee covers my time, talent, and your complete high-resolution digital gallery — every edited image, in color and black & white. No choosing favorites, no surprise fees, no upsell at the end. Every full session also includes a custom keepsake album because I want your memories on your coffee table, not just your phone.

Because every client deserves the same full experience — complete gallery, custom album, personal printing rights, and guided support from start to finish. There is no basic tier here. The session type changes. The quality and care never does.

The custom keepsake album is reserved for full sessions and the Motherhood Journey — it's part of what makes those the complete experience. Petite and Fresh 48 sessions still include your complete gallery of edited images and personal printing rights, so nothing is held back from your gallery. Think of petite sessions as the lighter option, and full sessions as the whole story, album and all.

As a mom, I know that printing photos always falls to the bottom of the to-do list. I want your memories to live on your coffee table, not just your phone or a hard drive. I handle the design and delivery of your album so you have something tangible to hold and share with your children for decades.

Flexible 3-part payment plans are available for Motherhood Journey clients. Just mention it when you reach out and we'll work out something comfortable for you.

Yes — while you receive all your digital files, I highly encourage ordering prints through your private gallery link. I work with top-tier professional labs that are color-accurate and rated to last 100 years. Your phone screen doesn't do your images justice.

Maternity, Fresh 48, Newborn, Family, Children & Milestones, Petite outdoor sessions, and Professional/Branding portraits. The Motherhood Journey bundles Maternity + Fresh 48 + Newborn into one cohesive story — it's my most complete offering for expectant mothers.

Petite sessions are a lighter, quicker way to capture something real — up to 30 minutes, outdoors in the golden light of the Texas Panhandle, with your complete gallery of edited images included. They're perfect for maternity updates, growing families, or anyone who wants something simple and beautiful without the full session commitment. Mini-Sessions are different — those are shorter themed sessions offered only once or twice a year at a pre-set location, like Mother's Day or holiday minis.

No — my heart and my craft are in motherhood and family photography, so I keep my focus there. If you're looking for a wedding or event photographer, reach out anyway; I'm always happy to point you toward talented local photographers who specialize in exactly that.

Yes — I regularly photograph in Canyon, TX and across the Texas Panhandle. Travel fees may apply for locations more than 30 miles from my studio. Just ask about your specific location when you reach out.

Everyone is welcome in the frame. Grandparents, siblings, cousins — if they're part of your story, I want to capture them. Just let me know ahead of time so I can plan the session flow accordingly.

The studio is near downtown Amarillo at 1004 SW 7th Ave, Amarillo, TX 79101. It's available for all session types — my personal favorite to shoot there is Studio Maternity.

I typically photograph families at field-like locations (parks like Thompson Park) or urban settings (downtown Amarillo). I also love Palo Duro Canyon for the right vibe. In-home lifestyle sessions are available too. Once you're booked, we'll talk through the best location for your family.

Sessions are by appointment only. Office hours for emails and calls are Tuesday–Thursday 9am–2pm and Saturday 10am–4:30pm. I reply to all inquiries personally within 48 hours.

I know how much work goes into coordinating schedules and outfits — I respect your time! If the Amarillo weather doesn't cooperate for an outdoor shoot, we have the option to move your session to my indoor studio near downtown. We only reschedule for extreme circumstances like a blizzard or family illness. Otherwise, the show goes on.

Most full sessions run 60–90 minutes. Newborn sessions can run longer — up to 2–3 hours — because we follow baby's lead with feeding breaks and outfit changes built in. Fresh 48 sessions are 30–45 minutes, and Petite sessions are up to 30 minutes.

Life happens — especially with little ones. If your child has a fever or is genuinely unwell, we'll simply reschedule. I want everyone feeling their best so we can capture those real, genuine smiles.

Yes — every artfully edited image from your session, in both color and black & white. No "pick your 20 favorites." No gallery of 200 unedited raw files either. Only the best, fully edited images make it in — and you get all of them.

Your private online gallery for digital download arrives within 2–4 weeks. If your session includes a keepsake album, it arrives 2–4 weeks after you've chosen your favorites and completed the short album questionnaire.

Once your gallery arrives, you choose your favorite images and complete a short album questionnaire — you pick your album color, your cover text, and where we ship it. That's all you need to decide. I handle everything else: the design, the layout, the ordering, and the delivery to your door. Your album arrives 2–4 weeks after your questionnaire is complete.

No — your full gallery is delivered digitally to your private online gallery. However, if you're local and would like help downloading your images or choosing what would look best as wall art in your home, I'm more than happy to schedule an optional studio meeting to walk you through it.

Your gallery stays active for a full year. I strongly recommend downloading your images promptly and backing them up in multiple places — an external hard drive, cloud storage, or both. After the gallery expires, image retrieval may not be possible.

Absolutely — please do! All I ask is that you tag me when you share. A small credit goes a long way, and I love seeing my work out in the world.

Start by filling out the contact form — it takes about two minutes. I'll follow up within 48 hours to schedule a free consultation call to make sure we're the right fit, answer any questions, and lock in your date. Start here →

Maternity: Reach out by 28 weeks so we can plan your session for the 32–34 week sweet spot. Newborn: Book before baby arrives — I'll schedule tentatively around your due date and confirm once you're home. Family sessions: 4–6 weeks out is ideal, especially in fall when the calendar fills quickly.

Wear something that reflects who you are and makes you feel good. If you don't usually wear dresses, don't force yourself into one. Once you book, I send a full styling guide so you can coordinate without the stress. For studio maternity sessions, you also have full access to my client closet of high-end maternity gowns.

I read every message personally and respond within 48 hours. We'll schedule a free consultation call — usually 20 minutes — to talk through your vision, answer any remaining questions, and make sure we're a great fit. After that, you'll sign your session agreement, pay your retainer, and receive your Welcome & Styling Guide immediately.

Yes — a non-refundable retainer is required to officially secure your session date. The retainer reserves your time on my calendar and is non-refundable because once your date is held, I turn away other bookings for that time. The remaining balance is due before or on the day of your session. For Motherhood Journey clients, a 3-part payment plan is available so the investment feels manageable.

Life happens — especially with babies involved. If you need to reschedule, please reach out as early as possible so I can offer your slot to another family. Details on retainers and rescheduling are outlined in your session agreement. I'm always reasonable and human about it.

Book before baby arrives — I'll schedule tentatively around your due date and confirm once you're home. The ideal window is within the first two weeks of baby's arrival, when they're still very sleepy and curly.

I come to you. In-home lifestyle newborn sessions happen in the comfort of your own space — your nursery, your sofa, your light. No packing up a newborn, no stress. Studio sessions are also available if you prefer.

Safety is always the first priority — always. My sessions are completely baby-led, meaning we follow baby's cues, take breaks for feeding and comfort, and never force a position that doesn't feel natural. I do not use elaborate prop posing. The focus is on real connection — you holding your baby, the tiny details, the quiet moments.

That's completely expected and built into every session. Feeding breaks, outfit changes, fussy stretches — all of it is normal and accounted for. I build extra time into every newborn session so there's never any rush. Some of the most beautiful moments happen in the "unplanned" pauses.

Don't stress about cleaning the whole house — I only need a couple of spaces. The most important things: good natural light (a room with a window works beautifully), your baby's nursery if you'd like it included, and a comfortable spot for feeding. I'll send specific prep tips in your Welcome Guide after booking.

The sweet spot is 32–34 weeks pregnant — the bump is beautifully round and you're still comfortable enough to move and enjoy the session. Later than 36 weeks can feel more difficult physically, and earlier than 30 weeks the bump may not be as prominent.

For all studio maternity sessions, I offer full access to my curated wardrobe of high-end maternity gowns — no shopping, no guessing, no stress. You come in, try things on, and I'll help you choose what photographs beautifully for your body and your session vibe.

Absolutely — and I love when they are. Some of the most emotional maternity images I've made are a partner's hands on a bump, or a toddler kissing mama's belly. We can do a mix of solo portraits and family moments in the same session.

Yes — outdoor maternity sessions are beautiful, especially at golden hour. Palo Duro Canyon, open fields, and other Amarillo-area locations all make stunning backdrops. Just keep weather and comfort in mind at your stage of pregnancy. We'll discuss what feels best for you.