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Sometimes, all the stars align to give us the perfect evening for a photoshoot, and this session was no exception. With the weather being so unpredictable lately, it was such a relief to finally have a beautiful evening to capture this maternity session.  I’ve had the honor of photographing all of her maternity and newborn sessions. Watching this family grow over the years has been so much fun. From the arrival of her first baby to now, as she prepares to welcome her fourth little one — and her first boy after three girls.  This session came with a surprise guest! As I was planning the next pose, a deer wandered out of the woods. I quickly positioned mom and dad to include the deer in the background, and it worked perfectly. It felt like it was meant to be. I can’t help but feel like it’s a sign — we have to incorporate something deer-related into their newborn session!  I can’t wait to meet your baby boy. I know you will have lots of helpful hand eager to hold their new brother.  If you’re considering a maternity session, I’d love to help you celebrate this beautiful season of life. Whether it’s in my studio or an outdoor evening like this one, let’s create timeless memories together.
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When Makayla’s mom reached out with inspiration photos for her daughter’s Sweet 16 session, I was excited—and ready to take on a new challenge. This was my first time doing a studio spotlight session, but after researching, practicing, and carefully planning every detail, we created something truly stunning!
Makayla’s session was all about bold elegance. Under the glow of dramatic studio lighting, she absolutely nailed it, from her wardrobe to her confident poses. We even incorporated a cake as a prop. Fun fact: the real cake was so heavy that Makayla got quite the arm workout holding it! Next time, we’ll definitely opt for a mock cake.
I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. Makayla, thank you for trusting me to bring your vision to life. If you’re celebrating a milestone, let’s create something unforgettable together.
 Kicking off the new year with my first newborn session of 2025, and what a perfect way to start! Sweet Hudson was an absolute dream, sleeping peacefully through his entire session. He didn’t make a sound as we carefully transitioned him from pose to pose and incorporated a variety of props.  Hudson’s mom and dad couldn’t have been prouder of their little (or should I say, big) guy! Born at 8 lbs 10 oz at just 37 weeks, Hudson was already tipping the scales closer to 9 lbs by the time of his session. He’s a strong and healthy baby, and you can see the joy and love radiating from his parents.  One of my favorite things about newborn sessions is when families bring in personal items to make the experience unique and meaningful. Hudson’s dad brought along a set of antlers, a special piece that added a rustic touch to the photos. We even included his dad’s hat, which Hudson will no doubt grow into sooner than anyone can imagine.  Thank you to Hudson’s family for trusting me to document this milestone! I can’t wait to see this little guy grow.
What a awesome way to kick off 2025!  My first session of the year was filled with smiles, giggles, and so much cuteness. I got to spend the morning with Alayna and Nova, two adorable six-month-old twins. It's always so much fun to watch my littlest clients from and see their personalities shine through.   But the fun didn’t end there! That evening, I had the honor of capturing their family session, which included their big brother who is home on leave from the Army. This made the session extra special. Alayna, in particular, was absolutely smitten with her big brother. Every time he held her she looked at hm with pure adoration. Moments like these are why I love what I do—freezing these connections in time.  Thank you for inviting me to capture such meaningful memories. It was a privilege to document the love you all share, especially during such a special reunion.  If you’re ready to celebrate your family’s milestones this year, let’s make it happen! Whether it’s milestone sessions, family, or just because, I’d love to help you capture these moments.
When this client mentioned their love for The Lord of the Rings and casually brought up the idea of incorporating potatoes, I knew this session was going to be one-of-a-kind. As soon as I heard the word "potatoes," one iconic line came to mind:
“Po-tay-toes! Boil 'em, mash 'em, stick 'em in a stew!” – Samwise Gamgee 
With that inspiration, we dove into planning a session that paid homage to the Shire and the cozy, earthy charm of Middle-earth. Keeping things authentic and heartfelt, potatoes became the unexpected star of the shoot, arranged in ways that brought Samwise’s love for the humble tuber to life.
At one point during the session, I couldn’t help but laugh and turn to my assistant, saying, “Did you ever think we’d be organizing potatoes a certain way?” It was such a fun and creative process, reminding me how each session brings something new and unexpected.
Enjoy these behind-the-scenes moments and the final results—we hope they make you feel like you’ve stepped into the Shire! 
 There’s nothing more rewarding than being part of a family’s journey and capturing their most cherished milestones. I’ve had the absolute pleasure of working with this incredible family through so many special moments—from their pregnancy announcement and gender reveals to family portraits, newborn sessions, and even a cake smash! Watching their family grow and being trusted to document these memories has been such a joy.  For their most recent session, Mom chose the most stunning location. The natural beauty of this spot perfectly complemented their vibrant personalities and love for each other. With its picturesque views and serene atmosphere, it truly brought their photos to life. I can’t wait to share these images with them and with all of you!  This location is amazing, and I’m already dreaming about coming back. It’s the perfect setting for so many types of sessions, from family photos to milestone celebrations. In fact, I’m thinking about offering some mini sessions here!  Thank you to this amazing family for allowing me to be part of your story. Here’s to many more memories together!   The tree farm sessions this year were absolutely stunning, and I cannot wait to make these a cherished J Ellen Photography tradition! There's something magical about the fresh scent of pine, the crisp winter air, and the joy of families coming together for their holiday memories.  This year was filled with so many special moments. I was thrilled to welcome new clients and reconnect with some familiar faces. From capturing the excitement of a little one experiencing their very first Christmas, to photographing a glowing mom-to-be and an excited big brother anticipating their new family member, these sessions were full of love and joy.   The tree farm provided the perfect backdrop for these heartfelt memories—the rows of evergreens, the cozy outfits, and the warm smiles made every shot feel like it belonged on a holiday card. Watching families laugh, play, and share moments together reminds me why I love what I do so much.  As I reflect on this year’s sessions, I’m already dreaming up ways to make next year’s tree farm sessions even more memorable. Thank you to everyone who trusted me to capture these precious moments for your families. I’m truly honored to be a part of your traditions. Stay tuned for updates on next year’s tree farm sessions, and I hope to see you there! Wishing you all a season full of joy, love, and beautiful memories.  Savanna is a women with a heart overflowing with love and compassion. she has been a surrogate not once, not twice, but THREE times.  Surrogacy is a remarkable journey where selflessness meets love. In Savanna's case, it meant helping Carlos and Daniel, from Mexico, complete their family by bringing two of their three amazing boys into the world.   Savanna's incredible journey doesn't end there. She's also a loving mother to three incredible girls of her own. Her selflessness and kindness have created bonds that transcend boarders, emphasizing the power of friendship across boarders.  Let's celebrate Savanna's amazing journey, highlighting the beauty of surrogacy, where love knows no boundaries, and the power of friendship, love, and family.  These stories are the third set of a three-part series highlighting the personal Labor and delivery journeys of Houston-area families. They each overcame frightening circumstances to safely deliver during the historic flooding brought on by Hurricane Harvey. Click the button bellow to read the first and second set of stories. Wyatt Robert August 25, 2017  In late August my family and I were preparing for Hurricane Harvey and the birth of our second child. I was asked to come in early on Friday, August 25 for my scheduled c-section. My delivery was beautiful and our family came together to welcome our new addition. On Saturday, my husband left the hospital to prepare for work and my sister-in-law came to stay with me. That night Houston was pummeled with a relentless downpour of heavy rain. Sunday, August 27 the morning nurses notified us the hospital was on lock down due to severe flooding. Back home, our house was without power. I was relieved to hear we had not flooded but, it was still raining! On Monday, I was ready to be released. Our power was back on at home and we were all eager to be together again. It took my husband hours to navigate the high water to reach the hospital. Just as we were packing to leave we received notice that our power was out again at home. We stayed at the hospital for another night. On Tuesday my husband was able to access a generator that powered our entire house. It was such a blessing! We lost all our refrigerated food during the power outage. My Mom generously set out to replenish our kitchen. I was finally ready to leave the hospital. My son had been staying with our in-laws and had developed an ear infection. Luckily, the pediatrician checking on our baby before we left also examined my oldest and prescribed medicine for him. That afternoon we safely made it home. Electricity was finally restored Saturday afternoon after being out for nearly a week. We are so thankful for all our nurses, friends and family who helped us bring our baby home safety.   Aviana Navayah August 29, 2017  I was 36 weeks pregnant when Hurricane Harvey made landfall and I had no idea how bad it was going to get. On Sunday, August 27 I was having contractions at home. Ankle deep water consumed my house. My pregnancy had been high risk and I knew I was having high blood pressure. I desperately needed to get to the hospital but raising water made nearly all the roads impassable. That evening the water was almost to my knees and I knew I had to get to the hospital. My parents and I made the terrifying trip to my grandparents home in Temple. It was dark and we encountered one road closure after another. We had to cross the Brazos river and that was frightening but, there was no other way. It took nearly 6 hours, twice as long as normal, to get there. It was an emotional rollercoaster but, once we made it safely to the hospital in temple I was so relieved. I thought I would just be monitored at the hospital and then go home. When they told me I was going to have the baby I immediately panicked! My fiancé was trapped by high waters in Houston. There was no way he could make it to my delivery. The nurses were amazing and helped me to video chat with him so he could see the birth of our child. Early in the morning on Tuesday, August 29, 2017 I welcomed our beautiful baby girl into the world. We felt safe and fortunate in the midst of so much loss and tragedy.   Danyielle Aimi August 25, 2017  Hurricane Harvey was another storm in a series of trials for my family. The category 4 hurricane was the climax of an extremely difficult and unexpected pregnancy. We had already endured several hospital stays and emergency scares. On Wednesday, August 23 I suffered a severe placental abruption and was rushed to the hospital. I was terrified and alone. I was then transferred to another Hospital where I was told I'd need to be induced. We had been planning to deliver in a birth center with a midwife. I cried and prayed fervently for my baby's safety. Preoccupied with the well being of my baby, I was completely oblivious to Harvey's destruction. I was unaware of everything outside of my newborn from from the moment she was placed on my chest. I stayed in the hospital for a week after my daughter, Danyielle, was born. Our apartment had been destroyed by chest-deep flood waters. All of our belongings were covered with algae, mold and mildew. The hospital wouldn't release us until I could provide an address for where I would be staying. We had lost everything and the hotels were full. We were finally able to find a room in Alvin to bring our baby home to. I didn't feel as bereaved as I anticipated when I saw the remnants of our home. When I looked in my daughter's eyes, I was humbled and overcome by emotion. I knew I could rebuild as long as I had her. It has been a difficult road the past few weeks, but we're forging a new family together one day at a time.   These stories are the second of a three-part series highlighting the personal Labor and delivery journeys of Houston-area families. They each overcame frightening circumstances to safely deliver during the historic flooding brought on by Hurricane Harvey. Click the button bellow to read the first set stories. Kaleb David |
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