Service area · Hillcrest Village, Texas
Hillcrest Village Family and Newborn Photography
Hillcrest Village is about 700 people, all homes and no businesses, on high ground right next to Alvin. I’m Jen Duke, and I photograph maternity, Fresh 48, newborn and family sessions for Hillcrest parents who want simple photos of these years that they’ll print, with mom in them too.
Newborn sessions happen in my natural-light home studio in Richwood. Fresh 48 is at the hospital or at home, and family photos can be at your house or outdoors. You’ll get a digital gallery with downloads and print ordering.
15+ years photographing families · By-appointment natural-light studio in Richwood · Digital gallery to download, share and print
Local to Hillcrest Village
A small village with big holiday traditions
Hillcrest began in the late 1950s as a subdivision for Monsanto employees. The first house went up in spring 1961, and residents incorporated in 1963 and chose to keep businesses out of the village (Village of Hillcrest). It had 705 people in the 2020 census, and its kids attend Alvin ISD schools (Wikipedia). Here is how village life can shape your photo plans.
Christmas Eve luminaries
Each December the village lights up, holds a decoration contest and lines its streets with luminaries on Christmas Eve, which draw visitors from far away (Village of Hillcrest). If you want family photos for holiday cards before then, send me an inquiry in late summer, since sessions often book months ahead.
Spring Fling at the city park
The village holds a Spring Fling each April at the city park on Main Street, next to the municipal building (Village of Hillcrest). A neighborhood event like that is a good day to hand your phone to a friend and get a photo of the whole family together.
Quiet streets and family homes
With no businesses inside the village and the motto “A Place to Call Home” (Wikipedia), Hillcrest is all houses and yards. Family sessions can happen at your home, so tell me if you’d like photos where your kids are growing up.
Sessions
Pictures for the bump, the baby and the busy years after
Maternity
Outdoor pregnancy photos at a place within 15 miles of the Richwood studio, booked on their own or as an add-on. See maternity sessions
Fresh 48
The first 48 hours with your baby, photographed in the hospital room or once you’re back home. See Fresh 48
Newborn
Soft, natural colors and classic newborn poses with a modern look, in my Richwood studio. Book in your second trimester, as spots are limited. See newborn sessions
Family
Photos at your house or at an outdoor spot, with the kids, the grandparents and you in the frame too. See family sessions
Before you book
Phone photo tips for Hillcrest Village families
- On Christmas Eve, photograph the luminaries just after sunset, while the sky still has some blue. Hold the phone steady against a mailbox or fence post and turn the flash off.
- For a photo with the kids in front of the luminaries, have them stand close to the candles so the glow lights their faces.
- At the Spring Fling, find shade under a tree or a pavilion for group photos, so nobody is squinting.
- Use your own front yard. The hour before sunset gives warm light, and the kids are more relaxed at home.
- Put the dog in the picture. A baby next to the family pet is a photo you’ll want to print.
Where I work
Hillcrest Village and my Richwood studio
My studio is in my home in Richwood, in Brazoria County like Hillcrest, and works by appointment. Newborn sessions happen there. For Fresh 48 and family sessions, tell me you’re in Hillcrest Village and I’ll let you know what works.
The village sits at 43 feet above sea level, on what founders joked must be the crest of a hill because you could see so far in every direction (Village of Hillcrest).
Nearby towns: Alvin, Liverpool, Manvel. See every town I serve.
Studio: 239 Stuart St, Richwood, TX 77531 (by appointment)
Phone: 409-392-6844
Questions
What Hillcrest Village parents want to know
How much is a session?
Pricing is by inquiry. Send me your session type and due date or family size, and I’ll reply with details.
Where are photos taken?
Newborn sessions are in my Richwood home studio. Fresh 48 happens at the hospital or at home, family photos at home or outdoors, and maternity outdoors within 15 miles of the studio.
How soon should I book?
For newborns, in your second trimester. Spots are limited and usually booked months ahead.
Can we have family photos at our house in Hillcrest?
Yes, family sessions can be at your home or at an outdoor location. Tell me where you are and I’ll let you know what works.
Can Fresh 48 photos happen at our home in Hillcrest?
Fresh 48 can be at the hospital or at home. Put your hospital and your plans in your inquiry and I’ll let you know what works.
What if my toddler melts down?
It happens. I have more than 15 years of experience and aim for a fun, relaxed session. One client said I was “very patient” and “did not rush the session at all.”
How do I get my photos?
Through a digital gallery of edited images. You can download them, order prints and share the high-resolution files online.
Ready to capture these days before they're gone?
Tell me your due date or family size and the session you’d like. I’ll send back dates and pricing.