Service area · Clear Lake Shores, Texas
Clear Lake Shores Family Photos and New Baby Sessions
Clear Lake Shores began in the 1920s as waterfront lots sold for weekend getaways on the Clear Lake estuary (Wikipedia). After World War II it filled in with year-round homes, and in 1962 it became a city. I’m Jen Duke, and I photograph maternity, Fresh 48, newborn and family sessions for parents who want those first years printed and on the wall, not lost in a phone.
Newborn sessions are in my natural-light home studio in Richwood, by appointment. Fresh 48 happens in your hospital room or at home, and family photos can be at your house or outside. You get a digital gallery to download, share and order prints from.
15+ years behind the camera · Natural-light home studio in Richwood, by appointment · Downloadable gallery with print ordering
Local to Clear Lake Shores
Planning photos in the Yachting Capital of Texas
Clear Lake Shores incorporated in 1962, goes by “The Yachting Capital of Texas” and had 1,258 residents at the 2020 census, up 18.3% from 2010 (Wikipedia). The city describes itself as a coastal island community with golf cart parades, holiday functions and sunsets at its parks (City of Clear Lake Shores). Here is how that can shape the photos you plan.
Sunset from the Sundial Park pier
Sundial Park and the Lowell Brown Fishing Pier on West Shore Drive are where neighbors gather to watch the sun go down (City parks). If you take your own photos there, keep the sun behind your family and tap their faces on your phone screen so they don’t turn into dark shapes.
Golf cart parades and Jammin' on Jarboe
The Jammin’ on Jarboe concerts play at the Paul Shelley Pavilion in Jarboe Bayou Park, and the town holds golf cart parades and a children’s fishing derby (City parks, City of Clear Lake Shores). Snap the kids before the music or the parade starts, while it’s light and they’re still clean.
First days at Stewart Elementary
Clear Lake Shores kids are zoned to Clear Creek ISD, starting at Stewart Elementary in Kemah and moving on to Bayside Intermediate and Clear Falls High in League City (Wikipedia). Take the same first-day photo at your front door every August. Years from now, that row of pictures is the one you’ll want printed.
Sessions
From the bump to the boat dock years, one stage at a time
Maternity
Pregnancy photos taken outdoors, at a spot within 15 miles of the Richwood studio. Book them by themselves or tack them onto another session. See maternity sessions
Fresh 48
The first 48 hours with your baby, photographed in the hospital or at home while everything is still new. See Fresh 48
Newborn
Classic posing and soft, organic tones with a modern look, in my Richwood studio. Dates are limited, so write during your second trimester. See newborn sessions
Family
At home or at an outdoor spot, with the whole crew in the picture, including you. See family sessions
Do it yourself
Easy phone photos for island families
- At a sunset on the pier, put the sun behind your family and tap on their faces before you shoot so they stay bright.
- On a golf cart parade day, take the family photo next to the decorated cart before you roll out.
- Breezy by the water? Pull long hair into a low ponytail or turn so the wind is at your back.
- Inside, set the baby by a window in soft light and turn off the lamps so skin doesn’t look yellow.
- Get a photo of yourself with the baby every day. Hand the phone to someone else and just hold your baby.
Where I work
Clear Lake Shores families and the Richwood studio
I work by appointment from my home studio in Richwood, in Brazoria County. Newborn sessions happen in the studio. For Fresh 48 or family photos, tell me where you live in Clear Lake Shores and I’ll let you know what works.
Maternity sessions are outdoors at a spot within 15 miles of the studio, so mention it when you write.
Nearby towns: Kemah, League City, Bacliff. See every town I serve.
Studio: 239 Stuart St, Richwood, TX 77531 (by appointment)
Phone: 409-392-6844
Questions
What Clear Lake Shores parents want to know
How much are your sessions?
Pricing is shared by inquiry. Send the session you’re thinking about and your due date or family size, and I’ll reply with the details.
Where would our session take place?
Newborn sessions are in my Richwood home studio. Fresh 48 is in the hospital or at home. Family sessions can be at your home or an outdoor location. Maternity is outdoors, within 15 miles of the studio.
When should I reach out about newborn photos?
During your second trimester. Newborn spots are limited and usually booked months ahead.
Can we have family photos by the water near our house?
Family sessions can be at your home or an outdoor location. Tell me the spot you have in mind in your inquiry and I’ll let you know what works.
We live on the island. Can we skip the drive for Fresh 48?
Fresh 48 can happen at home, not just in the hospital. Put your address and hospital in your inquiry and I’ll tell you what I can do.
My toddler won't sit still. Is that a problem?
No. I have photographed families for 15+ years and aim for a session that’s safe, fun and relaxed. A past client said I was “very patient” and “did not rush the session at all.”
Can I print the photos?
Yes. You get a digital gallery of edited images to download, order prints from and share in high resolution.
Ready to capture these days before they're gone?
Write me with your due date or family size and the session you want. I’ll get back to you with dates and pricing.