Service area · La Marque, Texas
La Marque Newborn and Family Photographer
La Marque means “the mark” in French. The name was picked in the 1890s by Madam St. Ambrose, an Ursuline sister who ran the post office, after the town learned another community was already called Highlands (Wikipedia). I’m Jen Duke. If you’re expecting or just brought a baby home, I photograph maternity, Fresh 48, newborn and family sessions so you can mark these weeks too, with mom in the pictures.
Newborn sessions are in my natural-light home studio in Richwood, by appointment. Fresh 48 can be in the hospital or at home, and family sessions can be at your home or outdoors. You get a digital gallery to download, share and order prints from.
15+ years of experience with babies and families · Natural-light studio in Richwood, by appointment · Gallery with downloads and prints
Local to La Marque
Bayou parks and a growing town: photo planning in La Marque
La Marque grew from 14,509 people in 2010 to 18,030 in 2020, a 24.3% jump. Texas City ISD took over the former La Marque district in 2016, and La Marque High School still serves that area (Wikipedia). Travelers on I-45 often know it as the Gateway to the Gulf (Islands). Here is how a few local spots can shape your photo plans.
Trails at Mac McGaffey Bayou Park
Mac McGaffey Bayou Park covers 230 acres with nature trails, a kayak launch, playgrounds and covered picnic pavilions (Islands). If you take your own family photos there, stand just inside the edge of a pavilion’s shade. The light is soft and nobody squints.
Shade and blooms at Carbide Park
Carbide Park has shaded paved walkways, a playground and a large garden kept by the Galveston County Master Gardeners (Islands). A stroller walk there is a good chance for a few bump or baby photos. Keep the garden behind you and your face toward open shade.
A growing town fills the calendar
About 3,500 more people lived in La Marque in 2020 than in 2010 (Wikipedia). If your family is one of the new ones with a baby on the way, ask about newborn dates in your second trimester, since spots are limited and usually booked months ahead.
Sessions
Photos for each stage, from first bump to teenager
Maternity
Maternity photos outside, at a spot within 15 miles of the Richwood studio. Book them as their own session or add them to newborn photos. See maternity sessions
Fresh 48
Hospital or at-home photos from the first 48 hours, while your baby is brand new. See Fresh 48
Newborn
Taken in my Richwood studio with classic posing, organic natural tones and a modern feel. Write in your second trimester to hold a date. See newborn sessions
Family
At home or at an outdoor location, with all of you in the photos, mom too. See family sessions
Your turn
Phone photo tips for La Marque families
- At Mac McGaffey Bayou Park, use a pavilion’s shade for a quick family photo instead of standing in full sun.
- On a Carbide Park walk, turn so the sun is behind you and the garden fills the background.
- Mark the months: take a photo of the baby in the same spot on the same day each month.
- Inside, switch off the ceiling light and put the baby near a window with no direct sun.
- Get yourself in the picture once a day. Hand your phone to someone and hold your baby.
Where I work
La Marque families and the Richwood studio
My studio is in my Richwood home, in Brazoria County, by appointment. Newborn sessions happen there. For Fresh 48 and family photos, tell me where you are in La Marque and which hospital you’re using, and I’ll let you know what works.
Maternity sessions are outdoors at a spot within 15 miles of the studio.
Nearby towns: Texas City, Hitchcock, Dickinson. See every town I serve.
Studio: 239 Stuart St, Richwood, TX 77531 (by appointment)
Phone: 409-392-6844
Questions
Common questions from La Marque parents
How do I find out what it costs?
Pricing is by inquiry. Send me the session you want and your due date or family size, and I’ll reply with the details.
Where are sessions held?
Newborn sessions are in my Richwood studio. Fresh 48 is in the hospital or at home. Family sessions can be at your home or outdoors, and maternity sessions are outdoors within 15 miles of the studio.
How far ahead should I book a newborn session?
Reach out in your second trimester. Newborn spots are limited and usually booked months ahead.
Can we do family photos at one of the La Marque parks?
Family sessions can be at your home or an outdoor location. Name the park you have in mind in your inquiry and I’ll let you know what works.
I feel huge right now. Should I still do maternity photos?
Many moms feel that way. Maternity sessions can be booked on their own or added to your newborn session, so you can decide what fits. I aim for a session that feels safe, fun and relaxing.
What if my baby won't settle?
That’s normal. I have more than 15 years of experience, and one client said I was “very patient” and “did not rush the session at all.”
Will I be able to print the photos?
Yes. Your digital gallery of edited images lets you download them, order prints and share the high-resolution files online.
Ready to capture these days before they're gone?
Send me a note with your due date or family size and the session you’re thinking about. I’ll get back to you with dates and pricing.