Vanessa Underwood Photography

09/02/2026

We did something different in the studio, I stepped away from Motherhood and focused on womanhood! A group of amazing women booked me and my studio space for an evening headshot marathon, team photos and all, and it reminded me why I love what I do.

I’m a mom first, that’s true and it’s who I am at my core. But I’m also a woman who runs a business, who shows up for other women, and who believes we are so much more than just the roles we play at home. Motherhood is mine and I love it, but it isn’t the whole story. Neither is yours.

That’s what this session was about. Women showing up for each other, getting glammed up on a Tuesday night, laughing in between shots, and walking away with images that actually look like the boss they already are.

If you’re an agency or a team looking to book a day (or evening) for your employees to get updated headshots, I would love to host you. Fun, chill, and empowering, that’s the vibe.

Thank you Andria Keelin for trusting me with your team!

Huge shout out to their makeup artist. Ashley Ladd

08/26/2026

Let's play a GAME!!

What year did I photograph your family?

I was chatting with a friend the other day and she mentioned her baby is turning 5. I did a double take, because in my head I just photographed their baby last year. The same thing happened a few weeks ago and their baby was turing 4. Time is not real, apparently.

So that had my wheels turning got me thinking about all of you. So I want to know, what year did I photographing your family? Was this year or back in 2016 or the years inbetween?

08/24/2026

Happy Monday! I am happy to say we are heading into the first week of school, and I am loving getting back into the routine.

As we head into the first full week of school, I wanted to celebrate by sharing a senior session from last school year.

I am sure you have gathered that Motherhood is where my heart is, and another way to honor mothers is by celebrating their littles, no matter the age. So, Mama, if you have a senior this year, or even a Kinder grad, I would love to help you celebrate your child and photograph this milestone in their life and yours.

What grade is your little one heading into this year?

08/17/2026

There’s something so peaceful about an in-home newborn session that’s just about baby. No big setups, no rush, just soft window light, a simple wrap, sometimes baby in your arms while your little one leads the way. We follow their cues, their sleepy sighs, their tiny stretches, and let the session move at their pace.

This sweet girl showed us exactly what she needed, and it was just as beautiful as it sounds.

What’s one thing you hope to remember most about your baby’s first days?

08/12/2026

Hey friends, how’s it going? I am Vanessa Underwood and this isn’t one of my usual intro post. It’s a little more vulnerable than what I normally share.

First, a huge thank you to Tristyn with Tristyn Miller | Texas Panhandle Senior Photographer for being so patient with me during this session. She truly captured what I wanted this to be.

About three weeks ago I was diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy, temporary paralysis in part of the face. We already had this headshot session on the calendar before any of it started, and I remember sitting in the waiting room to see the doctor, messaging Tristyn back and forth, not sure if I even wanted to go through with it.
But a voice in my head kept saying, if one of your clients were in this exact spot, you’d want them to still photograph the moment. So I kept coming back to my own mission. Photographing the perfect imperfections. Photographing the now. Photographing this season of life, because this moment is worth preserving and cherishing.

So what does this mean? My face doesn’t move the way it used to. My speech is a little different. I still don’t fully understand what’s happening in my body. But I had a session scheduled, and instead of canceling, I showed up exactly as I was and now I am sharing these photos with you.

I’m sharing these photos because I want you to see them. Not the version of me waiting until I feel like myself again. This one.

If you’ve ever put off being photographed because you didn’t feel like your best self, I get it. But there’s no perfect moment. There’s only the one you’re in.

Have you ever pushed yourself to do something even when you weren’t ready? I would love to hear about it or make it happen. I’m taking things a little slower these days, but I’m still here, still showing up, still photographing this season with you.

08/10/2026

There is something special that happens when women come together. It creates an experience where every single one of them finally lets herself be seen.

This is the second time I have had the honor of photographing a healing retreat hosted by my cousin Mandyyy🪶 (Mandy) with MANDY VALADEZ 🪶Ancestral HeaLer + Bloodline Gatekeeper . If you have never experienced what she does, it is something you really need to feel for yourself.

Every time we work together we create art. That is just what happens.

This retreat was held near Palo Duro Canyon and one of the most meaningful parts of the weekend was gifting each woman her own portrait session. Some of them had never stood in front of a professional camera before. Ever.

I watched women walk in carrying so much and then something would shift. A laugh they didn’t expect. A tear they didn’t see coming. My role wasn’t to make them beautiful. They already were. My job was just to hold space long enough for them to see it too.

Full story is on the blog, link in my bio. Have you ever seen a photo of yourself and felt truly seen? Tell me in the comments.

08/08/2026

Your moment is in there somewhere. I want to read which one is yours!

08/03/2026

Building sets. Tearing them down. Building again.

There’s a version of this industry where we’d see each other as competition. Where two photographers in the same city means someone’s losing. I never bought into that. We don’t chase the same clients or try to out-do each other. We just… grow next to each other.

We’re building something better. Two women running two businesses, showing up for each other instead of watching our backs. Cheering each other on instead of keeping score.

Here’s what you don’t usually see: us tag teaming the studio, swapping sets, moving furniture, resetting lights. It’s not just about getting the space ready for the next client. It’s the two of us choosing partnership over competition, building a life around the thing we love, together.

That’s not something I take for granted. Thank you Anna for being the best studio partner! Texas Photographer | Anna Vega

07/28/2026

🤍 I love serving our community! 🤍

🌟 Committee Member Spotlight 🌟

Today, we're proud to recognize Vanessa Underwood with Vanessa Underwood Photography for their dedication to the Amarillo Hispanic Chamber's Bienvenidos Committee! 💙

Through a welcoming spirit and a passion for building connections, they help create a positive experience for new and current members alike. Their commitment and willingness to serve make a meaningful impact, helping strengthen relationships and encouraging greater involvement throughout our Chamber.

We truly appreciate the time, energy, and heart invested in supporting our mission. Thank you Vanessa, for helping make the Amarillo Hispanic Chamber a place where businesses can connect, grow, and succeed together!

💙 Interested in making a difference? Joining the Bienvenidos Committee is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow professionals, welcome new members, and help strengthen our local business community.

📞 To learn more, call our office at 806-379-8800 or email [email protected].

07/25/2026

Thought this would be a fun one to share.

Since school let out for summer, the girls have been popping in to check on what I am working on. These are a few of Sonya’s quotes from the last few sessions.

She is so cute, she will point out the most random things and then just run off to play with her sister like nothing happened.

How is your summer going? Only a few more weeks before school is back!