Emily Murdock Photography

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Emily Murdock Photography

Proudly based in Dallas, Texas, where I'm honored to create child and family photographic art.

08/31/2026

It keeps me from showing up.

Fear of judgment.

I see their smug faces and hear their sharp criticism. All the things I already know that I lack, echoing in my head, spoken in their voices.

But then I remember that the times I am most judgmental or unkind about others, is when I’m the most unhappy with myself.

So I just feel bad for them.

Their judgment isn’t actually about me. I can let it go.

And I can show up.

(Unrelated photo just because I love this image!)

08/27/2026

It’s a privilege to watch our children grow. Even when it stings a little. Even when we notice them needing us a little less. Even when it feels like time is slipping through our fingers.

It’s a blessing to witness their growing up years, and that’s a privilege not given to every parent.

Family photography documents it beautifully, truthfully, and poignantly. Family portraits say, We were here for these moments together and it was *everything*

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Post 3 of 3 featuring the Whitney family at Flagpole Hill in Dallas…all shot on Kodak film, developed and scanned by The FIND Lab.

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It’s a privilege to be your Dallas area family photographer!

08/26/2026

I can’t slow down time for you, but I can freeze moments that you’ll be able to hold onto forever.

Dallas Family Photographer
DFW Family Photographer
Kodak Film
theFINDlab — Official
Kodak Professional

08/24/2026

I heard the most sad thing the other day.

It came up in conversation that I hadn’t posted about a session I had done for a family (not this family), and the Mom said to me, “I completely understand. We aren’t that attractive, and your social media is like your advertising.”

My heart dropped. Nothing could be further from the truth! It is never about people not being attractive enough for my grid. Look at this family! They are a darling family! And this session was two years ago. I never made a social media post about this session. And obviously it isn’t because they aren’t attractive.

So, what does keep me from posting?

Me.

I’m always wildly behind in posting, and my own indecision often means I wait to post. Or I’m too lazy or too busy to go through the steps of getting the images from my computer to social media size, downloaded to my phone, framed out in the app I use, and then posted with a caption that’s more than “Here ya go.” 😂

Other reasons I might not post a session : the clients have asked me not to, or I’m not proud of the results of the session, or the work itself isn’t something I usually do so I don’t want to put it out there, or maybe a million other answers. But never once has it been that the people aren’t attractive enough to be “worthy.” Sheesh I hate that someone felt that way!!

Recently I went through the shoots from the past 18 months and made a list. I had over 100 photo sessions that have never been posted to social media! So if you’re missing from my grid, you’re in good company! And maybe your turn is coming soon! 😉

08/23/2026

I hear it all the time, some version of “My family would never want to do a full session, they won’t last that long.”

And I get it, it seems like a long to time to sit and smile 😊 (Which is never what we do!) But the truth is, many times a full session IS the better option for your family. Here are some reasons why:

• A full session sounds like a long time, but it goes by quickly. I keep the atmosphere light and happy and a little silly. We will keep shooting until we feel like we have great shots! For some families that is a little over an hour. Some it’s closer to 90 minutes.

• We aren’t rushed and we don’t force things in a full session. A petite session can feel rushed because we are trying to maximize our time. The slower pace of a full session feels more comfortable to most people, in particular neurodivergent folks or younger kids who might need breaks during the session. In a full session, we can take those breaks and make sure everyone is feeling good 😊

• Many families have kids (and adults!) who need a little bit of time to warm up to the camera. Often with petite sessions, that happens just as we have to end our session. Petite sessions are stacked with other clients before and after your session, and so the timing has to be strict.

• I find that when a parent thinks a specific kid won’t last for a full session, they’re often the one having a blast and enjoying themselves when things don’t feel so stressful and rushed! Finally, family pictures feel fun and easy!

• Don’t we all want an experience where we have time to breathe, time to relax and get comfortable with the situation, and feel like the images are going to be even better because everyone feels comfortable enough to give their real smiles and interact in natural ways?

You’ll make the right choice for your family, and I’m excited to work with you for a full session or a petite session this fall 😉

Have you had a full session that worked well for your family? Do you usually do a full session or a petite session? Why? I’d love to hear your experience!

08/21/2026

All his favorite things!! 😍 This age and stage documented as sweetly as can be. My Favorite Things sessions, 15 minutes to make images you’ll treasure forever ♥️

08/20/2026

This is what I mean, when I say a newborn session with me is basically a family session with a celebrated, new family member! Big siblings are part of it, parents are part of it, and everyone feels seen and loved. And love is the theme of every photo session I do. Life is beautiful because of the love we feel ♥️

(And yes, we do photos of the baby by themselves - that’s coming as part two of this family’s session! Stay tuned!)

Dallas Family Photographer
Dallas Newborn Photographer
DFW Family Photographer

08/18/2026

On my first day of kindergarten, I ran away from school and went home during recess. I was four years old.

My mom found out when I showed up at the front door, declaring that I was never going back to school.

In true Enneagram 2 fashion, I ran away because a little boy was mad at me and was going to tell on me. I figured that the mile-plus walk home was worth escaping someone getting me into trouble.

It’s hard to know what is more remarkable about that story — that I found my way home in a new-to-me city, that I really thought running away would solve all my problems, or that the 1985 school didn’t know I was missing until my mom brought me back.

Turns out that I’m pretty good at running when I should stay and fight my battles. My 40’s has been an education in standing up for myself. It’s brutal to learn it this late, but I guess better late than never.

Maybe I’ll even start showing up in these little squares more — instead of running from being seen.

In the mean time, how cute is this family? This was a petite session on Kodak film. Film has my heart, forever and ever amen!

08/03/2026

Are you ready? Fall calendar opens TODAY!

I'm sending an email with all the details this morning - are you on my list?

If not....follow this link to get started! https://emilymurdock.myflodesk.com/megdv2xu9j

xoxo

07/27/2026

Class of 2026 - sending big hugs as you move on to the next chapter. So many of you are heading to new cities in the coming weeks. I’m excited for you!

Class of 2027 - I’m ready for you! Time to book your senior photos! 🎓

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