Victoria Mendoza Photography

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Peoria, IL
Victoria Mendoza Photography

Peoria, Illinois family, newborn, and maternity photographer. Joyful and sentimental photographs that preserve your family's story.

Serving families in Washington, Morton, Edwards, Dunlap and the surrounding Central Illinois area.

11/06/2026

One day, they won’t be this little. But you’ll always have these 🥹
Someday, your children will flip through their newborn photos and see how small they were and how loved they were from the very first day. As I wrap up outdoor newborn sessions, here are a few favorites from this year, and I’m so grateful to every family who let me be part of them.
Outdoor newborn sessions will resume next year, but in-home and studio newborns are currently booking. If you’re expecting, let’s remember this beginning together. DM to get started!

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Central Illinois newborn photographer
Newborn photographer
Baby photos

11/04/2026

“Should I do my maternity photos by myself, with my honey, or with my family?”

You don’t have to pick, you can have it all 💁‍♀️ if you’re torn between what kind of Peoria, Illinois maternity photos you want, let this session inspire you! The studio offers a classic backdrop to document these final days before your new bundle of love arrives. It’s also perfect for an outfit change!

As the weather cools down and we pause outdoor sessions until the spring, the studio offers a welcoming space to bring your session to life. No need to worry about inclement weather or tidying up a room in your house. Just show up and the rest is handled!

If you’re ready for Peoria, Il studio maternity, newborn, or family photos, let’s book your session!

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Studio maternity photos Peoria Il
Studio newborn photos Peoria Il

11/03/2026

My second-born turns 5 this week and that number just hits hard 🥹

Maybe it’s because I taught kindergarten-my very first class is in high school and it feels like time has passed unreasonably quickly. Surely it was just yesterday that we were reading The Three Little Pigs?! 5 is too big to need to be carried everywhere, but they still want a hug and kiss from mom when they get hurt. These are precious years!

Though I miss the baby stage, I know we have so many beautiful things to look forward to. It’s a true joy to get to watch my children grow and meet each new version of them!

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Family photographer
Newborn photographer
Maternity photographer

11/02/2026

The sweetest family on this month’s cover of Stroll Magazine

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Peoria Il family photographer

10/28/2026

What a difference a year makes! Swipe to see Liam’s newborn session from last year 🥹

Peoria Il family photographer
Peoria Il newborn photographer
Peoria Il maternity photographer

10/27/2026

A moment for mama and her last baby 🤍

Those milestones hit a little harder when you know they’re the last. Studio maternity photos in Peoria are perfect for solo maternity photos, with your whole family, or with you and your honey (or all three of those!). It might be the last baby, but it’s also the last version of you before motherhood reshapes you again. And that deserves to be remembered.

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Maternity photography

10/22/2026

You can’t control your toddler’s feelings during family photos. And truthfully, there’s a big chance your toddler won’t want to cooperate. There’s a lot going on in those little bodies between 1.5-3 years!

What you CAN do is change your perspective. Release your expectations and just enjoy being with them. Don’t spend the whole session telling them to look at me (a stranger, for all intents and purposes) and smile. They usually won’t do it and you’ll be stressed thinking you’re not getting a single good photo. They feel your energy!

Things that make sessions with a toddler more enjoyable:
✅ Pick a friendly time for your session. If sunset isn’t it, do them in the morning! Your photos aren’t more valuable because they’re done at sunset. If your child is slow to warm, I would never recommend a mini session either. Some kinds need time to warm up without the pressure of needing to “perform” in 15 minutes.
✅ Let them be! Play with them, love them, and be present. You’re not going to get beautiful photos if you’re constantly telling them to look at me (I don’t ask them that either!)
✅ Pick a photographer that isn’t daunted by tiny people (aka me 🙋‍♀️). I actually don’t mind when they’re spicy, it keeps me on my toes and I love a good challenge 😉
✅ Have a snack ready for when we’re done (but not before!). I can’t think of any problem that can’t be solved with a snack.

I LOVE showing you how beautiful your families are. Spicy toddlers and all!

Peoria Il family photographer

10/21/2026

Isn’t it incredible to to think that these same little fingers and toes were the same ones doing gymnastics inside your belly?! It’s so incredible to see that tiny person on the outside after so many months of dreaming of them!

10/20/2026

I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always, as long as I’m living my baby you’ll be 💕

I simply cannot make it through that book without sobbing because what do you mean one day I won’t be able to go in their room at night and whisper “I love you”?!? Love your babies hard and remember to get in the photos with them every once in a while.

Peoria, Illinois family photographer

10/19/2026

Thinking of in-home newborn photos in Peoria, Illinois and wondering if they’re for you?
In-home newborn photography IS NOT:
❌ You hosting me. I expect your home to look like you live in it. Every room does not need to be impeccable. ❌ Perfectly posed portraits. Yes, we absolutely take a lot of those! But being in your home naturally lends itself to more relaxed moments.

Newborn photography in your home IS:
✅ An opportunity to remember this new version of your family in a relaxed and natural way. Being in your most familiar space brings comfort not only to you, but to your toddler/other children. Children can have big feelings when welcoming a new family member and being able to go find their favorite toy or take a break on the couch with a snack is invaluable.
✅Getting to enjoy the morning as a family, while you invite me to your home to document. Instead of rushing to get everyone out the door and drive to a studio, all you have to do is get dressed and I take care of the rest!

If you’re expecting a winter baby in Peoria, Illinois and are dreaming of cozy, relaxed photos in your home, DM to book your session! Reserve your winter newborn photography session before the holidays arrive.

Address

Peoria, IL
61614

Website

https://victoriamendozaphotography.com/

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