Meet the Photographer
Welcome Friend, I am Valerie Steinkoenig
Hi, I'm Valerie Steinkoenig, but you can call me Val. I'm a proud Texas native who has been a resident of Austin for over two decades. My passion for photography stems from my love of capturing memories, and I specialize in capturing the milestones of motherhood, from maternity and birth to baby's first year and beyond.
As a wife, mother of two teens and three kitties, I understand the importance of capturing memories that will last a lifetime.
About Me
As a wife and mother of two.I understand the importance of capturing memories that will last a lifetime. That's why I opened my home photography studio in 2012, which I have since relocated a few times, most recently to a location on in North Austin on Ranch Road 620 North.
I am well-versed in the art of photography, having earned both a Certified Digital Assistant and Certified Photographic Artist certificate from Austin Community College's Department of Professional Photography. In fact, studied photography at ACC for many years, during which time I took every portrait class available and learned to be a MASTER PRINTER. Additionally, I am a proud member of several professional photography organizations, including the Professional Photographers of America, Texas Professional Photographers Association, and Austin Professional Photographers Association. I have been named Photographer of the Year by the Austin Professional Photographer's Association 3 times, most recently having earned that title in 2023. I have even earned the prestigious designation of Certified Professional Photographer, and in 2021, I was honored with the title of Master Photographer from the Professional Photographers of America.
At my studio, I am dedicated to celebrating the joy and love of growing families. I strive to capture the beauty of each moment, so that you can cherish these memories for years to come. Whether you're a new mom or a seasoned parent, I am here to help you document your family's story with the highest quality photography.
I specialize in documenting maternity, birth, newborn, and the milestones of baby’s first year & beyond.
"What I like about photographs is that they capture a moment that’s gone forever, impossible to reproduce."
Karl Lagerfeld
Maternity and Newborn Photographer
Education and Training
Each year I continue my photographic education and strive to perfect my craft. I attend top industry conferences, mentor-ships, am a member of my local, state, and national professional organizations (Austin Professional Photographer's Association, Texas Professional Photographer's Association, and Professional Photographers of America. My work has earned many awards and has been featured in publications such as in Click Magazine as well as on BET's The Grand Hustle. My fine art work has been shown in art galleries around the United States.
I believe in safety and am a certified APNPI Qualified Newborn Photographer and have completed the Safety Education Course developed specifically for those working with the maternity, baby, and newborn populations. APNPI certifications increased my safety awareness about the unique needs of infants as needed in photography. These certifications require online training, testing, as well as image submission. You can only apply for the certification quarterly. If you fail any portion you must resubmit the next quarter. As a studio, which specializes in Newborn Photography, safety is our top priority. Valerie attends several workshops and other educational events each year striving to become a better, safer newborn photographer.
I have studied Maternity Photography and Newborn Photography with some of the best in the industry:
2017 In Person Training with Erin Tole of Erin Tole Photography
2015 - Present Online and In-Person training with Ana Brandt of Belly Baby Love
2018 - Present Online Training with Kelly Brown via Kelly Brown's Newborn Posing
2014 - Present Online training in Fine Art Women's Portraiture with Sue Bryce via Sue Bryce Education
2019 In Person training with Claudia Aguilar of Captured by Claudia Photography
2019 Week long in person workshop with Bree Adams of Bree Adams Photography as part of Texas School of Professional Photography
2020 The Baby Summit ONLINE due to Covid19
2021 In Person Workshop with Natasha Ince and Paulina Duczman
2021 Imaging USA Precon Maternity Workshop w/ Casey Dittmer
2021 The Newborn Retreat - ONLINE Photography Conference
2022 Mentoring with Jos A Banks - Josie Tan and Kristina Banks
2023 Texas School of Professional Photography - Mentoring with Greg Daniels
2023 The Newborn Retreat - ONLINE Photography Workshops
2016 Newborn In Person Training with Bree Adams at Imaging USA (Professional Photographers of America)
2015 In person Basic Baby Workshop with Only Brand New Once Photography
2024 Online Belly & Baby Summit with Ana Brandt
2024 The Newborn Retreat - ONLINE Photography Workshops
I believe that prints are very important. Tangible. I love to watch as your prints come off of my printer and I love the way the paper feels in my hands. I am a Print Artist and each of my packages includes prints. My goal is to provide you with a wonderful experience, capture beautiful images and produce heirloom portraits that your family will cherish for generations. I have years of training in the fine art of printmaking from my time attending classes in Austin's prestigious photography program at ACC in the Department of Professional Photography.
I love working in my professional studio in North Austin. It is where I go to be creative and it brings me so much joy to be able to create these memorable portraits for my clients.
Favorite Things
birds
babies
cats
Fallout (Most Recently FO76)
Stephen King
diet coke
chocolate
DISNEYLAND!!!
These are a few of my favorite things....
Testimonials
Kelsie P.
