About me

Photo by Morgan Smythe Photography

I have never met an adventure I didn't like. I believe in the power of

relationships, that a conversation has the capability to connect us

all. I believe that every person is a unique and wonderful creation. I

believe that I have a purpose that is bigger than myself. I believe in

God the Father who has formed me into who I am because of

Christ. I want to live life intentionally, reflecting the love that Christ

has shown me. While I still have breath in my lungs my desire is to

bring joy and hope to this lost and broken world. May photography

be one avenue to do just that. - Samantha Bradshaw

"I am only creative if the Creator gives me creativity."

Honestly, I am not quite sure where my interest in photography started. I don't really have a "moment," but I do remember a camera always being around growing up. Not an in-your-face-say-cheese kind of memory, although that did happen, but rather a need-to-capture-this-moment-to-remember memory. Thanks, Mom, for being intentional in preserving our memories. Especially the scrapbooks with the printed photos.


In 2017, I took a sudden interest in capturing moments. I borrowed my mom's Canon Rebel camera for a semester, watched a lot of YouTube tutorials, and asked to take pictures of people. I remember I was absolutely elated when someone paid me $40 to take their photos. Eventually, enough people paid me to take decent photos, and I upgraded my camera.


Since that first camera, I have worked with over 200 clients, 30 weddings, and 100 graduates. My cameras have traveled to 5 different countries and are making their way through all 50 states. I've learned that photography is so much more than a finger click and applying a pretty filter. The Lord has opened my eyes to see and think about light differently. I am obsessed with color and want to capture true-tone, film-inspired colors. I want to help clients remember important events as they happened and look back and feel as if no time has passed.


I am only creative if the Creator gives me creativity. I imagine the Creator had FUN creating the world, so I want to enjoy every opportunity behind the camera. I shoot in film and digital photo formats, so it's common to see me just wearing a bag of cameras.

Some things you should know about me...

My last name is not Ponder.

This probably comes as a surprise to you, but my last name is (now) Bradshaw. Sam Ponder Photo was a passion project before I was married, and I still hold tight to the name.

Crazy dog lady? You can decide.

My husband and I own a cutie girl German Short-haired Pointer named Lilah! Lilah tov means goodnight in Hebrew, which fits her unique dark coloring perfectly! She is also referred to as "Bean" and "Peanut" in our house.

It's not a phase!!

I have been happily hybrid shooting since 2018. I love the timeless, nostalgic feelings that film communicates. My current favorite film stocks are Portra 400 and Kodak Gold 200.

let's get social


@samponderphoto