Today we’d like to introduce you to Sumitra Mukherjee.
Hi Sumitra, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to the quiet magic of everyday moments—the way a glance, a giggle, or a gentle touch can hold so much emotion. My love for photography began in my teenage years, when I first realized the profound power of a single image. I was captivated by the strength and tenderness of fleeting moments—how quickly they pass, yet how deeply they’re felt. I found myself longing to preserve those moments, to freeze time in a frame so they could be cherished forever.
But like many of us, life took over. I pursued my studies, built a career, and photography quietly became a background presence. It wasn’t until I became a mother that the pull returned with full force. Suddenly, that deep desire to document every precious detail came rushing back—the tiny toes, sleepy snuggles, giggles between siblings, and the everyday magic of family life.
I began taking photos of my own children, then of friends and their families. Their reactions—their joy, their tears, their heartfelt ‘thank-yous’— touched me deeply. It became clear that what I was offering wasn’t just a service, but something far more meaningful: the gift of memory. That’s when I knew it was time to share this passion more widely.
Launching Familymoment Photography was both exciting and humbling. I quickly discovered that there was so much more to learn—not just about the craft itself, creating art that truly reflects emotion and connection, but also about running a small business and nurturing it to grow. I had to learn the ropes of marketing, client experience, editing workflows, all the behind-the-scenes layers that keep the dream afloat. Thankfully, I’ve had the unwavering support of my family, as well as the guidance of world-class mentors whose encouragement has shaped both my art and my growth.
Perhaps the most heartwarming part of this journey has been the families I’ve met along the way. Many have become more than clients—they’ve become friends. I’ve had the honor of photographing their stories year after year, watching their little ones grow from newborns to graduates. It’s a privilege I never take for granted.
Looking back, this journey has been truly amazing. I’m still learning, still growing, and still in awe of the quiet beauty in everyday love. And I’m grateful every day to be the one who gets to press the shutter and say, “Let’s remember this—just as it is.”
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like many small business journeys, mine has been filled with both beautiful highs and challenging lows. Running a photography business is so much more than showing up with a camera and clicking the shutter. One of the biggest challenges has been reaching the right clients—families who truly value not just the final images, but the heart, care, and artistry that go into creating them. That connection doesn’t always happen easily, and building that trust takes time.
Behind the scenes, there’s a mountain of work that often goes unseen. From managing social media, writing blog posts, creating marketing content, maintaining a website—it’s all incredibly time-consuming. Add in the prep work for each session (which often spills into late nights and early mornings), and it becomes clear that every gallery delivered has hours of thought, planning, and care behind it.
There’s also the business side: communicating with clients, nurturing relationships, coordinating with vendors, staying current with safety protocols, training, investing in equipment, and carrying the right insurance—all those “little things” that aren’t so little when you’re trying to build something meaningful and sustainable.
It’s definitely been a learning curve, but one I’ve embraced fully. Each struggle has made me stronger, more resilient, and more committed to giving my clients the best experience possible. It’s challenging, yes—but also incredibly rewarding to know that I’m preserving memories that families will treasure for a lifetime. And to me, that makes every late night, every hard-earned lesson, absolutely worth it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Familymoment Photography, I specialize in capturing life’s most tender and meaningful moments—newborns, growing families, glowing mamas-to-be, and milestone seniors. But what I truly do goes beyond taking pictures; I preserve emotion, connection, and memory in a way that feels timeless and heartfelt.
Every single image I deliver is hand-crafted from start to finish. I take pride in being involved in every stage of the process—from composing the scene with intention, to quietly observing and identifying the authentic moments of connection, to capturing them in a way that tells a story. And then, of course, comes the artful editing—where I thoughtfully enhance each image to reflect the warmth, love, and emotion it holds, all while staying true to its authenticity.
What sets my work apart is that it’s deeply personal. I’m not just clicking a shutter; I’m tuning into the subtle magic between family members—the way a mother looks at her newborn, the pride in a father’s smile, the laughter shared between siblings. I aim to create images that feel like memories—ones you can feel, not just see.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the trust families place in me, especially when I’m invited back year after year to capture their growing chapters. Watching clients turn into friends, and seeing children go from newborns to teens ready for graduation—there’s something incredibly special about being part of those journeys.
My goal with every session is simple yet powerful: to create soulful, emotive images that stand the test of time—and to make my clients feel seen, valued, and celebrated along the way.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Ah, luck—the wild card in every story! I’d say luck has certainly played a role in my journey, but it’s been a mix of both good fortune and those “character-building” moments we tend to call bad luck.
On the good side, I’ve been incredibly lucky to have a supportive family and to cross paths with amazing mentors and clients who have encouraged and believed in me along the way. I’ve had just the right conversations at the right time, or an unexpected opportunity pop up when I needed a boost—those moments feel like little nudges from the universe reminding me I’m on the right path.
But there have also been challenges that felt like anything but lucky—slow seasons, tech failures at the worst possible moment, reschedules due to weather (hello, Texas storms!), or trying to market my heart-driven art in a fast-moving digital world. At the time, they felt like setbacks. But in hindsight, each “bad luck” moment forced me to grow stronger, more flexible, and better prepared for what’s next.
Ultimately, I believe luck can open a door—but it’s hard work, heart, and persistence that walk you through it. So yes, I’ll take all the lucky breaks I can get—but I’ve learned to be just as grateful for the hard-earned lessons that came when luck wasn’t on my side.
Pricing:
- All sessions begin with a small booking fee.
- This booking fee includes: Pre-session consultation and planning, Access to our curated client wardrobe (for baby, children, and maternity), Full use of our extensive collection of props, The photoshoot itself
- Please note: The booking fee does not include digital images or prints, but it is applied toward your total session fee.
- Detailed package pricing and deliverables can be found on my website: familymomentphotography.com
- Payment plans are available to help accommodate any budget—because everyone deserves beautiful photos without the financial stress!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.familymomentphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/familymoment_photography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sbm.familymoments/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@houstonnewbornphotographer
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/familymoment-photography-spring
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/familymomentphotography/
