Sam Backhaus is a photographer based in the scenic Hudson Valley of upstate New York, near Copake Lake. Growing up just outside Great Barrington, Massachusetts, Sam’s deep New England roots have shaped both her artistic vision and her connection to nature. Raised in what she calls "the bubble," she found space to explore the wilderness and discover who she was before venturing beyond it.

Photography has been a constant presence in Sam's life, dating back to childhood when she would sneak up to the attic to sift through boxes of old photos and vintage cameras passed down through generations. In high school, she found refuge in the darkroom, where lunch breaks were spent developing film instead of hanging out in the cafeteria. Inspired by the courageous photographers of the Vietnam War, Sam decided she wanted to be part of the next generation to document life, tell stories, and capture moments that matter.

Her work is driven by the human experience—vulnerability, joy, love, and connection. Sam is passionate about capturing genuine moments, whether it’s through wedding photography, portraits, architecture, small businesses, or street photography. With a documentary-style approach, she aims to preserve the authenticity of every story and remind people of their inherent beauty.

When photographing weddings, Sam strives to help couples stay present and enjoy the day, rather than getting caught up in the stress of timelines and expectations. She loves capturing the candid, intimate moments as two families come together.

From the initial consultation to the final edit, the entire process is sacred to Sam. She personally hand-culls and retouches every image to ensure it reflects her vision and the emotions she’s captured through the lens. “I’m a little too old school for AI,” she says, as she values the personal touch in every aspect of her work. After all, these photos may one day become cherished family heirlooms, passed down through generations.