Why Every Mom Needs to Be in the Photo (Yes, Even When You Feel “Blah”)

Photo credit: Danielle West Photography

Let me guess.

You're the one behind the camera 99% of the time. You take a thousand pictures of your kids—eating spaghetti, falling asleep in the car seat, dancing in the living room, chewing on the dog’s toy (😬). But when you scroll through your phone or open the family album, you realize something's missing.

You.

Mama, I know you’re tired. I know you might not love how you look right now. Your hair is thrown up in a bun that’s been re-knotted since Monday, and your leggings haven’t seen a wash cycle in longer than you care to admit. I get it—because I’ve been there.

But here’s the thing: your kids don’t care. To them, you are their whole world.

You Are the Safe Place

You are the arms they run to when the thunder cracks.The voice that sings them to sleep when monsters seem real.The lap they curl into, the face they light up for, the hand they reach for—without even looking.

You are the constant.

And one day—sooner than you think—they’ll look for you in the photos. They’ll want to see your face next to theirs, the way you smiled when you looked at them, the way their tiny fingers curled into your sweater as they slept against your chest.

They won’t notice the wrinkles or the under-eye bags or the 4-day-old ponytail.They’ll just see you.

You Don’t Need to “Look Perfect” to Be Photographed

Let’s just clear this up now: There’s no such thing as the “perfect mom photo.”You’re not a Kardashian on a curated shoot. You’re a real woman, raising tiny humans, doing her best every single day. And that? That’s worth remembering.

Here’s the truth: Photos are not for who you are now. They’re for later.For when your babies are grown, for when their memories blur around the edges. For them to remember what it felt like to be seen, held, and loved by you.

It’s not about having the right outfit, the perfect hair, or magically losing those last few postpartum pounds (who invented that rule, anyway?).It’s about showing up. Being present. Being real.

“But I Don’t Feel Photogenic…”

That’s okay! Honestly? Most moms feel this way. (The “blah” phase is basically a rite of passage.)

That’s my job—to capture the connection, not the insecurities. I’ll guide you through natural, flattering poses. I’ll find the light that loves your face. And I’ll time our session to catch those genuine snuggles, kisses, and giggles.

You don’t have to fake a single thing.

We’ll capture:

• The way your baby melts into your arms

• The look your toddler gives you when he’s proud of his new “trick”

• The pure joy of a mama being loved, seen, and needed

  
  

Because that is what your children will remember.

Being in the Photo Is a Gift to Your Children

Let’s be honest: you’re the glue. The soft place to land. The storybook reader, snack maker, and boo-boo kisser.

Your children want to see that version of you forever. And when you’re not in the photo, that story has a missing chapter.

One day, they’ll be looking through photos after a hard day, or showing their own kids what you looked like when they were little. And they'll say:

“That’s my mom. Gosh, I loved her so much.”

Real Memories Over Perfection

Here's my philosophy:You don’t need a studio backdrop, a flowy gown, or a full face of makeup to create something timeless.

You just need to be there.

Holding your baby. Kissing your child’s head. Laughing when your toddler says something wildly inappropriate during the session.

That’s what makes a photo real.That’s what makes it yours.

And no, your husband’s blurry phone pic taken mid-blink is not going to cut it. 😅

It’s Time to Step Into the Frame

This isn’t just about booking a session. It’s about permission—giving yourself permission to be seen, to be remembered, to take up space in your family’s story.

So Mama, I see you. You're doing it all.And you deserve to be in the photo.

Not when you “lose the weight.”Not when life slows down.Not when your kid stops wiping his nose on your shirt.

Now. Just as you are.

Let’s Capture This Season Before It’s Gone

Whether you're ready to schedule a cozy at-home newborn session, a candid family shoot at sunset, or just want to finally be in a few frames with your kids—I'm here.

I'll take care of the lighting, the angles, the posing, and yes, the flyaway hairs. You just show up and be your warm, loving, wonderful self.

Because one day, you and your babies will look back at these photos and feel everything.

Let’s make it happen.

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