Moms, it’s time to get serious. When was the last time you took a picture of your kiddos? Alright, that was easy. Now when was the last time you took a picture with YOU and your kiddos? I know as women (especially mothers) we tend to stay behind the camera rather than in front of it. We can be so self-conscious when it comes to our appearance. Maybe it’s because of the baby weight we haven’t lost or the fact that it’s been 3 months since our last hair appointment. The point is that by avoiding the camera we are essentially denying our children the value of photographic memories.
It wasn’t until recently that this really struck home with me. My son, Braedon, was doing a photographic scavenger hunt (following in mom’s footsteps, I’m so proud!). I was doing odds and ends around the house when he approached me to ask if he could take my picture. I shrugged it off and told him no. When he kept asking (as 4 year olds tend to do), I asked him why. His response what that he was taking pictures of his favorite things and he wanted to include me. As touched as I was, I still wasn’t jumping at the chance to have my picture taken wearing my glamorous sweats and T-shirt. I gave in and posed for my close-up. What happened next was a surprise to me. While I grimaced at the picture and thought of everything that was wrong, he looked at it with a smile and said, “You look beautiful mom.”
I realize now that in that moment with my son, it didn’t matter whether or not I looked perfect. It was okay that my hair wasn’t beautifully styled and that my makeup was less than great. You see, our kids don’t care what we look like. That’s right I said it! In the eyes of our children we’re beautiful simply because we are their moms and they love us.
Now obviously as a photographer I have taken tons of photographs to document my children’s lives. I want to preserve the memories of their childhood so that they can look back on their lives as they grow older. That night after I put the kids to bed I took some time to glance through old photos. Sure I caught the occasional glimpse of myself, but to be honest for as much as I am involved in their everyday lives, I have very few pictures of me with them. I know that life is nothing to take for granted so I am going to start making the change to be more present in our family photographs. I want my kids to see how I looked at them and how much I loved them despite my “flaws.” I know that I’m not perfect, but as my son has taught me, he loves me anyway.
In honor of Mother’s Day, I’m hosting a special series of Mommy & Me Mini Sessions. The goal of these shoots is to have some fun with your kids and get some beautiful imagery in the process. There is no age limit associated with this shoot so it does not matter if you are a young mom with your newborn or an adult woman wanting pictures done with your own mother.
If you are interested in participating in this limited time opportunity please contact me today to book your spot! I will only be offering these sessions on May 4th, 5th, and 12th for my Nebraska based clients. I will also be offering gift cards this year to make the gift of memories even easier!
It’s time to stop hiding and get back in front of the camera!
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