Reasons why moms need to be in photos
Messy bun, coffee in hand, overstimulated, running and all over the house, basically being a lifesaver for all in the family – sound familiar?
Yes, that’s about every mom on the planet. Tired, doing everything possible for the well-being of her family, and constantly being behind the curtains superhero. Snapping pictures with her phone to freeze every precious moment, savoring every second, but… never in the photos. Is it insecurity? Is it the fact that you are looking out for everyone else and don’t have time for yourself? When was the last time you felt beautiful? Let me break it to you – you are ALWAYS beautiful, with all of your perfect imperfections. And this is the exact reason why YOU, my dear mom, should be in the family photos. You are the family's pillar and deserve to be appreciated.
Why am I writing this article? The first time I encountered the situation as a DFW family photographer, I was baffled. There was this mom that hired me saying, “I don’t want to be in the family photos, I just want pictures of the kids.” It took me by surprise. As a mom, my thoughts were racing, and although I knew this was not right, I couldn’t explain why. I revised that moment on multiple occasions and finally got to articulate why we should all be in the images, where we belong.
In this sincere article, I’m listing all of the reasons why you should celebrate mom moments, even the most mundane ones, stop being only behind the lens, and more in family photos.
Avoiding lenses may easily grow into a habit
It's easy to fall into the habit of always being the one behind the lens and not being in any of the family photos yourself. But it's important to remember that you're just as much a part of this story as everyone else, and you should be in the images too!
Just imagine, fast forward many years from now, imagine your child flipping through a family album and not finding any pictures of mom. How do you think they will feel? It would be heartbreaking for them! On the other hand, if they see a photo of mom smiling and looking at them with love in her eyes, they will feel so loved and a part of a beautiful family. Family photography doesn’t only include outdoor sessions, you can have an indoor one and have all the day-to-day moments captured. Laugh, play, and do whatever comes to your mind because these things make life beautiful!
Self-love is modeling a healthy relationship with oneself
I’m super honored to capture these special moments when you model confidence to be in front of the lens. Your children see through the family photoshoot how loving your own body and embracing your appearance should look. It is a sure investment in their own self-love and self-appreciation. Trust me, this experience will shape how they feel and act toward their bodies!
And remember – you are not a professional model, and this is not a task or a chore. My own approach as a Fort Worth and Dallas family photographer is to capture candid moments as they unfold. Of course, I will gently direct to make sure everyone looks their best. But my main goal is to put my beloved clients at ease and make the experience enjoyable for everyone! Especially moms!
Even though you might not believe it just now, family photography can be incredibly fun and enjoyable. You can play, giggle, take a walk, bake a cake, or do any other activity you and your family enjoy. Think of it as quality time with your loved ones, where you can focus on enjoying and let me take care of capturing it.
Whether it's a professional photographer like me or your husband snapping, you can be photographed doing daily activities with your children, such as feeding, playing, reading a book, etc. These candid moments truly capture the essence of family life and will be loved forever. So, allow yourself to actually BE yourself and make memories that will last forever!
It is a matter of priorities
As a mom, I get you, you have a lot on your plate – from taking care of your kids to running the household, maybe even a job, and a marriage to maintain. It's easy to let things like being in family photos fall by the wayside. But it's important to remember that they are a record of your family's history, like I said, you are the pillar, the fort that keeps everything together. Here you should be represented as much as you are in day-to-day life, where you are probably omnipresent. Even if you're busy with other things, celebrate the long-term value of making that memory. So, among finding time for everything else, you should always take a few minutes to be in some photos with your loved ones. No matter if we're talking about a special event like a birthday, holiday, or just a casual photo at home!
These family photos should celebrate mom! They will be a tangible reminder of the love and bond between you and your child and your worth.
You have nothing to lose
You have nothing to lose by trying it out and opting for a family photoshoot. Just like trying on a dress in a shop, getting your photo taken doesn't mean you have to hang it up in your living room and stare at it every day. It's just about capturing the moment, and you have the freedom to decide what to do with the photos afterward. Oh, and chances are, you will treasure a portrait of you holding your baby or playing with your child!
Sometimes, moms may not want to be in front of a camera because they don't feel confident about their appearance. Whether it's feeling like they've gained weight, or have wrinkles or blemishes, all the things that come with age and being a mother. But, no matter how emotional you get on this subject, you should remember that these photos are about capturing memories and NOT about looking perfect. It's important to be in the pictures to document your family's growth and joy – and guess what? You are THE most important part of that.
It's all about creating memories and capturing the beauty of the present moment, and you never know – it just might surprise you how much you will cherish the photo in the future.
You deserve good things
And by this, I mean you deserve the freedom to look humanly, motherly, and perfect – in a whole new meaning. You deserve to be photographed from angles that flatter you too. You deserve to be documented while having fun with your family. And furthermore, you deserve to be part of your children's memories and legacy!
As a mom, you play a big role in your family's story, and you should be on the record of it too. Even if it feels draining or you don’t like how it looks now, try to make sure you're in the family photos. I mean it from the bottom of my heart, it's something that you and your loved ones will treasure for years to come. So book a family photography session with your kids, and don’t think twice about it!
If you need a DFW family photographer, I will be delighted to create visual keepsakes that will adorn both your home and your hearts!