Why Moms Should Be in the Frame (Even When They Don’t Feel Like It) | DC Maternity Shoot
Why Every Mom Deserves to Be in Photos
I am a photographer and I am a mom.
These are the 2 principal things preventing me from being in the frame!! 😭
From what I see (and experience!), moms are often the ones behind the camera, capturing every little moment of our children’s lives. But when we look back at those photos years from now, will we find ourselves in them? Too often, the answer is no. Whether it’s because we don’t feel “photo-ready,” we’re too busy, or we simply forget, moms tend to step out of the frame. But here’s the truth: being in photos isn’t about looking perfect—it’s about being present.
If you’ve been avoiding stepping in front of the camera, especially during a DC maternity shoot or family session, here’s why you should say yes to the photo.
Your Kids See their mom as Love, Not Flaws
When you look at a photo of yourself, you might notice tired eyes, messy hair, or the way your body has changed. But your kids? They don’t see any of that. They see warmth. They see safety. They see you—the person who loves them endlessly.
Years from now, your child won’t remember whether your hair was styled or if you lost the baby weight. They will remember how it felt to be wrapped in your arms.
When you ARE in the photo, you’re not just capturing an image—you’re preserving their memory of your love.
The Future You Will Thank You
We often think of photos as something we take for the present, but in reality, they’re for the future. Now that my kids are older, I regret not hiring more photographers when they were little. I had occasional photoshoots but these early years are so special. It is when we spend the most time with them. And yes, we are exhausted but I promise you will look at those photos n a few years with kindness and love. Inevitably, you’ll wish you had more pictures of yourself with your kids, especially from those early motherhood days.
And it starts right at the beginning: during your pregnancy! When you have a DC maternity shoot, it’s not just about celebrating pregnancy—it’s about freezing time so you can look back and remember the way you felt, the connection you shared, and the beauty of that fleeting stage of life. The same goes for any stage of motherhood. Every moment with your child is worth capturing.
Visibility Matters: Be Part of Your Family’s Story
Moms are the heart of the family, yet they often become invisible in their own family albums.
Years from now, when your child flips through old pictures, will they see you standing beside them?
By stepping in front of the camera, you are making sure your presence is part of their story. A motherhood session or family shoot is a chance to celebrate not just your baby/ kiddo but you—the love, care, and devotion you pour into your child’s life day in and day out.
Perfection Is an Illusion—Candid Moments Are the Most Meaningful
Many moms hesitate to be in photos because they don’t feel “put together.”
But the most cherished photos aren’t about perfection—they’re about connection. The pictures your children will treasure most are the ones where you’re laughing, hugging, snuggling, or simply being with them in the moment.
So let go of the idea that you need to look a certain way. The beauty of motherhood is in the real, raw, and unscripted moments. Your DC maternity shoot or family session should be a reflection of you—exactly as you are.
A Gift for Your Children (and Yourself!)
One day, your child will look back at these photos and see a mother who loved them unconditionally. They will see the way you held them close, the way you smiled at them, the way you were there.
These images are a gift—not just for your child, but for you. They remind you that, no matter how chaotic motherhood feels, these moments are precious. They matter.
Say Yes to the Photo
So the next time you’re in front of a camera, resist the urge to step aside. Say yes to the photo. Say yes to being in the frame. Do it for your kids. Do it for yourself. Because years from now, you’ll be so grateful you did.
You’re just one email away from having a genuine, artistic reflection of your real-life moments. Let’s capture the heart of who you truly are. My approach makes sessions easygoing, artistic, and naturally unposed. All you have to do is slow down and savor the beauty of simply being together. Every family has its own story, and your uniqueness deserves to be celebrated —reach out today!
