Why Moms Need to Step Out From Behind the Camera

A Mommy + Me Session at Historic Sturdivant Hall in Selma, Alabama by Sam Jones Photography.

I got the inspiration for this blog post from my most recent Mommy + Me session at Sturdivant Hall in Selma, Alabama. I loved how Peyton asked for this session as her Valentine’s Day gift and then had the idea to dress her and Everly up for some photos together. (Speaking of outfit inspiration, follow this board on Pinterest if you’re looking for outfit ideas for a photo session!) Now if you’re like me, you don’t like getting in front of the camera. When someone starts to take photos of me, I lift my chin way too high and clench my jaw making a very awkward smile. I’m sure you’re picturing this and wondering how these photos actually look and will probably analyze all of my selfies in the future but suffice to say, I don’t do well in front of the camera.

Most women avoid the camera, and because of that, most moms avoid the camera. This makes me so sad! Your kids want to see photos with you in it! I constantly hear potential clients say, “When I lose 15 pounds then I’ll schedule family photos,” or, “I just need photos of the kids, don’t get me in any!” LADIES! Stop this nonsense! Your kids are not looking at photos of you thinking, “Man, mom should’ve lost some weight before we got these photos done.” That’s never going to happen.

My favorite photo of my Mom is one where she is sitting in my Gran’s living room in blue jeans and a flannel, long brown curly hair hanging down untamed, no makeup on and glasses that have a tiny glare from the living room lamp. And guess what? She was about 30 pounds heavier than she is now, (9 births will do that to you), and looks very different than she does today. She may have thought that day that she didn’t look ‘good enough’ for a photo session and probably never imagined that photo would have such meaning to one of her kids, but man, I’m so glad she didn’t shy away from the camera because that photo is how I always remember my mama.

So moms, get in front of the camera how you are right now, your kids want to remember you exactly how YOU are!