Dear Mama, We Must Exist in Photos

As moms, we’re often the memory keepers of our family, snapping photos of our kiddos to document their lives through all the changing stages.  Whether it’s the milestone moments or the little in-between ones, we happily document our family.  But how often do we get in front of the lens? Do we even exist in photos?

Why moms don’t exist in photos

As women, many of us feel critical of our looks, whether it’s our weight, our tired eyes, or the fine lines that begin to emerge as we age. We may feel that we don’t look good enough to be in family photos. 

I’ll be the first to admit that I am much more comfortable behind the lens than in front of it!  In fact, I’ll be honest. Even as the daughter of a fine art portrait photographer, I’ve always felt a bit self-conscious and awkward in front of the camera. But I also believe that it’s so important to exist in photos through the years.  Although I may cringe at my frizzy bangs in my high school pictures, I’m glad to have those photos. And as a mom, I want my son to grow up having images to look back on and be reminded of fond memories we shared together as a family.

Every year you put off getting in photos is another year of memories lost, another year that you don’t exist in photos

I hear many mamas say, “I really want a family portrait when…I lose the baby weight…when I get in shape… when I get my roots touched up or my when I can plan the perfect outfits …or when our crazy schedule settles down…”

Well, guess what. I’m here to tell you that Now Is the Time.  Think about it. We live in hectic world juggling multiple roles as a mom; playdates, soccer practices and games, not to mention a multitude of other work and/or volunteer responsibilities. 

Time doesn’t wait for us.  When you have kids, busy becomes a way of life and in the blink of an eye your baby will be a toddler, tween, and teen. Please. Make sure you exist in photos.

“Exist in photographs – for your children, for you yourself, for the people who love you.”

Several years ago, the internationally renowned photographer Sue Bryce challenged photographers across the world to use the hashtag #ExistInPhotographs to encourage and help women realize that they’re good enough to be in a family portrait.

“One day your children will look for photographs of you. What will they have?”~Sue Bryce

Exist in photos–not only in the milestone moments and celebrations, but also in the everyday routines and rituals of your family’s life. 

For anyone who has lost a loved one, how much do you treasure photos of that person?

Since losing my father in 2008, I’ve found continual comfort in the photos I have of him. Whether seeing him smiling and happy, or more serious and even sad, these photos have helped me heal and focus on my happy memories of him.

Photos are the legacy we leave our children

I hope that some day the photos of me and my life will help tell my story as a mother, a wife, and a woman, and that these photos will bring comfort and strength when I’m gone.

Whether you choose to hire a professional photographer to document your family every year, set the timer on your phone, or hand the camera off to a friend or family member, be sure to get photos of yourself alone and with your loved ones! Exist in photos with your children, your spouse, your mom and dad. You are beautiful today.  I promise you these will become cherished keepsakes! And if you’re not convinced, this might sway you to jump into the frame with your family. Psychologists say that family photos have actually been found to boost children’s self-esteem? Read more about How Family Portraits Raise Children’s Self-Esteem here.

And, be sure to print your photos so you can enjoy them everyday and they can be passed down to your grandchildren. Why print? Read my recent article on The Power of Print and Why Prints Matter. 

Want to learn more about a family portrait & lifestyle session with me? Check out my FAQ page to see what a session with me is like, or drop me a note and we will schedule a time to chat.

xo,