Mother’s Day may have come and gone, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned as a family photographer in Raleigh and Durham, NC, it’s that motherhood deserves to be celebrated year-round.
And one of the most powerful ways to do that? Make sure you’re in the photos.
It’s so common for moms to be the ones behind the camera—capturing the milestones, the messy moments, the giggles and scraped knees and sleepy snuggles. But somewhere along the way, many moms begin to realize they’re missing from the visual story of their own family. And that’s exactly why motherhood portraits and lifestyle family photography matter so much.
You don’t need a big occasion or a picture-perfect plan to step into the frame. In fact, some of the most meaningful images I’ve taken are the quiet, everyday moments—mom brushing hair out of her child’s eyes, holding their hand during a walk, or laughing together in the middle of a field of wildflowers. These are the moments your children will want to remember. These are the photos that will one day remind them just how loved they were.
When you schedule a family session—whether it’s a full custom signature session or a shorter weekday custom mini session—my goal is always the same: to make sure everyone feels seen and celebrated. Especially the moms.
My approach to storytelling photography is rooted in connection and authenticity. That means you don’t have to pose perfectly or have everything together. You don’t even have to look at the camera in most frames. What matters most is how your love shows up. A glance, a hug, a shared laugh—those real, unfiltered moments are what tell the true story of motherhood.
If you’ve never done a session focused on you and your kids, consider this your sign to go for it. You won’t regret having beautiful, professional photos that capture the relationship you’ve spent years building. And if it’s been a while since you booked a family session, now is the perfect time. Spring and summer outdoor sessions are the ideal backdrop for these memories—warm light, natural movement, and space to just be together.
Whether you’re twirling through a flower field, chasing waves during a beach session, or curled up with your little ones during a cozy lifestyle shoot, motherhood photography is not about being perfect. It’s about being present.
As a professional photographer in Durham and Raleigh, I’ve worked with so many moms who were hesitant to step in front of the lens. But after the session—when they see the way their child looks at them, the way they laugh together, the way they hold each other—it changes everything. These images become keepsakes. A visual reminder of just how much you pour into your family every single day.
So if you’re a mom who’s always behind the camera, I want to gently remind you: you deserve to be in the frame too.
This season is short. The sticky hands, the early mornings, the stories before bed—they won’t last forever. But photographs will. And someday, your children will look back at these images and see you exactly as they remember: loving, comforting, guiding, and always there.
If you’re ready to finally step into the photo, I’m here for it. Let’s make time for the beauty in the ordinary. Let’s document the magic you bring to your family, every day.
And let’s make sure this year—and every year—you’re in the frame, right where you belong.
