The past year I made a pledge to my children. I pledged that once a month I will be in a photo regardless of how I look or feel about my appearance. I will be photographed “plump”, messy, crazy hair, stains on my clothes and no make-up if that’s what it takes. I pledge that this year I will not put off family photos because I have yet to hit my goal weight.
I made this pledge to my children when I looked back and realized I had pretty much avoided any photos with my first child. It kind of broke my heart that one day my kiddos will be sitting around a table with photographs (YES! Actual photographs…I’ll write about that later) going where the heck was Mom??!! It breaks my heart when I get an email or call about setting up family photos and a mom says something like “I want a session, but can we book when I lose my weight?” Or when I’m photo’ing a new baby in the hospital and mom asks to not be photographed because she looks bad.
MOMS, trust me, you don’t look bad. You are glowing. You are beautiful. And if you’re not feeling it, I will make sure to photo you in a way where you will be.
Before you start thinking I’m crazy dragging my family into the studio a few times a month, I’m also realistic. We did do a nice photo on vacation. You’ll notice the baby isn’t looking at the camera. This was the 6th or maybe even the 10th try. We were all pretty tired of sprinting back to the group after hitting the self-timer, BUT IT’S ALL OF US!! The best one of us all looking was out of focus, of course. Next time I will hire someone!
Many of the photos are cell phone “us-ies.” My favorite is one of me peaking out from behind 2 screaming babies about 2 seconds before one of them puked all over us. I also took the leap and handed the camera over to my husband. {GASP! I know!!} Moms, did you know that we can do that? Just a few minutes so they can snap a couple of you.
As moms we take on the role of family documentarian. And that’s great…but let’s be documented too!
So Moms! Let’s all pledge together, pledge to be in shots with your kids. Just do it! Be in photos with your kids and AT LEAST once every few years have a nice family photo done. Photos are memories that can be passed down and treasured forever.
We’d love to see your most recent unplanned photo with YOU in them!
I wish I would have read this before my son was born! Too often we let ourselves opt out of moments due to insecurity. Thank you so much for sharing.
Sarah, It’s never too late to start!! Realizing I had opted out of many photos after my first gave me a huge wakeup call.
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