I recently saw a local photographer post some pictures in a breathtaking Kansas setting. One of the comments I saw was how gorgeous the family looked, and how this was the setting the commenting mama wanted when she made her goal weight. While I can totally relate to this sentiment since I pick myself apart in every single picture I am in, whether professional or candid, although I didn’t say anything, something inside of me felt like telling her not to wait!
Photo opportunities
One of the hazards of carrying around a phone with high quality image capabilities is that there are many more opportunities for a busy mama to grab pictures of their kids doing every day things. Your kid looks cute with the giant stuffed bear at Costco, you snap a pic, they hugged the canister of cookies at Trader Joe’s, you snap a pic, they were brave and climbed to the top of the playground structure at the park, you snap a pic. Our kids have thousands of pictures taken of them, but mamas are rarely seen in anything but a selfie, and unfortunately I have only mastered the awkward selfie. I am usually preoccupied worrying about the double chin and unflattering angle while I try to get all the little people in the picture.
Ask for people to take your picture.
Years ago I heard a seasoned mom’s advice to ask others to take pictures of you with your kids. I remember asking my husband to take some pictures of me when I was sitting or playing with my kids. I have a few pictures that I just treasure, but mostly ended up with pictures that may not be the most flattering of me, or even my children, but bring me great joy when I look back on them.
Let your kids take pictures.
Since my kids are a little bit older, I have started letting them take pictures of things they want. It gives me a little glimpse of the world as they see it. I usually end up with silly selfies and lots of pictures of nature, but I never regret looking at life from their perspective.
Schedule professional pictures.
I have made a lot of parenting mistakes along the way, but I learned a bit of a painful lesson very early on in my parenting journey. Our budget was extremely limited especially in the early years, and we just didn’t have money for professional pictures. I only made it a point to take belly pics a handful of times throughout my first pregnancy. I have regretted not having pictures taken or making it a priority to freeze those moments in time. Since my second came along pretty quickly after my first, I established family pictures every 6 months. Sometimes we go for seasonal mini’s with a professional photographer, and other times, when the budget allows, we are able to do a full family setting, and have had a photographer come to our home to take some pictures that we can look back on as seasons change. My rule of thumb is that I choose the pictures where I feel like I look the best in. I have hundreds of adorable pictures of my kids, the ones with me in them that I feel like I look my best are much fewer and far between. I also tend to dress my kids fairly casual because I want them to feel comfortable and cooperate a little better for the photographer.
Just take the picture.
When I mentioned to some friends that I would be writing a post encouraging family pictures, one mentioned that when she lost her mother unexpectedly a few years ago, every single picture with them together meant so much more. I can imagine that even the pictures where grandma was giving “that look” or not smiling for the camera are just as meaningful as the images that are perfectly posed.
So mamas, even if you are not feeling like the best version of yourself during the stage of motherhood that you are in, go get the pictures taken. You are important to your family, and as time passes, the images will give you and your family joy from that moment in time. Some of the pictures that are candid and in natural settings may not look perfectly curated, but reminders of your perfectly imperfect life are memories that you will truly treasure.
Picture by Laura Friedberg Photography
Make sure you never miss out on things to do in Wichita: subscribe to our weekly Wichita Moms Blog newsletter! Be the first to know about our exclusive events, special offers and discounts, neighborhood group activities and, of course, local resources and parenting voices powered by Wichita moms!
