While I was photographing this family, the mother said this to me and it really struck me:

If something awful happened, my children wouldn’t have any pictures of us together.

Her words are not only hers. I think all of us mothers can relate. (And honestly, some dads too.)

Some of my favorite photographs of my childhood are the ones where I can see my mother laughing and engaging with me and my siblings. She is so young and vibrant and full of life. She’s gorgeous.

I can count on one hand how many of these photos I have, and honestly, I feel lucky to have any. Moms not being photographed is a tragedy and it didn’t stop with that generation.

As mothers, we are often the photographers of the family, making sure to capture every milestone and special moment but neglecting to turn the camera to ourselves. We do it out of love but fail to see that the person missing is US. Our children deserve better.

Share an hour of your time with me. Let me take pictures of your family. We won’t do stuffy, boring poses. We play, engage, celebrate and love. No one needs more pictures of what they look like **yawn**. Together we create art that encompasses feelings. What do you want to feel when you look at your family? Love? Joy? Laughter?

That, my friend, is why I do what I do.