Why I’m a Photographer & Why I Love the Chaos
I don’t think I became a photographer because I wanted everything to be perfectly posed.
Actually, it’s probably the opposite. I am a SAHM, the coordinator of all things, dentist appointments, doctors appointments and everything in between. Being a mom of 3 is chaotic! Throw in three dogs, four cats and a bazillion chickens and you have chaos times another bazillion!
Sometimes whole weeks will go by without even realizing it. One minute I was in the thick of diaper changes, feedings and burp schedules and the next I am coordinating baseball, soccer and gymnastic schedules.
At times the only things I have to hold onto are old photos and videos of my kiddos when they were little little!
THIS is why I became a photographer. I fell in love with giving my clients the opportunity to look back on the moments that feel so ordinary and everyday right now, but somehow become the moments we miss the most. Those moments we sometimes take for granted.
The little hands reaching for you.
The baby who absolutely refuses to sleep.
The toddler who would rather run than sit still.
The hair that’s a little wild.
The giggles that turn into full-blown chaos.
The way a mama looks at her baby when she doesn’t realize anyone is watching.
That’s the stuff I want you to remember.
Family life isn’t quiet and perfect. It’s loud, messy, silly, exhausting, beautiful and completely full of love. And as a mama myself, I know how quickly these seasons change.
Some days I miss the quiet of a newborn laying on my chest. I miss their sweet little voices and jibber jabber. I know I took some of that time for granted. We all know when your in the thick of it you’re just trying to get through the day without having a mental breakdown!
And somehow, in the middle of all of it, you’re supposed to remember what that season felt like.
That’s where photography comes in.
I don’t want you to look back at your photos years from now and only remember what everyone was wearing or whether your children sat perfectly for the camera.
I want you to remember how it felt.
The way your baby’s little fingers wrapped around yours.
The way your toddler buried their face into your chest.
The way your kids laughed when Dad made them laugh.
The way you held your newborn a little closer because you already knew they wouldn’t stay that tiny forever.
Those are the moments that make me love what I do.
And yes, sometimes your family session might look a little chaotic, but that’s real life!
Someone might cry.
Someone might refuse to cooperate.
Someone might need a snack.
Someone might run in the opposite direction.
And honestly?
I’m okay with that.
Because your family doesn’t need to perform for me.
You don’t need perfectly behaved children. You don’t need a spotless house for an in-home newborn session. You don’t need to know how to pose. And you definitely don’t need to have everything together.
Just show up as you are.
I’ll take care of the rest.
I love the chaos because underneath all of it is connection.
It’s motherhood.
It’s childhood.
It’s the season you’re in right now.
So if your kids are loud, silly, wiggly, shy, wild or somewhere in between, you’re my kind of family.
Because the beautiful moments aren’t always the quiet ones.
Sometimes they’re the messy ones, the loud ones and the unplanned ones.
And those are often my most favorite.
That was very well said and so beautifully said!!!!