Mila is only 2.5 years old and she is already showing quintessential signs of Photographer’s Child Syndrome. Signs of this include, but aren’t limited to, avoidance of the camera (phone or pro) or saying cheese every time one sees a camera of any kind, making silly faces instead of smiling, total meltdown at professional photoshoots (as participant or spectator), & participation in sessions that are not for you (i.e. cake smash sessions).
In all seriousness, even though it is sometimes difficult to photograph (or be photographed with) your kiddo, as a photographer I understand the simple importance of capturing the moment. My little lady will not be 2 forever. She will one day perfect her camera smile and participate in photoshoots, but until then I will enjoy and love photographs I do get. It’s not always about the flawless photo. Sometimes IT IS about the messy hair, temper tantrums, and silly faces.
Stopping to enjoy each season is something I think everyone struggles with and the guilt sometimes is crippling. Being a mom and business owner is definitely something you have to work at. There are days where I think I am failing as a mom because I stuck Mila in front of the TV for two hours so I could get some work done. There are days where I put off sending emails or blogging because I’d rather play with Mila or meet Vince for lunch.
I would say there are more “guilt days” than “guiltless days” for me…. that was until I voiced these guilts to my husband. He understands my desire to be a stay-at-home mom, but he also understands that I need something for myself and my photography business is that “thing.” I explained how I wish I had the desire to work more and I wish I was making more money but taking away time from Mila wasn’t how I wanted to do that. He simply said, “don’t worry about money.” I mean, he said more than that but those 4 words are the ones that struck a chord.
Because my husband and I have been blessed beyond our deserving and he is an incredibly hard worker I get to be a stay-at-home mom because I want too. Not because I have too.
I get to be a photographer because I want too. Not because I have too.
I’ll admit this isn’t where this post was suppose to head but then I A.D.Ded off and here we are. Yes, I have the beautiful photos of my daughter. Ones where she has the cutest crooked smile or is exploring something new for the first time. I have the family photos where all three of us are smiling and look genuinely happy to be together. But I want to always be honest with my friends, clients, and family because my life is far from perfect.
I love photos of my Mila being Mila. Where she is avoiding the camera, making a crazy face, or just being a happy 2 year old. Those are my favorite because they are a true reflection of the season of life we are in.
So to my clients — if your kids have a meltdown at our session or isn’t smiling the way you’d like — it’s ok. I understand. Life isn’t perfect and it’s ok if your photoshoot is full of silly, real moments. <3
PC: a mixture of myself and Robin Garner Photo!
Mila is so blessed to have you as her mommy.
Vincent is blessed to have you as his partner.
& I am blessed to have you as my friend.
Aw I love you lady! I am so blessed to have you in my life too!! <3
I love you lady! You are the best. Evaaah!
Um, cutest blog post ever, Mary!!! Mila is SO adorable.
Hahahah thank you! She is such a ham and I love it! <3
I totally understand what you’re going through. I’m also a stay-at-home mom who is a photographer. I’m lucky that I’ve been able to find a daycare that takes my daughter a couple of days each week. This gives me extra time to do things for my business. But sometimes it’s still not enough. I struggle with finding a balance between my yearning to be a mom to my daughter, but also to fulfill my passion of photography. I don’t have any words of wisdom to offer, but know that you are not alone.
Finding balance is tough. I think giving ourselves grace is harder. We are doing the best we can and I think we are doing great! I mean, what a great example to our kids. I love that because of my career I can raise Mila to follow her dreams! Thanks for reading!! <3