The One Taking the Picture is Never in the Picture
Moms, let’s be honest—when was the last time you were in a photo that wasn’t a blurry selfie, a forced holiday pose, or an unflattering shot taken by your well-meaning but completely clueless partner? (No offense, dear husband, but why is the focus always on the wall behind me instead of my actual face?)
It’s funny (and a little tragic) how we spend so much time documenting our kids’ lives yet somehow disappear from the frame. We’re there for every milestone, every birthday, every “Mommy, take a picture of me!” moment, but when our kids look back at these memories, will they see the person who was always there for them? Or will it seem like they raised themselves because Mom was mysteriously absent from every single photo?
That’s why I’m here, camera in hand, ready to make sure you get the beautiful, frame-worthy images you deserve. Because motherhood? It’s exhausting, chaotic, and absolutely worth celebrating. And what better way to do that than with a mommy and me mini session?
Moms, You Deserve to Look and Feel Your Best in Photos
I know what you’re thinking: “I’m not camera-ready.” Maybe you’re waiting to lose a few pounds, maybe you’re just too busy, or maybe you think the photos are more for your kids than for you.
But here’s the thing: this is your moment to shine.
These aren’t rushed, casual snapshots where you’re caught off guard or forced to settle for an awkward selfie. This is your chance to step into a beautifully styled session, where every detail is taken care of for you.
- A curated studio wardrobe with flattering, timeless dresses? Available for you to use.
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The option to have professional hair and makeup done? I have trusted artists I can recommend if you’d like that extra pampering, like Lisa Christine Artistry or Taylor Marie Beauty
- A relaxed, effortless session where you can simply enjoy the moment with your children? That’s what I do best.
This isn’t about capturing the chaos of motherhood in the moment (or maybe it is a bit but what it's really about is creating timeless, elegant portraits that showcase the beauty of your role as a mother. These are the photos your children will look back on and think, Wow, my mom was stunning.
The Problem with Letting Dad Handle the Camera
Let’s talk about why moms aren’t in photos. For many of us, it’s simple: we are the ones taking them.
I have approximately 4,000 photos of my kids and my husband on my phone. My husband? He has, like, four. And two of them are accidentally of the floor and one is of the dog.
If he does take a picture of me, it's never flattering, it’s a stiff, posed shot because I had to tell him to take it. Forget capturing an authentic, candid moment—I have to literally yell at him mid-memory-making just to snap the picture. (And still, somehow, the focus ends up on the tree 20 feet behind me.)
This is why professional sessions exist. This is why mommy and me mini sessions are everything. You deserve images where you’re not the one awkwardly reaching your arm out for a selfie or hoping that your partner gets at least one decent shot before your toddler runs off.
But What If I Don’t Feel Camera-Ready?
Ah, the classic “I’ll book a session when I lose 10 pounds” excuse. If I had a dollar for every time I heard this, I’d be booking a luxury vacation right now.
Let’s get one thing straight: your kids love you exactly as you are, right this very second. They don’t care about a number on the scale or whether you managed to put on makeup today. They just want to see you.
And honestly? That’s where I come in. I know how to pose you in ways that highlight your best features. I’ve got a wardrobe of gorgeous, flattering outfits that will make you feel amazing. And I promise you—when you see the photos, you’ll be so glad you didn’t wait.
The Kids Won’t Cooperate (Or So You Think)
I hear this one a lot, too. “My kids are wild. They’ll never sit still for photos.”
Guess what? They don’t have to.
Motherhood sessions aren’t about stiff, forced smiles. They’re about playing, cuddling, laughing—all the things you naturally do with your kids. Some of my favorite photos are the ones where toddlers are mid-giggle, moms are being tackled with hugs, and everyone looks completely alive in the moment.
And yes, even your tiny tornado of a child can be captured beautifully. I know all the tricks. We’ll play games, we’ll let them move, and we’ll create images that showcase exactly who they are—messy hair, belly laughs, and all.
The Motherhood Event: Your Chance to Finally Be in the Picture
If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably thinking, Fine, okay, maybe I do need to be in photos. (Spoiler: you do.) But I’ve got even better news: I have the perfect opportunity for you to make it happen.
On May 3rd, 2025, I’m hosting my annual Motherhood Event—a day dedicated to celebrating moms with beautiful, timeless portraits.
Here’s the scoop:
- Moms who’ve had a signature session with me before? Your session is on me this year. (Yep, free. Creative fee waived plus your choice of 5 digital files.)
- Not a past client? No worries! There will be a few open spots for anyone to grab.
- Sessions will be simple, stunning, and stress-free—just you and your babies, looking effortlessly beautiful together.
If you want in, get on the waitlist now. Spots fill fast, and trust me, you don’t want to miss out. Because one day, when your kids are grown, you’ll want to look back and remember these moments—not just through their photos, but through yours, too.
The photos you have taken of your children are for you but the ones you have taken WITH your children are for them.
Don’t Let Motherhood Pass You By Unseen
Moms, you deserve to be in the frame. You deserve photos that celebrate your love, your strength, your everyday magic.
So whether it’s a mommy and me mini session at my Motherhood Event or setting up your phone to take the pictures for you, make this the year you stop hiding behind the camera and start being in the picture.
Now tell me—when was the last time you were in a photo with your kids? Drop a comment below! Let’s chat.
Michele is a Minneapolis-based family photographer with over 15 years of experience capturing timeless, elegant portraits. Specializing in studio motherhood photography, she believes every mom deserves to be in front of the camera—looking and feeling her absolute best. With a thoughtfully curated wardrobe and a relaxed, guided approach, Michele creates heirloom-quality images that celebrate the beauty of motherhood.
Her Mommy and Me Mini Sessions are designed to give moms the portraits they’ve always wanted—classic, effortless, and deeply meaningful. Whether it’s a fleeting moment of laughter or a quiet embrace, Michele ensures that every session is a reflection of the love between a mother and her children.
When she’s not behind the camera, you can find her scouting the perfect studio wardrobe pieces, avoiding cooking elaborate meals, or making sure no mom ever has to settle for a blurry, out-of-focus snapshot again.
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