As a family and newborn photographer, I often hear moms say they want to wait to be in photos until they’ve lost the baby weight, or until they feel like they “look perfect.” I understand that feeling completely. After having a baby, whether it’s your first or your fifth, your body changes, your confidence can dip, and you may not feel like yourself for a while. But I’m here to tell you that the beauty of motherhood goes so far beyond what you see in the mirror. It’s in the way you hold your baby, the way your eyes light up when your little one smiles, and the love that radiates from you in those small, everyday moments. I see it!

The reality is, your kids don’t care about what size jeans you’re wearing, or whether your hair is styled just right. To them, you are their entire world, and what they will remember is how much you loved them, how safe and warm they felt in your arms. I often look through the lens and see moments of pure love and connection…moments that are too special to miss. That’s why I always encourage moms not to put off being in photos. These memories are too precious to be delayed for the sake of appearance. Your children will cherish these photos one day, not because you looked perfect, but because they’ll see how present you were in their lives.

As a mom (and now Nana) myself, I understand the pressure to look “just right” and the struggle to feel confident when your body is in transition after pregnancy. But I also know how quickly time flies. Your newborn will grow before your eyes, and these early days will become fleeting memories. Don’t let your insecurities steal those moments from you. Years from now, when your child looks back at those photos, they won’t see any of the imperfections you might worry about; they’ll see their beautiful mom who loved them unconditionally.

Motherhood is a journey that shapes and changes you, inside and out. Each stage of that journey is worth celebrating, no matter how you feel in the moment. I’ve seen so many moms hold back, thinking they’ll schedule a family session once they’ve “got it all together.” But what you may not realize is that you already do. You are enough, exactly as you are, and the love and bond you share with your children is something no camera can enhance or take away. It’s there, just waiting to be captured.

So please, momma, don’t wait. Get in the photos, be part of these moments. Let your children look back on their childhood and see you in it: your real, beautiful, messy, loving self. Because at the end of the day, that’s what matters. Not perfection, but presence. The smiles, the laughter, the snuggles, and the connection…that’s what will stand the test of time. Your kids will be grateful for it, and someday, you’ll be grateful too.