Get in the Photo
Why Moms Need to Get in the Photo and Not Just Take the Photos
As moms, we wear so many hats: the caregiver, the cheerleader, the organizer, and the teacher. One role that often gets overlooked is that of the photographer. We are the ones behind the camera, capturing the precious moments of our children’s lives, from birthdays and holidays to everyday milestones. But in the process of documenting these moments, we often forget one crucial thing: we need to be in the photos, too.
It’s easy to slip into the habit of being the one who takes the pictures and not the one who appears in them. After all, there’s always so much going on, and the kids’ smiles, that perfect candid shot, or the family portrait are the things we focus on. But here’s why you, as a mom, deserve to be in those photos just as much as everyone else.
1. Your Children Will Want to Remember You, Too
We all have a mental picture of what our childhood looked like—who was there, what we were doing, the moments that stood out. One day, your kids will look back at those photos you’ve taken, and they will want to see you in them. You are a pivotal part of their lives, and having images that show you sharing in those moments makes them feel more complete.
When your children look at old family albums, they’ll want to see their mother’s smile, her love, and her presence. Even if they don’t know it now, they’ll treasure those photos when they’re older, just as you likely treasure the photos of your own parents.
2. Photos Are About Connection, Not Just Documentation
It’s easy to get caught up in thinking that photos are only for "documentation"—a way to mark time, growth, and events. But photos are really about connection. They capture emotion, love, and the special bond that exists between you and your children. By being in the picture, you remind everyone (yourself included) that the relationships you share are just as important as the moments themselves.
Think about how many times you’ve pulled out a family photo, a vacation snap, or a silly selfie, and how it made you feel connected to your loved ones. Even more powerful is seeing yourself in those moments. It’s a reminder of how much you matter to the fabric of your family’s story.
3. Your Kids Are Watching You Lead by Example
As a mom, you are the first role model for your children. They look to you for guidance, love, and support. And, believe it or not, the way you interact with photos sends a message to them. If they see you always behind the camera, they may come to believe that their memories and experiences are more important than yours. Or worse, they might think that your worth is tied to what you do for others, rather than being celebrated in your own right.
By stepping in front of the camera, you’re showing your children that you matter too. You’re teaching them that their mother is deserving of love, attention, and the same joy they experience when they see a photo of themselves. You’re modeling the importance of self-love and self-worth, showing them that being present in family moments isn’t just for the kids.
4. You Deserve to Be Part of the Memories
Being a mom often means you’re the one taking care of everyone else’s needs—feeding, cleaning, comforting, and supporting. It’s easy to forget that you deserve to be celebrated too. Getting in the photo allows you to be part of the memories you’re helping to create. You deserve to look back and remember the joy, love, and laughter of your family, just as much as everyone else.
Years from now, when your children are grown and those photos are all that’s left of their younger years, they will be so grateful to see you in them. You’re not just a caretaker—you’re an integral part of those memories. Embrace the idea that your presence matters and deserves to be remembered, too.
5. It’s Easier Than You Think
The good news? Getting in the photo doesn’t have to be a production. You don’t need to have professional photography sessions every time (though, those are great too!). Sometimes, it’s as simple as setting up a camera or phone with a timer, asking your partner or a friend to snap a shot, or even using the front-facing camera for a quick family selfie. You don’t have to wait for the “perfect” moment—because the real beauty lies in the authentic, spontaneous memories you create together.
If you’re worried about not looking your best, keep in mind that memories aren’t about perfection. They’re about love, connection, and the shared moments that make life special. No one will ever look back at a photo and say, “Oh, I wish mom had looked better that day.” What they’ll remember is how you looked, how you felt, and how much you meant to them.
6. It’s More Affordable Than You Think
You might think that booking a professional photographer is a splurge—something that only happens for major life events or special occasions. But the truth is, professional sessions can be much more affordable than you might imagine, especially if you plan ahead and find a photographer who offers smaller sessions or mini sessions.
The value of having a skilled photographer capture timeless family moments is immeasurable. Whether it’s for a holiday portrait, a family reunion, or just because, the investment is worth it for the memories you’ll cherish forever.
7. You’ll Thank Yourself Later
Finally, one of the most powerful reasons to get in the photo is that, in time, you’ll be glad you did. We all get busy, and it can feel like there’s always something else to do. But one day, when you look back at those photos, you’ll realize that it wasn’t the perfectly posed shots that matter most—it was the memories, the laughter, and the way you were there, in the moment, creating and sharing joy with the people you love.
Don’t wait for the “right time” or the “perfect shot.” Get in the photo today, so you and your family can treasure those memories for years to come. Your children will thank you for it, and, more importantly, you’ll thank yourself. If you don't believe me, think of how self critical we all were in high school and now looking back at your high school self do you see yourself in a more positive way? This is how your 70 year old self will view your 35 year old self.
Conclusion: You Are Part of the Story
Being a mom is an incredibly rewarding, albeit sometimes exhausting, role. You give so much of yourself to your family, and while that’s important, you also deserve to be seen, remembered, and celebrated. The next time you’re snapping a photo, remember: you are part of the story too. So, don’t just take the photo—be in it.
Your children will cherish the images that show you not just as their mother, but as a woman, a person who’s present in their lives and who contributes to their memories. After all, the best photographs aren’t just about the picture—they’re about the people, the love, and the connection that they represent.
So, pick up that camera, set the timer, and get in the shot. Your future self will be glad you did.