Why Moms Should Get in the Newborn Photos Too: Embracing Your Journey, Even When You Don't Feel Like It
The arrival of a new baby is a whirlwind of emotions, excitement, and yes, exhaustion. As a new mom, you might find yourself feeling overwhelmed, physically uncomfortable, and perhaps less than glamorous. Between the sleepless nights, the pain of recovery, and the physical changes your body has gone through, it’s easy to feel like you don’t want to be in the photos. After all, you’re probably dealing with a few discomforts: bloating, swelling, and the reality of postpartum bleeding. If you've had a C-section, you’re facing a whole new set of challenges, from the surgery recovery to navigating everyday tasks with a newborn.
I get it. I understand how you feel. As a mother myself, I’ve been there. While I have not personally gone through a C-section, I’ve had the privilege of photographing many mothers who have—and I’ve listened to their stories about the struggles they face. I know the toll it takes on your body and your sense of self. I know what it feels like to look at yourself in the mirror and not recognize the person staring back at you. But I’m here to tell you that you should be in the newborn photos. Here’s why.
1. The Reality of Postpartum: You’re Not Alone
After giving birth, it’s common to feel exhausted, swollen, and in pain. You might feel bloated and not like yourself, and there’s the very real physical discomfort of postpartum recovery. If you’ve had a C-section, the pain is magnified with the incision and recovery that comes with major surgery. You might be wearing a sanitary pad so big it feels like it belongs on a baby rather than a mother. And let’s not even get started on the sleepless nights and the endless cycle of feeding and comforting your little one, all while you’re trying to heal.
But here’s the truth: you are not alone. I see this every day. The raw beauty of new motherhood isn’t about perfection—it’s about the love, the tenderness, and the sacrifices made for your child. I understand the struggles because I’ve been there myself. And though I know how hard it is to embrace this new reality of postpartum life, I also have the hindsight to say that it does get easier. With time, you’ll look back at those photos, not with self-criticism, but with forgiveness and understanding. What seems like a temporary phase of discomfort will become a cherished part of your journey as a mom.
2. You Are Beautiful—Even When You Don’t Feel Like It
One of the most common things I hear from new mothers is that they don’t feel “camera-ready.” It’s easy to look in the mirror and see only the changes—swollen feet, a softer belly, the lingering effects of childbirth. But here’s what I want to tell you: you are beautiful. The moment you hold your newborn in your arms, you are witnessing a miracle. Your body just did something incredible. It brought life into the world, and it’s healing in its own time.
When I look at my own postpartum photos from years ago, I no longer see a body that needs fixing or adjusting. Instead, I see a new mom—someone who was learning, growing, and loving in ways I hadn’t yet experienced. With time, I’ve learned to view my body with the same forgiveness and appreciation that I would give a dear friend who had just gone through the same journey. Those early days were hard, but they were beautiful.
And you will hopefully come to see yourself that way too. Years later, you’ll look back at those “freshly postpartum” images and see a woman who gave everything for her child. You won’t see something “ugly” or imperfect—you’ll see strength, love, and a moment in time that can never be recreated.
3. The Power of the “Mommy & Me” Photos
As a family photographer, I’ve had the privilege of working with so many mothers who were hesitant to get into the newborn photos at first, but after a little encouragement, they gave in. And you know what? Almost every single one of them tells me afterward how glad they are they were convinced to be part of the pictures.
The “mommy and me” photos are often some of my clients’ favorites. It’s not just about capturing a perfect shot—it’s about the connection, the emotion, and the memory of those first few weeks together. Those photos serve as a reminder of the quiet, tender moments of bonding that pass by so quickly.
In fact, of all the moms I’ve photographed, the one thing they all have in common is this: they all choose a mommy-and-me photo to keep. When they look back, these images represent a time of pure, unfiltered love—a snapshot of who they were as new mothers.
4. Parent and Sibling Photos Are the Most Cherished
It might surprise you, but when parents view their proofs after a session, they often pick more parent and sibling photosthan they do individual photos of the newborn. Typically, around 40-50% of the photos parents choose are of themselves with their baby or the whole family together. This speaks volumes about how much these photos matter—not just for the baby but for you, as parents, too.
The first weeks of your baby’s life are such a transformative period for you as a mother and for your family as a whole. The joy, the mess, the learning curve—it’s all part of the story. And you, as the mother, are central to that story. Your presence in these photos is what makes them complete. You are the one holding your child, looking at them with all the love and wonder that comes with being a new parent. Your touch, your embrace, and your presence are integral to the memory-making process.
5. Your Child’s Childhood Is Your Motherhood Story
When your baby is born, so is your motherhood. As a new mom, you may feel like you’re just trying to get through each day, focusing on your baby’s needs while putting your own aside. But in reality, you are building a legacy—a story that will last for generations. These photos aren't just for you; they’re for your child and their children, capturing your strength and love during a transformative time.
One day, as your baby grows and becomes their own person, they will look back at these images and see more than just a tired, postpartum mom. They’ll see a mother who was there, nurturing, loving, and guiding them through those precious early days. They’ll see your story—how you became the mom you are today. And years from now, when you reflect on those moments, you’ll wish you had more photos of your motherhood in the early days of their childhood. These photos preserve the essence of both your child’s first moments and your first moments as a mother.
6. As a Professional, It’s My Job to Make You Look Your Best
I understand the hesitation many new moms feel about being photographed when they’re still recovering and not feeling like themselves. But as a professional photographer, it’s my job to make you look your absolute best. I’m trained to find the most flattering angles, to work with natural light, and to guide you into poses that will showcase your beauty and your connection with your baby. I know how to make you look relaxed and at ease, so you feel comfortable while being photographed.
Additionally, I offer retouching on all of your portraits. This means that any little details you might feel self-conscious about—whether it's a tired eye or a swollen face—can be softly and tastefully enhanced to bring out the best in every image. My goal is to ensure that when you look at these photos years from now, you’ll see the real you, and remember how beautiful you were in those first days with your baby.
Embrace the Beauty of This Moment
So, why should you be in the newborn photos? Because you are a vital part of this story. Your presence in these early memories is invaluable. While it’s easy to feel like you don’t look your best, the truth is, you are more beautiful than you think. You’ve just done something extraordinary, and you deserve to be celebrated.
At Elizabeth Lang Photography, I’m here to guide you through this process with care, understanding, and empathy. I know how challenging these early days can be, but I also know how important it is to document this moment in time. Together, we’ll create photos that you’ll look back on with love, not just for the beautiful newborn you’re holding, but for you, the incredible mom who made it all happen.