You Are Enough: How a Portrait Session Will Change the Way You See Yourself | Inland Empire Photographer

This is a letter from your future self.

Dear Mama,

You are enough. You have always been enough.

Get in the photo, not just behind the camera, cheering everyone else on, but in it. Right now, there might be a little voice telling you, you look too old, need to lose a few pounds, or aren’t pretty enough. And I need you to hear this: those are lies.

When a woman steps in front of a camera, it is nothing short of a transformation. Not a physical one, you won't physically change, but the story changes. Suddenly, you are not the mom filled with insecurities or exhaustion.

You are seen. Truly, actually, seen.

And what comes back to you in that image is the woman your children have only ever known, their wonderful mama, who was beautiful all along.

Let me guess. Someone suggested you get family photos done, and your first thought was "Absolutely not. Not until I lose the weight, get more sleep, find my jawline again, and somehow become a different person entirely."

Sound familiar?

Here's the thing: that to-do list you're waiting to complete before you feel worthy of being photographed? It doesn't end. There will always be another reason to wait, another 10 pounds to lose, another bad hair week or year, and another season where you just don't feel like yourself.

Meanwhile, your kids are growing up at an astonishing speed, and you are somehow not in a single photo.

We need to really talk about that.

Because the story you're telling yourself, that you're not ready or not pretty enough, is simply not true. And your children would like a word with you about it.

You Don’t Need to Lose Weight

You really don't. I know we all want to be the perfect weight, but life happens. Your children don't see a number on a scale when they look at you. They see their Mom. The woman who showed up for them every single day. That woman deserves to be in the frame right now, exactly as she is.

They aren’t going to look back on the photo and collectively say, “Wow, these are great, but I sure wish mom had lost 15lbs.”

So, just book the photographer; it doesn’t have to be me. Book someone and get that gorgeous family photo you don’t know you need. Time flies and you’re goig to miss out on the moments and ages your kids are right now.

Not Feeling Pretty Enough

Being pretty is not a prerequisite for being loved; just look at Nanny McPhee. They loved her, warts and all! And it's not a prerequisite for a portrait session either.

You are loved and adored already, no special magic needed. And when you are photographed with intention and care, what comes through isn't your flaws, it's you. And she is beautiful.

If you’re really having a moment when you’re not feeling your best, book a hair and makeup appointment before your photos. It will give you a little confidence boost. You don’t need to go full glam, just someone to curl your hair and pamper you a little. Ask your bestie or sister, I’m sure they’d love to do this for you.

And, afterwards, I always tell my clients to go out. You’re on a high from your photo session, so celebrate the fact that you just had pictures taken. Everyone is dressed up and looking fancy. Your teens probably showered, and the little toddler isn’t covered in glue and dirt, for once. So, whether you all decide on your favorite steakhouse or Fro-Yo, go celebrate!

Tired as a Mother (feeling too drained)

This is a real feeling. We’ve all been there. The sleepless nights. The 4 am cartoons and cuddles. The call from a preteen at a sleepover wanting to get picked up.

I have good news: you don't have to try hard. You only have to show up.

That exhaustion you're feeling? It's proof of how much you love them. Sass and all. Let someone else hold the camera for once, while you’re able to just hang out with your kids.

That’s all a photo session really is, anyway. It’s hanging out. I want you to feel like jelly from the lack of stress at your session. Almost like you just left a massage appointment.

You can play with your kids while blowing bubbles. Laugh and hug your preteen, without any drama. Kiss your partner while your kids make vomity faces. It really is all about just being. Being present. Being in the moment.

Life is tiring. And, I don’t think it gets easier as the kids get older. So, enjoy this season as much as possible, and with a gallon of coffee. And, just get in the photo.

You won’t regret being in it. But you will regret not being in it.

Being a Mom is the Hardest, Most Invisible Job

I get it! I really do. I have 4 kids who let me know every night when I don’t make dinner. Thanks, Captain Obvious (add an eye roll).

You wear yourself thin every single day. No performance review, no highlight reel, no applause. No catered lunch in the backroom for you to graze on between acts of service, carpool, practice, or preschool drop off.

You find yourself eating the last cold dino nugget off the youngest plate because you realize you haven’t eaten all day.

A portrait session is one simple hour where someone finally says: You matter. Not just as a mother. But, as a woman. As a person. And, you are worth remembering.

Your kids will want to remember you the day you’re gone. They may not thank you every day for being their mom, now, but the time will come. I promise.

One Day, This Photo Will Be All That’s Left

Deep, and a little dark, I know. But, this is the stuff photographers think about.

This is something that hits hard and matters the most. When your children are grown, when they are missing you, when they want to show your grandchildren who you were, that photo will be everything.

The photo will be cherished memorabilia.

I wish I had more photos of my grandma; she was the most amazing human I’ve ever met. I aim to be just a fraction of what she was, what she taught.

Don't let the lies you keep telling yourself about not being enough take that from them.

This is your official permission slip. Not that you needed one, but just in case:

You are allowed to be in the photo right now. Not twenty pounds from now. Not after you've had a full night's sleep (we both know that's not coming). Not when life feels less chaotic. Now.

Because someday your kids won't remember the size jeans you wore. Honestly, they shouldn’t know anyway. Ha!

They won't remember the days you felt invisible. Again, they have no idea you feel this way sometimes. They will remember that you always showed up for them, and this time, for yourself too.

Book the session. Wear the thing. Be in the photo.

You are enough. You always were. And honestly? Your kids have been trying to tell you that for years, but you just aren't listening because you're too busy making lunches, wiping tears, and holding everything together, sometimes with tape.

Let someone hold the camera for once.

I promise to make you look every bit as beautiful as they already know you are.

Want to learn more about what a portrait session with me is like? Click here.

Click here to read a blog post on what to wear for your family session.

Cheers to being a mom!

Annette