Because your presence matters.

The Moment That Got Away

You’re sitting on the floor, one leg asleep beneath you, your toddler giggling while their chubby fingers stack blocks, their hair wild from nap time. For just a second, everything feels perfectly in this moment. Beautiful. Unfiltered. Your heart swells, and your first instinct is to reach for your phone.

But by the time you’ve opened the camera, the moment has shifted. The stack has toppled, your child is asking for a snack, and you’re left with a blurry image and a twinge of guilt. You were there, but you weren’t fully present. And it was all for a photo that didn’t even turn out?

It’s hard, isn’t it?
Being both the one making the memories and the one trying to hold onto them.
But you shouldn’t have to choose.

The Tension Mothers Know Too Well

If you people-watch even a little, you see it.

A mother, loving and attentive and fully present, picks up her phone to capture something sweet. A sleepy smile. A tiny voice singing. A peanut butter-smeared face at a small picnic.

She freezes the moment the best way she knows how. But she’s not in the photo.

And while she caught the memory, she wasn’t in it.

If you’ve ever felt that tug, the tension between being there and being seen, you’re not alone. So many mothers carry the invisible weight of creating the memories and documenting them too.

But here’s the truth:
You don’t have to choose.

Why It Feels So Hard to Be Present and in the Photo

There’s this quiet idea that motherhood is supposed to be selfless. That we give and give, and rarely ask to be seen.

We’re the ones behind the lens, snapping photos for everyone else. And while it’s an act of love, over time it can leave us missing from the story we’re trying so hard to keep.

We might feel like asking to be in the photo is selfish.
Or we tell ourselves we need to look “put together” for it to be worth capturing.
Or maybe we don’t even realize how many years have passed without a single photo of us with our children until we go looking for one.

But here’s what I believe.
Presence isn’t about perfection.
It’s about showing up just as you are.

Messy bun (the real kind), tired eyes, full heart.
You deserve to be part of the memory too.

How to Be in the Photo With Your Kids and Not Miss the Moment

You don’t need to do more.
You just need to give yourself permission to matter in the story.

Here are three gentle shifts that can help:

1. Let Go of “Perfect”

Your kids won’t look back and wish your hair had been brushed or the house had been cleaner in the photo.
They’ll see how safe they felt in your arms.
They’ll see love, not laundry.
Let the moment be real. That’s where the heart is.

2. Let Someone Else Hold the Camera

Sometimes the simplest way to be in the photo with your kids is to stop trying to take it yourself.

You don’t have to be the one capturing every memory.
Hand your phone to your partner or your mom, and ask them to take the picture.
Or choose a session where your only job is to be there, snuggling, laughing, rocking, playing, while someone else quietly photographs the love unfolding in front of them.
You get to be part of the memory, not just the one preserving it.

3. Make Space for Slowness

The most meaningful images happen when there’s time to just be.
No rushing. No posing. No “say cheese.”
That’s the heart behind every motherhood session I offer.
We slow things down, follow your children’s rhythm, and create space for real connection the kind that photographs beautifully without feeling staged.

These Memories Are for You, and for Them

These images aren’t just for your walls or your albums.
They’re for your children, and they’re for you.

One day your little ones will look back and see you. Loving. Joyful. Present.
But long before then, you’ll have something to hold onto too.

On the hard days, these photos will remind you of how deeply you love and how much you’re loved in return.
They’ll remind you that you were there, not just behind the scenes, but right in the heart of it all.

Because you deserve to be remembered in the story too.
Not just for your children, but for you.

Let Me Help You Step Into the Frame

If this speaks to your heart, I’d be honored to help you preserve it.
Let’s create space for you to be present and in the photo with your kids.

👉 Step into the Story
or
👉 View other Stories

FAQ: Being Present and in the Photo as a Mom

What if I don’t feel camera-ready?

You’re not alone. Most moms I work with say the same thing and that’s exactly why I photograph the way I do. You don’t need to be “put together” or styled perfectly. The love between you and your children is more than enough. The tired eyes, the soft cuddles, the messy bun.. they’re part of the story your children will treasure. I gently guide you and focus on connection over perfection, so you feel safe, seen, and celebrated just as you are.

What should I wear for a motherhood session?

Soft, comfortable, and timeless is always a good place to start. I recommend neutral tones or light pastels that flow with the soft, clean feel of my photography style. Dresses that move easily or cozy knits are beautiful on camera. And if you’re unsure, I’m happy to help with styling. We’ll find something that feels like you.

How do I get natural photos with my kids?

The best photos come when you’re just being yourself. My sessions are slow and child-led, which means we follow your little ones’ pace and give you space to interact how you naturally would, whether that’s snuggling, playing, or reading together. There’s no pressure to pose or smile on cue. I’ll guide you into good light and quietly capture what unfolds. I also have a prep guide to help you and your kids feel ready ahead of time.

👉 Curious about the difference between creating the memories and keeping them? Read: “Why Moms Aren’t in the Family Photos, And Why That Matters”

I hope this helps,

much love

-Aspin