Mama, you are beautiful. | Austin Maternity + Newborn Photographer
Being a family photographer in Austin, I tell people all the time to “relax” and “just have fun”, but to tell you the truth… I could use a nice big scoop of my own advice. Confession time! I don’t like having my picture taken. Like most, I am my own worst critic. I focus on the thing about myself (we all have that ONE thing) that no one else notices, but it’s all I can see. I also cringe when I look back at my past work. I see so many things wrong with the photos I took when I was first starting out and what I would do differently now. But the thing is, I couldn’t be the photographer I am today without them. I need those photos as a constant reminder that I am always creating new stepping stones. The learning never ends. So I just keep clicking and doing my best! Luckily, I have a ton of people who believe in me and adore my work. That is what I try to focus on.
Being vulnerable isn’t easy, but it’s necessary for growth. I know as mothers, we judge ourselves the most. The mom-guilt we feel from when you just have one of those days where nothing happens on time or maaaybe you let them watch an extra hour of screen time just to hear yourself think. I get it. For some reason, as moms, we feel a great sense of responsibility for our entire family’s well being. If everyone’s needs aren’t being met, the guilt usually falls on our shoulders. Here’s the thing though. That self-criticism also spills over into how we feel about our appearance. Whether it’s in the mirror or in photographs, we judge ourselves harshly or worse, we put off those family photos and let the years pass by without documenting a single thing outside of our phone camera.
I’ll be the first to admit, I’d rather hide behind the camera than be in front of it. I’ve struggled with my weight since my 20’s. I’ve never had a flat stomach or a nicely chiseled jawline and the list of yo-yo diets I’ve tried is pretty embarrassing. However, after the birth of our daughter, I somehow managed to get to a place of a little more self-acceptance. Our beautiful green-eyed baby came from my body and for that I am eternally grateful to it. As she grew older I didn’t want her to hear words of self doubt or body shaming phrases like “bubble butt” or “thunder thighs”. I want her to know that her body that we created together is of absolute perfection at any size or any age. And then it dawned on me. If her body is perfect then so... is... mine. And so is yours!
Yes, maybe we are a little more squishy in our mid-section or have a few more wrinkles than we’d like, but you know what, that’s okay. One day, many years from now, you’ll be long gone and your grandchildren will only have photos and videos to remember you by. Do you really think they’re going to say “Wow, these are great photos except for Grannie’s flabby arms. Really wish she would have picked up some weights and toned those arms before taking photos” ? NOOOOO! Of course not. They are going to remember your smile, your spirit, and the unconditional love they feel when they know that you put in the time and energy to professionally document everyone in your family. Preserving your family’s history is one of the greatest gifts in the world. Don’t let a little self-doubt keep you from that gift.
And no, this is not a ploy to get you to book a session with me! Of course I would love to, but my purpose of this blog is to remind you.. Mama, you are beautiful. Just the way you are. The only thing anyone sees is the love within your family and there’s nothing more beautiful than that.
K