How Motherhood Changed Me – And My Business
Before I became a mother, I thought I understood the depth of emotion that photography could hold. I’ve always been drawn to capturing quiet, fleeting moments like tiny hands, gripping fingers, the glimmer of anticipation in a soon-to-be mother’s smile, the stillness between breaths. But becoming a mother cracked me open in a way nothing else ever could. And with that shift, my photography changed too.
The reality is that becoming a mom made me a better business owner, and more important human. The early days of newborn cuddles and sleepless nights along with running my own business while raising young kids have been nothing but a learning opportunity that has made me grow into the woman I am today.
From Extra Time to Limited Time
Before I had my first child, I had what felt like so much going on trying to plan for the future, new programs and dreams for my business. I would say yes to almost everything, late nights, back to back weekend, and last minute collaborations.
Becoming a mom changed it all. Suddenly every week felt like a balancing act between diaper changes, building an online presence, managing child care, and fitting work into my life whenever my little one napped.
I learned that the best way to set myself up for success in my personal and business was to set clear boundaries. I had to learn to limit my time to focus on what mattered most to me, protecting my mental health and nurturing my family.
Becoming a mother, although surprising, was a good thing for my career.
The first few months after giving birth allowed me to look at my business plan and reshape it around my own goals, not just the endless hustle.
I sat back and realized that success didn’t mean working all the time, it was about doing the right work. I started to invest my time intentionally in building lasting relationships with my clients, improving their experience and offering services that felt aligned with the season of life I was in.
In a way, motherhood gave me the permission to step off the on going cycle of work, and create a business that honoured both my passion and my family life.
The Reality of the Working Mom Life
Of course, life isn’t always picture-perfect. There are unread messages, projects that are taking longer to complete and the occasional missed call during family time.
There are days when my work life balance feels impossible, and days when the finish line feels so far away. But alongside those tough moments, are the most beautiful ones, the quality time with friends and family, the milestones, and the reminder that my kids are watching me build something filled with love and strength.
The most important thing I’ve learned is that motherhood and entrepreneurship aren’t separate stories. They weave together into one beautiful, chaotic, and deeply rewarding journey.
Seeing Through a New Lens
When I had my first boy, time warped. Days were long but years passed in a blink. Suddenly, every moment felt urgent to remember. I wasn’t just photographing other families anymore, I was living the heartbeat behind the camera. The sleep-deprived joy, the mess, the milestones, the ache of watching your baby grow too fast.
That experience gave me a deeper understanding of what my clients are feeling when they step in front of my lens. The vulnerability. The tenderness. The desire to hold on to something that can’t be held for long. I began approaching sessions with more softness, more reverence. My work became less about the perfect frame and more about the honest one.
What Motherhood Taught Me About My Clients
Motherhood connected me to my clients in a new way. When a mother stands in front of me, unsure whether she’s “camera-ready,” I see her differently now. I see the beauty in her strength, the grace in her exhaustion. I know how it feels to show up while holding so much and I make it my mission to create a space where she feels safe, seen, and celebrated.
It’s also a lot to plan a photo shoot when you’re planning for a new family member. I get that. And we don’t always feel up for being photographed, you’re not alone in that feeling. My mission is to create a space where you can be you, but also enjoy the process and feel taken care of. Our maternity shoots are more of an experience than they are a shoot. We take care of everything – hair, makeup, wardrobe – so that you can just show up as you are and we let us pamper you. It’s not meant to be stressful – it’s meant to be for you.
My business became more than a service. It became a love letter to other mothers, a way to remind them that they are worthy of being documented, not just when everything’s picture-perfect, but especially in the in-between.
Building a Business That Honours Family
Since becoming a mom, I’ve reshaped my business to align with my values. I prioritize slower, more intentional sessions. I give families time to breathe, to be real. And I encourage keepsakes that go beyond digital files…things you can hold in your hands, flip through years later with your children, and remember just how it felt. I run my business the way that feels natural and intentional.
I’m also very careful with my time, and then extend that same importance with your time. You’ll never feel rushed or transactional.
Motherhood didn’t just change me – it deepened me. And through that, it gave my work more soul.
If you’re in a season of motherhood, whether you’re expecting, navigating the newborn fog, or savoring the sweet chaos of life with littles, I’d be honored to capture it for you. These moments are worth remembering. Let’s turn them into something tangible, something lasting.
[Reach out here] to book your session or explore the keepsake options we offer to turn your story into something you’ll treasure forever.