Navigating Motherhood and Photography
As a stay-at-home mom to three energetic boys, my life is a whirlwind of beautiful chaos. I’m lucky to be able to work from home, running my full-time photography business, and I treasure the moments I get to share with my kids throughout the day. Whether we’re baking cookies, crafting masterpieces out of Play-Doh, or having dinosaur roar contests on the couch, I embrace every bit of joy and spontaneity they bring into my life. These moments fuel my heart and inspire my creative soul, reminding me why I chose this path.
Motherhood and photography are both full-time jobs that I navigate daily, each requiring its own kind of energy, patience, and creativity. Raising three boys keeps me on my toes with endless activities, learning moments, and snuggles, while photography allows me to channel my passion into capturing life’s most meaningful moments for others.
Juggling both roles can be challenging; especially when deadlines coincide with family needs; but it’s a balance I’m grateful for. Motherhood fills my heart, and photography fuels my creativity. Each role complements the other, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s a delicate dance, one that brings fulfillment and a deep sense of purpose.
As a family photographer, weekends and evenings are often when I’m out capturing precious moments for other families. I truly cherish being part of those special occasions and helping to preserve memories that will last a lifetime. At the same time, it does mean that I sometimes miss out on moments with my own family; weekend adventures, bedtime routines, or quiet evenings together.
While it’s a sacrifice, it’s one I make with a full heart. I’m grateful for the families I get to work with, but I also prioritize finding time to be fully present with my own family. Whether it’s a weekday afternoon or a quiet Sunday, I make sure to carve out those moments, because being there for my boys and husband is as important to me as capturing the joy of others.
I don’t always have a perfect way to handle the daily chaos of raising kids and meeting photography deadlines. It’s a constant balancing act that I’m still figuring out. My days are filled with the joyful noise of three boys; Scooby-Doo marathons, snack requests, and endless questions; while my deadlines loom in the background.
For me, staying up late is sometimes the only option. When the house finally quiets down around bedtime, I find myself editing until 2 AM, trying to focus while my mind is still buzzing from the day. It’s not the easiest path, and it’s not everyone’s first choice to sacrifice sleep to get work done. But as soon as the kids hear a sound in the morning, they’re up and the day starts all over again.
Being a late-night editor and a full-time multitasker can be complicated when my kids’ needs constantly pull at my focus. But I love what I do and I love my family; so I make it work, even if it means juggling a little bit of chaos along the way.
As a stay-at-home mom, I’m grateful to be with my kids every day, but I still struggle with mom guilt. Even though I’m physically present, I sometimes feel like I’m not truly there for them. There are moments when I find myself asking them to wait or turning to the TV for a little extra help, just so I can finish a business call or meet a deadline.
It’s hard not to feel guilty when I say no to an extra cookie or ask them to play quietly instead of being involved with their adventures. I worry I’m missing out on those little details - tiny triumphs, discoveries, and milestones; that other moms might be experiencing more fully. I wonder if they’re spending more time exploring and entertaining themselves because I’m focused on work.
But then I remind myself that I’m doing my best, and that my kids are learning to be independent and creative in their own ways. It’s a delicate balance, and I often feel like I’m walking a tightrope. I’m still figuring out how to navigate it all, and maybe it’s okay to admit that some days I get it right, and some days I don’t.
I’m learning that being a good mom doesn’t mean being perfect; it means loving them fiercely, even when I have to juggle the demands of work. And while I might not catch every single moment, I’m doing everything I can to cherish the ones I do.
Finding a perfect balance between work and family feels like chasing a moving target; it’s impossible to achieve, and that’s okay. The expectations we often place on ourselves can be unrealistic, and striving for perfection only leads to frustration. I’ve learned to accept that I can’t be everything to everyone at all times, but I can be my best in the moment, wherever I am.
“There is no such thing as perfection. Perfection is an unattainable goal. There is no perfect way to be a mother, no perfect way to be a leader, no perfect way to be a professional. We are all imperfect, vulnerable, and flawed, and that’s what makes us human. It’s in embracing our imperfections and being vulnerable that we truly connect with others and ourselves.”
- Brené Brown
Keeping a positive attitude and lifting my chin up, even on the most chaotic days, helps me navigate the demands of motherhood and running a business. I remind myself that no one has it all figured out, and doing my best is enough. And that’s not just for my family but also for my clients.
In photography, as in life, a little kindness and honesty go a long way. I’ve found that being open with my clients; whether about scheduling, deadlines, or the realities of balancing work and family; helps build trust and understanding. When I’m transparent, they’re more open with me too, creating a relationship based on mutual respect.
There will always be challenges, but maintaining a positive outlook and focusing on the good moments; no matter how small; makes the journey worthwhile. After all, it’s not about being perfect; it’s about being present and doing the best we can.
I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be at home with my kids while also capturing the beautiful love stories of so many families. Embracing the chaos is something I’m still learning to do, and that’s okay. Balance isn’t a steady line; it’s more like a teeter-totter that shifts in every direction. I’m learning to navigate it with grace, knowing that it’s perfectly fine to still be figuring it out. Each day brings its own challenges and joys, and I’m thankful for both, as they shape me into a better mom, photographer, and person.
How do you find balance in your own life? Please share your stories and tips - I would love to hear from you!
