I know how hectic life can get. Balancing work, family, and all the daily tasks that come your way often leaves little room for self-care. You're on my photography blog, so it's no surprise that I'm going to tell you that I think you can use your upcoming photo session to work a little self-care into your schedule.


In a world that seems to never slow down, where deadlines and to-do lists stretch longer than the horizon, we often neglect the most important person in our lives: ourselves. We are the heart and soul of our families, the engines that keep our careers moving, and the pillars of support for our loved ones. But amid this whirlwind, we sometimes forget to cherish and nurture the person behind all these roles – the individual who more than deserves moments of self-care and self-celebration.


Let me ask you a question, “When you got your wedding, newborn, boudoir, engagement, etc. photos taken, how did you feel when you first held them in your hands?” Maybe you teared up, did you get lost in the feels? Did you catch yourself coming back to look at them over and over? Did you feel empowered, beautiful, confident, peaceful? Probably some mix of those things, right?


Isn’t that the goal of self-care. To get to those places, spaces, and feelings? 


Even though we may not be as young, reckless, and in love as our engagement photos, there’s no reason to think that the love your have for your family in this present moment, isn’t worth cherishing just as much! Something I love about photography sessions is watching moms and dads start to forget we’re there taking their pictures! They begin to lose their reservations and start flirting, repeating inside jokes, snuggling their kids, and turning into tickle monsters. Their family photo session allows for this moment of mindfulness to develop and experience with their families. 


Here are some ways you can work self care into your session:


  1. Pamper Yourself - Go get your hair done, get a facial, mani-pedi. Whatever you’ve been thinking about, I’m giving you permission to treat yo’self before your session.
  2. Spend some time journaling the things you absolutely adore about your individual family members. Think about those things during your sessions. We want to capture the expression of those feelings in your photos. 
  3. Make it a whole evening. IF you're just getting photos of you and your partner, then make it a special occasion. Schedule it on your anniversary or make dinner reservations for afterwards. 
  4. And… Afterwards - Lock the bathroom door and take a nice long soak with your favorite chill music and bath bomb. You did it, Mama!