When I was younger I developed an interest in photography. I remember shooting portraits of my sisters, my best friend, my dogs. I didn’t know a lot of the technicalities of photography but I managed to figure out how to shoot portraits in the best light, and kept my eyes open for good color and composition. I was probably around 13 or 14 when I took pictures using film, not even knowing if my exposure was correct. 

Cameras have certainly changed since I used my Dad’s old minolta, with film. I do love the mechanics of old cameras, the loud noises of winding and clicking that tell you another frame has been taken. And the waiting. Waiting for my finished roll of film to be developed and mailed back to me was always exhilarating. 

Now I use a digital camera, and we’ve been able to upgrade over the years since Jonah and I have started doing photography together. I’m thankful for this tool that we can use. But I’m still learning. I’m still figuring out the best lighting, the best exposure, the best composition. But I know more of what I like to shoot, the direction I’d like to just stay with right now. The sweet spot that creatives always work towards, I feel like I’m beginning to be in. 

I mentioned it a couple posts back but my direction is for now going to be on motherhood. 

I was praying this morning about my photography. Always something I give to the Lord because I want to trust that anything I do will be with His leading. I want to bring Him glory in the work of my hands, in the talents He’s given me. 

How can I tell more stories? How can I reach out to mama’s and encourage them by taking their story? Why is this important?

The other day I had a revelation. At least to my own way of thinking. 

There is a lot of guilt that I can carry in my role. A lot of expectations and assumptions that I have conjured up in my own mind of what a “perfect mom” is supposed to look like. No one has ever said any of these things (my internal checklist) to me. No one has said that if I failed in these areas I was a bad mom, and I didn’t have value. It’s my own thoughts that have led me to believe I needed to do all the “things” before I was deemed a good mom, or even a valuable woman. 

What? 

When I take these thoughts to God I KNOW that my thinking has not been focusing on what is true (Philippians 4:8). God has created each of us in His image, and we ARE valuable, not because of all the things we do, but because of our worth in Him. He alone is the reason I have value, because of my worth in Christ. I am so thankful I serve Him first. I am thankful He helps me discern what I should and shouldn’t do. And He has given me a heart for our children and a heart to encourage mothers. My revelation was that I am valued by God. Just that. No amount of work on my part will earn my way to His heart, He already loves me. And just like that I can walk in that freedom, fully invested in the everyday of raising boys, being a wife,  and loving people. Clear away all the other clutter in my head and my focus becomes clear. 

I love being a mom. I love all the things that make up our days. Like rock gathering, bike riding, lego building, exploring, fort building, car racing and every little thing that they delight in, I have found I can delight in too. Childhood goes fast. I don’t want to miss it for fear of not getting my house cleaned the right way, my meals perfected or whatever I’ve made up on my list. Those things will get done, and I’ll continue to seek the Lord for help in becoming a better manager of the home. But the play, the building of their imaginations, the questioning minds of our boys are growing and changing quickly. And I don’t want to miss these days. 

And I know that other mama’s are in the same place. Of growing, of learning what it means to be a mom to their children. 

You, mama, are so valuable. God created you to be a mama to the ones He’s given you. And He is going to grow you in ways you never knew, as you love and teach and guide your children.

And He’s growing me. As a mom, a wife, a daughter of God. I’m learning each day and I’m trusting Him to prune and nourish me so that there will be fruit that is beautiful and sweet. 

This summer I’d like to grow in a few areas in my own photography and I’m seeking a few mama’s to help me in this. Some areas I’m specifically focusing on will be portraits and lighting. 

Here are the details for portrait sessions:

Between June-August I’ll be offering 3 sessions for mama’s as listed below. 
An at home session. I’ll come to your home for these portraits. 
The time frame will be limited up to one hour.
You will receive up to 15 final edited images in high resolution. 
The focus will be on you as a mother, and can include your kiddos. 
The pricing will be at a discount from my regular full sessions and will be $130. (limited the session to 3, after that pricing will change)   
To schedule your session you can reach me here. 

I’d also like to say one last thing, the work you do at home is valuable! Training hearts, growing the next generation is important. They are going to lead one day and we need to do our part in pouring into them the best we know how (with the grace of God). Let’s encourage each other in the *good* work we’ve been given. 

I can’t wait to meet more mamas in this photography journey!