Capturing the Essence of Matrescence. Why Motherhood Photography is so important.
The significance of Motherhood Photography
Motherhood is a profound journey. There is nothing anyone can say to prepare you for your metamorphosis. The term ‘matrescence is relatively new, (so much so that my dictionary has no alternative for the red underline as I type!) and means simply the process of becoming a mother.
Matrescence encapsulates all of the the physical, psychological and emotional changes you go through on your journey, and authentic motherhood photography should capture these changes beautifully, allowing mamas to document their experiences and provide tangible gifts to recall these early days. Newborn photography sessions are particularly special, as they take place during the often heady, sleep deprived days that parents have trouble recalling further down the line.
Why should you book a motherhood session?
These sessions are not merely about taking pretty pictures, but about documenting the emotions, milestones, and connections that define motherhood. Through each photograph, mothers can celebrate their unique experiences and honour the love that they share with their children. This type of photography captures raw, intimate moments with a focus on storytelling, allowing mothers to look back and reflect on their journey as they create lasting memories with their little ones.
Motherhood photography serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of childhood. Babies grow and change rapidly, and capturing these early moments means that those memories are preserved forever. Whether you are looking to document your growing baby bump, the beauty of the newborn scrunch, or the end of your breastfeeding journey, each image becomes a beautiful testament to the love, dedication, and joy that comes with motherhood.
Longer term, these sessions will be a huge gift to your kiddos. The photographs your children will cherish most one day will not be the ones that showed how good you looked. They will be the ones that help them remember how it felt to be loved by you. One day they’ll reach for photographs to connect to the memories of their childhood, of you, and they will want to see you there, loving them, honestly and authentically.
What Should You Look for in a Motherhood Photographer?
When searching for a motherhood photographer, it’s really important to consider the following to ensure you find the right fit for you and your family. First and foremost, look at their work to assess their style and expertise. Look for a photographer whose work speaks to you, who’s style you love, as this will determine whether or not the final images reflect your vision. Additionally, consider their experience with newborns and families, as this is super important in creating a comfortable environment during the session.
It’s also important to evaluate the photographer’s approach to working with clients. A great photographer will communicate openly and be willing to collaborate with you to bring your ideas to life. They should also be adaptable and considerate of your individual family circumstances. Finally, consider logistical aspects such as pricing, availability, and whether they provide prints or digital options.
What Makes a Motherhood Photography Photoshoot different to a Family Session?
An intimate motherhood photography session is special because it focuses on the deep emotional connection between a mother and her baby or babies. These sessions are often conducted in a comfortable and familiar environment, allowing the mother to relax and engage authentically with her little one. The intimate atmosphere allows for genuine interactions, resulting in emotive images that beautifully capture the essence of motherhood. They are often, but not always, quieter, more thoughtful.
Unless Mamas have people in their life who actively choose to capture them, they are very often the ones taking the photos, preserving the memories. Often my clients tell me they have no nice photographs of themselves with their babies, or their camera rolls are filled with haphazard selfies. Booking a specific motherhood session ensures that Mama is the star this one time, that she will walk away with beautifully considered images that show her unwavering love for her children. And theirs for her.
When is the best time to book a motherhood photoshoot?
In short, now.
Motherhood photography allows for a wide range of moments throughout your matrescent journey. From the eager anticipation of pregnancy to the first hazy days spent with your newborn, each stage of motherhood can be captured and preserved. Important milestones, such as baby's first smile, first steps, and special family occasions, can also be documented, creating a full visual narrative of your family's growth over time. These photographs will one day be cherished reminders of the love and connection shared within your family unit.
In addition to significant milestones, motherhood photography can capture the beauty in everyday moments that often go unnoticed. The quiet snuggles, playful interactions, and tender embraces. By documenting these ordinary yet extraordinary moments, you have a hand in creating a beautiful collection of images that reflect your personal motherhood journey.
You and your babies are constantly evolving. Think you’ve missed the newborn stage? Photographs of you loving them are truly timeless, and capturing your babies sitting and toddling make for gorgeous keepsakes. Worried your kids are too big? Won’t smile for the camera, are already growing into small adults? You’ll never get this time back. Now, and just because, are perfect times and reasons to capture your motherhood journey. One day you’ll find yourself looking back at these photographs to relive your memories, and sharing them with your children as they grow.