Dear Moms: Here’s Why You Deserve To Be In The Frame

Dear Moms, I see you—always taking care of everything and everyone, capturing the smiles, the snuggles, the milestones. You are the memory keeper, the comfort giver, the steady presence in every fleeting moment. But here’s the truth: you deserve to be remembered too. I know the reasons you avoid being in front of the camera (because I’ve felt the same way)—you’re exhausted, not feeling camera-ready, or simply focused on everyone else. But your children won’t look back and see flaws—they’ll see you, the one who loved them fiercely every single day. As a newborn and family photographer, I’m here to remind you that you are not only worthy of being in the frame, you are an essential part of your family’s story.

Here are 5 Confidence-Building Tips to help you step in front of the lens and into the story you’re created.

Tip #1 – Remind Yourself Why These Moments Matter

The first step is reminding yourself why these moments matter and making the internal decision to be in the photos. Though this is a mindset shift not an external action, it’s really the best place to start.

You may not feel photo-ready, but your children won’t see the tired eyes or messy hair—they’ll see their mom. Being in the frame gives them the gift of remembering how loved, safe, and cared for they were by you. These photos are part of your family’s story, and you deserve to be in it.

Once you zoom out and start thinking about your kids years from now, and just how meaningful these images will be to them one day, it becomes easier to put your insecurities aside for a moment for the greater good.

Kids grow quickly and everything changes as they do, so this is your chance to capture these fleeting moments. 

Tip #2 – Just Do It… It Gets Easier

Now this is the first actionable tip.

Just do it, go ahead and try it even if it’s hard. Get in the frame, mama. The practice of showing up even when we’re not comfortable trains us to become more comfortable in the future. Start with action and your confidence will follow.

I’ve always been incredibly self-conscious and, even as a child, hid behind the camera. But once I became a parent, I decided that being part of my kids’ story was far more important than being comfortable. And now I’ve gotten in the habit of sneaking in some self-portraits as I document my family life. And the more I do it, the easier it gets.

Tip #3 – Hire a Newborn or Family Photographer

Surely, you already have thousands of photos of your kids, but when you hire a photographer, you’re making the statement: I am worthy of family photos. My kids and I deserve photos of all of us together. 

Getting professional family photos is the kind of thing you’ll never regret. In fact, the most common sentiment I hear is, “I wish I’d done it sooner.” 

If you’re considering family photos, then take this as your sign to go for it!

If you’re inspired to start looking for a professional photographer, start with Finding the Right Photographer. This will help you find the best fit for your family.

Tip #4 – Schedule It With Intention

We schedule everything else in life that matters—doctor’s appointments, school events, family outings—so why not schedule time to be in the frame, too?

Whether it’s a full photography session or a simple 10-minute window at home, putting it on your calendar gives it weight and intention. It tells your brain (and heart) that this moment matters. If a professional shoot feels too big right now, start smaller. Set aside time once a month (or even once a week) to take a photo with your child—use a tripod, a self-timer, or ask a partner or friend. When it’s on the schedule, it’s less likely to get pushed aside or forgotten.

This small act of carving out time ensures that you are part of the memories being made—not just the one making them happen.

Tip #5 – Ask Your Partner To Help

This is a habit-forming tip. Start by telling your partner your intentions then asking for their help. It can sound something like, “I’ve decided it’s important to me to be in more photos with the kids. Can I count on you to take photos of us every now and then?”

This is a conversation I had with my husband that was tremendously helpful. First, because stating my intentions out loud made it more likely that I would carry out the task. I was now accountable to someone.

Secondly, it allowed me to have photos where I was interacting with my kids rather than just cheesy photos of all of us looking at the camera with forced smiles.

Last Thoughts On Why To Get Mom In the Photos

I know that stepping in front of the camera can feel vulnerable, uncomfortable, and awkward. But appearing in your family photos is never something you’ll regret.

However you decide to get in the photos with your kids, what matters is your commitment to doing so. Your kids won’t care how you look – and in time, neither will you.

So much of the work we do as parents is invisible. Behind the scenes. But it’s the crux of being a parent: changing diapers, preparing meals, cleaning up the house, driving them around, etc.

This season – whichever one you are in right now – is worth remembering. So take the photo. Be in the frame. You won’t regret it—and your family will cherish it forever.

Ready to Book a Family Session?

If you’re local to LA and interested in learning more about what it would be like to work with me, fill out the form below!

Dear Moms: Here’s Why You Deserve To Be In The Frame

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Marjorie Cohen is a Los Angeles Family Photographer offering at-home sessions to families in LA County. Marjorie works with parents who want relaxed and natural photos with their children. Follow along on Instagram and Pinterest for her latest work!