As a Castle Rock photographer and a mom, here’s something I’ve learned the hard way: we’re incredible at documenting our family’s story… but not always great at being in it.
A few years ago, I was hanging my favorite photographs on a hallway gallery wall. My husband walked by, stopped, and began reminiscing about the moments captured—our boys skipping rocks, playing on the beach, fishing, and laughing. But then he suddenly said, “Wait… you’re not in ANY of these photos! I’m not okay with that.”
He was right.
He appeared in photo after photo with our boys. And me? I was there for the memory… but missing from the story. Without realizing it, I had documented everyone but myself. I was hidden behind the lens, becoming the invisible narrator of our family adventures.
That moment was a wake-up call.
It hit me that if I didn’t start including myself in the photos, my boys—and someday my grandchildren—wouldn’t truly see me through the years. They wouldn’t see how I looked as time passed, how I laughed during our adventures, or the way I interacted with them when they were small. They might even forget I was present at certain moments.
Without images of me, there would be a missing piece of our family history.
Photos hold memories when time softens the details. And I realized that if those memories ever started to fade for my children, they wouldn’t have photos to revisit and SEE the love, presence, and connection I poured into their lives.
Mamas, we know this all too well.
We’re constantly capturing the milestones, the chaos, the sweetness, and the everyday stories—yet we often forget to step in front of the lens. As a Castle Rock photographer, I see this happen again and again: moms documenting everything except themselves.
But here’s the truth: you are a vital part of your family’s legacy.
You deserve to be seen in the photos. Your children deserve to look back and see you—your joy, your face, your laughter, your love woven into each chapter of their childhood.
Photos aren’t just for today—they’re for the generations who will come after us. By including yourself in family photos and everyday snapshots, you give your children and future descendants the gift of knowing you:
- how you looked,
- how you held them,
- how you smiled,
- how you lived and loved.
Your children will treasure these images more than you know. If they’re anything like mine, they flip through albums asking questions about how I used to look, what I wore, how I carried them, and what life was like “when they were little.”
These photographs help them understand who you were—both as their mother and as a woman.
And mama, you deserve these memories too.
Seeing yourself in photos allows you to recognize your strength, beauty, and the incredible role you play. It shows you the truth of motherhood—the joy, the connection, and the everyday magic that you might not always see in the moment.
So the next time you’re capturing those sweet smiles and wild moments, make sure you capture yourself too. It’s easier than you think:
3 Easy Ways to Get Yourself Into the Photos
1. Use the Timer or Remote on Your Camera or Phone
Set your device on a stand, hit the timer, and join your kids in whatever they’re doing. No poses needed—just be in the moment.
2. Hand Your Phone to Someone Else
I know—it’s tough to surrender control. But it’s worth it. Let someone else snap the photo while you focus on your babies.
3. Book a Session With a Castle Rock Photographer
Professional sessions—especially adventure family photography—allow you to be fully present with your kids while a photographer captures your real connection. Think of it as a documented play session, creating both memories and heirloom images.
By stepping into the photos, you’re creating the most meaningful gift your family will ever receive:
proof that you were there, loving them fiercely, through every season.
Raise them wild.
But also make sure they can open an album someday and see you right beside them—smiling, loving, soaking it all in.
As a Castle Rock photographer, I also encourage moms to explore helpful resources about preserving family memories. One of my favorite articles on the value of being present in photos comes from Click Community, which shares insightful tips for documenting motherhood authentically. You can read it here:
👉 https://www.clickcommunity.com/how-to-get-moms-in-photos
