Mum's need to be in photos too
Mums Need to be in Photos Too!
As a devoted mother, you consistently shoulder the mental load of your family's well-being. From packing lunches and washing clothes to orchestrating family activities and managing schedules, you effortlessly handle it all.
However, there is a small drawback. Since mothers tend to be the ones immersed in these tasks, they often find themselves behind the lens, capturing precious moments. While having countless photographs of your children is undeniably delightful, it means that you, dear mum, are not present in many of them. In fact, you may even consciously evade being caught on camera due to personal insecurities.
But it's time to change that. You deserve to be on the other side of the camera, in amongst the beauty of your family, the family you created. Let me explain why.
YOUR CHILDREN DESERVE THE MEMORIES
It may be difficult to contemplate, but there will come a day when you won't be here anymore. And when that time arrives, all your children will have left are the photographs of you. They will yearn to revisit those cherished moments and see your radiant smile, just the way they remember it.
However, if you consistently stay behind the scenes, rarely stepping in front of the lens, they will be left with only a handful of glimpses capturing the essence of who you truly were. These shared moments, these significant milestones, deserve to be documented with you in the midst of them, not just hiding out behind the camera.
Think about the joy your children will experience when they stumble upon these treasured family portraits, brimming with love and togetherness. Let them see the way you embraced every special occasion, the way you radiated warmth and affection. By being present in these photographs, you ensure that your children will forever hold on to the memories of a remarkable mother who played an irreplaceable role in their lives.
Step into the frame, and let your children witness the love and happiness that surrounded them throughout their lives. They deserve to have enduring memories of you, a source of comfort and joy for years to come.
YOU WANT TO TEACH YOUR DAUGHTER TO LOVE HERSELF AND YOUR SONS AS WELL
As a mother, it is your profound desire to instill a sense of self-love within your children. In our society, it becomes even more crucial to teach your daughter the importance of loving herself, as she will inevitably face societal pressures to conform to narrow standards of beauty, perpetually emphasising the need to be thinner, younger, and more conventionally attractive. What she truly needs is to witness your unwavering confidence and self-love, regardless of whether you fit into society's limited definition of beauty. In fact, it is especially crucial for her to witness your self-love if you don't conform to those societal ideals. And your sons need to see this too so that they grow up valuing and loving the women in their lives just as they are.
Each time you shy away from the camera or recoil from the flash, a subtle message is conveyed to your daughter—a message that you don't deem yourself worthy of being captured in the frame, that you don't perceive yourself as beautiful. Is that the lesson you genuinely want to impart to your children?
Instead, offer your children the invaluable gift of lasting memories and demonstrate the astounding beauty that resides within each and every one of you. Consider scheduling a family photo shoot with a skilled professional family photographer who understands how to showcase your family's unique charm and ensure everyone looks their absolute best. Through this experience, you will not only cherish the memories being created but also provide your children with a timeless visual reminder of their own beauty, inside and out.
Let your daughter witness your self-acceptance, embracing your own unique features and radiating genuine confidence. Show your sons the importance of appreciating and respecting women for who they are, beyond societal standards. By actively participating in family portraits, you inspire a powerful lesson—that self-love is a treasure worth embracing, that beauty transcends societal expectations, and that your children are worthy of capturing in the frame alongside their remarkable mother.
In the years to come, as your children grow and perhaps start families of their own, they will fondly look back on these cherished portraits. The memories they evoke will remind them of the profound love and acceptance they experienced as part of a family that celebrated their individuality and encouraged self-love.
So, Mums, embark on this journey of self-love and family portraits, hand in hand with your children. Together, you will create a legacy of beauty, strength, and unwavering love that will endure for generations to come.
What if my kids won't sit still?
As a mum of energetic kids I totally get that Mum's are nervous about how their kids are going to behave during their families portrait session. I too have faced this anxiety on the other side of the camera. My advice - leave it to me. I have been photographing families for 10 years (& I have been a Mum for 15!) and I know that keeping kids engaged, having fun and not "sitting still and smiling at the camera" are the key to capturing your family in a unique and authentic way.
The key for me is play. I use play throughout my sessions to engage kids and capture the natural connections and love that are your family. We usually start all sitting together, snuggled up close and play whispering games, family guessing games or animal noise games to capture some sweet close ups and lots of laughs. Then we move onto more active games - running games, jumping games, hugging games or playing with bubbles.
I came to family photography through photographing my own children, and I never got an authentic, beautiful smile by asking my kids to "smile at the camera". And I will not get it from your kids that way either.
Even Dads often need "something to do" in order to relax and feel comfortable in front of the camera.
Here are my tips as a mum, and photographer, about the best way to prepare you family for the photo session:a
1. Talk to your kids about the session.
Before the session, make sure you explain to your kids that you are going to have family photos. And explain why - maybe it is someones birthday, a special milestone, coming up to Christmas or just because everyone keeps growing so quickly. Maybe you already know that you want a new family photo for the wall, tell you kids this.
Then explain to them what's going to actually happen during the session. Where are you going? Are you going to be in a studio or by the beach? How long is the session going to last? And is there a reward waiting for them when it is over (I am all for a little bribery).
2. Preparation and expectations.
Arrive with everyone dressed and ready for the session. Trying to change kids into a different outfit when you arrive for the shoot can be the difference between a toddler who is excited to be part of the photos and one who refuses because their favourite t-shirt just got taken off them. If it is cold and we are shooting outdoors, make sure that kids have enough layers on so that they are warm and comfortable. Cold kids are unhappy kids.
When my clients arrive I start by telling my families that we are going to have some photos, but more importantly we are going to play some games together as a family. Depending on the age of the children, I am usually explaining this directly to them, rather than to the parents.
I explain that there are going to be some photos of everyone together as a family, some of everyone sitting together cuddling, some of everyone up and about playing, some of just the kids together and then some of the kids by themselves.
I explain to them that even though we are going to play some games, they need to listen to what the I ask them to do so that our games are the most fun and the photos the best they can be.
3. Keep it short and simple.
My sessions usually last between 45 - 60 minutes. And never longer. Young kids have short concentrations and I would never expect them to be cooperating and concentrating for that whole time. The exception to this is for an in studio newborn session which can last 2-3 hours. In which case older children can either be taken home or for a walk after their part of the session if over, or even taken to school or daycare.
Reassure them that it will be fun.
4. Reassure Dads
I find the most nervous person is quite often dad. Dad's feel nervous about having to smile and be told what to do. He has often been dragged along as well. So giving him something physical to do during the shoot is important. Playing with his kids, tickling, chasing and cuddling are all great prompts for reluctant and nervous dads.
5. Relax.
An experienced photographer is used to dealing with kids that don't sit still . I have lots of tricks that I know that will help the process go smoothly.
If you get stressed your kids know you're stressed.
Relax and enjoy Your session.
Watch your kids interacting with each other, watch them interacting with the photographer.
Having a photo session is about creating memories of this age of your kids. Enjoy those moments of the session as they happen. Enjoy those little quirks that make your kids who they are. Let me engage with your kids and capture their individual personalities.
6. Do Not Tell Your Kids to Smile.
Most importantly don't tell them to smile. Kids often have that awful fake smile especially when the age between 5 and 10. As a photographer I have lots of tricks to get them to laugh. And it will be far more natural than asking them to smile at the camera.
Top Baby Names for 2024
NSW has released their 2024 Top Baby Names! Did your babies name make the Top Names list?
2024 NSW Top Names – Boys
- Noah
- Oliver
- Theodore
- Luca
- Henry
- Leo
- Hudson
- Charlie
- Lucas
- Elijah
2024 NSW Top Names – Girls
- Charlotte
- Amelia
- Olivia
- Mia
- Isla
- Chloe
- Harper
- Hazel
- Evelyn
- Sophia
Here at Bree Hulme Photography, we had so many newborn babies come through our door last year, and even more babies up to 1 year old. Here is our list of 2024 Bree Hulme Photography Top Names for newborns who visited us last year!
2024 Bree Hulme Photography Top Newborn Names – Boys
- Nathaniel
- Cohen
- Lukas
- George
- Louie
- Charlie
- Finley
- Hudson
- Vincenzo
- Oskar
2024 Bree Hulme Photography Top Newborn Names – Girls
- Rita
- Mila
- Rey
- Marley
- London
- Millie
- Ava
- Serena
- Halle
- Savanna
And here are a few of our other favourite names of the beautiful babies who visited us for their sitter sessions or 1st birthday cake smash sessions or family sessions in 2024:
- Remy
- Will
- Finn
- Noah
- Tyler
- Ruby
- Grace
- Ivy
- Lily
- Ava
Are you choosing your baby name right now? What are some of the names on the top of your list? Already in 2025 we have seen a few new names with the babies who have come into the studio for newborn portraits.
Let us know your favourite baby names! And if you are planning a baby name, don’t forget to book in for your newborn portraits session! You can see some more of our newborn portraits in the Newborn Portraits Gallery and contact us to book in for a session here.
Is your baby already here? Then book in for a Sitter session or some family portraits whilst they are still chubby little babies! You can see some of our older baby portraits here!
Top Baby Names for 2022
NSW has released their 2022 Top Baby Names! Did your babies name make the Top Names list?
2022 NSW Top Names – Boys
- Noah
- Oliver
- Leo
- William
- Theodore
- Jack
- Luca
- Henry
- Thomas
- Charlie
2022 NSW Top Names – Girls
- Charlotte
- Amelia
- Isla
- Olivia
- Mia
- Ava
- Ella
- Matilda
- Sienna
- Willow
Here at Bree Hulme Photography, we had so many newborn babies come through our door last year, and even more babies up to 1 year old. Here is our list of 2022 Bree Hulme Photography Top Names for newborns who visited us last year!
2022 Bree Hulme Photography Top Newborn Names – Boys
- Maverick
- Cruz
- Austin
- William
- Theo
- Edward
- Jack
- Henry
- Harry
- Fraser
2022 Bree Hulme Photography Top Newborn Names – Girls
- Henri
- Isla
- Lily
- Scarlett
- Evie
- Millie
- Audrey
- Sienna
- Ellie
- Josephine
And here are a few of our other favourite names of the beautiful babies who visited us for their sitter sessions or 1st birthday cake smash sessions or family sessions in 2022:
- Remy
- Will
- Mack
- Arthur
- Tyler
- Oliver
- Austin
- Darian
- George
- William
- Emily
- Sophia
- Alice
- Claudia
- Skye
- Ruby
- Grace
- Ivy
- Lily
- Kiara
Are you choosing your baby name right now? What are some of the names on the top of your list? Already in 2023 we have seen a few new names with the babies who have come into the studio for newborn portraits.
Let us know your favourite baby names! And if you are planning a baby name, don’t forget to book in for your newborn portraits session! You can see some more of our newborn portraits in the Newborn Portraits Gallery and contact us to book in for a session here.
Is your baby already here? Then book in for a Sitter session or some family portraits whilst they are still chubby little babies! You can see some of our older baby portraits here!
Should I buy the digital images from my photographer?
When deciding on and booking your family photography session this is a question many of my clients ask. Should they buy the digital images or physical prints and tangible products like albums and wall art? Or do they get both?
The first question to ask yourself is: Do you print your own photos on a regular basis or are all they are they all just sitting on your hard drive or phone?
Have you and been meaning to print out some photos for ages?
Are you terrified that if something happens to your hard drive or phone that you will lose all your photo as you have never got around to printing them?
Have you had time to put together albums of all of your kids photos?
Did you find the time to complete their baby book with all their baby milestones?
The true reality:
Most of our photos these days are sitting on our hard drives on our computers and never get printed. When you go to a professional photographer it's a perfect opportunity to get some beautiful photos printed and framed to go on your wall or beautifully printed into an album that you can flick through in years to come. This will mean that your family will be able to enjoy those photos every day, and treasure them forever.
The digital files are generally one of the most expensive options on the photographer’s price list. You've got a bear in mind that that the photographer is giving you full print rights to print from those photos which means you can go print photos as many times as you would like. This may sound great but the reality is that most people will never get around to printing their photos and so you end up paying for an expensive product that you never actually do anything with. Those digitals just sit on your USB or hard drive or phone for years.
It may seem like a more expensive option to get the photographer to print it for you but you've got to remember that your photographer is using a professional printing lab, beautiful archival paper that will last your family a lifetime, all their framing is also archival and will last a lifetime.
Ask for your photographers help:
Your photographer is regularly helping their clients with how to best display their photos on their walls, so they have the best knowledge in regards to what will work in your home and your space. Ask them if you can take some photos of the rooms you would like to hang your photos and they will be able to help you with the correct sizing for the space you are wanting to display them.
So should you buy those digital images? I think in this digital age, digitals images are important to us, but don't lose site of also getting some beautiful professionally printed and displayed portraits for your walls. You have invested in family portraits, don't you want to show them off in your home?
Plus displaying family portraits can boost your child's self esteem! Read more about this in my recent blog post.
Family Photos Boost Children's Self Esteem
As a parent one of the key things we all want to achieve is children with good self esteem. Did you know that by simply displaying your family photos in your home, you can help to boost your children's self-esteem?
Psychologist have long been studying the links between photographs and self esteem. Family photos create a sense of belonging and emotional connection. When children see photos of themselves with their family members, it reinforces their identity as part of a loving and supportive unit. It reminds them of the positive emotions associated with shared experiences, fostering a sense of security, comfort, and love.
Psychologist David Krauss says, “I think it is really important to show a family as a family unit. It is so helpful for children to see themselves as a valued and important part of that family unit.” A family photograph helps create that family unit, and when those photos are displayed, the child can physically see themselves as a part of that unit.
Family photographs help children learn who they are and where they fit, understanding their own identity and history. They learn their genealogy and the uniqueness of their own family and its story. Family photos can help your child feel safe and like they belong. By seeing themselves in the context of their family, children develop a stronger sense of who they are and where they come from. This understanding of their roots and heritage can enhance their self-esteem and provide a sense of pride and belonging.
Displaying their own photos validates a child's importance and worth within the family. It sends a powerful message that their presence and contributions are valued and cherished. This validation can boost their self-esteem, reinforcing their sense of self-worth and significance.
Family photos capture moments of happiness, achievements, and love. When children see these positive aspects of their lives reflected in the photos, it reinforces their self-perception in a positive light. It reminds them of their abilities, strengths, and the support they receive, which can enhance their self-confidence and overall self-esteem.
Photos in the Digital Age
In the modern era, we may take more photographs than ever before, but we tend to store them on our smartphones or in online photo albums. While you may have thousands of photos of your child being adorable, your child won’t see them very often. Having family photos displayed for the child to see without having to turn on a device shows the child that they are important, unique and loved. It boosts their self-esteem to see that you consider them special enough to have a place of honor on your walls for all of the visitors of the home to see.
Family Photos Are More Than Just Memories
Your family photos are fantastic memories that let you relive your child’s development, but they are so much more than just keepsakes for you. These photographs tell your child that they are important and that they are loved. As a parent, we always want to give our children the best advantages that we can manage, and something as simple as having their photo on the wall can be one of those advantages. It can be the boost of self-esteem that they need to live life confidently.
5 Tips for What to Wear
What to wear for your family photos is one of the most common questions I get asked. So here are my top tips for what to wear for your family photos that will ensure we keep the focus on your beautiful family connections and also have beautiful images.
Coordinate Colours and Styles
Choose a colour scheme that complements each other and suits the location of the shoot - are we shooting at the beach, in the bush or in the studio?
Opt for soft, neutral tones or pastel shades for a simple and timeless aesthetic. Avoid busy patterns or loud colours that may distract from the family's connection and overall beauty. We want the focus to be on you and your gorgeous family!
Embrace Natural Fabrics
Select clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. This will help to achieve a relaxed and effortless look. These materials not only feel comfortable but also photograph beautifully, adding texture and depth to the images. Subtle patterns in knits, lace and embroidery add some beautiful interest to your clothing.
Consider Location and Season
Keep in mind the specific location and season that we are shooting in. Here in Sydney we have beautiful warm summers, but also chilly times of the year. If it's a beach shoot, opt for lightweight and breathable clothing such as flowy dresses or linen shirts in summer.
In the cooler months add in those beautiful knits and jumpers to make sure everyone is warm and smiling. For a park or urban setting, choose smart-casual outfits with a touch of sophistication.
Accessorise Thoughtfully
Enhance your outfits with carefully selected accessories to add visual interest without overpowering the overall look. Consider delicate jewelry, scarves, or hats that reflect your family's style and personality. However, remember to keep it minimal and coordinated so that the focus remains on the beautiful faces of your family.
Prioritize Comfort and Mobility
Family photo shoots often involve movement and interaction, so ensure everyone's outfits allow for comfortable mobility. Avoid restrictive clothing - longer skirts and dresses allow for more freedom of movement and play than short skirt lengths. Comfortable footwear that still coordinate with your families outfits will ensure natural posing and freedom of movement. If we are on the beach, ditch the shoes! When family members feel at ease, their genuine connection will shine through in the photographs.
If you are still stuck on what to wear for your family portraits, send me a snap shot of what you are thinking or ask about my growing client wardrobe which is available for Mums. I also recommend looking at the amazing collection of dresses specifically for photo sessions which are available for hire over at Mamarentals.com.au.
I cannot wait to see you for your family photos!