A New Perspective as a Mom

Being a new mom has already taught me a lot of things–like what the word “patience” really entails. I’m also beginning to understand the meaning of what my mom said: “You never really know what your mother did for you until you become a mom yourself.” Thanks, Mom, for getting up through the dark hours of the night to feed me. Seriously.

But in terms of my work, I’ve also gained a new perspective on photography and the value of photos. As I flip through the pictures on my phone, I’m amazed to see how much Harriet has grown in just two months. The quick snapshots I took half-awake and bleary-eyed of her as a newborn have already become treasured images to me. And yes, since I’m a wedding photographer, I think about her as she might be on her wedding day (of course at least 40 years from now :).

This has also led me to think about the moms of my brides and grooms, and now, I understand just a little bit more what they must be thinking and feeling on the wedding day. When they see their daughter walking down that aisle, they don’t just see her as she is today–a stunning woman in a beautiful dress–I think they also see that helpless babe they rocked to sleep in their arms. Those moments become even more meaningful, and the photographs I take even more powerful. How quickly life changes. How important those photos are as a window into what has been.

From my own wedding, one of my favorite photos is of Harriet’s namesake–Jay’s grandmother Harriet whom everyone called “Ha Ha.” It’s just a quick photo of her in the crowd, but I love it because it’s one of the last ones of her. I’m looking forward to showing it to my little Harriet someday and explaining the story to her.

For now, though, I’m excited to photograph weddings and portraits this year with a new “mom” perspective. I think it’s fair to say I’ll be watching and capturing those intimate family moments just a little bit more than I used to. Here are a few favorite mom and daughter moments from this last year.