Keeping mum in the picture

Since becoming a parent, my passion for photography has sky-rocketed. I’ve always loved taking a photo, and was well-known at uni, even in the days before digital cameras, for being the one who took lots of snaps on a night out, or when we went away on a girls’ holiday. I still love to look back on those now, and whenever I do, have such lovely memories of then (oh, how young we were!). 

Now I have 3 children, I adore documenting their milestones and our adventures through taking photos, although I still have a long way to go when it comes to taking amazing pictures (I WILL master shooting in manual one day!). However, when shooting our moments together, there have been several times when I’ve gone back and edited the pictures, only to realise that my children and Adam are most definitely documented… and I am not. 

This may sound a tad vain, but there have been times when I wish I had some lovely snaps of me with the children. Not because I’m ‘me, me, me’, but because it’s nice to show that I am very much part of our family when it comes to looking back on our time together. Adam is showing potential as ‘vlog husband’ as he quite enjoys filming videos of us on his phone when we’ve been out and about, but Instagram husband he aint (sorry husband). He just doesn’t think to take that many photos when we’re on holiday or on a day out, let alone a proper ‘shoot’ with the children at home. And without wanting to sound sexist, having talked to pals I think this is a common ‘mum problem’. They would love more photos of themselves with their babies. (Unless you’re Naomi, I am frequently envious of Naomi and her photo-taking other half!).

So when the photographer, Ashleigh Shea, asked if I would like some photos at her studio with the children (she was snapping them anyway), I jumped at the chance! It might surprise you that I’m a bit of an awkward poser, which is probably why I don’t spend much time asking Adam to take pictures of me, and am happiest documenting the family from the safety of my Olympus Pen. BUT I thought it would be awesome to actually have some lovely pictures with all 3. 

I guess because I take pictures myself to an okay standard, I never thought to have professional ones taken of our family, and I thought it was a little self-indulgent, especially if they involved moi. BUT, having had these taken now, I want some done every year of me with the children (or, even better, all 5 of us as a complete family).

It is definitely worth the investment, and someone like Ashleigh just has the talent to capture you all at your best. I can’t wait to work with her more over the coming year when it comes to snapping Arlo, but now I have these pictures it’s made me want more of me with the kids. 

I am already considering booking her in for a (slightly wanky) matching Christmas pyjama photoshoot with all 5 of us (and yes, I have already bought the PJs from an Ebay store!).

Ashleigh is based in Orpington, Kent, so if you are not a million miles from there, I highly recommend you book a shoot with her.

It’s SO nice to be ‘in the frame’ for once!

Do you have lots of photos of you with the children? Are you the driving force, or does someone willingly take them of you without prompting? I’d be interested to hear!

Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.