It Had Been Years, but This Time, I Was in the Picture: My Experience as a Photographer and a Mom

Jun 6

One thing I’ve always loved is taking photos, and that only grew once I became a mom. I dove into the science of photography, learning how to intentionally create the images I envisioned. After many, many hours of practice photographing my children as they grew and as we traveled, I became a professional family photographer.

My kids will be the first to tell you they have really awesome photos, from birthdays and back-to-school days to local adventures and international travels. But what’s often missing from those stories... is me.

Aside from the occasional selfie or a phone pic snapped by my teen (which, let’s be honest, are rarely flattering for a parent), I’m hardly ever in the photos.

Like many other moms my age (or maybe just all the photographers I know) I had a favorite family photographer on Instagram who lived in London. We were planning to travel there over the summer, and her style matched mine beautifully. I was excited to finally get professional photos of us all together, doing something we love: hanging out in a new city.

This trip also marked two years since a big change in our family (divorce), and I wanted to celebrate the three of us, just as we are, taking this adventure together. A family, even if it may take a different shape than the traditional ‘family’.

Mom with two teen daughters posing for family photo in London by underground entrance — Photographs by Kirsty Hamilton

mom with two teen daughters posing for photo on Millennium Bridge in London

Why I Finally Got in the Frame

You might be wondering: Why didn’t I just take selfies or set up a tripod and shoot self-portraits, since I know how to do that?

Well… selfies are not my friend at this stage in life. My kids don’t exactly jump at the chance to take photos of me. And I wanted flattering, well-composed images that showed us having fun together in a place we were exploring.

Plus, my girls are getting older. At 11 and 13 on this trip, I was suddenly feeling the weight of how limited our summers together are. When they were toddlers, the days stretched endlessly. Now, high school and college are approaching fast.

I want to make every summer count.

My girls knew we had a photo session planned, and they were on board—even excited—helping plan outfits that could work for the rest of our trip, too. They also know that me photographing them while we travel fills my creative cup. That makes them (mostly) cooperative subjects for all my travel-photo ideas.

Family of mom and two teen daughters walking in London with parliament in the background — Photograph by Kirsty Hamilton

What It Felt Like to Be Photographed

Just like the moms I work with, I felt some stress going into the session. My hair wasn’t loving the London air and hotel water, we were a bit jet-lagged, and I was second-guessing my shoes. But I kept reminding myself why I booked this session:

I wanted to be in the photos with my daughters.

I wanted it to be fun. (just like the family sessions that I hold with my clients)

And I wanted beautiful images we could hang on our walls and use for our holiday card…not just photos of my kids, but of all of us.

I loved how much communication our photographer offered: checking in while we traveled and asking great questions about us ahead of time. She built rapport with my teens quickly and made them feel comfortable. My oldest actually said she felt like a model!

And yes, I loved chatting business and photography as we walked around the city! But the real goal was for the girls to enjoy themselves and for us to come home with photos that showed our connection.

Also? I was reminded that teens are basically like toddlers: Snacks are non-negotiable! (We had Starbucks before the session even started, and stopped for coffee and sandwiches mid way through! This was a multi location longer session, and it was sunny…so those snacks were mandatory for their enjoyment!)

Girl in red standing by red heart mural in London smiling at camera

sisters hugging at photo shoot in London by parliment

Favorite Moments With My Girls

Some of my favorite moments during the session were simply getting to hug my girls. As they grow older, they’re less likely to hold hands or snuggle in close…especially in public.

But during the session, they were engaged and joyful. They understand how photo sessions work (photographer’s kids, after all), and I think they appreciated the experience and the final images just as much as I did. They even have the photos on their phone screen savers, and some hanging in their room. I know that they have a bump in self esteem every time they see the photos, even if they don’t say it to me ;)

We also explored a new part of London that I hadn’t seen before, and it was perfect for photos.

I asked my girls what was their favorite part of the session, and they said that they really enjoyed exploring London with a local, feeling more like we lived there than tourists, even though we were taking photos they really enjoyed the feeling of living there.

mom and two daughters during photo in London

Why These Photos Mean So Much

I’m so grateful I scheduled this photo session.

Honestly, I wish I’d booked one in every city we visited.

The photos of us together are priceless. My girls both have them saved on their phones and printed in their rooms. Even a year later, I smile every time I see them. I’m still deciding which to print for a big gallery wall (photographer mom problems), but I’m thrilled to have these memories.

Because I found a photographer whose style matched mine—and we leaned into bold, primary colors—these images pair beautifully with the travel photos I took, too. That’s the icing on the cake.

I also know that as my girls grow older, these photos will only increase in meaning and value for them—and for me.

This experience also reinforced some things I want to improve in my own business: how helpful clear communication and multiple touchpoints were before and after the session. I’ve carried that insight back into how I work with my own clients.

Reflections for Families (& Photographers!)

Prioritize documenting every season, especially the fleeting ones. Not just the baby and toddler phases.
Planning a session while traveling? Book in advance, Search Instagram or local guides
Choose locations that feel meaningful
Look for a photographer with great communication and a vibe + style that matches yours

For my fellow photographers: get in front of the camera!

I almost didn’t book this session because I wasn’t thrilled with the current state of my body.

But here’s the truth: My kids are going to treasure these photos, no matter what.

And I’m so glad I didn’t let that hesitation stop me. I had fun being with them in photos, and not being responsible to plan, photograph, direct, and edit the final product. What a gift!