As a mom of two, I am quickly learning what I need to recharge and be my best self for my family. Until November 2021, I worked outside the home in the corporate world, I feel like this allowed me to separate work and home, plus decompress on my drive to and from work.

We welcomed our second baby boy in January 2020, quickly followed by the pandemic hitting and a stay at home order in place beginning mid-March 2020. This left little room for “me” time. Between returning to my corporate job after maternity leave in April 2020, working from home, building my photography business plus being a wife and mama to my family, all my free time went to photography or spending time with the boys.

Thanks to Sabrina Gebhardt Photography’s Mastermind I took in the Fall of 2020, I am learning to create white space and listen to my body when it needs to rest. I try to set aside time each week to take care of myself whatever I need that week. Whether it be rest, a spa trip, a walk, etc. I am learning to say “yes” to something I need to recharge.

1) Set up time to get a manicure or pedicure: some weeks I just need to get pampered. I have my white space set aside and as the time approaches I allow myself to do what is best for me that week. Every few weeks, I like to take care of myself with a manicure and/or pedicure.

2) Rest: listen to your body! I have had weeks where my body was just telling me I need to rest. Lay down and have some quiet time with no distractions. This can be huge to help me recharge, and get my mind back on the right track.

3) Exercise: get your body moving! I try to workout in the mornings. This is when I am at my best and know I have uninterrupted time, but some days I just need a little bit of fresh air. Mama, it is okay to get out and take a little walk even if you have kiddos with you. Fresh air and sunshine is SO good for the soul.

4) Read: take time to read a book you have been putting off. Just the quiet in the midst of the crazy is good for us mama’s. Sit outside or in a favorite corner and take even just 15 minutes to read a chapter for yourself.

5) Grab lunch with a friend: some weeks our “me” time may mean catching up with a friend. But you know what, it is your choice! We all have those little things that get us going, fuel our soul and for some it is brunch, lunch or dinner with that girlfriend!

So today mama, find a little time to recharge. Take care of yourself. It will help you be a better wife and mama in the days to come!

Spring Sessions are just around the corner! And yes, I know it can be a bit overwhelming to get all the outfits together! I am sharing tips for planning your spring photo-worthy wardrobe; as well as, a few outfits for the whole family!

Start early! Look now for your Spring wardrobe. It is always best to begin looking as early as possible. You never want to wait until the last minute to put your wardrobe together. This only makes us mama’s a bit more stressed!
Mama, start with you! Yes, it is always best to start with the women of the group. Mama’s you can some times be the pickiest. Find a flowy dress, cute top and white pants, or skirt and top combo. I particularly think dresses are prettiest and most flattering for pictures, but that’s not to say I have some of my favorite pictures in a top and white jeans combo! You want whatever you choose to be flattering and make YOU feel good! I may ask you to sit or bend down, so make sure you feel comfortable doing this in your outfit!
Coordinate. Yes, I did say COORDINATE not matching! We want the family to be coordinating wearing like colors and a pattern or two, but not all in those old traditional photos where everyone is matching. A coordinating wardrobe will last a lifetime! Do you have siblings that you want to match? Yes, you can do that, just try to have the family coordinate.
Lay it all out. I always suggest for clients to layout all the clothes. See if they look like they go well together. This way you can switch out options if you have multiple outfits for a child or you. I personally like to lay them on a simple, clean background like the floor to have all the distractions out of the way.
Try it on! Mama, make sure that dress fits or that those cute little outfits tucked away for the kiddos aren’t too small! It’s always good to try them on before hand in case you have to make a change. Also, don’t forget the shoes! Yes, you want to make sure the kids shoes fit before your pictures or they may not want to wear them! But hey, I love a good barefoot picture too, so I am okay with no shoes on the kiddos!

Lastly, if you are client, I am always happy to help with your wardrobe selections or ideas! Just reach out, send me an email and I would be more than happy to help guide you as you put your outfits together!

If you are interested in more information or booking a family session, please contact me here for more information and availability!