When was the last time you had a beautiful photograph taken with your children? And I am not talking about the shitty photos your partner takes on landscape mode on his phone. No one ever looks good in those photos. And I also don't mean a quick selfie, a blurry phone photo or another picture where you're the one holding the camera.
I mean a photograph where you are actually in it. Where you can see the way your little one looks at you, the way they fit into your arms, and the connection you share in this season of your life.
As a motherhood photographer in Raglan, this is something I think about a lot.
Because I meet so many mothers who have hundreds, sometimes thousands, of photographs of their children, but hardly any beautiful photographs of themselves with them.
And I understand why. Because I am one of them.
We're usually the ones documenting everything. The birthdays, the beach days, the little moments we never want to forget. But somehow, we forget that we belong in those memories too.
You don't have to wait until you feel good about yourself
One of the things I hear from women all the time is that they want to lose a little weight first, grow their hair a bit longer, feel more confident or wait until life feels less chaotic before booking a photoshoot.
But motherhood doesn't wait.
Your children grow. Their little hands get bigger. The way they run towards you changes. And before you know it, the season you thought would last forever has become a memory.
You don't need to look a certain way to deserve photographs with your children.
You don't need to have everything figured out, and you certainly don't need to know how to pose.
You just need to show up.
That's my job as your photographer. I'll guide you through the entire session so you can focus on being with your children rather than worrying about how you look in front of the camera.
What is motherhood photography?
Motherhood photography is about capturing the connection between you and your children in a way that feels natural, personal and true to your relationship.
Unlike a traditional family portrait where everyone might be looking at the camera, motherhood portraits often focus on the little moments in between.
The way your child wraps their arms around your neck.
The laughter when you chase each other along the beach.
The quiet moments when you hold them close.
The beautiful chaos of being a mum.
These are the photographs that become more precious with time, because they remind you not just what your children looked like, but what it felt like to be their mum at that particular moment in your life.
And there is no perfect age or stage to book one. Whether your little one is still a baby, running around as a toddler or growing into their own personality, this season is worth remembering.
Why I love photographing mothers and their children in Raglan
I'm incredibly lucky to call Raglan home.
With its black sand beaches, beautiful coastline, green landscapes and golden evening light, there are so many wonderful places to create natural, heartfelt motherhood portraits.
I love photographing outdoors because it gives children room to move and be themselves. There's no pressure to sit perfectly still or smile at the camera the entire time.
We can walk along the beach, play together, have a cuddle or simply let the session unfold naturally.
Some of my favourite photographs happen when nobody is trying too hard.
The beauty is in the connection, not in getting every single detail perfect.
I welcome families travelling from Auckland, Hamilton and throughout the Waikato who would love to create something special together here in Raglan.
What if I'm not comfortable in front of the camera?
Please know that you are not alone.
Most women I photograph aren't professional models. Many tell me beforehand that they feel awkward, don't like photographs of themselves or have no idea what to do in front of the camera.
You don't need to figure any of that out yourself.
Every motherhood photography session with me is fully guided. Before your shoot, we'll have a consultation where we can talk about what you'd love to capture, what to wear and any questions you might have.
On the day, I'll guide you through everything while leaving plenty of room for natural moments with your children.
My approach is simple. I don't want you to feel like you're performing for the camera. I want you to feel comfortable enough to simply be their mum.
You can explore my motherhood photography portfolio in Raglan to see examples of the kinds of moments we can create together.
When is the best time to book motherhood photos?
Honestly? There is no wrong time.
You don't need to wait for a newborn stage, a birthday or a special milestone. You can book when your baby is tiny, when your toddler is full of personality, when your children are a little older, or simply because you want to remember this season.
You might be in the thick of motherhood right now, wondering how you're going to get through the sleepless nights, the endless washing and the constant demands on your time.
One day, you might look back and wish you could hold those little hands again.
Or perhaps your children are growing up, and you're beginning to realise how quickly everything is changing.
Whatever season you're in, your story deserves to be documented.
A little reminder for every mum reading this
You are part of your children's childhood too.
One day, they won't just want photographs of what they looked like growing up. They'll want photographs of you.
They'll want to see how you held them, how you laughed together and how they fitted into your arms.
They'll want to remember the ordinary moments that felt so small at the time.
So please, don't always be the person behind the camera.
Get in the photographs. Let yourself be seen. Give your children something beautiful to look back on.
And if you've been thinking about booking a motherhood photoshoot in Raglan, I'd love to create something meaningful for you and your family.
You can explore my motherhood photography sessions and get in touch to chat about what you'd love to capture.
You don't need to know how to pose, and you don't need to feel confident before you arrive.
I'll guide you through it all.
With all my love,
Nami x
Ready for Your Own Motherhood Session In Raglan New Zealand?
Explore my motherhood photography portfolio or get in touch with me to enquire about availability and pricing.
I'd love to capture this season of your life for you.
With all my love,
Nami x
