Chesley Summar Photography, Lebanon, TN Photographer

I truly believe that one of the most important parts of my job is photographing mothers with their children (no matter what they’re age).  I love seeing first time moms with their brand new babies, and remembering that exhaustion, yet overwhelming feeling of joy.  I don’t envy that tired feeling, but when I look at them with those precious babies, something inside me yearns to be there again soaking in their newness and each tiny detail.  Older babies can sometimes be more difficult to photograph, but hand them to their mom, and I can almost always get a smile or two.  There’s something so comforting about being in their momma’s arms that lets them relax and just be.  The older they get, the squirmier they get, and while getting down may be the sole objective; they always know they’re safe in the arms of their mother.  As the moments of holding your children become more fleeting, I know all too well how quickly you breathe them in, and try to relish them, even when they may be at the most inconvenient time of the day.   I also know how it feels to not want to be in front of the camera.  I, for one, despise seeing my face in pictures these days…especially on my own computer.  However, I have come to realize that it is important it is and that one day, my grandchildren will want to see pictures of me when I was young(er) with them.  So, all you moms out there, just let that go and don’t be afraid to be in pictures with your children.  They will love them, and you will be so thankful you captured those moments when they were small!

Thank you so much to all of those moms out there that entrust me with the task of capturing you with your children.  It is truly an honor to be included in a small part of preserving your memories!  And, of course, thanks to my mom!  The jury is still out on how I turned out, but the older I get, I cannot even imagine how she did all that she did for us!  Love you mom!!

“The art of mothering is to teach the art of living to children.”   – Elaine Heffner

 “I believe the choice to become a mother is the choice to become one of the greatest spiritual teachers there is.”  – Oprah

 “Mothers hold their children’s hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.”  – Author Unknown

“The moment a child is born, the mother is also born.  She never existed before.  The woman existed, but the mother, never.  A mother is something absolutely new.”  ~Rajneesh

“A mother understands what a child does not say.”  ~Author Unknown

 And because I have to practice what I preach, me with my kiddos on this rainy Mother’s Day!