I spend my life telling people to 'Exist in photos' for their family and children. It is something I believe in so passionately... I have seen too many times, people wait too long, something happens... then it's too late. There always seems to be an excuse why a session can't take place. Mostly from women, but occasionally men throw a good one in there too. 

Top reasons for not booking a session include 

• Finances
• Not happy with body/ look/ self
• Not the right time
• Too busy

Where I totally understand these excuses and reasons... of course I have made a few myself... there will never BE a 'right time'. As humans, we are so critical of ourselves. But I think we need to remember, that our kids love us for who we are! Even if we ARE carrying a few extra KG's. Our partners love us for who we are. Our FAMILIES love us for who we are! We are generally the only ones not happy... and that's OK... but make sure you don't miss out on capturing those special moments in the hopes of a 'Better time!'

Years ago I read a story about a mum who was a little larger than she wanted. She was at the beach with her kids, feeling disgusting and fat (as, lets face it, most of us do at some time!). Until she realized that her kids DIDN'T see her the same way. Her views on herself... were NOT her families views of her! So, she made the decision then, to EXIST with her kids! She took off the cover up she was wearing, and OWNED her togs and her extra curves... and once she let go of that myth that her family didn't love her because she was a little bigger than SHE deemed ok... she finally felt happier! 

I too have made the excuses... I too have felt ugly, fat and not worth being in photos. Us photographers are the WORST for it! But I recently looked at my daughter and realised she is growing up WAAAAYYYY too fast... and while I was capturing beautiful photos of other people and their families to treasure... I was neglecting my own! So... I bit the bullet, contacted a dear friend of mine who is a BEAUTIFUL photographer... and made it happen! 

I am so lucky to have some magical images that I can treasure for the rest of my life... and then beyond. I am lucky to have some images that my girl can carry forward throughout her life, pass on to future generations, and enjoy. I am NOT where I want to be physically. I am NOT feeling my 100% best... but I am ME. I am exactly where I am and where I need to be. And the fact remains... my daughter loves me for who I am INSIDE... not what I look like on the outside. She loves me AS I AM. And THAT... is the most important thing in the WORLD! 

Below are some of my favorite images from my session with my dear and talented friend Michelle from Life of Love and Light. She managed to truly capture the essence of US. Our playful, cheeky, natural relationship. Our friendship. Our love. Our commitment to being the best mother daughter team we can be. Purely... US. 

I had to struggle to love the bumps and lumps of myself... but I absolutely LOVE this session and the magic it captured for us. This couldn't be more us... and I am forever grateful to Michelle for allowing me to EXIST!! 

Don't let time go by... equire about your own session to exist with your loved ones. The time is NOW!