I 100% believe that the best camera is the one you have with you. So I’m not mad about you being a lover of the iPhone photo! We have awesome technology that can take a thousand photos for us in 15 seconds, and I’m a big fan of the fact that it’s easy to take it with you everywhere you go. But, I also 100% believe that you need to exist in photos with your kids. And I think you know you’re past due to be in some photos, too. So Mama, let’s get you in front of that camera!

Reasons To Get Yourself In Front Of That Lens

#1 You’ll Treasure The Photos Later

None of us love to think about the fact that things won’t always be the way they are now. But the reality is that people change and come and go. We move, we grow, and sometimes, we forget—how things were, how we lived, and who we used to be. That’s why we need photos.

Photos tell our stories long after chapters end and books close altogether. They remind us of our past. They show how we've grown and how we've lived. And the older we get, the more we seriously cherish the memories of the way things were.

So while I understand your hesitation in getting in front of the camera—and believe me, I do!—I also strongly encourage you to take that brave step by getting in front of the camera. You won’t regret it, and your family will be so glad you did.

#2 You’ll Capture All The Little Details

There's a gap of about five or six years where the only photos of me are 1” x 1” shots in the yearbook. And as an adult now, I get why! Life’s busy. But I know that’s not just my story—the kid to teen jump is missing a LOT of different phases for kids. And as adults? We can go ever MORE than 5 years without a proper photo being taken. 

And it’s a major shame IMO because so much changes in that time. You aren't the same person you were 5 years ago. Neither are your kids. You’re all growing, changing, accomplishing new things, and overcoming major challenges. You’re living big lives! And your stories deserve to be told.

Another fun reason to take more photos? It's kinda cool getting to see family resemblances! My youngest nephew and I could be twins when we were both two years old. We looked so much alike that my husband even got us confused! Investing in photos of your family members at all stages of life gives you so much fun and joy to look back on. What could be more worth it?

How To Feel Ready To Be In Front Of The Camera

Okay so, in theory, you’re probably like, “I get it, Vanessa, and yes! Next time a camera is out, I will step in front of it.” But without a plan in place, chances are your camera-shy nature will outweigh your intentions when that Kodak moment finally comes.

Here are a few tips to help you feel ready in front of the camera, so you can actually will yourself to get into the photos you know you’ll want of yourself later!

#1 Choose Your Favorite Outfit

When you feel amazing, your confidence shines through in photos. If you don’t have something in your closet that makes you feel like a goddess or a full-blown rockstar, raid the closet of a same-sized friend or treat yourself and go shopping! This way you won’t feel self-conscious or spend the session fixing, fussing with, or silently hating your outfit.

Pro Tip: Pick out your power outfit and dress everyone else to match you. (They’ll be fine!)

Related: 3 Steps for Looking & Feeling Relaxed in Photos

#2 Focus On Your Family

If you’ve got camera nerves, stay present. Really be with your family and focus on enjoying both them and this moment. Love on them hard. Hug them, walk with them, interact with them. You'll soon forget you’re even in front of my camera and your natural beauty as a mom will shine so bright!

#3 Have A Little Liquid Courage

No shame in this game! If you’re really nervous and need to take the edge off, order a drink! A little liquid courage might be just what the doctor ordered to get you out of your head and into the moment. Before your photo session, you could go for brunch with the fam and order a mimosa. Or, you could stop for lunch at a brewery. (And what the hell, I’m not above a parking lot tequila shot, either 😂)

Choosing What To Wear Is The Worst So Easy!

…with my free What To Wear guide!

If choosing an outfit for your up-and-coming family photo has you feeling all nervous and sweaty, this will help! Learn what looks good on camera, what not to wear on camera, and how to dress the whole fam to coordinate without being too matchy-matchy.