Why It’s Okay to Want Photos of Yourself

For the parent who’s usually behind the camera

If you’re always the one taking the photos—or ducking out of them—this is for you. So many of my clients tell me they don’t love being in front of the camera. Some feel awkward, others worry it’s vain, and many say they just want their kids to be the focus. It’s okay to want beautiful photos of yourself. You deserve to be seen, too, and it’s not the same story without you in it.

You Are Part of the Story

Your kids won’t just want to remember what their childhood looked like—they’ll want to remember what you looked like in it. The way you held them. The laugh lines. The soft smile they made you give without even trying. These are the moments that matter most, and they deserve to be documented.

It’s Not About Vanity—It’s About Presence

Wanting to be photographed isn’t selfish. It’s a way of saying: I was here. It’s about honoring this moment in your life, and recognizing that your presence matters just as much as anyone else’s in the frame.

 

Photography helps me pause and recognize where I am in my life. And I want that for you, too.

I don’t have kids myself, though being an aunt is my favorite job in the world.  I’ve noticed that it’s not as common to book a professional portrait session when you’re not marking a traditional milestone like a wedding, pregnancy, or new baby. I think this is why I’ve made time for self-portrait projects. During the pandemic, I created a series called Home Alone, which explored the quiet, complex experience of solo quarantine. When I bought my house, I created a self-portrait series inspired by traditional engagement photos—posing with the house as if we were a couple. I even made a wedding website to go with it. It was a playful and personal way to celebrate a milestone that doesn’t always get the same kind of attention as marriage or kids, but felt just as meaningful to me.

The “One Day” Regret

I’ve never had a client say they regret getting in the photo. But I’ve heard many people say they wish they had more images of their younger selves—before the baby years blurred past, or before their teens were taller than them. Photos can be a gift to your future self, and to the people who love you.

If you’ve been putting off getting photos that include you, let this be your permission slip. I’d be honored to help you feel comfortable, seen, and present in your family’s story.