As a photographer, I always stress the importance of getting family portraits made. I always sympathize with moms because I do understand we do not like to be in front of the camera. We can list a thousand reasons why we shouldn't.

But we really need to make an effort to get in the picture. Our sons need to see how young and beautiful and human their mamas were. Our daughters need to see us vulnerable and open and just being ourselves — women, mamas, people living lives. Avoiding the camera because we don’t like to see our own pictures? How can that be okay?

Too much of a mama’s life goes undocumented and unseen. It made me think of all the times I am in front of the camera taking a family’s photos, but what about the times when I shy away from someone taking mine–even a candid? I always tell myself–there’s a reason I’m BEHIND the camera. But, how will my children remember me if I’m not in the photo???

We aren't promised tomorrow. Our kids love us just the way we are. Yes, it’s just that simple.