We did Mommy + Me minis in the studio this past weekend and…
yeah. It was a little bit of everything.
Loud.
Busy.
Kids running around.
Toys everywhere.
Basically, motherhood.
And in the middle of all of that, we got the photos.
Not because everything was calm or perfectly timed.
But because it wasn’t.
What These Sessions Actually Feel Like
If you’re picturing a quiet, slow, super controlled experience… this isn’t that.
These sessions move. Kids wander. Someone needs a snack. Someone else decides they’re done. Then five minutes later they’re back and all in.
It’s a little unpredictable.
But that’s also where the good stuff lives.
A quick hug that turns into a real laugh.
A kid climbing into your lap like it’s the most natural place in the world.
That split second where everything settles without anyone trying.
Those are the moments I’m watching for the whole time.
Why We Built It This Way
One of the biggest barriers for moms is not whether they want photos.
It’s everything that comes with it.
Getting ready.
Getting the kids ready.
Trying to show up feeling like yourself while also managing everyone else.
So we tried to take some of that off your plate.
Mini makeup with Valerie Hammer so you can sit for a minute and feel taken care of.
An onsite babysitter so you’re not juggling a toddler while someone is doing your mascara. (if you can keep them off your lap…not always possible!)
It’s a small shift, but it changes how you walk into the session.
The Part That Stood Out Most
Even with all the movement and noise, the connection still came through.
That’s the part that never fails.
Nothing is really posed. Really because there’s no time annnnd because none of it needs to be.
Are Mommy and Me Sessions Right for You?
These are a great fit if:
You want photos with your kids, not just of them (although we get that too)
You’re okay with a little unpredictability
You don’t want to overthink the process
You like the idea of something quick and simple
They might not be the best fit if:
You’re looking for a slower, more relaxed experience
You want more time to warm up and settle in
You prefer something with a little more structure
And that’s completely okay. There are different ways to do this.
A Note on Location
These sessions took place in my studio in Silver Spring, MD. I photograph families from all over Montgomery County, Washington DC, and Northern Virginia, both in the studio and on location.
Do You Offer These Year-Round?
These are offered as limited mini session events- this one just in time for Mother’s Day.
If you’re looking for something a little calmer or more flexible, full family sessions are always an option. Those give us more time, more space, and a pace that feels a little easier, especially with younger kids.
The Takeaway
These sessions are not quiet.
They are not perfectly polished from start to finish.
But they are real.
And sometimes, that’s exactly what you want to remember.