To all the momma’s out there trying to capture that perfect holiday card photo…I see you. I get it. You just want that one photo of your kids smiling nicely together at the camera so send to friends and family and share some of your family memories with them.

As a momma AND a photographer, I thought I had this in the bag. I mean, I do this ALL. THE. TIME. for other families. Why can’t I do it for mine?

I will tell you the sobering answer….because I AM THE MOMMA.

You can’t do it. Not with toddlers, at least. You are the ONE person they want with them, not behind a camera. They don’t want to stay still and they are not going to listen just because you got them dressed cute and the weather is perfect and the lighting is sun-kissed and you have 15 minutes to actually do this. Nope. They will want to run away, explore and scream.

After a frustrating 20 minutes of trying this (even with a reluctant-but-sweetly-trying-his-best-for-me husband behind the scenes), this was the best of the lot.

What did I learn from all this? Hire a photographer. You need a professional who is not related to your subject. Someone different from you so you can be Momma and concentrate on loving on your little one and chasing them and encouraging them - not trying to hold a camera.

And I’m not just saying this because I am such a professional. My fried nerves after attempting these photos is not something I wish on anyone!

You would think of all people would know this, but….I stand humbled!