Why Mum Needs to Be in the Family Photos | Rural Family Photography

Whenever I get an enquiry for a family photoshoot, it’s often from a mum or grandmother who says, “I just want photos of the kids. I don’t need to be in them.”

So, this blog is for all the mums (and grandmothers!) who hate getting in front of the camera.

I get it. I don’t particularly love being in photos either. Maybe that’s why I enjoy being behind the camera so much! 😂

But as a family photographer, especially when I’m photographing families on their farms and in rural Australia, I can’t stress enough how important it is to make sure Mum is in the photos too.

Your kids will want photos of you

Think about the photographs you have from your own childhood that include your mum or dad.

I’ll bet the first thing you feel when you look at them is love and warmth.

You probably aren’t looking at Mum’s hair, wondering if she liked what she was wearing that day, or thinking she should have lost a few kilos.

You’re simply happy to see her.

That’s exactly how your kids will feel one day.

They won’t care whether you thought you looked fabulous that morning. They’ll want to see your face, your smile, your arms around them and the way you loved them.

And that’s why I want mums to get in the photos!

You don't need a professional photoshoot

Of course, I’d love to photograph your family professionally, whether that’s at your home, on your farm or somewhere special to your family.

But I’m also talking about the everyday photos.

If everyone is sitting together on the couch, take the photo.

If the kids are running around the farm with Dad, get in the photo too.

If you’re all dressed up for a family event, take the photo.

Use the self-timer on your phone. Hand the phone to someone else. Set up the tripod.

Just get in the photo.

And then print it.

Don’t leave all those beautiful memories sitting on your phone.

I love the photos that include my own mum

I love looking back at photographs from my own childhood that include my parents, like this one with Mum.

Dad was quite the photographer, so I have lots of photos from when I was growing up. And now, those photographs are incredibly precious to me.

That’s the thing about photographs.

Their value changes over time.

What might seem like an ordinary family photo today can become one of your most treasured possessions years from now.

How to feel more comfortable in family photos

If you’re someone who really doesn’t enjoy having your photo taken, there are a few things you can do to make yourself feel more comfortable during your family photography session.

Have your hair and makeup done if that makes you feel good. It doesn’t have to be fancy — just do whatever makes you feel like yourself.

Choose your favourite outfit first. Then choose the rest of the family's clothing to work with it. If you feel comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing, it will show in the photos.

Long sleeves are always a great option if you’re conscious about your arms.

And yes, jeans are absolutely fine! You don't need a fancy outfit for beautiful family photos, especially when we're photographing your family in a relaxed rural or farm setting.

Add accessories like jewellery, scarves or belts to bring a bit of texture and personality to your outfit.

And most importantly…

Do whatever puts you in your happy place.

Your kids don’t need a perfectly posed mum. They need you.

They need the mum who gives the best cuddles, laughs at their terrible jokes, gets dirty on the farm, chases them around the paddock and loves them more than anything.

That’s the mum I want to photograph.

Your family deserves photos with Mum in them

When I photograph families, I’m not just trying to create a pretty portrait.

I want to capture the connection between you.

The cuddles. The chaos. The laughter. The little moments.

Whether I’m photographing your family on your farm, at home or somewhere special to you, I want you to have photographs that your children will treasure long after they’ve grown up and left home.

So, mums, please get in the photo.

You might not love being photographed now, but I promise you, your kids will love having those photographs of you one day.

And that’s what really matters.

Here are some examples of beautiful family portraits with Mum to inspire you!