Mom and Me Photoshoot: Why Every Mom Deserves to Be in the Frame

Every mom deserves to be seen, celebrated, and remembered. That’s why a mom and me photoshoot isn’t just a sweet idea, it’s a deeply meaningful experience. These sessions capture so much more than smiles. They preserve the love, connection, and everyday magic that often goes unnoticed.

If you’re like most moms I know, you’re the one behind the camera. You catch the giggles, the snuggles, the messes, and the milestones. But when you scroll through your photo roll, how many of those memories actually include you? That’s where a mom and me photoshoot changes everything.

Hello, I’m Megan. I’m a Minneapolis-based family and newborn photographer, and I believe moms deserve to be in the story, not just the one capturing it. If you’re ready to be seen and remembered in this season of motherhood, you’re in the right place. Take a look through my portfolio, learn what it’s like to work together, or reach out when you’re ready. I’d be honored to help you tell your story.

 

Mom holds baby in greenhouse during mom and me photoshoot, smiling among hanging plants.

 

The Emotional Value of Mom & Me Sessions

Photos hold power. When our kids look back on their childhood, they won’t care if our hair was done or if the house was clean. They’ll care that we were there. In the frame. Holding them close. Laughing with them and loving them.

A mom and me photoshoot gives you a tangible way to remember what this season felt like. The way your toddler fits on your hip. The way your teenager still leaned in, just a little. The way you looked at each other with so much love, it practically glowed. These are more than just pictures. They’re reminders that you showed up, fully and beautifully, even on the hard days.

Want to make your next photo session feel easier and more meaningful? Check out Mom’s Ultimate 5 Step Guide to Family Photos here.

 

Barefoot mom and daughters walk outside during playful mom and me photoshoot in summer sunshine.

 

Overcoming the Common Excuses Moms Have

I hear it all the time, and I’ve said it myself, too.

  • “I just want to lose a few pounds first.”
  • “Things are so hectic right now. Maybe when life calms down a bit.”
  • “My kids won’t sit still. It’ll be chaos.”
  • “I never like how I look in photos.”
  • “I’m always the one taking the pictures. That’s just how it is.”

Here’s the thing: there’s always going to be something. Laundry. Work. Soccer practice. A baby who didn’t nap. A preschooler who suddenly refuses pants. There’s never a “perfect” time to step in front of the camera. But your kids aren’t waiting for perfect, they’re just happy you’re there. They don’t care if your hair’s done or if you’re wearing mascara. They care that you’re holding them. Laughing with them. Being present.

And someday, when they look back on these photos, they’ll see their mom. The one who loved them with her whole heart, even on the messy, loud, overwhelming days. So if you’ve been waiting for a sign, let this be it. Get in the frame. Just as you are. You’re more than enough.

 

Toddler clings to mom’s leg during outdoor mom and me photoshoot, surrounded by grass and fall leaves.

 

Making the Experience Fun and Comfortable

A mom and me photoshoot with me is never stiff or overly posed. We keep it relaxed, playful, and honest. Your only job is to show up and love on your kids. I’ll guide you through the rest.

We’ll move, explore, and follow the light. If your toddler wants to twirl in circles, dig in the dirt, or climb into your lap for the entire session, that’s exactly what we’ll do. If your baby needs to be held the whole time, that’s beautiful too. The most meaningful moments often come when nothing is planned. This isn’t about getting a perfect photo. It’s about capturing something real. Something that looks and feels like you. And by the end? You’ll walk away with memories that feel more like play than a photoshoot, and images that hold a little piece of your everyday magic.

Curious how family photos can boost your child’s confidence and sense of belonging? Read the blog post to find out.

 

Mom surrounded by her smiling kids during outdoor mom and me photoshoot on a sunny evening.

 

How to Capture Genuine Mother-Child Moments

At the heart of every mom and me photoshoot is connection. That’s what I’m always watching for. Not the perfect smiles or everyone looking at the camera, but the little things that show how deeply you love each other. It’s the way you brush their hair out of their eyes. The way they reach for you without thinking. The way your shoulders relax when they’re in your arms.

We lean into movement and emotion. A forehead kiss while they rest on your shoulder. A shared glance that says more than words. Spinning barefoot in the grass or collapsing into giggles. These moments are small, but they carry so much meaning.

During your photoshoot, I’ll gently guide you, but nothing will feel forced. I’m not here to pose you in ways that don’t feel like you. Instead, I’ll create space for you to just be together, the way you are every day, a little wild, a little tender, a lot full of love. That’s where the magic lives. Not in the perfect photo, but in the feeling you’ll remember every time you look at it.

Tired of stiff poses and fake smiles? Grab my free guide “Say Goodbye to Fake Smiles in Photos!!” and learn how to keep things real and fun.

 

Mom sits on front steps wrapped in a playful, chaotic group hug with her four young children.

 

Different Styles of Mom & Me Sessions

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to a mom and me photoshoot, and that’s one of my favorite things about them. Every session is shaped by your story, your energy, and what feels most like you.

Here are just a few ways we can shape your session:

  • At home, in your everyday space. Perfect for snuggly couch moments, bed head, pancake mornings, and quiet connection. These sessions feel especially intimate and real.
  • Outdoors, where your kids can roam free. We can explore a nearby park, field, or forest trail. Think barefoot feet, windblown hair, and the kind of joy that comes from just being outside together.
  • With special photography props or no props at all. Some moms bring books to read, picnic blankets, or a basket of bubbles. Others bring nothing but themselves and their little ones. Both are beautiful. And if you’re not sure what to bring, I’ve got a lot of easy newborn photography prop ideas here.
  • In the early morning or at golden hour. Light plays a huge role in the mood of your photos. Morning light feels soft and quiet. Evening light is warm, rich, and a little more dramatic. We’ll choose what fits your vibe best.

No matter what your session looks like, my goal is to make sure it feels easy, meaningful, and totally true to you. Whether we’re cozied up in your living room or chasing light in a golden field, we’ll create something you’ll actually want to hang on your walls.

Thinking about an in-home session? Take a look at why it might just be the most meaningful gift you can give yourself right here.

 

Mom kneels in a blooming orchard, holding and smiling at her toddler daughter on a sunny spring day.

 

What to Wear for a Mom and Me Photoshoot

You don’t need to stress over outfits. I promise. This doesn’t have to be complicated, and you don’t need to buy anything new. Stick with soft, neutral tones or earthy colors like cream, olive, rust, or dusty blue; they keep the focus on your connection and photograph beautifully. I usually suggest avoiding bold patterns and choosing textures instead, like linen, knit, or cotton. They add interest without distraction.

Flowy dresses are always lovely, but not required. If you feel more like yourself in jeans and a tee, wear them. Comfort matters more than trend. Coordinate your outfits rather than matching exactly, and barefoot is always welcome if we’re at home or outside.

Need a little extra help deciding what to wear? I’ve got you. Read this post for more tips, inspiration, and a peek at my favorite go-to outfit combos for photo sessions.

 

Mom smiles while carrying her laughing toddler on her shoulders in front of a bright painted wall.

 

You Deserve to Be in the Frame

A mom and me photoshoot is never just about the photos. It’s about remembering how this season felt, the way they reached for your hand, the sound of their laugh, the way you looked at each other when no one else was watching. These moments are fleeting, but they matter more than we realize while we’re living them.

If you’ve spent years behind the camera, this is your reminder that you deserve to be in the frame too. A mom and me photoshoot is a chance to slow down and see yourself the way your kids see you, loving, present, and completely enough. If that kind of session speaks to you, I’d be honored to help you create it. Take a look at my portfolio to see the types of honest, connection-filled moments we can capture together. Reach out and we’ll start planning. And if you want to see more of what this looks like in real life, come join me over on Instagram.

 

comments +

Reply...

The First Few Hours

Fresh 48

03

magic in the mess

FAMILIES

02

they grow up too fast

NEWBORNS

01

to make it stress-free

TIPS + TRICKS

04

Grab Your Free Guide Now!!

Download my free guide with simple, fun tricks to capture real laughter and genuine moments with your kids—no bribery required!

Get Happy, Natural Smiles in Every Photo!

@megannormanphotography

REQUEST INFO

Real, vibrant, joy-filled family photos - without the stress.
Let’s capture your beautiful chaos, just as it is.

Redefining Picture-Perfect. Together. 

MINNEAPOLIS. EDINA. BEYOND.

© 2025 MEGAN NORMAN PHOTOGRAPHY I ALL RIGHTS RESERVED I TERMS & CONDITIONS I PRIVACY POLICY
MINNEAPOLIS, MN FAMILY AND NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER