Why Mums and Dads Should Be in More Photographs - A Hull Photographer's Perspective

Why Mums and Dads Should Be in More Photographs - A Hull Photographer's Perspective

As a mum of four children and a photographer in Hull with over 20 years of experience working with babies, young children, and families, I've witnessed countless beautiful moments through my lens at Bluebell and Lace Photography. Yet there's one pattern I see repeatedly that breaks my heart: parents who consistently step behind the camera instead of stepping into the frame with their children.

The Heartbreaking Truth About Family Photos

During my years as a photographer in Hull, I've noticed that in most family photo sessions, it's usually one parent (often mum) who's missing from the majority of pictures. I hear the same excuses time and time again: "I don't like how I look," "I'm having a bad hair day," or "I'll get in the next one." But here's what I've learned after two decades of capturing families - those "next ones" rarely happen. We put them off for too long. We have all lost someone we love and we have always wished for more photos of them

Your Children Don't See Your Flaws

As both a mum and a photographer, I can tell you with absolute certainty that your children don't see the things you criticize about yourself. When I'm behind the camera during family sessions, I watch how your little ones look at you. They don't see the extra weight you're carrying, the gray roots that need touching up, or the tired eyes from sleepless nights. They see their hero, their comfort, their whole world.

Your children see the hands that soothe them when they're hurt, the arms that hold them when they're scared, and the smile that lights up their day. These are the moments I capture as a photographer in Hull - not your perceived imperfections, but the love that radiates between you and your children.

The Legacy You're Creating

Every family photo session I conduct at Bluebell and Lace Photography is about creating a legacy. These aren't just pictures - they're time capsules of love, growth, and connection. When you exclude yourself from these moments, you're inadvertently editing yourself out of your family's history.

I've worked with families where grandparents have passed away, and the adult children desperately search for photos of their parents with them as children. The ones who prioritized being present in photos left behind a treasure trove of memories. Those who always stayed behind the camera left their families with a painful gap in their visual history.

Breaking the Cycle as a Hull Photographer

In my 20-plus years of experience, I've made it my mission to gently encourage parents to step into the frame. I understand the hesitation - I'm a mum too, and I know how it feels to be tired, to feel unprepared, or to think you don't look your best. But as a photographer in Hull who has seen the profound impact of these images on families, I can assure you that your presence in these photos matters more than any perceived flaw.

Creating Comfortable Moments

At Bluebell and Lace Photography, I specialize in creating relaxed, natural moments that capture authentic connections. I don't want stiff, posed portraits where everyone looks uncomfortable. Instead, I focus on the gentle moments - reading together, playing games, sharing cuddles, or simply being present with each other.

As a photographer in Hull who works extensively with young children, I know how to capture those fleeting expressions of pure joy and love. These are the images that will hang on your walls for decades, the ones your children will treasure when they have families of their own.

The Time is Now

I've learned that there's never a "perfect" time for photos. There will always be something - a new baby bringing sleepless nights, toddler tantrums, work stress, or simply feeling like you don't look your best. But your children are growing every single day, and these moments are passing whether we capture them or not.

As a mum of four, I know how quickly childhood flies by. One day you're photographing a newborn, and seemingly overnight, they're starting school. The photography sessions I conduct in Hull aren't just about creating beautiful images - they're about preserving these precious stages of your family's journey.

Your Family's Story Matters

Every family has a unique story, and as a photographer in Hull, I'm honored to help tell these stories through images. Your story includes you - not just as the person organizing the photos or correcting hair and clothing, but as the central figure in your children's lives.

When I look through the lens during a family session, I see love in action. I see parents who are doing their best, who are present, who are creating memories even in the ordinary moments. These are the stories worth telling, the memories worth preserving.

Making the Commitment

At Bluebell and Lace Photography, I encourage every parent to make a commitment to being present in their family photos. Start small if you need to - perhaps commit to being in one photo during each session. As you see how beautiful these images are and how much they mean to your family, you'll likely find yourself more willing to step into the frame.

Remember, your children will never look at a photo of you and think, "I wish mum had waited until she lost weight" or "I wish dad had fixed his hair first." They'll simply see the parent who loved them enough to be present, to be part of the story, to show up.

The Gift of Presence

As a photographer in Hull with decades of experience with families, I can tell you that the greatest gift you can give your children isn't the perfect photo - it's your presence in their memories. Years from now, when your children are grown and perhaps have families of their own, they'll treasure these images of you together.

Don't let fear or perfectionism rob your family of these precious memories. Your children need to see you in their story, not just behind the scenes making it happen. Trust me, as both a mum and a photographer who has witnessed the power of these images countless times - you belong in the picture.

Leonie at Bluebell and Lace Photography specializes in capturing natural, heartfelt moments for families across Hull. With over 20 years of experience working with babies, young children, and families, she understands the importance of preserving these precious memories with every family member included in the story.