Every photo session has a story behind it, but some stand out for their deep emotional resonance. This is one of those stories. When Jillian first reached out to me, she had one goal in mind: to preserve memories of her and her toddler son through a mommy-and-me photography session in the PDX area. What made her story special was the personal reason that led her to schedule this session. She told me she didn’t have many photos of her mother growing up. That absence left a noticeable gap in her childhood memories, and now, as a mother herself, she wanted to give her son the gift of tangible moments. Not just images for social media or holiday cards, but real, heartfelt memories of the two of them just being together.
This desire struck a chord with me. As a photographer, I deeply understand how images freeze fleeting moments in time, especially during the early years of a child’s life, which seem to pass in the blink of an eye. Jillian wanted to celebrate this moment in her son's life—the energy, the sweetness, the chaos, the connection. She chose a mommy and me session because it allowed the focus to stay entirely on their bond without distractions. No matching outfits for the whole family, no stiff poses, no pressure. Just them.
She also told me something that made me smile. Her toddler was full of energy and never sat still for long. In her search for the right photographer, she said she was drawn to me because I seemed to specialize in photographing little ones who are constantly on the move. That wasn’t just a compliment—it was a challenge. And one that I happily accepted.
Planning the session was a collaborative effort. Jillian and I talked about what kinds of moments she wanted to capture. She was clear about her vision: nothing staged, nothing overly posed. She wanted play, laughter, and candid emotions. She mentioned her son’s obsession with bubbles, so we knew bubbles had to play a starring role. I immediately pictured soft morning light streaming through trees as they chased bubbles through an open field. We picked a nearby park in the Happy Valley area—one of my favorite places for family photos. It offers open space for movement and just the right touch of natural scenery, without being too overwhelming for little ones.
When the day of the shoot arrived, we were blessed with the perfect weather. Not too hot, not too cold, and the golden light added a magical quality to the entire session. As soon as I saw Jillian and her son step out of the car, I could tell this was going to be a special experience. She was relaxed and ready for anything, and her son was already grinning from ear to ear, holding a bubble wand in his tiny hands like it was a treasure.
We started with the bubbles. There's something universally joyful about watching a child chase bubbles. The way their eyes light up, the shrieks of laughter, the way they reach and leap—it all feels so pure. Her son tried to catch them, pop them, and yes, even eat them. And through it all, Jillian was right there beside him—laughing, running, reaching, and holding him close when he got tired or overwhelmed. Those are the moments that matter most.
As the session unfolded, I found myself smiling behind the lens more often than usual. There was no need to direct much. Jillian and her son created the story naturally through their interactions. He would run toward the camera, then away again. He'd stop and stare right into my lens with the most expressive eyes, then burst into laughter when Jillian scooped him up. At one point, he took a tumble, and immediately Jillian rushed over, scooped him into her arms, kissed his forehead, and comforted him. It was such a tender moment—one that reminded me that motherhood is not just about joy but about nurturing and presence.
The laughter continued. At one point, he picked up the bubble wand and started trying to get both of us wet. Instead of stopping him, we let him enjoy the moment. He was having the time of his life, and so were we. That’s one of the things I love about sessions like this: when we give children the freedom to lead the way, they show us what pure happiness looks like. All I had to do was keep up and keep clicking.
The energy he brought to the session was contagious. Every time I’d crouch down for a shot, he’d come dashing toward me, bubbles flying, giggles escaping his lips. It was delightful chaos. And Jillian matched his energy beautifully. She never tried to get him to behave or sit still. Instead, she embraced every unscripted moment—running after him, scooping him up, spinning him around, tickling him until they both collapsed in a fit of giggles.
Sometimes, during sessions, I catch a moment that feels like it was choreographed by nature itself. There was one image in particular where her son climbed up on a bench, turned to look over his shoulder, and gave the most angelic expression to the camera. I didn’t prompt it. I didn’t pose him. He just did it. Born a model, truly.
Another favorite image was of them walking hand in hand through the tall grass, the light brushing the tops of their heads, creating a halo-like glow. Jillian’s gaze was focused entirely on her son, and he looked so secure holding her hand. It was simple, but there was a quiet beauty in that simplicity—a moment of connection that will now live on in a photograph forever.
As the session wrapped up, I brought out the bubbles again as a way to bring the energy back down and give us one last round of joy. It felt like a full-circle moment—starting and ending with bubbles, with love filling every space in between. Jillian’s son ran toward me one last time, laughing and completely drenched in bubble liquid. We all laughed so hard, and I captured that laughter, too.
Later that evening, I sent Jillian a few sneak peeks from the session. Her response? “These are amazing. I’m wiping away tears. Thank you so much!!” Messages like that remind me why I do what I do. These aren’t just pictures. They’re pieces of someone’s story, someone’s memories, someone’s legacy.
As a funny coincidence, I remembered something that happened the day before Jillian’s session. I was photographing a landscape at Memaloose State Park in the Columbia River Gorge when a couple of hikers asked me to take a quick photo of them using my camera. I agreed, snapped a few shots, and later exchanged emails to send them the pictures. After Jillian’s session, I found out through Instagram that these hikers were her friends. What a small and beautiful world.
This story, like many others, reminded me that photography is about more than just light and composition. It’s about emotion, relationships, timing, and trust. Jillian trusted me with a piece of her story, and I’m honored to have captured it.
Embracing the Energy: Photographing Toddlers on the Move
Photographing toddlers is unlike any other experience. It’s a combination of athleticism, patience, playfulness, and an intuitive understanding of child behavior. When Jillian told me her son never sat still, I knew exactly what she meant. As someone who regularly photographs little ones bursting with energy, I’ve developed a style and approach that doesn’t fight their movement but flows with it.
Toddlers aren’t meant to sit quietly and smile on command. They are curious explorers, tiny adventurers, and joyful creators of chaos. They are constantly in motion—running, climbing, tumbling, chasing, laughing. And that is exactly why I love photographing them. The unpredictability of a toddler makes every session unique and full of surprises.
The key to a successful toddler session begins long before the camera comes out. It starts with the mindset. Instead of trying to control the child or force a particular outcome, I approach every session with flexibility. My role is not to direct every moment, but to create space for real interactions to unfold. I arrive early, scout the location, and look for safe areas where toddlers can run freely. I bring a few simple props—like bubbles or a favorite toy—but never rely too heavily on them. The goal is to follow the child’s lead while being ready to capture moments as they arise.
Jillian’s son was exactly as she described—full of energy and excitement. From the moment he stepped onto the grass, he was ready to go. And I was ready for him. I used a long lens to keep some physical space while still getting close-up shots, allowing him to feel free rather than confined. I crouched, knelt, lay in the grass, and moved constantly to keep up with him. It was as much a workout as it was a photo session.
One of the best things about photographing toddlers is their authenticity. They don’t hide how they feel. When they’re happy, they laugh from the depths of their bellies. When they’re tired, they crash into their mother’s arms without hesitation. Every emotion is raw and real. And that honesty is what gives lifestyle photography its magic.
At one point during the session, Jillian’s son ran across the field trying to catch bubbles. He wasn’t just running aimlessly—he was deeply engaged in his world. The way the light hit the bubbles, the joy on his face, and Jillian’s laughter behind him created a scene that was cinematic in its beauty. He wasn’t posing. He wasn’t told what to do. He was just being a child, and I was there to witness it.
Another moment that stood out was when he tried to eat the bubbles. His facial expression, the way he stuck out his tongue, and Jillian’s amused reaction made for a series of hilarious and heartwarming photos. These moments weren’t part of a plan. They happened naturally. But because I was watching closely and had my camera ready, I captured a slice of childhood that Jillian can now revisit forever.
Working with toddlers also means being prepared for changes in mood. There was a moment during the session when her son tripped and started to cry. Jillian immediately knelt, pulled him close, and comforted him. That moment of tenderness—her arms wrapped around him, his small face buried in her shoulder—is one of my favorite images from the entire session. It shows the full scope of motherhood, from joy to comfort, from laughter to tears.
Photographing these types of transitions is important. Many parents worry that a meltdown or a bad mood will ruin the session, but I always reassure them that these moments are part of the story. Childhood is not a highlight reel of perfect smiles. It’s a collection of real experiences, and those quieter or more emotional moments are just as meaningful as the joyful ones.
To help keep toddlers engaged, I use a variety of techniques. I often start with games—peekaboo, chasing bubbles, or asking them to find hidden treasures in the park. These activities give them a sense of purpose and keep their minds occupied. With Jillian’s son, the bubble wand was an instant favorite. He quickly figured out how to create his bubbles and had a great time trying to soak us with the bubble liquid. Instead of stopping him, we encouraged it. His laughter became contagious, and the joy radiated from both of them.
Timing also plays a crucial role in photographing toddlers. Sessions are often best scheduled for early mornings or late afternoons, avoiding the crankiness that comes around nap times. We picked a morning session for Jillian, and that decision paid off. The light was soft, the air was fresh, and her son was full of energy but not yet overtired.
One technique I’ve found especially effective is giving toddlers small tasks. Asking them to hold mom’s hand and walk toward me, or having them show me a flower they found, gives structure without pressure. During Jillian’s session, I asked her son to sit on a bench and show me his favorite bubble trick. He didn’t just sit—he posed like a pro, turning his face to the camera with a look that was equal parts mischief and charm.
Parents often ask me how to prepare for sessions with active kids. I always say: Come ready to play. Wear comfortable clothes, bring snacks and water, and don’t stress if things don’t go exactly as planned. The beauty of lifestyle photography lies in its imperfections. The grass-stained knees, the windblown hair, the moments of wild laughter—they all tell a richer, more authentic story than any studio portrait ever could.
Jillian’s calm and relaxed attitude made a huge difference. She never tried to force her son to sit or smile. She let him lead the way and followed his energy. That gave me the freedom to move around them, capturing their interactions from every angle. Some of my favorite images came from the in-between moments: when Jillian leaned down to whisper something in his ear, or when he reached up for a hug without being asked. These were the moments that defined their relationship.
Toddlers can also be surprisingly intuitive. Even without words, they understand when they’re being seen and appreciated. Jillian’s son responded to the attention not by shutting down but by opening up. He became more playful, more expressive, and more curious. He danced, twirled, and at one point, tried to put bubbles on my lens. I didn’t stop him. I just kept clicking.
Sometimes, the best images are the unexpected ones. There was a moment when Jillian’s son stood still, just for a second, and looked directly at the camera. His eyes were wide, his expression peaceful. It was a quiet moment in the middle of so much activity, and it told a different side of his personality—still full of wonder, but also contemplative. That image now lives alongside the others in her gallery, adding depth and contrast to the overall story.
Photographing toddlers means being open to every possibility. It’s about letting go of expectations and embracing spontaneity. The most powerful moments are rarely planned. They happen when a mother catches her child mid-laugh, when a toddler wraps their arms around her neck, or when both fall into the grass in a fit of shared laughter. That’s where the real magic lies.
For Jillian and her son, this session wasn’t about perfection. It was about presence. They showed up, played, laughed, and loved—openly and fully. And in doing so, they created a collection of memories that go far beyond photographs. They captured their real, messy, beautiful life together. And that is the heart of what I do.
The Emotional Power of Motherhood Photography
There’s something deeply transformative about seeing yourself in a photograph—not just looking good or posed, but truly seen. For mothers, especially, photography has a way of revealing what often goes unnoticed in daily life. The quiet strength. The constant nurturing. The soft touches, the whispered reassurances, the bursts of joy shared with a child. A motherhood photography session, like the one I had with Jillian, holds more than smiles and scenery. It holds a mirror up to the love, effort, and beauty that sometimes even mothers forget they carry.
Jillian’s session reminded me of this in the most meaningful way. As I watched her chase bubbles with her son, laugh beside him, and gently hold him when he cried, I saw what she likely didn’t see in herself every day—a deeply devoted, patient, fun-loving mother who was doing an incredible job. She wasn’t trying to impress anyone. She wasn’t aiming for the perfect photo. She was simply present. And that presence, that attentiveness, is what made every image so powerful.
One of the reasons I believe so strongly in motherhood sessions is that moms are often behind the camera, not in front of it. They are the ones documenting the moments, snapping photos at birthday parties, catching quick videos of the first steps, or messy snack time. But in doing so, they’re left out of the memories they’re trying so hard to preserve. Over time, it’s not uncommon for a mom to look back and realize she’s missing from the visual record of her child’s life.
Jillian understood that deeply. She told me that growing up, she didn’t have many photos with her mother. That absence wasn’t just about pictures—it was about remembering a connection, seeing the physical closeness, feeling that moment preserved in time. Now that she’s a mother herself, she didn’t want her son to experience the same thing. She wanted him to have images he could look back on and feel, without question, how loved he was. That’s the kind of foresight that makes these sessions incredibly meaningful.
When she received her photos and told me she was wiping away tears, I knew the experience had landed exactly where it was supposed to. Not just in her hands, but in her heart. That’s the emotional power of these sessions. They remind mothers of the love that radiates from them even when they feel exhausted, overwhelmed, or uncertain. They remind them that the little things they do every day—holding hands, cuddling on a bench, wiping away tears—are the big things.
Motherhood is often messy, unpredictable, and full of unseen labor. It’s not always glamorous. There are days filled with tantrums, missed naps, and dishes left in the sink. And yet, through the lens of photography, all of that chaos transforms into a story of resilience, connection, and unmatched love. In Jillian’s case, the session was both a gift to her son and herself—a reminder that even in the messiest moments, she was doing something beautiful.
Photographs give weight and meaning to fleeting moments. A toddler's laugh, the way tiny hands reach for a mother's face, or the glance they share in a quiet second—these moments pass quickly. But when captured with intention, they become something you can hold onto forever. They become proof of the bond that defines motherhood in the most personal way.
Jillian’s son may not remember every detail of the session, but one day, he’ll look at the photos and feel what they represent. He’ll see how his mother looked at him with pure love. He’ll see the way they played together, how she held him close, and how completely safe and happy he was in her presence. Those photos will speak to him in ways words never could.
And for Jillian, the gallery she now holds is more than just a set of images. It’s a reflection of who she was at this moment in her life. A mother in motion, balancing playfulness with tenderness, offering her son a version of love that’s both fierce and gentle. The images show not just what happened that day, but who she was in that season of life—a season that can feel like a blur when you’re in the middle of it.
There’s also something healing about motherhood sessions. For moms who didn’t grow up with a strong visual record of their childhood, creating one for their children can feel like reclaiming something that was lost. It’s a way of saying, “You matter. This matters. Our time together is worth remembering.”
I’ve had many moms tell me they almost didn’t schedule a session. They were worried about their appearance, tired from parenting, or overwhelmed by everything else on their plates. But after seeing the final images, they were grateful they made the time. Because what they saw wasn’t exhaustion or imperfection. What they saw was love, strength, and real connection.
In Jillian’s case, she didn’t spend the session trying to look perfect. She was there for her son, fully engaged, and that authenticity shone through in every photo. Her smile was genuine, her affection was effortless, and the way she moved with her son created a rhythm I could follow with my camera. The result was not just a gallery of pictures—it was a living, breathing visual story of their relationship.
This kind of photography matters. It gives mothers something tangible they can hold onto when the days feel long and the years feel short. It captures the moments in between—the glances, the gestures, the real-life magic that often goes unnoticed.
As a photographer, being part of that process is an honor I never take lightly. It’s about more than technique or lighting or location. It’s about showing people what love looks like in their own lives. It’s about helping them see what their children see—comfort, joy, and unwavering presence.
Jillian’s session will always be one I remember, not just for the beautiful images we created, but for the reminder it gave me about why I do what I do. This work is about connection. It’s about emotion. It’s about telling stories that matter.
Preserving the Moments: Why These Memories Matter
As the final bubbles floated away and Jillian held her son close, there was a quiet stillness that settled over the park. The kind of stillness that only comes after a morning full of running, laughing, and loving without reserve. That quiet moment reminded me once again of why photography matters—not just to capture what was seen, but to hold onto what was felt.
In every session I photograph, especially motherhood sessions like this one, I try to go beyond what’s on the surface. Yes, I aim to capture beautiful light, genuine smiles, and scenic backdrops. But more than that, I want to preserve the invisible threads that tie people together. The way a mother looks at her child with awe. The way a child instinctively reaches for their mother’s hand. The shared laughter that spills out when they’re lost in their little world.
Jillian’s session reminded me that these moments—however small they may seem—hold immense power. A child’s early years pass in a blink. One day, the bubble wand will be replaced with schoolbooks. The tiny hand that clings so tightly now will grow and reach for the world. But in these photographs, time stands still. Jillian will always be able to return to that sunlit field, to the joy of those few hours, and to the feeling of simply being together with her son, fully present.
What makes these images especially powerful is that they weren’t posed or forced. They were honest. Her son wasn’t asked to sit still, smile at the camera, or perform. He was allowed to be himself—curious, silly, wild, and wonderful. And Jillian met him there. She didn’t try to make him behave a certain way. She simply played, laughed, comforted, and loved him, just like she does every other day. The difference was that on this day, she had someone there to document it.
Photography like this isn’t just about art. It’s about legacy. One day, when her son is older, he’ll have a window back into his childhood. He’ll see how young his mother once was. He’ll see how she held him, how she smiled at him, how much joy they shared. And Jillian will have that same window. She’ll be able to revisit this season of life—the beautiful, exhausting, magical season of early motherhood.
When I look back on this session, I don’t just see pretty photos. I see a celebration of love. A conscious decision by a mother to pause and preserve the connection she shares with her child. I see a story that will be told again and again, not through words, but through images filled with emotion.
I also see the importance of saying yes. Saying yes to stepping in front of the camera. Yes to letting go of perfection. Yes, to play. Yes to being seen. So many mothers hesitate because they’re waiting to lose weight, to find the right outfit, or to feel more rested. But the truth is, there’s no perfect time. The perfect time is now—exactly as you are.
Jillian didn’t wait for everything to align. She showed up as herself, ready to be with her son. And because of that, she now has a set of photographs that will only grow more meaningful with time.
Every motherhood session is different, but the heart behind them is always the same: love. Deep, unconditional, awe-inspiring love. That’s what I aim to capture. That’s what lives in every image. And that’s what makes this work so worthwhile.
If you’re reading this and wondering whether a session like this is right for you, I encourage you to leave. You don’t need perfect weather, perfect behavior, or perfect styling. You just need a willingness to show up and be present. Everything else will unfold naturally.
Motherhood is made of millions of little moments—many of them fleeting, many of them unseen. But when you choose to document those moments, you give them permanence. You create a visual love letter to your child and yourself. And that, more than anything, is worth holding onto.
So here’s to Jillian. To her playful, loving, beautiful spirit. To her son, with his endless energy and contagious laughter. And to every mother who shows up, messy hair and all, to be photographed most honestly. You are seen. You are celebrated. You are doing an incredible job.
And to all the memories still waiting to be made—I'll be here, camera in hand, ready to capture the love that surrounds you.
Conclusion
Jillian’s mommy and me session was more than just a series of photographs—it was a heartfelt reminder of how important it is to slow down and celebrate the everyday moments that make up our most meaningful memories. In a world that moves fast, where childhood seems to slip through our fingers, taking the time to document love in its rawest, most joyful form is a gift, not only for ourselves but for our children.
This session was filled with motion, laughter, and connection. From chasing bubbles to quiet cuddles, every second reflected the kind of bond that doesn’t need to be posed or perfect to be powerful. Jillian’s choice to step in front of the camera, just as she is, to be fully present with her son, is a decision that will echo for years to come through the images we created.
As a photographer, my greatest hope is that every family I work with walks away with more than just photos. I hope they walk away with a sense of how deeply they are loved, how beautifully they are connected, and how valuable their story i, just as it is. Because at the end of the day, it's not about staged smiles or ideal conditions. It’s about truth, emotion, and legacy.
If you’ve been thinking about doing a session like this, let Jillian’s story be your sign. Step into the frame. Let your children see you there. Laugh, play, and be fully present. These moments matter. And they’re worth remembering forever.