“As I immerse myself in all that motherhood entails, I begin to better understand the sacrifices made that ironically bring so much joy into life. In my case, I resigned from my job to be at home with my son, Josiah, and I honestly think it’s the best decision that I could make for him. Being present during his milestones is the sort of blessing that I didn’t envision when I first got married two years ago. During that time, I knew I wanted to work hard and chase my passions, but as real-life has begun to sink in more and more, I find it to be such a blessing to stay home and care for our baby.

In today’s world, happiness probably wouldn’t be the first thing that comes to mind when we think of making sacrifices, but I can genuinely share that it is a real thing, an emotion strongly felt when I get to cuddle up with my little one and take in each moment with him even after a long day of challenges that come with being a responsible wife and mom.

Motherhood doesn’t only represent women who have children of their own but women who can love unconditionally, whether it be adoptive moms, those who care for us like moms, those patiently waiting, and even fur mamas. There’s no clear definition that defines who can and cannot be a mother.

Oftentimes, we’re our worst critics, but as a new mom, I think it’s so important to give ourselves grace. Every day won’t be perfect. Sometimes, I write a whole to-do list but only end up completing a small part of it. The important thing is to prioritize, and self-care should be a priority. Self-care involves being in the right headspace, and giving yourself flexibility for that will definitely make you more productive in all the roles you fill, regardless of your current season of life. Whether you’re a new mom, a mom with multiple kids, or waiting, give yourself grace.” Vanessa, Mother

 

 

“I first met Vanessa through a creative collaboration to do an editorial wedding inspiration shoot. Vanessa is a Wedding Planner who has a great sense of style and is such a dedicated and hard worker. Above all, she is kind and thoughtful of others, which immediately drew me to her. She and Princeton are the sweetest parents with newborn Josiah, they were a dream to spend time with as we chatted about their new role as parents and the way they had been supported by having extended family near them.

In-home/ lifestyle sessions are at the heart of what I love about both photography and motherhood. The home you create for your family, the space your day-to-day memories inhabit, and your sense of comfort in your own space and routine make it an ideal setting for photographs that will have lasting value. When my own children were very young, we had a lifestyle photography session in our home and those images are still (decades later) the ones that feel the truest to who we are as a family. The cuddles, the bare feet with tiny toes, and our favorite spots in the house … as they say, there’s no place like home. As a photographer, I find families are able to feel relaxed and more authentic at home, so our sessions flow naturally.  My favorite compliment is when a client looks at their photographs as says “this is so us” – celebrating the everyday is a gift because it makes us more aware and grateful for the little things and the fleeting moments.

From a technical standpoint, I photographed this entire session on film. The day we selected for the session turned out to be quite overcast and dark, but I brought along my lighting set up and turned that dark day into a light and airy setting that is fitting to the way their home feels on a normal, sunny day. Years ago, before I learned how to light scenes in a natural-looking way, I would have rescheduled a session – but babies don’t keep! I am so much happier now that I know I can create beautiful images in any situation! I encourage photographers to continue their educational journey for themselves, and especially for new ways we can better serve our clients. Even though I’ve now become a mentor photographer, I still do not stop learning … always learning, always growing – that’s my mantra. :)”  Marni, Photographer

 

MARNI WISHART PHOTOGRAPHY
Additional Vendors:  Film Processed by | Goodman Film Lab