Jentry and Cooper’s Mommy and Me Portrait | Reno Family Photographer

In March, I realized that I had simply gained way too much weight since I stopped breastfeeding Cooper about 8 months ago. I was tired of lacking so much energy, and hating my body, so I decided to work towards a healthy lifestyle. And I am working at it…HARD! By the time Mother’s Day had arrived in May, I had dropped about 10 lbs. So when I asked Matt to take some photos of me and Cooper for our own Mommy and Me portrait, I was hoping I’d like myself a little more in the photos. I didn’t.

I feel like I look haggard and tired and (still) fat. My hair? Unwashed…going on three days at least. I’m also growing it out which is soooo awkward. My makeup? Barely slathered on quickly at naptime. HOWEVER – these are photos of me and my greatest creation, my son. I know in my heart that Cooper will love them. He won’t see a haggard pile of mommy bleh – he’ll see his mommy. And he’ll see how much I adore him.

Get in the pictures!

As a family photographer, I hear from women A LOT about how they don’t want to be in the photos or they hate how they look right now. And I can totally relate. BUT – as much as I dislike the way I look myself, I encourage others who feel this way to get in front of the camera anyway. These photos are so, so important for your children and your significant other, too. Be a part of the memories. You are your worst critic, I promise – and I know this because I am my own worst critic, too. Like hands down.

I’m trying my hardest to get in the pictures, despite how I feel towards myself. If you are one of MANY people who stay out of pictures because of the way you feel about yourself, I hope you give it a go. Even if you don’t post the photos on social media – get some 4×6 prints made and store them in a box for your children. It will be something they treasure forever.