Sara Zinn Photography

View Original

Mama Alyse | An In Home Motherhood Session

Happy New Year!

It has been a while since I last shared on my blog; I have been finding my own balance between creating art and being present with my family.

This time of year has always been a slower time for me, and I allow this time and space to pause, think about the past year, and dream about everything the new year will bring.

When I think about the past year, I think about why I started and what fuels my heart’s fire.

For me, it’s all about the mamas.

I had heard countless stories from mamas telling me how they yearned to be present in pictures with their children. The reasons for not being in pictures varied, some mamas expressed a lack of confidence within their new postpartum bodies, others expressed sadness and frustration with not being given the opportunity to be in front of the camera. For some, they realized they didn’t have many pictures of their own mamas with them, and it sparked a desire to be in pictures with their babies.

I decided that I would focus on my mamas, to give them this time and space to witness them, their journey, and create art for them that they truly cherished.

There is a magical moment that happens, either before or after the session, when I watch the excitement unravel from my mama clients. Seeing them choose themselves, their worth, their happiness.

For many of my motherhood sessions, it’s about being seen, wholly, spiritually. It’s about honoring the “now” that is life; finding the beauty in the mundane, and celebrating the moments that are fleeting.

It’s about holding space for everything. Pregnancy and postpartum. Our bodies and minds pre-children and post-children. The shift for our needs, wants, desires, and identity. Acknowledging the beauty of this season, as well as the not-so-beautiful parts.

A while back, I had put a model call out into the world, searching for mamas who were interested in an intimate session with their babies. Many mamas reached out, and I happily documented as many as I could, including this sweet mama here.

Her sweet babe was entirely happy in her mama’s arms, laughing and making silly faces to me, which in turn made her mama laugh too. Our session was one filled with pure love, and genuine smiles and laughter. I think that’s why I adore this age so much; these babies bring such authentic joy into our hearts.

This session was also one where mama stepped out of her comfort zone a bit, wanting to celebrate and honor her postpartum body and breastfeeding. We captured some intimate moments between her and her baby, in the meaningful spaces within their beautiful home.

As always, thank you to each and every mama from last year and in future, for allowing me to witness you, deep within this season of life and all it brings. It is an honor witnessing you <3

Happy 2023 <3