As a family photographer in Poole, there is one thing I hear time and time again:

“I don’t really like having my photo taken.”

Or…

“I’ll just have some of the children.”

The problem is, years from now, your children won’t be looking for photographs of themselves.

They’ll be looking for photographs of you.

As mums, we’re usually the ones taking the pictures. We’re behind the camera at birthdays, on holiday, during family days out and on Christmas morning. We make sure everyone else is included, but somehow we end up missing from the story ourselves.

I know this because I’m guilty of it too.

As a mum of seven children, I know exactly how easy it is to put yourself at the bottom of the list. There is always something more important to spend money on, something else to organise, another thing demanding your attention.

But one day, the tiny baby you are cuddling now won’t be tiny anymore.

The toddler who insists on being carried everywhere won’t want picking up.

The little hand that reaches for yours will grow.

And the photographs will become priceless.

That’s one of the reasons I started Hello YOU Studios.

As a newborn photographer in Poole, I meet families every week who tell me they have thousands of photographs on their phones but hardly any that include everyone together.

Professional family photography isn’t really about creating perfect pictures.

It’s about preserving memories.

It’s about capturing the way your child looked at you.

The way they wrapped their arms around your neck.

The way they laughed when Dad pulled silly faces behind me.

Those are the moments that matter.

Whether you’re visiting for a Maternity, Newborn photography, a Cake smash, a Sitter session or a Family photoshoot, my goal is always the same: to make sure everyone is included in the frame.

Because your children don’t see the things you worry about.

They don’t notice the extra weight, the tired eyes or the fact your hair wasn’t behaving that day.

They simply see Mum.

The person who makes them feel safe.

The person who knows exactly how they like their toast.

The person who kisses grazed knees better.

The person they love.

And one day, those photographs will mean more than you can imagine.

So if you’ve been putting off booking a family photoshoot because you’re waiting until you’ve lost weight, found the perfect outfit or feel more confident, this is your reminder not to wait.

Your children already think you’re perfect.

And they deserve to have photographs that prove you were there too.