There is something different about photographing mothers with their children.
The pace slows. There is less attention on the camera and more on the small things that happen between them—a hand reaching for mum's, a familiar cuddle, the way a child leans in without thinking. That was exactly how this year's Mother & Me mini sessions unfolded.
Before one of the sessions, Jessy mentioned that her son, Olly, wasn't the biggest fan of having his photo taken. Rather than asking him to smile or look at the camera, we simply gave him time. We chatted, explored the space together and let him settle before I even picked up my camera.
By the end of the session, he had completely relaxed into being himself. When Jessy later told me that the photographs felt like him—natural, comfortable and genuine—it reminded me why I photograph this way. Children don't need to perform. They simply need the space to be themselves.
Just before we finished, Jessy's husband joined us for one last family portrait. It became a quiet ending to their session, capturing all four of them together without it ever feeling rushed or overly posed.
Another moment that has stayed with me came during Lize and Wihan's session with their little son, Liwhan.
Lize was wearing a breast milk ring—a piece of jewellery created from her own breastfeeding journey. It was the first time I had seen one in person, and I found myself quietly fascinated by the story it carried. It wasn't just a beautiful ring; it represented a season of motherhood that passes so quickly.
Their son's name carries a story too. Liwhan is a combination of Lize and Wihan's names, making it another small reminder of how families create meaning in ways that are deeply personal.
Watching the three of them together felt effortless. There wasn't a need to direct every movement. Most of the photographs came simply from giving them space to interact as they naturally do every day.
Looking back at these sessions, I'm reminded that photographs are rarely about perfect smiles or everyone looking at the camera.
They're about preserving the ordinary things that quietly become extraordinary with time.
The way your child fits on your hip. The way tiny fingers find yours. The details you don't realise you're going to miss until they've already changed.
To every mom who spent part of her Mother's Day in front of my camera—thank you. Thank you for trusting me with this season of your family's story, and for allowing me to preserve these moments with your little ones.
I left each session feeling grateful for the families I met and the small moments I was invited to witness. I already can't wait to do it all again next Mother's Day.