One Of My First Brand Photo Shoots As A Mother — And Why I Will Never Forget It

There are moments in life that feel small when they are happening… but when you look back, you realize they quietly changed everything.

This was one of those moments for me.

Not just because it was one of my first brand photo shoots after becoming a mother, but because it captured a season of life that now feels like a beautiful blur: those early days with a brand new baby, when time somehow moved both painfully slow and impossibly fast.

Stepping Behind The Lens As A New Mother

When I first picked up my camera again after having Joaquín, everything felt different.

Photography had always been a passion of mine — something that connected me to the world — but now, it felt deeper. More emotional. More meaningful.

I was no longer just capturing moments.

I was documenting a life I had created.

And somehow, that changed the way I saw everything.

A Photo Shoot I Will Always Hold Close To My Heart

This particular shoot was one of my first opportunities to step back into my creative work — and it could not have come at a more meaningful time.

As a photographer for Today’s Charlotte Woman magazine (which is sadly no longer in print), I had the good fortune of meeting so many incredible and inspiring women. One of them was Lily Winnail.

Lily was the founder and creator of Padàlily — a beautifully designed car seat handle cushion created to ease the physical strain of carrying an infant car seat. It was one of those products that felt both thoughtful and practical, while still being effortlessly stylish.

I was invited into her home and workshop for a behind-the-scenes look at her business, and I also had the chance to meet her beautiful children. It was one of those experiences that stayed with me — not just because of the work, but because of the heart behind it.

Her story, along with one of my photographs, ended up making the cover of the magazine — a moment I will always be incredibly proud of.

Years later, Lily chose to sell her company and move in a different direction. But that day — that shoot — and everything it represented will always hold a special place in my heart.

The Magic Of Behind-The-Scenes Moments

What people do not always see in photos are the in-between moments.

The giggles.
The outfit changes.
The chaos that somehow turns into something magical.

Behind-the-scenes is where the real story lives.

And as both a photographer and a mother, I found myself noticing those moments more than ever before.

Because I knew, deep down, how fleeting they were.

Looking Back Now

When I look at these images today, I do not just see a photo shoot.

I see:

• A new version of myself being born
• The early days of balancing motherhood and creativity
• The beginning of a journey I did not yet understand

And most of all… I see Joaquín.

So small. So perfect. So full of possibility.

Why These Memories Matter More Than Ever

Life moves quickly. Too quickly.

And while we cannot freeze time, we can preserve the feeling of it.

That is what photography has always been for me — a way to hold onto the moments that would otherwise slip through our fingers.

This shoot reminded me that even in the busiest, most overwhelming seasons of life, there is beauty worth capturing.

And sometimes, those are the moments that end up meaning the most.

Final Thoughts

If there is one thing I have learned over the years, it is this: The moments you think are “just another day” often become the ones you treasure forever.

I am so grateful I picked up my camera that day.

Because now, I have a piece of that chapter — preserved in time, exactly as it was.

And that is something truly priceless. Whether it is your baby’s first days or a fleeting season you never want to forget, investing in photography is one of the most meaningful things you can do.

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👉 If you are looking to capture your own special moments, you can learn more about my photography services here: https://mybeautifuladventures.com/fashion-lifestyle-photography-services/