No matter how strongly I feel this calling to motherhood, no matter how high the good days feel, no matter how important the work, no matter how selfless I’ve needed to become, no matter how deep down I know I’m doing my best…

there are still moments when doubt creeps in.

Feelings of not doing enough, not being present enough, not being patient enough, not being the mother I thought I would be, but instead being the mother I am.

I’m realizing regardless of whether you’re a mother to one or five, to a newborn or adult children, it’s always a season of learning.  Of trying to be the parent your child needs in that moment.

Of apologizing when you weren’t what you wanted to be, and trying better tomorrow.

And surely if this is true for me, is it also true for you?

The love you pour into your families, the way you kiss skinned knees, and rock babies to sleep, and nourish your family, the way you make them feel important and safe and loved…

the way you mother…it’s intimate, and breathtaking, and beautiful.

I felt this pull in my work to do something for the mamas, to give them the encouragement and peace, to be seen and understood, to be appreciated and cherished.

To photograph what you do best, in the space you’ve created to make memories, to raise your family, where love happens every day in little moments you may not even realize are happening.

I created The Beauty of Motherhood series to show a mother simultaneously she is beautiful in the eyes of her family in the way she loves and is loved.

—

Lindsey of Huck & Leni below, documented in her every day, loving and well loved.

(And be sure to catch her piece about our collaboration here.)

—