Motherhood behind the lens

It’s the little things about motherhood that make my heart so happy and make me so excited when I capture them.

by Emily Hosken

Being a photographer has definitely influenced my own opinions on having a family. I’ve always loved children, but I never really gave much thought at all to having my own. The last couple of years spent running my business and getting to know so many different families has made me realise just how important it really is to me! It’s the little things about motherhood that make my heart so happy and make me so excited when I capture them.

I specialise in documenting newborns, pregnancy, families and motherhood naturally and honestly. It’s difficult to comprehend how amazing our bodies are and how they’re capable of growing the tiny babies we love more than anything in this world. I’m totally in awe of the whole process.

Something I love about my job is when I get the opportunity to capture older siblings with their new brother or sister. I love seeing all the emotions, the proudest kind of love, the excitement and the sometimes not-so-subtle jealousy! They all react so differently and I find it fascinating.

I also love playing a part in making them realise how great it is to be an older brother or sister and bringing out their excitement. When I photograph the new baby, I ask the children to help me as often as I can, even if it’s simply to hold the baby’s blanket in place or stroke the baby’s head to keep them calm and sleepy. I think giving them a part to play makes them realise how important they are.

Photos are also very special with siblings—that brand new bond! However, when you photograph newborns and siblings together, you definitely need a plan A, B and C and then about six extra back-up plans too!

I think some people worry how their children will react when a new baby comes along, but I can safely say that no matter what your worries are, when the new baby arrives, it always just works and you won’t know how it was ever any different.

I absolutely love what I do and I think it’s so important to capture children when they’re brand new as well as throughout their childhood. They change so quickly (even within two weeks you’ll see such a huge difference!) and as those first few weeks go by in a blur, you may not remember the smallest details. Your photos give you a chance to experience those memories over and over again, keeping them tiny forever! Whether you sit quietly with a box of prints, share them with friends and family, or hang one up in your home and talk about it with everyone who comes over, it’s a constant reminder to them of how much they’re loved, and to you of how amazing you are. Motherhood is really hard but I also think it’s incredible and so worth documenting, for yourself and for them. ■

www.emilyhoskenphotography.com