Lately, social media has been buzzing about the idea of the “butter mom,” and I have to say… I feel seen.
The minute I understood the trend, I thought, Oh. That’s exactly the kind of mom I am.
And honestly?
It’s also exactly the kind of mom I love photographing.
What Is a Butter Mom?
A butter mom isn’t trying to create a Pinterest-perfect version of motherhood. She’s more interested in making memories than making everything look perfect. She’s the mom who says yes to jumping in puddles, lets her kids help bake cookies even though flour somehow ends up on every surface of the kitchen, and doesn’t mind if a dress gets a little dirty because she knows that’s usually a sign the day was well spent.
She’s soft where it matters. She chooses connection over perfection. She embraces the messy, magical, ordinary moments that make up childhood because she knows those are the moments her family will actually remember.
And if I’m being honest, I think the world could use a few more butter moms.
Why I Consider Myself a Butter Mom
Do I appreciate a beautifully coordinated outfit? Absolutely.
Do I love a clean house? Sure.
But if I have to choose between protecting the outfit or making the memory, I’m picking the memory every single time.
Motherhood has completely shifted my perspective. It’s taught me that the things we think matter in the moment usually aren’t the things we’ll treasure years from now. Instead, it’s the sticky hands, the missing front teeth, the belly laughs, the wild curls, and the way your toddler insists on carrying the same stuffed animal everywhere that become the memories we wish we could bottle up forever.
Those are the things I never want to forget.
My Ideal Client Is a Butter Mom
The moms who book me aren’t looking for perfect. They’re looking for honest.
They’re the moms who want photos that feel like their family, not photos that look like someone else’s. They know kids aren’t meant to sit perfectly still or smile on command, and they aren’t stressed when their daughter twirls until her dress is covered in grass or their son stops every five feet to inspect a cool stick.
They understand that the best moments are rarely the posed ones.
Instead, they want to remember what this season actually felt like. The way their little boy wrapped both arms around their neck. The giggles that couldn’t be contained. The way everyone ended up laughing because absolutely nothing went according to plan.
Those are the moments they’re afraid of forgetting.
Those are the moments I want to preserve.
That’s Why My Sessions Feel Different
Of course I’ll guide you. I’ll help with posing, find the best light, and gently direct you when needed.
But I’m never chasing perfection, I’m chasing connection.
Because the photo of your child looking up at you with absolute adoration is worth so much more than everyone looking perfectly at the camera. The image of your family laughing because Dad told a terrible joke? That’s the one you’ll smile at twenty years from now.
The real moments are always the ones that age the best.
So If You’re Worried…
Maybe you’re worried your kids won’t sit still.
Maybe your toddler is deep in their “no” phase.
Maybe your daughter refuses to wear anything except rain boots.
Maybe your son has dirt under his fingernails before we even start.
Perfect. Kids are supposed to be kids.
Your session isn’t about proving you have perfectly behaved children. It’s about documenting who they are right now. Their personalities, their quirks, and the little things that make your family yours.
Here’s What I Believe
One day, your babies won’t be babies anymore.
The toys will disappear.
The rain boots won’t fit.
The missing teeth will grow back.
The little hands that always reached for yours will become bigger, more independent hands.
And when that day comes, I don’t think you’ll care whether everyone’s outfit stayed perfectly clean or if every strand of hair was in place.
I think you’ll be grateful you embraced the beautiful chaos.
So if you’re the kind of mom who values connection over perfection, who doesn’t mind a little dirt if it means a whole lot of joy, and who wants photos that feel like home instead of a performance…
I have a feeling we’re going to get along just fine.
Because butter moms?
They’re my favorite kind.
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