There’s something about the golden light of a Maine sunset that feels like a reflection of motherhood itself—soft, fleeting, and breathtakingly beautiful. As a motherhood photographer in Maine, I’ve come to see how the stories we live as mothers are much like those sunsets: imperfect, yet radiant, and deserving of being captured and celebrated.

Motherhood has an extraordinary way of peeling back layers of ourselves we didn’t even know existed. It’s a transformative journey that reveals strengths, vulnerabilities, and sometimes, even the parts of us we’ve hidden away out of shame. For me, becoming a mother has been less about redefining who I am and more about rediscovering and embracing those facets of myself I had long kept buried.

One of the most profound ways this has unfolded is through my children’s emotions and their natural chaos. Children have an innate ability to feel everything fully and unapologetically—from the joyful highs to the earth-shaking tantrums. It can be overwhelming, yes, but it’s also a gift. In learning to hold space for my children’s big emotions, I’ve discovered my own capacity to take up space in ways I never thought possible. Their boundless curiosity—the way they constantly question and explore the world—has become a mirror, reflecting my own ability to embrace curiosity and challenge my long-held perspectives.

Motherhood has shattered who I thought I was. At times, it made me feel broken, as if the person I once knew had been lost amid the chaos. But in truth, it has provided an opportunity to put the pieces back together—not in the same way, but in a way that reflects who I have always been at my core. The process has been both humbling and empowering, revealing that the truest version of myself was waiting to be uncovered all along.

Through my children, I’ve learned to harbor a piece of myself that never grows up. That childlike wonder and openness to possibility have reignited a part of me that I once felt ashamed of: the part that loves to dream, to imagine, and to see beauty in the ordinary. I’ve learned to lean into the chaos—to accept the messiness of motherhood as part of its magic—and to let go of the perfectionism that once stifled me.

This process hasn’t been easy by any means. Watching my children exhibit traits that were not accepted in my own upbringing—curiosity that was deemed disruptive, emotions that were labeled “dramatic”—has forced me to confront old wounds. It’s a daily challenge to remind myself that their big feelings and boldness are not flaws; they are beautiful expressions of who they are and something they will need to maneuver through this world.

Mothering my children has become a way of mothering my own inner child and teenager. When I comfort my kids through their struggles, I’m also soothing the little girl in me who didn’t always feel safe to express herself. When I encourage their curiosity, I’m giving my younger self the freedom to explore without fear of judgment. And when I celebrate their individuality, I’m rewriting the narrative for my own story—one that says being different is something to be proud of.

In these fleeting moments, I can see myself standing in a field of wildflowers, with each bloom representing a part of my soul that is being nurtured back to life. Instead of ripping the flower out of the ground, I nurture it, tend it, prune it, and allow it to show its full bloom. My children’s laughter feels like sunlight breaking through a canopy of clouds, warming the parts of me that I thought would stay in shadow forever.

In this journey of rediscovery, I’ve also had to redefine what self-care means to me. It’s not just about grabbing a coffee or running errands alone (though those moments can be helpful). True self-care is about finding the things that genuinely make me feel fulfilled. It’s about carving out moments of solitude that feel like “me”—whether that’s taking a walk along Maine’s rocky coast, getting lost in a book that sparks my imagination, writing poetry, or capturing the beauty of motherhood through my lens.

Photography has become one of my most cherished forms of self-care. It allows me to step back and see the story of our lives unfold in real time. Through my lens, I capture not just the milestones but also the quiet, everyday moments that make up the fabric of our story. It’s a way to celebrate the beauty in the chaos and to honor this season of life for what it is: fleeting, messy, and utterly magical.

Motherhood is not just about raising our children; it’s also about rediscovering ourselves. It’s about leaning into the chaos, embracing our children’s big emotions, and allowing their curiosity to inspire us. It’s about rewriting old stories and finding fulfillment in the things that truly matter. By doing so and allowing our authenticity to lead, we create a legacy not only for our children but also for the generations to come—a story of love, resilience, and rediscovery.