On Thursday, August 28th, from 6-8 PM, I’ll be gathering mothers with small children at the stunning Woodland Park Rose Garden as a Seattle motherhood photographer. This creative coming together is for Seattle-area moms and families who deeply resonate with emotional, artistic motherhood photography. The aim is to acknowledge and capture the raw beauty in the everyday chaos and profound love that defines the maternal journey.
Lately, I’ve ingrigued by the juxtaposition of English-style rose gardens and the wild, frenzied beauty of the blooms they contain. This observation has sparked a profound realization about motherhood itself. Consider the structured elegance of an English garden, with its carefully groomed pathways, defined patterns, and a sense of controlled order. This, in many ways, symbolizes society’s often rigid and defined expectations of what a mother “should be”—a neat, well-manicured ideal, dictating what’s allowed, what’s appropriate, and how mothers are expected to navigate their roles.
Then, there are the roses themselves—exploding with color, life, and an untamed spirit. They serve as a perfect metaphor for the reality of life with children. Full of vibrant energy, unexpected turns, and loud and uncomfortably honest, children introduce a beautiful, albeit sometimes wild and unpredictable, element to even the most perfectly planned lives. It’s within this tension between the structured and the spontaneous that the true artistry of motherhood unfolds.
This evening at the Woodland Park Rose Garden aims to highlight and capture this beautiful dichotomy. The intention is to embrace the inherent artistry in unscripted moments, authentic emotions, and the profound connection within families, celebrating the wild, frenzied beauty of real life and real children against a backdrop that perfectly mirrors the complexities and joys of being a mother.
This particular styled shoot at the Woodland Park Rose Garden is more than just creating beautiful images for a Seattle motherhood photographer; it’s a dedicated exploration of motherhood’s authentic narrative. We’re pushing creative boundaries to capture the profound emotional storytelling inherent in raising children. By intentionally curating a scene that reflects the tension between the structured English garden and the wild, vibrant roses, we aim to highlight the complex blend of societal expectations and the beautiful chaos of real family life.
This session serves as a powerful medium to portray the raw, often unglamorous, yet incredibly beautiful aspects of maternal love. We want to normalize the messiness, celebrate the small victories, and honor the deep emotional landscape that so many mothers experience but rarely see authentically represented in photographs.
For me as a photographer, this shoot offers a vital opportunity to experiment with new techniques, lighting, and composition in a low-pressure environment. It allows for artistic innovation, enriching my portfolio and ultimately benefiting future clients with a more diverse and refined creative approach. For families who see these images, this session will demonstrate how authentic moments—messy hair, genuine laughter, and unscripted connection—can be transformed into stunning, heirloom-quality works of art. It reinforces that “perfection” in motherhood photography isn’t about posed smiles, but about the true, unscripted beauty of family life, encouraging others to embrace their unique stories.
While specific vendor collaborations are still being finalized for this particular August 28th gathering, I’m incredibly excited about the potential for this shoot and similar future projects to feature local Seattle talent. We are always looking to collaborate with artisans and businesses who share a similar aesthetic and commitment to quality. For instance, for this kind of garden-inspired session, we envision partnering with a local florist who can provide some breathtaking, artfully arranged blooms that would complement the garden’s natural beauty and add an extra layer of visual richness. Additionally, working with a children’s boutique to possibly feature some adorable, comfortable, and stylish outfits for the little ones would be a wonderful way to showcase local craftsmanship and provide inspiration for others. More details on these exciting partnerships and any confirmed vendors will be shared across my channels soon!
I am looking for families who are comfortable with being photographed authentically, are open to embracing the candid moments, and are genuinely excited about capturing the beautiful chaos and profound love of their daily lives in an artistic way.
The goal is to feel at ease while looking your best, allowing the focus to remain on the genuine connections and candid moments shared with your children during the magical golden hour.
When considering your outfit, think about flowy fabrics and soft textures. Materials like linen, cotton blends, and lightweight knits drape beautifully and allow for easy movement—perfect for chasing little ones, bending down for cuddles, or simply relaxing in the garden setting. Avoid anything too stiff, restrictive, or overly formal. This isn’t a studio shoot; it’s about capturing real life in a natural environment.
Color palettes that complement the natural backdrop of the rose garden will truly shine. Opt for muted tones, earthy neutrals, and soft pastels. Think creams, ivories, blush pinks, dusty blues, sage greens, and warm grays. These colors are not only elegant but also won’t distract from the vibrant hues of the roses or the precious faces of your family.
For moms, a maxi dress or a flowy midi dress is often an ideal choice. These offer comfort and freedom of movement while creating a graceful silhouette. Dresses with empire waists or smocked bodices are particularly flattering and comfortable for mothers. If you prefer separates, consider a comfortable, breathable top paired with a flowing skirt or wide-leg trousers. A loose-fitting blouse or a soft, knit sweater can look wonderful with a long skirt. Remember, you’ll likely be interacting with your children, so choose something that allows you to comfortably sit on the grass, lift them, and move freely without feeling self-conscious.
When dressing children, prioritize their comfort above all else. Soft, breathable fabrics are key, as happy children make for authentic photographs. Consider cute rompers, simple dresses, or comfortable two-piece outfits in colors that coordinate with your own. Avoid anything itchy, too tight, or with excessive layers that might make them uncomfortable as they play. Barefoot is often adorable for little ones, or simple sandals or soft sneakers. The aim is for them to be themselves, exploring and interacting naturally with their surroundings.
Remember that it is late August in Seattle. While golden hour is beautiful, the air can sometimes have a slight chill as the sun sets. Bringing a light layer, such as a cardigan or a denim jacket, for yourself and perhaps a thin sweater or jacket for your children, is a practical consideration. This allows for flexibility as the evening air cools down.
Ultimately, the best outfit is one that makes you feel confident, comfortable, and truly yourself. When you feel good, it translates into relaxed poses and genuine expressions, which are the essence of emotional and artistic motherhood photography. Embrace the wild beauty of your family and let your clothing enhance, rather than detract from, the real moments being captured.
Click here for more tips on what to wear…
Let’s create something truly beautiful and meaningful together that celebrates the extraordinary art of motherhood with your Seattle motherhood photographer.
Are you a Seattle-area mom who deeply connects with this vision of emotional, artistic motherhood? If you’re interested in being considered as a model for this or future styled shoots, or simply want to stay updated on upcoming creative projects, exclusive workshops, and special offers, I invite you to join my email list. This is the absolute best way to get first access to model calls, behind-the-scenes content from shoots like this, and early bird notifications for booking opportunities.