Mums, when was the last time you took a really nice picture of yourself?
That blurry bathroom selfie with the streaky mirror, or that unflattering passport picture where you look like you haven't slept in two weeks (well, probably because you really haven't!) doesn't count.
We are so busy cooking, cleaning, taking care of everyone, working and also feeling insecure about the way we look that when we get the chance to capture those precious memories of our little ones on camera, we are usually missing from the pictures.
Years down the road from now and you're looking through the hundreds of shaky photos you snapped of your tot eating a bowl of yogurt, or of her first time at the beach, or your family's fun-filled vacation, you might wish that you were confident enough to be in frame too, or at least had someone around to take picture perfect shots of the two of you together.
We might not all be Kim K with her entourage of makeup artists, hair stylists, bodyguards and paparazzi documenting our every move from all angles with their fancy cameras -- but it is not impossible to find a professional photographer to help plan a lovely photoshoot just for you and your little one.
So put that smartphone down, step away from the selfie stick, forget about Photoshop, and check out our list of 5 sweet reasons why you DESERVE a proper mother and child photoshoot handled by professionals.
1. Great opportunity to bond
Before you even go for your photoshoot, you and your child can have fun shopping together for new outfits or thinking of themes.
Where will the shoot be held? What should you wear? How should you pose?
Let your little one decide and you may just be pleasantly surprised by the results!
Have a great bonding experience before and during the photoshoot and smile fondly about this special time you shared every time you look at the beautiful pictures.
2. Celebrate the little things in life
You don't have to wait until it's someone's birthday, Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Deepavali, Christmas, or a family reunion before hiring a professional photographer to take quality pictures of you and your loved ones.
Get someone who knows what they're doing with the camera to follow you for your bub's first trip to the beach, or your little girl's first ballet recital, perhaps even for junior's sports day event in school -- or simply just because!
Everyday with your child should be a celebration as you enjoy this beautiful blessing in your life.
3. Your child won't stay little forever
Didn't it feel just like yesterday when your little one was still a babbling baby, sucking on her own toes while flashing you a toothless, gummy smile?
Now she's an active threenager or a sassy fournado, you wonder how the time flew by and find yourself sobbing quietly while clutching onto her old pacifier as you're giving her nursery a full makeover one day.
Dry your tears and be happy that your bub has made it this far and still has a long way to go until she's ready to spread her wings and leave the nest.
Why do mums deserve a special photoshoot? Keep reading to find out more!
4. Enjoy every single moment together
Remember that time your daughter was singing onstage at her school's concert?
Were you able to sit there and really enjoy her performance and soak in that moment to just look at her sweet face and listen to her angelic voice?
Or were you busy fiddling with your phone trying to zoom in and get a few good pictures as the other parents fight for elbow room?
Leave the picture-taking up to the professionals and get someone else to help do it for you as you give your child your undivided attention.
The photographer may even capture candid moments of you watching your little one shining onstage, with tears in your eyes, which will also be a sweet picture to keep as a reminder of this special day.
5. You are a GREAT mother!
So why exactly do you deserve to feel like a supermodel or a famous Hollywood celebrity as you pose in your stylish apparel in front of the camera?
Why should you get a professional photographer to follow you and your child around capturing lovely candid moments, or beautifully staged shots?
You carried a child inside you for nine months.
You endured through the pain of giving birth.
You sacrificed your body, sleep, time and social life all for this little one.
You work hard to make sure your child is fed, clean, happy, has a good education and feels loved.
You may question yourself on some days, but deep down inside you know that you are doing the very best that you can.
You don't have to worry about being a perfect mother, because in your child's eyes, you already are.
So embrace motherhood, celebrate this honourable title, and capture that picture-perfect moment with your little one before she grows up.
Forget selfies, try WanderSnap!
Don't worry about forking out your whole pay cheque for a good photographer, because WanderSnap is a great online network to help connect you to a whole community of Snappers (photographers) including top Instagram snappers across 38+ destinations around Asia -- and it is suitable for all budgets!
How WanderSnap works
Before you embark on your exciting Snapventure, simply:
- Sign up an account
- Browse their network (filter by hourly price, photography type, and destination)
- Book instantly
- Pay with any major bank or credit card
- Have fun preparing for your fun photoshoot
Win a FREE photoshoot from WanderSnap for you and your child!
Or better yet, join our online contest to stand a chance of winning a FREE mother and child photoshoot, courtesy of WanderSnap!
How to join:
1. Follow theAsianparent on Instagram @ theAsianparent
2. Post a photo of yourself and your child or children and use the hashtags #tapxwandersnap #tapgiveaways
3. Wait for a lucky winner to be picked (hopefully it's you!)
For US$20 off your WanderSnap booking, use the special code, "travelwithdew", at checkout or you can go directly to wandersnap.co/friend/travelwithdew
*All photos were taken by WanderSnap Snapper, Calvin Bong