Fort Worth Motherhood Photographer // Amber Ray Photography
With Mother’s Day around the corner, I’ve found myself reflecting on motherhood. It’s no surprise that during every photo session, the images I’m most drawn to are the ones of moms with their little ones. Maybe it’s the shared experience of motherhood, the belonging to the same club, the “I see you” nod to another mom. I often notice the strength and beauty in the moms in front of my camera, yet I rarely pause to reflect on my own journey.
I’m nearly 7 years into motherhood now, and when I look back, I see so many ways I’ve changed, and I know I’ll continue to change (and I don’t just mean the additional wrinkles, and bags under my eyes haha!). Here are six ways motherhood has shaped me so far.
6 Ways Motherhood Changed Me
1. I see the world differently.
Watching my babies experience things for the first time is beautiful and the biggest honor. The world feels more colorful, more vibrant, more interesting. Little moments have become so much bigger than I ever imagined they could be. The joy of holidays, the squeals of excitement at a surprise frozen yogurt trip, the colorful sunsets – it’s all so fun seeing the world through their eyes.
2. I’m not the same person.
Motherhood feels like it’s rewired parts of me, little bits of me forever changed. Things I valued before have shifted. I’ve tightened the circle of friendships around me and made space for the people who make space for me and my family. I pour a lot more into my kids’ cups and a little less into mine (although I am working on doing both). I feel overstimulated sometimes, overwhelmed by the never-ending lists, frustrated at myself when I get frustrated or lose patience – yet I still long to not miss a single moment, to hold on a little tighter. Motherhood is probably my favorite part of me.
3. I carry a new kind of worry.
There’s a weight that comes with motherhood – a deep love that brings with it fears and worries I never knew before. Sometimes it catches in my breath if I think about it too long. I’ve always been a worrier but motherhood added to it.
4. My definition of success has changed.
What once motivated me just doesn’t hit the same anymore. Now, success looks like a slower, more present life, a different kind of work-life balance than I had before. My goals have shifted. What I thought success meant before has quietly been replaced, and I think that’s okay.
5. Time doesn’t slow down.
When I was a brand new mom, everyone would say, “Enjoy it. It won’t last long.” In the thick of postpartum, I hated hearing that. I remember telling my best friend I couldn’t possibly miss the sleepless nights and the newborn phase (my daughter wouldn’t leave my arms for such a long time, and the adjustments were difficult). It all felt so hard and uncertain. But looking back, I wish I could hug that version of me. They were right. The hard parts pass, things shift, and suddenly you’re staring at a toddler, then a big kid, and one day, a teen. I enter each new phase with both the joy of watching them grow and a heavy nostalgia that longs for a little more time.
6. I’ve learned to let go of perfection.
I’ve learned that good enough really is enough. The messy house, the unfinished to-do list, the pieced-together dinner, none of it really matters as much as being present. In busy seasons at our house, we tend to decide which “plates we’re going to let drop” and we drop them for the time being. The past several weeks, as the school year comes to an end, it’s been the house. Legos everywhere, unfinished crafts at the dinner table, and a big pile of laundry I am actively avoiding. Nothing is perfect, and it turns out, it probably doesn’t need to be.
If you made it this far, I’m curious – do any of these resonate with you?
*A few personal photos from my own motherhood.*
( a mix of photos both personal and professional, professional photos taken over the years by Lindsay Davenport Photography, Jordan Mitchell Photography, and The Cottonwood Collective, headshot taken by Meghan Tidwell Photography, film scanned by Rewind Film Lab).
Ready to book your Fort Worth photography session?
Hi! I’m Amber – a motherhood photographer in the Fort Worth and Dallas area. I love to create images that capture the beauty, joy, and the little details that make this season of your family’s life so special. Whether it’s a newborn session, milestone celebration, maternity shoot, or a full family session, my goal is always to make the process easy and stress-free while delivering a gallery of timeless images you’ll treasure forever.
Take a look at more of my work here, or send me an inquiry to get started. I’d be honored to capture your family!
May 8, 2025
