You’ve Got This, Mama! Encouragement for New Mum Photographers

Tips to Keep Going When You Feel Overwhelmed

When you’re a new mum diving into photography, it’s easy to feel like you’re not quite cut out for it. The frustration of blurry shots, uncooperative kids, and feeling like everyone else’s photos are so much better can leave you wondering if it’s even worth trying. Trust me, I’ve been there.

But let me tell you, you’ve got this! Learning to take beautiful, storytelling photos isn’t about perfection—it’s about capturing your family’s magic in all its messy, wonderful glory.

If you’re looking for guidance, my Beginner Photography Course for Mums is here to help! It breaks everything down into bite-sized lessons, gives you space to reflect, and helps you track your progress so you stay motivated.

Let’s dive into how to keep going, even when doubt creeps in.

Embrace the Power of the Learning Curve

Photography, like anything worth doing, comes with a steep learning curve. The good news? Every misstep—every blurry shot or awkward angle—is a step towards improving.

Why Mistakes Are Essential

Mistakes aren’t failures; they’re feedback. Each photo you take teaches you something, whether it’s about lighting, composition, or timing. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, trial and error forces your brain to adapt and find creative solutions, which accelerates learning.

Reframe Your Mindset

Instead of focusing on what’s “wrong” with a photo, start asking, What can I learn from this? That shift can turn frustration into inspiration. In my course, you’ll find prompts to help you rethink mistakes and use them as stepping stones to improvement.

How Practice Leads to Mastery

You’ve heard the saying, “Practice makes perfect,” but let’s reframe that—practice makes progress.

Start Small and Build Confidence

Start with just 5–10 minutes a day. Snap a few candid photos during playtime or snack time. According to Anders Ericsson’s 10,000-hour rule, even short, consistent practice builds mastery over time. A quick photo session each day adds up to over 60 hours of practice in a year!

Develop Skills Quickly

In my beginner course, I’ve designed exercises to help you focus on specific skills like lighting, composition, and capturing emotions. These small wins build confidence and momentum, fast.

Take it One Day at a Time

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by how far you think you have to go. Instead, focus on where you are today.

Celebrate Daily Wins

Did you find better light today? Capture a genuine smile? Celebrate those small victories—they’re all part of the journey.

Build Grace Into Your Journey

You’re juggling so much as a mum. Some days, picking up the camera will feel like too much. That’s okay. My course includes tools like progress trackers so you can see how far you’ve come and feel good about every step forward, even on tough days.

Seek Inspiration in Your Kids’ Growth

One of the most beautiful parts of motherhood is watching your children grow—and your photography can reflect that journey.

Capture Unique Phases and Milestones

From toothless grins to messy mealtime faces, every stage tells a story. Look for the little moments that show their personality.

Learn by Observing Others

Follow photographers who inspire you. Notice how they use light or angles, then try their techniques. In my course, I share a curated list of inspiring photographers and tips for putting your own spin on their styles.

Create a Progress Journal

Documenting your growth as a photographer is a powerful way to stay motivated.

Why Journaling Works

Research from the Dominican University of California found that people who write down their goals and progress are 42% more likely to achieve them. Keeping a journal of your photos and reflections is a tangible way to see how far you’ve come.

How to Start

Start a simple notebook or digital folder where you save your favourite photos each week. Add a note about what you learned or felt when you captured that moment. My beginner course includes printable journal pages to make this step easier for you.

Celebrate the Journey of Growth

Becoming confident with photography is less about the destination and more about the journey. Every photo you take is a snapshot of your growth—and your family’s story.

Final Thoughts

Mama, photography isn’t about being perfect. It’s about preserving the beauty of your family’s story. The giggles, the tears, the chaos—all of it is worth capturing.

If you’re ready to take the next step, check out my Beginner Photography Course for Mums. You’ll find everything you need: easy-to-follow lessons, space to reflect, and practical tips to build confidence. Let’s create magic together—one photo at a time.

"Every fleeting smile, messy cuddle, and quiet wonder your child shares today is a memory waiting to be captured forever. Don’t let the overwhelm stop you—start now, because their story deserves to be told beautifully".

What will you capture today? Share your progress in the the Facebook Group—I’d love to cheer you on!