Reconnecting with Photography: Finding Creativity in Everyday Mom Life

Erin Holmstead
Aug 6
2 min read

Lately, my camera has been collecting more dust than memories. Between school drop-offs, snack requests, and never-ending laundry, my art has taken a back seat. Photography used to be my creative escape, but somewhere along the way, I got stuck in "mom mode."

If you’ve ever felt pulled away from your creative self, you’re not alone. Here’s how I’m reconnecting with photography while balancing motherhood—and how you can too.

Young girl in a pastel checkered swimsuit looks into camera, surrounded by water droplets. Bright outdoor setting, playful mood.

My Kids: The Best (and Most Unpredictable) Photography Subjects

Instead of waiting for perfect moments, I’ve embraced the chaos and started photographing my kids as they are—messy hair, sticky hands, and all. Some of my favorite photos happen in those in-between moments: mismatched socks jumping on the couch, wide-eyed wonder during storytime, or their contagious laughter echoing through the house.

These candid shots feel real. They remind me why I love photography: it’s not about perfection; it’s about preserving the fleeting beauty of everyday life.

Black-and-white close-up of a young child with long hair resting their head on their hand, gazing thoughtfully with soft expression.

Simple DIY Lighting Hack for Beautiful Kid Portraits

Great photos don’t require expensive gear. One of my favorite DIY photography tips is using window light. Position your kids near indirect sunlight, and if it’s harsh, hang a sheer curtain or even a white shower liner to diffuse it. This creates soft, flattering light perfect for portraits.

Pro tip: Skip stiff posing. Let them play, read, or dance. The best photos come when kids are simply themselves.

A child with a pacifier crawls on a giant piano keyboard. The room has artistic walls with a mural, and a nearby adult stands watching.

Finding Creativity in Everyday Life

Photography has taught me to slow down and notice the little things: the way my youngest lines up toy cars, the spontaneous hugs, or tiny hands reaching for mine. These small moments tell the story of our lives better than any staged shoot ever could.

Challenge yourself: take one candid photo each day. No pressure, no perfection—just a single frame that captures the magic of now. Over time, this habit will reignite your creativity.

Woman in a white dress stands in a sunlit field, eyes closed, with a serene expression. Mountains and soft light in the background.

Teaching Photography and Inspiring Others

As I reconnect with my own art, I’m also teaching beginner photography classes at Bridgerland Technical College. Seeing my students gain confidence, understand lighting, and embrace creativity reminds me why I fell in love with photography in the first place.

If you’re local and want hands-on, beginner-friendly photography classes, I’d love to see you there!

Woman with brown hair and blue eyes, gazing seriously at the camera. Neutral gray background, soft lighting highlights her facial features.

A Commitment to My Art

This blog is my accountability space—a reminder to pick up my camera, even on messy days. If you’ve been feeling the same pull back toward your creativity, join me. Each week, I’ll share DIY tips, mom-friendly hacks, and personal reflections on balancing life and art.

What’s one small everyday moment you’d love to capture this week?