Moms, Get in the Photo: Family & Lifestyle Photography in East Tennessee

Moms, I See You. Now Let’s Get You in the Photo.

She’s up before sunrise

to get the day going,

packs every lunch

and keeps everyone glowing.

She hangs up the garland

and bakes all the treats,

remembers the candles

and saves everyone’s seats.



She’s there for first steps

and the first day of school,

the ball games, recitals,

the jump in the pool.

She snaps the prom pictures,

the first set of keys,

the cap and the gown

and the “just one more, please!”

She holds up the camera

to capture it all,

from tiny and new to

grown-up and tall.

And years from now,

when the albums come out,

they’ll laugh at the moments

they can’t live without.

And in every story,

if you look close, you’ll find

the one who was there,

just a step behind.

So set down the phone, mama,

come join the fun.

Little or grown, you’re

the heart of each one.

Moms, I see you. You’re doing it all, aren’t you? Getting the kiddos ready, decorating the house, planning family meals and usually being the hostess with the mostest. lol

Dads are there too, of course. But there’s one thing I notice again and again: the photos. Mom wants to capture it all.. every single moment. That means mom is almost never in the photos with her kiddos, and almost never in photos with her husband.

I see you because, well, that’s me too.

Why It Matters That You’re in Your Family Photos

Photos are the one thing we go back to again and again when we want to remember. They hold the little hands, the messy hair, the laughs we thought we’d never forget (but somehow do). They matter so much.. and that’s why you need to be in them too, mom.

You’ll want them one day. And I promise your kids will want them too. And if your babies aren’t babies anymore, it’s not too late. It’s never too late to get in the picture.

Growing up, my mom was always the one behind the camera. She took pictures of everything, and I’m so grateful she did. But now I wish I had more photos of her, and of my dad too, with us girls, my sister and me. Those are the pictures I’d treasure most today.

And now here I am, doing the exact same thing with my own kids.

There’s a verse I love that says it beautifully:

“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2:19 (NIV)

Moms have always been the keepers of the moments. You deserve to be part of the story you’re keeping.

A Relaxed Photo Session That Feels Like Real Life

I started Hux & Mae Photo because I wanted to give friends and families the kind of photos I want for my own family. My goal is for you to feel relaxed during our session, and dare I say, have fun!

We can play it up as much as you want, or I can capture exactly what is. Either way, you’ll get good, naturally edited photos that you’ll want to look at for a lifetime and pass down through the generations. No heavy filters or trendy edits that look dated in five years. Just you, your people and the light.

Session Ideas for Moms (and the People They Love)

If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few ideas I’d love to bring to life with you:

• Mommy and Daughter Dress Up: Pearls, tutus, Mom’s old heels. Let her play grown-up while you play along.
• Something Borrowed Mother Daughter Session: That wedding dress tucked away in your closet? Let your daughter slip into it while you share the memories behind it. Bring out the album, the shoes, maybe even the wedding video. Read the story behind these sessions here.
• Around the House: Capturing what is. Morning snuggles, sticky counters, story time on the couch. Your real, beautiful everyday.
• Backyard Play Session: Bubbles, swings and grass stains, with yes.. you, mom, right in the middle of it!
• Craft Time Session: Glitter, glue and little fingers making something together.
• Cooking Lesson Session: Passing down a family recipe, flour and all.
• Gardening Session: Planting, watering and digging in the dirt side by side.
• Family Heirloom Session: Bring out the quilt, the family Bible or Grandma’s rocking chair and tell its story in pictures.
• A Family Stroll Through the Park: Easy, unhurried and full of natural moments.
• Senior Year With Mom: Before the cap and gown, a session celebrating the two of you and everything you’ve grown through together.
• Home for the Holidays: When the grown kids are all back under one roof, let’s capture it, from the lazy morning coffee to the full family photo.
• Get Dressed Up Because You Can Session: No occasion needed. Wear the dress. Do the hair. You’re worth celebrating.

And if none of these feel quite right, let’s brainstorm together! Dreaming up session ideas is honestly where I love to shine for you.

Give Yourself Grace to Pause

It’s so easy to get busy moving through the seasons of life and the day-to-day hustle. And if I’m being real, a lot of us skip the photos because we don’t feel “camera ready.”

I hear it from so many women: “I’m not happy with how I look right now.” We see a photo of ourselves and all we notice are the flaws. Oh, I get it. That one resonates with me too.

We all have something we wish we could change. But we can spend years chasing some ideal version of ourselves and lose track of the beautiful life happening right in front of us.

And here’s the thing. That’s how we see ourselves. It’s not how the people who love us see us. Your kids don’t see the extra pounds or the tired eyes. They see the arms that hold them, the laugh they know by heart and the face that means home. Your husband, your friends and your family see the same thing.

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Psalm 139:14 (NIV)

So embrace who you are, right now, in this season. You don’t have to wait until you feel “ready.” No one who loves you will ever look back on these photos and wish you’d waited. All I ask is that you give yourself grace to pause, slow down and soak it all up. Then let’s capture this stage of life together in a relaxed, easygoing session.

Treat yourself to one of life’s most precious gifts: a photo session with your family. Or hey, even with your girlfriends (fellow moms, I’m looking at you). And if you’re fortunate enough, with your own parents too.

Thinking of Your Own Mama?

Maybe some of you are reading this and thinking of your own mom, and how much you’d love to see more of her in photos too. A Hux & Mae gift certificate is a simple way to make that happen. Give her the session. Make it happen. You’ll both be so glad you did.

Or just go ahead and book it for her, and bring her along! Three generations in one gallery? That’s the kind of photo that gets passed down.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does Hux & Mae Photo offer sessions?

I photograph families all across East Tennessee, from Knoxville and Maryville to Kingsport, Johnson City and the Tri-Cities area.

Can moms book a session with just their kids, or with their own mom?

Absolutely. Mom and me sessions, mother daughter sessions, multigenerational sessions and even girlfriend sessions with other moms are all welcome.

Are sessions only for families with little kids?

Not at all! I love photographing teens, high school seniors with their moms and grown kids home for the holidays. Every stage is worth capturing.

What if I don’t like being in front of the camera?

You’re not alone! My sessions are relaxed and guided, so you never have to wonder what to do. Most of the time we’re just playing, talking and living life while I capture it.

Do you offer gift certificates?

Yes! Hux & Mae gift certificates make a meaningful gift for moms, grandmothers and anyone who’s always behind the camera.

Let’s Capture Some Moments Together

With love from Hux & Mae, and because I have a special place in my heart for the mamas trying their hardest to do it all.

Browse my galleries to see my style, then reach out through my contact form. I’d love to hear what you have in mind (or help you dream it up)!