Camera Bag + Diaper Bag: Balancing Motherhood and Photography Life

When I became both a mom and a photographer, I quickly realized that my two most important bags—the camera bag and the diaper bag—would often travel side by side. Motherhood and photography don’t exist in separate worlds; they overlap, collide, and sometimes even compete for space in my daily life. And while it isn’t always easy to juggle both, I’ve come to see that the two roles actually enrich each other in surprising ways.

There are days when I show up to a shoot with extra snacks tucked between my lenses, or baby wipes pulling double duty as lens cleaners. My schedule often revolves not just around golden hour, but also around nap times and bedtime routines. Balancing the needs of clients with the needs of a little one requires flexibility, patience, and a willingness to let go of perfection.

But being a mom has also made me a better photographer. Parenthood gave me a deeper empathy for families—especially the ones who show up to sessions stressed, tired, or unsure if their kids will cooperate. I understand the chaos because I live it too. That perspective allows me to reassure parents, embrace the unpredictability of family life, and capture authentic moments rather than chasing flawless poses.

It’s not just about time management; it’s about identity. Some days I feel pulled in opposite directions, wondering if I’m giving enough to either role. But then I remember: being both a mother and a photographer isn’t about splitting myself—it’s about blending. The patience I practice with my child carries over into my sessions. The creativity I pour into my work inspires me to share the world with my little one in new ways.

Of course, there are practical challenges. Packing gear and diapers in the same bag, saying no to late-night edits because an early morning with my baby awaits, or missing a creative spark because motherhood simply demands more of me that day. Yet I’ve learned that the balance doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be sustainable—and honest.

The truth is, carrying both a camera bag and a diaper bag is heavy sometimes. But it’s also a privilege. Each role sharpens me for the other, and together they shape a version of myself I never could have imagined before. Motherhood teaches me presence, photography teaches me vision, and between the two, I get to document not only my clients’ stories, but my own.