Today, I want to share something personal — how becoming a mother has transformed my approach to photography. My son is now one year old and I’ve found that this new chapter in my life has reshaped not just my daily routine but also my creative vision. Here’s how motherhood has influenced my photography journey while still keeping my passion for street photography alive.

Time Management: A Shift in priorities

Before I became a mother, I could spend entire afternoons wandering the streets with my camera, following wherever the light or inspiration led me. Now, with a toddler at home, my time is more structured, and my priorities have shifted. I no longer have the luxury of endless hours to explore; every minute is accounted for, and my approach to street photography has changed as a result. I’ve had to become more intentional about when and how I shoot.

When I head out for a photography session, I leave my son at home. It’s become a rare opportunity for me to step away from motherhood for a little while and reconnect with my creative side. These outings, often just once or twice a month, have become focused windows of time when I can fully immerse myself in my art. My son is either with his dad or in the care of someone I trust, giving me the space I need to concentrate. Because my time is limited, I’ve learned to be more intentional — choosing specific locations ahead of time and being more deliberate about the shots I take. This restriction has actually pushed me to grow as a photographer. I’ve become better at making quick, impactful decisions, capturing meaningful images even with the constraints of time.

The Emotional Connection: How Motherhood Has Shaped My Street Photography

Though I don’t take my son along when I shoot, becoming a mother has profoundly influenced how I view the world through my lens. I notice things I might have once overlooked — small, quiet moments that now carry so much emotional weight. I find myself drawn to scenes of everyday life that evoke tenderness, like children playing or families spending time together. It’s as if motherhood has opened my eyes to a deeper layer of human connection, and - when I get the chance - I try to capture that in my street photography.

Capturing Moments at Home: A New Perspective

At home, my camera is never far away. The daily moments I share with my son are some of the most precious I’ve ever experienced, and I’m constantly inspired to document them. His first steps, the excitement in his eyes when he discovers something new, or even the quiet moments of cuddling with family — all of these feel monumental to me. I’ve come to realize that these small, seemingly ordinary moments are the ones I’ll cherish most when I look back.

Shooting at home feels different from my street photography. It’s more intimate and personal, less about composition and technique and more about capturing the emotion of the moment. These are not just photos; they’re memories that I’m preserving for a lifetime. And while street photography allows me to reconnect with the world, photographing my son helps me to preserve memories that will last a lifetime. Many moments may seem small, but they are some of the most valuable images I’ll ever take.

Balancing Both Worlds

Finding a balance between street photography and capturing moments at home hasn’t always been easy, but it’s taught me to be flexible. I’ve had to come to terms with the fact that I don’t have the same amount of time for street photography as I once did. Still, when I do get the chance to go out and shoot, it feels more meaningful than ever.

This balance has actually enriched my creativity. I get to explore two very different sides of photography — the raw, spontaneous energy of street photography and the quiet, intentional moments I capture at home with my son. Both styles feed into each other, shaping my perspective and evolving how I see the world as a photographer.

Challenges and Conclusion

Becoming a mother has transformed my photography in ways I never imagined, giving me new insights into how I see and capture the world. While there’s been a lot of positive growth, it hasn’t come without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles has been time. I miss the freedom of going out for street photography without constantly checking the clock, knowing I could wander for hours if I wanted. Those carefree days of losing myself in the streets are now rare.

Editing has also become tricky. My son is at an age where he needs constant attention, so finding uninterrupted time to sit down and edit is often a luxury. In the evenings, after he’s asleep, I’m faced with a tough choice: do I work on my photography or spend quality time with my partner? It’s hard to balance, and there are days when I feel torn between my creative passions and the relationships that mean the most to me.

As much as I love being a mom, and wouldn’t trade it for anything, the truth is, there are moments when I feel frustrated by the lack of time and space for myself and my photography. But I’m learning to accept that this is just a phase of life, and it won’t last forever. These challenges will shift and change as my son grows, and I’m learning to find balance, even if some days it feels harder than others.

Over time, I’ve discovered a few strategies to help combine motherhood and photography. If you’re also a mother trying to navigate this balance, here are some tips that might help:

Tips for Combining Motherhood and Photography

Plan Short, Focused Sessions
With limited time, it’s helpful to plan your shoots in smaller, focused bursts instead of long, open-ended outings. Scout locations ahead of time, or have a specific goal in mind so you can make the most of even a short session. A one-hour shoot can be just as productive as a whole afternoon if you go in with intention. And if it works for you, you might even consider bringing your child along for certain outings.
Use Nap Time or Early Mornings
Nap times or early mornings can be golden for editing or quick photo sessions at home. These pockets of time may be short, but they can offer uninterrupted moments to focus on post-processing or trying out new techniques. Even 30 minutes a day can add up over time.
Involve Your Partner or Support Network
Don’t hesitate to lean on your partner, family, or friends. Having someone look after your child for an hour or two can give you the space you need to fully immerse yourself in your photography. Support from your network is key and can make it easier to carve out time for your creative work.
Combine Your Creative Worlds
If you can’t find the time to do street photography, focus on capturing the everyday moments at home. You can still hone your skills by playing with light, composition, and storytelling right in your living room. Plus, you’re documenting your child’s life and creating irreplaceable memories in the process.
Set Boundaries for Editing Time
If editing feels like a challenge (because you can’t stop once you’re started), try setting specific time blocks for it and stick to them. Whether it’s 30 minutes after bedtime or waking up a bit earlier in the morning, creating a routine can help you stay on track without feeling overwhelmed.
Embrace Flexibility and Patience
Motherhood comes with constant shifts and changes. Some days you’ll have time to dive into your photography, and other days you won’t get to touch your camera. Be patient with yourself and embrace the ebb and flow of this chapter. The key is to keep nurturing your passion, even if it’s happening at a slower pace than before.

Balancing motherhood and photography can be challenging, but it’s far from impossible. By finding creative ways to weave both into your life, you can continue growing as a photographer while being present as a mother. It’s a journey, and every step teaches you something new — not just about photography, but also about yourself.

How becoming a Mother has changed my Photography