It’s true.
Their bright pink fades as they feed and raise their young. They pour everything into nurturing them… and for a while, they lose that vibrant part of themselves.
Only once their chicks grow up and fly the nest, does their colour slowly return.
And when I heard this, I had to pause. Because how many of us have felt exactly the same, right?
You go from feeling like you; confident, capable, full of life… To suddenly pouring everything into your children. Your time. Your energy. Your identity. Until one day you look in the mirror and think:
Where did I go?
No one really prepares you for that part. The part where you feel a little faded, a little lost, a little like you’ve disappeared behind the role of “mummy.” But here’s the part I want you to hold onto;
You haven’t lost her.
She’s still there.
Sometimes, like the flamingo…we just give our colour away for a while. And one day, slowly, gently, it comes back.
And here’s something else I’ve come to realise as a family photographer, while you’re in that season, the messy, beautiful, exhausting middle, those are the moments your children will one day look back on. Not the perfect ones. The real ones, the walks, the laughter, the chaos. The way you held it all together, even when you didn’t feel like yourself. And yet… so often, you’re not in the frame. You’re the one taking the photo, capturing everyone else. Holding the memories, but not being seen in them.
This is something I see so often in family photography sessions – mums stepping back, focusing on everyone else, rarely putting themselves in the picture. So let this be your gentle reminder that you deserve to be in those memories too! Not when everything feels “perfect.” Not when you feel like you’ve got your colour fully back. But now, as you are.
Because this chapter, this version of you, matters just as much and one day, these images won’t just be photos…they’ll be heirlooms.
If this resonated with you, maybe it’s time to gather your people, step in front of the camera, and capture this season, exactly as it is. Because your story deserves to be seen and cherished over the years when we will miss these chaotic days and ironically long for them back!
Have a lovely weekend ahead and start to the Easter Holidays!
x
rachelmullinsphotography@gmail.com
We chose Rachel to be our wedding photographer last October and can honestly say she was a real pleasure to work with. We have never met someone so enthusiastic and she genuinely loves her work, which shines through.
We have some great photos of our wedding day and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her to anyone.
- Natalie and Joe -
'I was so overwhelmed looking for a photographer to capture the early months of my first baby because I really wanted the photos to be great, and didn't want to spend a small fortune! Rachel was so so brilliant-priced well, very warm and kind and accommodating, and so good at making my little man smile! The photos turned out beautiful, and are so special. We will really treasure them. I would certainly recommend her to anyone!'
- Hannah Gervais -
We had some beautiful pictures done of our three young sons earlier this year. Rachel was incredibly patient with them whilst they tore around the Discovery Centre in three different directions, pulled silly faces, fell in the mud and refused to be directed and because of her skill we've ended up with some really fabulous photos that completely capture the energy and craziness of my lovely boys. Exactly what I wanted and more!
- Caroline Sturgess -
How can we describe Rachel? The only words I can think of are amazing, professional, kind, brilliant - the list could go on!! We 100% recommend her to anyone who is looking for a photographer. Our house is full of Rachel's images, we have used her at 5 separate occasions including our wedding and most recently to capture our newborn Zachary. Rachel was just amazing with him so relaxed and willing to go with Zac during the shoot, happy to stop for him to feed there was no rush which was perfect! Such a natural with babies. We love her and her work, thank you again
x Tash, Jase and Zac Westall-Briggs x
We first met Rachel when she photographed our wedding in 2014. When our son was born earlier this year, without hesitation we contacted Rachel to arrange a new born photoshoot and if we ever want professional photos taking again in the future, we would definitely use Rachel's services again. She immediately put us at ease, is great fun be around and takes lovely pictures. Looking forward to working with her again at some point in the future and would highly recommend her to anyone looking for gorgeous photos from a lovely lady.
- Samantha Harris -
How can we describe Rachel? The only words I can think of are amazing, professional, kind, brilliant - the list could go on!! We 100% recommend her to anyone who is looking for a photographer. Our house is full of Rachel's images, we have used her at 5 separate occasions including our wedding and most recently to capture our newborn Zachary. Rachel was just amazing with him so relaxed and willing to go with Zac during the shoot, happy to stop for him to feed there was no rush which was perfect! Such a natural with babies. We love her and her work, thank you again
x Tash, Jase and Zac Westall-Briggs x
'One of the first things I did when planning for our wedding was to book Rachel! I knew Rachel previously, and after following her social media pages for several years I had no doubt that it was her I wanted to photograph our wedding. She accommodated us brilliantly, especially seeing as our venue was definitely not local!
I can often feel awkward having my picture taken, but Rachel made me feel relaxed and comfortable at all times. She joined in with my tribe of bridesmaid's, laughing and joking with us whilst we got ready, and also capturing great moments of the boys' preparations too. I didn't exactly give Rachel any guidelines on what special photographs I would like from the day, and somehow she managed to get them all anyway! I love the mix of natural, candid shots and her styling of the more 'formal' ones.
The only problem we have now is narrowing down our favourite photos for the album!'
-Harley & Bud-
