"My kids make me beautiful" // Navarre Beach Photographer

I want to speak to the moms today in particular. This is personal to me. As most of you know I am a proud mom to 4 children ranging from ages 9-19. I like many before me I became a photographer because of those sweet little ones who gave me daily inspiration.

One of my favorite things in the world is to look back at my photos and remember when. So many memories. So many cherished times. So many moments that came and went in a flash.

I remember those little feet that used to run up and down the halls. Or how my daughter used to wake up looking like a troll doll after her nap. She had the wildest hair. And my oldest back then was so short next to me and now I look like a mini person standing next to him. The messy house that held all the growing children and chaos it's there too. I hoped to never forget that either and I won't.

As much as it gives me joy it also brings sadness too because I am missing in so many of them.

I hated the way I looked. I was never picture ready and it was something I constantly struggled with. I remember ripping up photos or deleting them right away because I looked "fat" or my nose looked "huge."

It makes me sad because I never loved me the way my kids loved me. I don't even know when or how it started but I just loathed the though of taking photos.

When I became a photographer I thought it was crazy how these beautiful women who would get in front of my camera would be so tense and uncomfortable to take a photo. I couldn't relate even though I felt the exact same way. It wasn't until one day I had a client tell me "I don't like photos but my kids make me beautiful" with the biggest smile on her face.

It then clicked like never before.

This mom had her treasured children wrapped in her arms. Her smile wide.Her eyes beaming with such pride. This angelic glow surrounding her. She looked beautiful.

The truth is my kids make me beautiful. I am beautiful because of them. My kids have given me the purest of love and I glow because of them. They complete truly me.

I wish I would of given myself more love back then. If I had another chance to see me how they saw me then I would change it all. I deserved more and so did my kids.

Things are different now. I am different now. It's ok and it always has been.

I promise myself from here on out I will no longer hide. I will take every bad angled photo and own it because it's my truth, my reality. And why not? Life is candid and raw.

So ladies I say to you take the photos because you are worth it and you are beautiful now. Don't believe me ask your children. - Jessica

www.jessicasalortphotos.com