Interview with Martine Payne from Martine Payne Photography
Why do you believe it’s essential for mothers to be in the photos, especially during the early stages of motherhood?
For so many mothers, the first few days, weeks, months, or years is just a massive pivotal moment in their life, and so often you are left with a few bad iPhone photos, which include mostly your baby by itself and thousands of photos of your partner with the bub! When often, it is YOU who has devoted endless hours at home, endless night feeds, and completely transformed your whole life to welcome this new little bub.
I tell mothers all the time that they need to GET IN THE FRAME. Not only for themselves to capture this fleeting time, but also for their children to see when they are older to cherish.
Why do you think it’s so important to capture the “messy” moments – those chaotic, unpolished times of early motherhood?
For so long it was traditional to have your baby photos done in a studio, with flash lighting, and spend hours and hours shushing your bub to sleep so you can wrap them in a cocoon and then stick a tiara on them! (FYI, this still happens). When I began family photography over 10 years ago, I did not relate to any of the family photography I had previously seen and knew i wanted to change the culture.
Having a newborn is a tough job. It is messy. It is exhausting. It involves a lot of very casual and super comfortable clothing and many, many, many, many hours spent at home. It feels unnecessary to me to leave your home to have photos in a space that means nothing to you.
There is also a culture of dressing mothers in a polished studio wardrobe of some kind of formal dress and even having professional hair and make-up done in the studio so you can create this ‘perfect’ looking version of motherhood. Hours and hours of preparation for these few ‘perfect; images’.
For myself, I became quickly aware these portraits aren’t truly reflective of the actual life with a new born, and that little love cocoon, in all its messy glory, is far more beautiful and interesting to capture. It tells the story of this time to look back on in an authentic and honest way. And you, in your gown in your baby; ‘s room feeding, are far more powerful, interesting and beautiful to have.
Do you find that these natural, intimate photos have a lasting impact on the families who see them? If so, in what way?
My clients often feel quite emotional when they receive their images as it reflects back to them about their current life. It is so difficult to see the beauty in your own small moments in parenting when you are just in survival mode; so easy to just let the weeks and months pass trying to get through without capturing it in any meaningful way.
I also have numerous families who I come to every year, and it is beautiful to capture their families’ various stages and watch them change and grow.
How can photography help empower mothers, particularly during the messy, challenging early days?
I think there is a real power to feeling seen. To feel appreciated. To feel honoured for a thankless job. I think of my Motherhood Mini Sessions as a gift for yourself. I hope mothers find these sessions enjoyable and validating and appreciate feeling zero pressure to find a new outfit or spend hours preparing. Just being yourselves is enough to create beautiful images. It is also a moment to stop and pause and look around to where you are at.
Can you share a moment where a mother who was hesitant to be in front of the camera felt deeply moved or grateful afterwards?
I honestly believe 99% of sessions start with people claiming they are very camera shy and not good in front of the camera! Which, of course, I get. It can feel quite daunting and intimidating to imagine yourself in front of a camera. But all those women assured me at the end how comfortable they felt and how glad they were that they had done it. I have the most beautiful reviews from women who had pushed themselves and were so emotionally moved and grateful they did once they saw the images.
What would you say to a mother who feels embarrassed by her home, her postpartum body, or the chaos in her life and is hesitant to document those moments?
Great question. This is actually my favourite thing to communicate to future clients. I don’t want them to ever feel like they have to wait to ‘lose baby weight’ or that their home is ‘not fancy enough’. I have taken photos in everything from the smallest, darkest apartments to large, sun-filled homes! The beauty of a Motherhood Mini session is we just use a few corners of your home. No need to tidy the whole house and no need to worry about how ‘fancy’ your home is. You also always have the option to go outside.
And in regards to your body, my preference would actually be to strip down and show that beautiful postpartum body! There will be rolls and dimples and even scars, and they won’t last, but they will help tell the true story of your time. I appreciate this is a very daunting idea for most women, and some only incorporate a small section of their session stripped down. My advice is to not wait for yourself to be a certain body type before booking a session and try to embrace everything your amazing body has been capable of and celebrate it.
In your opinion, what is the greatest gift you can give a mother through photography?
I think it is her ability to be seen. For her to feel validated and appreciated. And see the beauty within her current life.
What advice would you give to a mother who is considering motherhood photography but is unsure whether it’s worth the investment?
I created these motherhood sessions exactly for that reason. These sessions are designed for mothers with a smaller budget in mind. One you might suggest for next Mother’s Day or next Birthday, or even a gift to yourself. I am yet to have one client regretting having them done.
You can find out more about Martine’s Motherhood Mini Sessions in our NAO Motherhood Store here or go directly to Martine’s website here.
