The Beauty, the Chaos, and the Bond: Motherhood in Photographs

July 1, 2025

Motherhood sessions have become some of the most meaningful work I do, and not because they’re perfectly styled or overly posed. It’s because of what they hold: a real connection between a mama and her babies. Sometimes that means a newborn still curled up in her arms, and other times it’s a wild-haired toddler climbing into her lap mid-laughter (or let’s be honest, mid-meltdown).

Studio portrait of a mother gazing at her baby peacefully sleeping during a motherhood photography session in Bainbridge, GA.

Our children can be unpredictable, full of big feelings, and sometimes a little messy. But that’s exactly what makes these moments real. I don’t expect little ones to sit perfectly still or follow a script. Some of my favorite images happen right in the middle of the chaos; mid-laughter, mid-meltdown, or somewhere in between.

Black and white photo of a joyful mother laughing as her baby kisses her during a natural motherhood photography session in Bainbridge, Georgia

My motherhood sessions with newborns and infants are designed with a little extra time built in for space to feed, soothe, or simply be. It matters to me that both mama and baby feel relaxed and unhurried.

Sessions with older children (also known as the controlled chaos sessions), are just as intentional… just a little different. They call for a bit more finesse, maybe some gentle negotiating, and occasionally the diplomacy skills of a seasoned peacekeeper. I’m here for all of that, too.

Brother and sister playing ring around the Rosie laughing together during a photo session.

Those sessions typically start with a goal in mind: that almost-perfect, semi-posed portrait. I know how much that photo means.

But after that? It’s playtime. We chase light. We run (they run, I photograph). We laugh. We make memories. Because those in-between moments are the ones that tell your story.

The images may look beautiful, but they’re built on something deeper. Every part is planned with care and with a true understanding of what this season of life feels like. Motherhood isn’t rushed. It’s tender. It’s raw. It’s stretching. And that’s how I approach photographing it.

A mother lovingly holds her baby up, their foreheads touching in an intimate, tender moment—one that will be held forever in a portrait.

These sessions aren’t just pretty portraits. They’re a pause in the middle of a blur. A chance for your children to see, years from now, how loved they were. How their mama looked at them. How her hands held them. Because one day, they’ll be grown. And you’ll be so grateful you took the time to step into the frame.

If you’re in Tallahassee, FL, Bainbridge, GA or the surrounding areas and want to document your own motherhood story — the beauty, the chaos, the bond — I’d be honored to help you step into the frame. Whether it’s a calm in-home session with your newborn or the whole family, or a lively outdoor shoot with toddlers in tow, every season of motherhood deserves to be remembered. I photograph motherhood in Tallahassee, Bainbridge, and nearby communities. My sessions are designed with a thoughtful approach, allowing your story to unfold naturally.

Let’s make something meaningful together.
Reach out here to start your session planning.

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photography by LV Hughes | Bainbridge, GA & Tallahassee, FL | 229-254-0483

Photography by LV Hughes

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