23 Photos of motherhood that show exactly what it feels like to be a mom

Feature photo by Melissa Richard, “Motherhood is growth.” — @melissarichard4

Motherhood means many things — caring, snuggles, heartache, joy, sleepless nights, worry, love — and it’s different for everyone. Some days we feel like mothers of the year, while other days we cry into our pillows. It’s hard. It’s beautiful. And, it’s so, so sweet. Which moments, which photos of motherhood, will you remember most?

We asked our photographer friends, “what is motherhood to you,” and are completely blown away by the response. Here are 23 photos of motherhood that show exactly what it feels like to be a mom right now.

Jenny Rusby

“Motherhood is love from the very beginning.”
@jennyrusbyphotography

Priyanka Chirag Berry

“Motherhood is having a mini version of you.”
@priberry911

Amber Didier

“Motherhood is the best, hardest adventure.”
@sunshineandray

Anna Hurley

“Motherhood is the acceptance of their absolute love.”
@anna_m_hurley

Myriam Farah Cobb

“Motherhood is Love, Always and Forever.”
@myriam_farah_photography

Jyotsna Bhamidipati

“Motherhood is strength — seeing your baby smile even when you don’t feel like it.”
@mbmphotographs

Kristin Dokoza

“Motherhood is pride.”
@kdokoza

Sarah Gupta

“Motherhood is emotional.”
@sarahkossakgupta

Dana Ball

“Motherhood is the beauty of a million mundane moments.”
@danaballphotography

Bex Maini

“Motherhood is what changed me forever, in so many ways.”
@bex.photo

Aly Nickerson

“Motherhood is always having a shadow to share in the small joys in life.”
@alygraphs

Christina Freeman

“Motherhood is experiencing your heart living outside of you.”
@cfreemanphotos

Brandi Markham

“Motherhood is comfort.”
@brandimarkham

Divya Verma Wolf

“Motherhood is always being prepared… for anything and everything.”
@divyawolf

Dawne Carlisle

“Motherhood is laughter!”
@dawnecarlislephotography

Tiffany Kelley

“Motherhood is always being there.”
@tkelly912

Katharine Vogel

“Motherhood is stressful!”
@katharinevogel

Aimee Glucina

“Motherhood is getting the job done in less than ideal conditions.”
@aimeeglucinaphotography

Jill Carson

“Motherhood is countless hours in the rocking chair.”
@jillcarsonphotography

Anouk B Godbout

“Motherhood is being the everyday security blanket.”
@anoukg.photos

Nadeen Flynn

“Motherhood is a long process of letting go.”
@nadeenflynn

Liana Bunde

“Motherhood is a gift. It is chance to love, and to be loved unceasingly in every perfectly imperfect moment.”
@adlynphotography

We hope these sweet, everyday extraordinary photos of motherhood inspire you to document your own daily journey, whatever phase you’re in. Because even on the days when there’s not enough coffee on the planet, there’s something worth remembering. Happy mother’s day, happy everyday!

More photos of motherhood and mom-inspired stories:

Pro photographers share their most treasured photos of mom

8 Self-care strategies photographers (and moms) can use during stressful times

How to be a mom & photo business owner without totally losing it

Get in the picture! 5 Easy steps for complete family photos

5 pain-free ways to make moms look their best in family portraits

Much about momma: Capturing the beauty of mothers