As a dad, I’ve always done my best to make Mother’s Day special for my wife. Breakfast in bed? Check. Flowers? Check. Handmade cards from the kids? Double check. It’s a day to celebrate her and all she does for our family, and I take that responsibility seriously. But last year, something changed my perspective on how I approach this holiday—something that made me realize I was missing an important piece of the puzzle.
It all started when I was scrolling through some old photos from last year’s Mother’s Day. There were plenty of pictures of the kids laughing, the gifts we gave her, and even some shots of the pancakes we whipped up for breakfast. But you know what was missing? Her. There were hardly any pictures of my wife enjoying the day, and the few that did exist were awkward selfies or blurry shots where she wasn’t even looking at the camera.
That’s when it hit me: I wasn’t just the dad or the husband on Mother’s Day; I needed to be the documentarian, too. Often, moms are the ones capturing the moments that make up our family history. They’re always behind the camera, making sure milestones and little memories are saved forever. But on Mother’s Day, shouldn’t they be in front of the camera, too?
So, this year, I’ve decided to take a different approach. I’m not just planning the day—I’m committed to capturing it. Here’s why I think every dad should do the same.
Moms Deserve Their Spotlight
If your family is anything like mine, Mom is usually the unsung hero of most photos. She’s snapping pictures of the kids at every birthday party, school event, and random Tuesday afternoon when their messy faces are just too cute to ignore. But when we look back at these photos years later, she’s often missing.
Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to flip that script. It’s her day, after all. She doesn’t just deserve breakfast in bed or a bouquet of flowers; she deserves to see herself as part of the memories we’re creating. By stepping behind the camera, I can make sure she’s front and center where she belongs.
The Beauty of Everyday Moments
When I first started thinking about taking more photos of my wife on Mother’s Day, I worried about it seeming staged or forced. But then I realized the photos don’t have to be perfect. In fact, the beauty lies in the everyday moments—the ones that feel natural and real.
It’s not just about capturing the big gestures, like giving her gifts or the kids singing “Happy Mother’s Day” off-key. It’s also about snapping a photo of her laughing at something silly the kids said, or catching her with that contented smile as she sips her coffee in the morning. These are the moments that truly reflect who she is and what she means to our family.
Photos Are a Gift That Lasts Forever
Sure, we can give moms flowers, chocolates, or a day off from chores (which, let’s be real, should happen more often than once a year). But photos are a gift that lasts forever. They’re a visual reminder of how loved and appreciated she is—not just by the kids but by me, too.
Years from now, when the kids are grown and we’re reminiscing about these early days, those photos will mean so much more than the bouquet that wilted after a week. They’ll be a tangible piece of our family’s history, and she’ll be able to see herself in those memories instead of just being the one who made them happen.
It’s a Chance to See Her Through Their Eyes
One of the best things about taking photos of my wife with our kids is seeing the way they look at her. There’s so much love, admiration, and joy in their faces when they’re around her, and capturing that is incredibly special.
I think as dads, we sometimes take for granted just how much moms do—or we don’t always say it out loud. But seeing those moments frozen in time reminds me of how much she means to all of us. And I know that when she looks at those photos, she’ll see it, too.
It Doesn’t Have to Be Fancy
I’m not a professional photographer, and I don’t have a fancy camera. Most of the time, I’m just using my phone. And that’s okay. The quality of the photos doesn’t matter as much as the intention behind them.
This isn’t about creating Instagram-worthy images or trying to win “Husband of the Year.” It’s about making her feel seen and appreciated. A slightly blurry picture of her laughing with the kids is infinitely better than no picture at all.
A Few Lessons I’ve Learned
Now that I’ve made a point to be behind the camera more often, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make it easier—and more meaningful:
Be Candid: Some of the best photos happen when no one is posing. Catch her in those in-between moments when she’s being herself.
Include the Kids: Let them help decide what memories they want to capture. It’s fun to see what they think is special about their mom.
Don’t Overthink It: You don’t need perfect lighting or a Pinterest-worthy backdrop. The goal is to capture the moment, not create a masterpiece.
Why It Matters
At the end of the day, Mother’s Day is about showing her how much she means to us. It’s about celebrating not just what she does but who she is. And while gifts and gestures are one way to do that, photos have a unique power. They say, “I see you. I appreciate you. And I want to remember this moment forever.”
So this year, I’m making it my mission to put my wife in the picture—literally. She’s always the one making sure everyone else is taken care of, and now it’s my turn to make sure she feels seen, celebrated, and loved.
Dads, if you’re reading this, I encourage you to join me. Pick up your phone or camera and start snapping. You don’t need to be a pro. You just need to be present. Trust me—it’ll mean the world to her. And one day, when we’re all looking back at these moments, it’ll mean the world to you, too.
