The Beautiful Chaos of a Mother NJ Photographer Juggling Life
People often ask me how I manage a photography business while raising three kids. They’ll call me “Superwoman,” marveling at my ability to do it all. But the truth? Today I cried.
It hit me in the most unexpected moment—dropping my son off late to wrestling practice. I told him, “Go ahead, I’ll park and come right after,” but as soon as he walked away, emotions overwhelmed me. Tears welled up as I sat there in the car, needing to let it all out. The pressure is real. Without extended family nearby—no grandma, sister, or anyone to step in to help—it’s just been my husband and me. And with his work hours falling during those critical after-school chaos hours, most days, it’s just me juggling this wild, beautiful, overwhelming life.
Every Day Feels Like a Marathon My mornings start like clockwork. Drop off kid #1, race back to drop off kid #2, then back again for kid #3. Once everyone’s at school, the day turns into a sprint: answering emails, planning shoots, editing photos, juggling schedules. Before I know it, it’s time for pickups and the real chaos begins. Today was one of those “mission impossible” days. My older daughter had to be at work at 3:45. My middle suddenly realized her soccer practice moved to 4:00. With no one going home in between, I had to leave early to drop one and make it to the other, weaving through traffic with barely a moment to catch my breath. I answered emails during practice, feeling behind even though I was doing everything I could. And when the day finally “slows down”? There’s still homework, dinner, bath time, and the guilt—the constant guilt of feeling like I haven’t done enough.
The Guilt That Never Leaves My oldest is heading toward adulthood, and I’ve been meaning to help her research colleges and find a volunteer opportunity at an animal shelter—two things I’ve had on my to-do list for months but can’t seem to find time for. My middle child, an incredible athlete, struggles in school and needs extra support, but I feel like I never have enough hours to give her what she truly needs. My youngest, still so little, is constantly asking for more time with me, and I feel like I’m failing him by giving less and less. Each day feels like a battle to do it all, and every night I lie awake wondering if I did enough. Did I miss something important? Did my kids feel loved? Did I move my business forward? And yet, here’s the thing—I know I’m doing my best.
Micro Achievements and the Seeds We Plant There are days I feel like I’m running on empty, and yet, I remind myself that all these small, invisible wins matter. Getting everyone to where they need to be, showing up even when I’m tired, putting dinner on the table, answering one more email—these micro-achievements are like planting seeds. Right now, it feels like there’s nothing to show for it. But one day, I’ll look back and see the beautiful tree that grew from all this chaos, love, and effort. My kids may not remember the days I forgot things or felt like I was failing. They’ll remember that I showed up, no matter what.
My Business: My Fourth Baby* Amidst all the chaos, my photography business is my fourth baby. It’s more than just a job—it’s my passion, my creative outlet, and my anchor. My work gives me a sense of purpose and joy, a chance to step out of the daily grind and create something timeless for my clients. There’s nothing more fulfilling than knowing I’ve frozen precious memories in time—those fleeting moments of love, connection, and joy—turning them into artistic treasures that families will cherish forever. When I look back at the journey of building my business, I can’t help but feel immense pride. Oh, what a privilege it is to be a part of my clients’ history, to know that my work hangs on their walls, bringing smiles and happy tears for years to come. It’s humbling and exhilarating all at once. But the truth is, I have so much more to give—so many ideas, dreams, and visions for my art and my business. And yet, the relentless demands of life often make it feel impossible to bring them to life. Sometimes I think, Can’t we simply stretch the day by a few more hours? Or better yet, skip sleep entirely? The desire to do more, to create more, to build more, is always there, but balancing it with the rest of life is the hardest part. Still, no matter how chaotic or exhausting it gets, my business remains my sanctuary. It’s where I pour my soul, find peace, and feel alive. It reminds me that amidst all the juggling and sacrifices, I’m not just holding it together—I’m creating something meaningful, both for my family and for the families who trust me with their memories. And for that, I’m endlessly grateful.
To All the Moms Doing the Impossible To every mom juggling the impossible: I see you. I know how draining it can feel to give so much of yourself and wonder if it’s enough. You are enough. Even on the days you cry in your car, the days you feel like the world is too heavy, you are doing something extraordinary. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about showing up, loving fiercely, and doing the best you can with what you have. And while it may not feel like it, these tiny, invisible moments are building something beautiful. So here’s to us—the moms who make the impossible possible every day. You are stronger than you realize, and the love you pour into your family will bloom in ways you can’t yet imagine. Keep going, one moment at a time. You’re not alone, and you’re doing an amazing job. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about being Superwoman. It’s about being their mom, and that’s more than enough.