Photography is Poetry

October 2022-February 2023

Community Study

Six mothers welcomed me into the spaces of their homes, and granted me full access to capture their motherhood narratives through photos. Now, this is something I have never done before. While I truthfully struggle with perfectionism and do not see it as some of my best work, I see this project as true work—and it can only get better as time goes on.

I spent about two weeks with each mother, some a little more if time permitted, flowing in and out of their homes to capture them in the act of mothering. Every household and every mothering perspective was so unique for each, requiring me to intricately design every photographing experience to cater to each individual mom. I thought I would go into all six homes and the process would flow the same, but it was quite the opposite.

In some homes, I was truly a fly on the wall—observing and capturing, not saying much of anything. In other homes, I was interactive in their routines. It all consisted of what the mother needed in order to reflect a raw and vulnerable state. It differed from what I expected this process to look like, but I had to accept the changes and overcome the challenges that came about. And that's what makes this project genuine.

I also think what makes this project so beautiful is that every version of motherhood is different—and you see that through the differences between these images. No narrative is the same. Being able to capture so many perspectives opened my eyes, not only to other mother's journeys, but also to my own. I truly appreciate every mama who allowed me to come into her home. I hope and pray that my presence, as minuscule as it was, had the ability to be a beacon of light, love, warmth and reassurance.