Don't Become The Invisible Mum

Janet and Liana from Mum the Photographer are multi-talented women - mothers, bloggers and photographers - and they think mums should grant themselves one special present this Mother's Day … not just a photo of their children but a photo of them with their children.

Too often, we self-consciously remove ourselves from a photo opportunity so that our "imperfections" aren’t captured. But in a few years when you and your children look back on the photographic memories you’ve created it will be sad not to have been a part of it. So let's all be "brave" together and forget about our hips, arms and shapeless eyebrows (or whatever your hang-ups might be) and get in the frame too this Mother’s Day!

First of all, decide when you want to take this photo and lock that time away. To get your family on board why not tell them that this is a special present for you, rather than just springing the mini-shoot on them. This year, I’ve already written to my family asking for this present!

When planning your time, think about when the kids will be most happy as there is no point trying to do this when it's close to someone’s nap time.

Also think about where you want this photo taken. Since this is to be something special for you, choose a location that means something to you. It might be your garden, a room in the house that you love, or a park you spend time at together.

The light at different times of the day will make a difference to your photo. Photos taken outside are generally best at dusk when the light is golden. If you are thinking about taking a photo inside your house consider when the light is best in that room. In my home, the lounge room has good morning light, and my bedroom has good afternoon light.

The background is going to have an impact on your photo. Ideally try to minimalise what's in your background as then there will be less chance of distraction. Consider moving things around to get the best "set-up".

Another idea is to coordinate a colour or two that pulls people together. By this, I don’t mean everyone wears the same colour, but perhaps repeat the colour in a small way across a few outfits. Lay some outfit choices out on your bed and see what you think looks good. If you have a child that you know is going to have firm views on what they want to wear, talk to them about some options and then co-ordinate others' around them. Also consider where you are taking the photo and have your clothing colour different to the background. For example, if you're going to be in a green garden, choose something other than green clothes, so you don't blend you into the background!

When it comes to taking the actual photo, set up your scene and camera before you call the kids in. Give them as little time as possible to become bored. Remind everyone that this is the special gift you want for Mother’s Day. If it's your camera that you're passing to someone else, have it set up for them to just push a button. Or try out the timer function on your camera.

While you might have a brilliant SLR, and all the enthusiasm in the world, be prepared that it mightn't all run to plan if the kids aren't in the mood or inclement weather sets in. You know your children best so if you think the timing isn’t right call it quits and try again later. That’s the best thing about being a Mum the Photographer.