Motherhood Creek Magic

Written By Lauren Sanderlin

There’s something magical about slowing down with your babies beside the water.

The splashing, the muddy toes, the way your toddler reaches for your hand without thinking, the giggles when someone inevitably gets soaked — these are the moments I want to preserve during our Motherhood Creek Mini Sessions.

Not perfectly posed moments.
Not stiff smiles aimed at the camera.
But the real, sweet, fleeting magic of motherhood.

These sessions are designed to feel playful, relaxed, nostalgic, and full of connection.

What to Wear

The biggest goal when choosing outfits is to keep everyone comfortable, timeless, and able to move freely.

Think:

  • Soft neutrals

  • Creams, warm whites, oatmeal, sage, dusty blue, mauve, butter yellow, muted florals

  • Linen, gauze, cotton, flowy dresses, overalls, simple textures

  • Barefoot is encouraged!

Avoid:

  • Neon colors

  • Busy patterns

  • Matching everyone exactly

  • Stiff or uncomfortable clothing

For moms specifically:
Choose something you feel beautiful and comfortable in. A flowy dress that moves effortlessly in the water and allows you to snuggle, play, and carry little ones works perfectly.

For kids:
Simple is best. Rolled-up pants, bloomers, little dresses, overalls, or neutral basics photograph beautifully and allow the focus to stay on connection.

And don’t stress if someone gets wet or dirty — honestly, that usually creates the best moments.

Here are some links to options from amazon for the whole fam!

For the Moms

For the Boys

For the Girls

What to Expect

These sessions are intentionally relaxed and movement-based.

I’ll gently guide you at times, but instead of asking everyone to stand still and smile at the camera, for the most part, I’ll encourage:

  • Playing in the water

  • Snuggling

  • Exploring

  • Throwing rocks

  • Splashing

  • Tickling

  • Dancing

  • Holding hands

  • Chasing your babies through the creek

Some moments may feel chaotic in the moment — but that’s often where the magic lives.

You do not need perfectly behaved children for beautiful photos.

Your child does not need to sit still.
They do not need to “perform.”
They simply need to feel loved and that emotion will be evident in the photos.

These sessions are about documenting your family exactly as you are in this season.

Your Mindset Going Into These Sessions

I want you to release the pressure of perfection before you arrive.

Your job is not to make your children smile on command.

Your job is simply to be present with them.

Hold them close. Laugh with them. Splash with them. Let them lead a little. Let the session feel like an evening spent together instead of a photoshoot.

The most meaningful images usually happen in-between:

  • the forehead kisses

  • the messy cuddles

  • the wet curls

  • the tiny hands wrapped around your neck

Years from now, your children won’t remember the chaos leading up to the photoshoot or whether their outfit stayed clean.

But they will be reminded of the way you loved them.

And that’s what these sessions are truly about.

Lauren Sanderlin