Background: Originally from Southern California, but currently lives in Portland, OR. Margaret didn't originally set out to be a photographer but photography sort of found her and has been capturing moments ever since.
Has your perspective and point-of-view changed since becoming a Mom? And if so, how? Yes, most definitely. I became a mom at a young age, which in some ways I'm thankful for. I didn't have too many views, and my perspectives were limited. I have been growing up with my children. I watch how they observe the world, and I have learned to view it the way they do. I'm more patient than I was before children, and I don't strive for perfection like I once did.
What do you find most rewarding about motherhood? The love. Its ever-growing, and boundless. The depths keep going and going. My children have redefined what I thought love was. They've been the perfect example of forgiving, gracious, kind, uplifting love. Its taught me to extend that kind of love to those around me.
What do you find the most challenging or surprising? The time management is the most challenging. I always want to do so much with the kids, adventure somewhere new and exciting, cook healthy meals with them, teach them about science, so forth. I beat myself up sometimes that I'm not doing enough. But everyday, when I hang out with the kids, no matter what we do they tell me "This is the best day ever mom! Thank you for doing this with us!"
How do you store/organize/display/showcase your photographs? Currently they're mostly displayed via instagram or facebook. I just had two framed. My most favorite images of my children. I'd like to put up three more, but thats about it. I believe in images speaking powerfully. I don't think I need to have my walls completely covered. I just want images that stand on their own, and move me.
Any recommendations for moms trying to capture those beautiful moments? Just allow moments to be. Don't try to "create" a perfect moment. Children naturally create their own beautiful moments. Its all about noticing those moments, and the perspective of how you capture it! Move around, stand on top of things, lay on the ground. Change your point of view 🙂 Above all, practice. You'll notice that your eye will find those beautiful moments, in everything.
Any situation (good or bad) where you wish you had your camera? I used to think I needed to have my camera on me at all times, for the "good" moments. But I finally realized that I didn't. Some moments were okay simply being in my memory 🙂
What makes you feel beautiful as a mother? When my children want to lay next to me, and drape their arms over me. They fight over who gets to hug me more. They make me feel as if I'm the most beautiful person in the world. They love my soft stomach, and my breasts that droop. They nuzzle my neck, and place their sweet hands on my cheeks that sometimes are covered in pimples, and they tell me "You are so beautiful mommy! I love you!" To them I'm perfect… Or as my daughter says about herself in the mirror "Flawless."
What advice can you give other mothers who might not feel beautiful in their bodies? See how your children look at you…Notice how they admire you. That's how you need to see yourself. They see you as powerful, capable, loving, and perfect. You are able to make them feel better when they're sick, prepare their favorite meals, play their imaginative games with them. You are able to do it all. You are brilliant, you are beautiful.
Where you can find Margaret:
Website: Margaret Jacobsen
Blog: Margaret Jacobsen Blog
NEXT UP IN THE SERIES: JADE BEALL
