My Why as a Photographer: Capturing the Magic of Growing Up
- Rachel Clotfelter

- Jan 27, 2025
- 3 min read

As a mom, I’ve watched my own kids grow from those tiny, soft baby faces into full-on big kids—each stage a beautiful reminder of how fast time flies. It seems like just yesterday I was cradling them in my arms, and now they’re running, playing, talking back (sometimes!), and showing glimpses of the incredible people they’re becoming. It’s both thrilling and, at times, a little heart breaking to witness.
These early years are filled with such wonder—small moments that, in the rush of life, can slip away before we even realize it. That’s why I’ve made it my mission to document those precious times, not only for my family, but for the families I get to work with as well.
The magic of childhood is in the tiny, seemingly ordinary moments—those little expressions, the giggles, the way their eyes light up with curiosity. As a photographer, I feel so lucky to capture that magic and freeze it in time, so that families can look back and remember.
When I’m behind the camera, I’m not just taking photos—I’m telling a story. I’m preserving memories that will become treasures for years to come. And I don’t take that responsibility lightly. The same way I want to look back on my own kids’ childhoods and see their growth, I want to give my clients that same gift: the ability to hold on to these fleeting moments, to see the change, and to feel the love that is so abundant in those early years.
Watching my own kids evolve inspires so much of my work with clients. I see the change in their children, too—their little ones transitioning from babies into toddlers, then into the curious, bold kids they’re destined to be. Not only the physical changes but the essence of those moments—the little quirks, the growing independence, and all the stages in between. I can’t help but think, "I want to give my clients the gift of these memories." Every session becomes more than just a photoshoot; it’s an opportunity to preserve a part of their child's story—just as I’m doing with my own kids.
There’s so much beauty in the little things—the way a toddler holds their favorite toy, the first steps they take, or the soft way a baby falls asleep in their parent’s arms. These moments are all part of the larger story of childhood, and I’m honored to help tell that story for my clients.
Every session feels deeply personal to me because I know how important it is to capture these moments before they slip away. It’s a privilege to witness those same transformations in the families I work with, and it fuels my passion to continue this work.
This is exactly why I’m so passionate about documenting childhood. Those early years—the baby faces, the first steps, the crooked smiles, and those moments when they’re completely absorbed in something new—are truly magical. They pass by in the blink of an eye, and once they’re gone, they’re gone. But through photography, we can hold onto them forever.
It’s the fast pace of growing up that fuels my drive to capture it all. From the soft giggles to the way they walk and talk with confidence, I want parents to look back and see how their child blossomed through those precious years. If any of these things resonate with you then I would love the opportunity to freeze time in the form of photos! Together lets make art out of your life.




Comments