Simple Mother’s Day Photo Shoot Ideas to Try This Year

Every mom deserves photos with her children—photos where she’s in them, not just behind the camera. This doesn’t have to mean a full production or a perfectly styled shoot. This year, give yourself 30 minutes. That’s it. Slip into something you feel beautiful in, gather your kids, and capture this season as it is—messy, sweet, and fleeting.

And if dresses aren’t your thing right now, that’s okay. Some of the most meaningful photos are the ones that reflect your real, everyday life.

Here are a few simple, beautiful ideas using Mae Threads pieces that make it easy to show up and feel like yourself.

1. Golden Hour in the Taryn Dress

The Taryn Knit Bodice Midi Dress in Taupe + Ivory is made for those “pause and remember this” moments. The knit bodice keeps it comfortable, while the flowy skirt moves beautifully—perfect for candid shots with your kids running around you.

Photo idea:

Head to a nearby field or even your backyard just before sunset. Let your kids play while you walk, hold hands, or scoop them up. These photos don’t need to be posed—the magic is in the movement.

Why it works:

It feels elevated without being fussy. You’ll look put-together, but still like yourself.

2. Slow Morning at Home in the Lennox Tee

The Lennox Striped Boxy Cropped T-Shirt in Ivory + Green is perfect if you want your photos to feel like you. Think cozy, playful, and real.

Photo idea:

Capture a slow morning—making pancakes, reading books, snuggling on the couch. Let your kids climb into your lap, messy hair and all.

Why it works:

Years from now, these are the moments you’ll want to remember most.

3. Park Playdate in the Morrison Tee

Easy, candid, and full of personality

The Morrison Oversized Stripe Boyfriend Tee has that effortless, lived-in feel that photographs so well.

Photo idea:

Go to the park and let your kids lead. Push them on the swings, chase them, sit in the grass together. Have someone snap photos while you interact naturally.

Why it works:

The relaxed fit keeps you comfortable so you can focus on your kids—not your outfit.

4. Fresh & Feminine in the Lumi Tank

The Lumi Ribbed Button-Front Knit Tank in Eucalyptus is ideal if you want something minimal but still special.

Photo idea:

Pair it with your favorite jeans or skirt and take a walk downtown or along a path. Hold hands, let your kids pick flowers, stop for a treat.

Why it works:

It’s understated, which lets the connection between you and your kids shine.

5. Garden Romance in the Delia Maxi

The Delia Swiss Dot Maxi Dress in Lemon Water feels like something you’d pass down in a photo album.

Photo idea:

Find a garden, a blooming tree, or even just a patch of wildflowers. Sit together on a blanket, braid your daughter’s hair, or hold your baby close.

Why it works:

The details—ruffles, texture, movement—add that timeless, romantic feel without trying too hard.

6. Playful & Sweet in the Rooney Dress

The Rooney Cherry Gingham Midi Dress in Sky Blue brings a little fun into your photos with its cheerful print and easy silhouette.

Photo idea:

Think picnic, bubbles, or a trip to the ice cream shop. Let your kids be silly. Laugh with them. That’s the shot.

Why it works:

It captures the joy of motherhood—not just the aesthetic of it.

You don’t need to wait until you “feel ready.” You don’t need to lose the baby weight, style your hair perfectly, or plan something elaborate.

Your kids just need you.

Use code mothersday20 to get 20% off everything! Code Expires on May 10th.

So this Mother’s Day, take the photos. Even if it’s just 30 minutes. Even if it’s imperfect. Because one day, these will be the images they treasure most—and you will too.