Bowling Green Ohio Lifestyle Photographer

Cynthia is a Bowling Green Ohio Lifestyle Photographer. She shoots on-location lifestyle and storytelling photography and serves the Toledo, Sylvania, Maumee, Holland, Perrysburg, Oregon, and Northwest Ohio areas. She is available for maternity, newborn, baby, children, and family photo sessions.

Do you exist in photos?

I don’t have many photos of my mom. I’m not sure if that is because she was usually the one taking my photo or because she hated getting her photo taken.

When I became a mom, my life seemed to instantly change. I never knew my heart could love so much. Who knew one tiny person could add so much joy and happiness in my life? My mom knew because she had been through it. We bonded over my journey into motherhood as I’m sure mother and daughters have for centuries. This newfound bond with her had me wanting to know more. What was she like as a young mom?

I longed for photos of the two of us together. I wanted to have a snippet of who she was when I was little. I wanted to see how we both grew together. Only I couldn’t because the photos didn’t exist.

Bowling Green Ohio Lifestyle Photographer mother rand child in 80s photo by Cynthia Dawson Photography — One of 3 images with my mother.

Whatever her reasons were back then for not documenting moments that included her with her children, it saddens me now. I wish for those memories. I want to see and touch the photos that could give me a glimpse.

It’s amazing how perspective can be found when we step outside of ourselves. I’m sure if my mom realized just how fleeting my childhood was, she would have made the point to be in more photos. It took me too long to realize this myself. I now make an effort to be sure I exist in photos too. It is so easy to brush aside the importance of getting in front of the camera. And excuses may seem to jump out at you but your kids don’t care about any of that. They want to see you together as they get older.

Motherhood Sessions in Northwest Ohio

One of the reasons I’m so passionate about photographing the bond between mothers and children is that I don’t have that for myself. I’m drawn to preserving the moments you hold close. This session is all about YOU! This is your time to have someone (me!) focus on the beautiful connection you share with your children.

Sometimes to see the beauty of motherhood, we need to step outside of ourselves. Viewing your connection to your child through photos is one way to do that.

Do it now for yourself and your child’s future self. Do it to see just how beautiful you fill the role of mother. Do it to see your wonderful world from the outside. See your love and connection with your children through my eyes. It will be just what your heart yearns for!