Behind the Scenes of Motherhood, Business, and a whole lot of Coffee
From the outside, it might look like I spend my days simply snuggling babies and clicking a camera.
And while yes — there are definitely baby snuggles, (my favorite part!) there’s so much more that happens behind the scenes at Andrea Mae Photography.
So today, I thought I’d take you along for a real look at what a day in my life looks like for me.
Because truthfully? No two days are exactly the same — and that’s one of the things I love most about this job.
☀️ The Morning Routine
Most of my days start around 6:00am… not necessarily by choice, but because my cats have decided it’s time for their breakfast.
They are, without question, the real alarm clocks in this house.
Once the furbabies are fed, I wake up my boys — usually by singing horribly out of tune (they love it… obviously 😄) — and then it’s straight to coffee.
After the morning rush of getting everyone ready and out the door for school, I take a little time to tidy up the house.
It might sound simple, but this part is important to me.
A clean, calm space helps clear my mind and allows me to step into my work feeling focused and ready for the day.
✏️ Mondays: My Reset Day
Mondays are my “get my life together” days — and I truly look forward to them.
This is when I sit down with my calendar, map out the week, and create my to-do list.
And let me tell you… I LOVE a good to-do list.
Over the years, I’ve learned how important it is to keep these lists realistic and attainable. There’s nothing better than ending the day feeling accomplished instead of overwhelmed.
This is where the magic starts — planning sessions, organizing workflows, and making sure every family I work with gets the best possible experience.
📷 Workdays: Where the Magic Happens
The rest of the week can look a little different depending on what’s on the calendar.
Some days, I’m in the studio — setting up cozy, creamy neutral sets, wrapping babies, and capturing those tiny details that pass by way too quickly.
Other days, I’m at my computer working behind the scenes.
Editing images
Responding to emails
Planning sessions
Consultation calls
Scheduling
Bookkeeping
Creating social media content
These days require comfy clothes, slippers and an extra iced coffee.
It’s a mix of creativity and business — and both are so important.
Because while the photos are what you see, there’s a whole lot of heart, time, and intention that goes into everything leading up to them.
🏡 Evenings: Switching Back to Mom Mode
When my boys get home from school, my focus shifts.
Homework gets tackled (with varying levels of enthusiasm 😅), chores are checked off the list, and then I head into the kitchen to start dinner — cue the 90’s alternative playlist.
When my husband gets home, we sit down together as a family to share a meal and connect — something I truly value at the end of a full day.
And then…
We slow down.
Evenings are for relaxing, snuggling up, and soaking in time together — usually with a cat (or three) close by.
🤍 More Than Just Photos
At the end of the day, this business I’ve built is so deeply intertwined with my life as a mom.
It’s not just about taking beautiful images.
It’s about creating a space where families can slow down, feel taken care of, and trust that these fleeting moments are being preserved with intention and heart.
Because I know firsthand just how quickly these days go.
And that’s why I do what I do.
✨ Final Thoughts
So while no two days look exactly the same…
They’re all rooted in the same thing:
Family, connection, and capturing the moments that matter most.
And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
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