Being a parent and a photographer is an adventure, to say the least. I’ve got the privilege of capturing beautiful moments for families while also having the flexibility to be around for my son, who I home educate. It’s a delicate balance, but one I wouldn't trade for anything.
I’ve always known I wanted to be involved in my child’s education, so home education felt like the perfect fit for our family. It gives us the chance to learn at our own pace, and it allows me to be there for the little moments that matter, whether that’s reading together, going on a nature walk, or just sharing a laugh. Plus, it means I can fit my work around our home ed routine, which is incredibly important to me.
How Photography and Home Education Go Hand in Hand
As a photographer, I sometimes find ways to tie my work into our days. My son loves learning about the world through photos. Whether we’re walking through the woods or playing in the garden, he has his own little camera which he loves to snap his own pictures. It’s a fun way to teach him about creativity, perspective, and light, and it helps us both see the world in new ways.
Photography has also been a perfect tool for capturing our home education journey. From the simple moments to the bigger milestones, I get to document our lives in a way that feels meaningful and personal.
The Reality of Balancing Work and Family
Now, let’s be real for a second. While I do get to be flexible and work around my son’s schedule, it’s not always smooth sailing. I may not spend hours every day in the studio, but there’s still a lot of work to be done. From marketing to answering messages, and of course, the endless hours of editing, much of that happens after my son is in bed.
There are nights where I’m working late into the evening, and I’ll admit sometimes I get pretty tired. But at the end of the day, it’s all worth it. The sacrifices I make are for him. I want to be around as much as I can. I want to be there for his learning, his growth, and those special moments that can’t be recreated.
It can be exhausting, but it suits both of us. I get the best of both worlds: a creative career that I’m passionate about and the pleasure of being present for my son’s journey through life.
An Honest Insight into My Life
But, like any parent, I’ll admit that it’s not always perfect. Sometimes I struggle with juggling everything, and there are days when I feel overwhelmed. I do my very best, but I’m constantly learning not to be so hard on myself. There are times when I wonder if working a 9-5 job would be less stressful, but then I remember that would mean Grayson being in school full-time, and I wouldn’t trade the moments we share for anything unless I really have to.
Through home education, we’ve made some amazing friends, and life is good. But it’s not always straightforward. There are ups and downs, and a lot of figuring things out as I go along. I’m learning to accept that things don’t always go according to plan, and that’s okay.
A Global Perspective: Later School Start Ages and Academic Success
In some countries like Poland, children don’t start formal school until they’re 7, and they consistently rank highly in global education assessments. It’s fascinating because they take a different approach, giving kids more time to grow emotionally and socially before diving into structured learning. Studies suggest that starting school later can contribute to stronger long-term academic success, with children having more time to develop a love of learning before formal education begins.
For us, home education has been an incredible choice because it allows Grayson to learn at his own pace and explore his own interests, rather than following a strict curriculum designed for a classroom full of kids. It’s amazing how much room there is for creativity, and how tailored the learning process can be. In fact, research shows that many home-educated children do exceptionally well in life. They often excel in areas like entrepreneurship, creative arts, and self-motivation because they have more control over what they learn and how they learn it.
I love that home education allows for that flexibility and freedom, but I’m not closed off to the idea of Grayson attending school in the future if that’s what he chooses. The beauty of this journey is that we can make decisions that fit his needs and our family lifestyle, while keeping an open mind about all the possibilities.
Why This Works for Us
The beauty of home ed and being a photographer is that it lets me be there for the important things. I can rearrange my work schedule to fit in our lessons, our family time, and all the little adventures we take together. The balance isn’t perfect, but it’s ours. And it works.
It’s not about doing everything perfectly, it’s about making sure my son has what he needs and I’m able to do what I love. I get to create memories for other families while creating memories of my own with my son. And for me, that’s the ultimate reward.
