I was born and raised in Mexico. When I was a little girl, my mother, a family photographer, would ask that I assist her on her photoshoots. I have to admit that back then, I didn’t really like it. But without even knowing it, I was learning and absorbing so much, not only about my mother’s craft but also, about the families in front of the camera. The first thing I learned was that being a subject wasn’t always easy, but it felt like the most important thing to the mothers. After all, those pictures would become a precious family heirloom. With every session, I realized the importance of the moment, and the true nature of what was being captured: love, protection, connection. I realized that it wasn’t something simple, but that there were so many layers, so much complexity and raw beauty in motherhood. Clearly, back then I wouldn’t have been able to put this into words like I’m doing now. But the essence of that understanding sunk deep in my mind, and I now think back to those moments as what made me want to pursue photography as a career. 

I went to photography school in New York City and specialized in documentary photography. I loved it, I really did. But it wasn’t until I started shooting families and mothers that everything came full circle for me. That’s when it all clicked. I realized how passionate I was about capturing motherhood, the whole of it—every stage. 

There’s something incredibly beautiful about the strength and vulnerability mothers possess. I feel very grateful to be able to capture the essence of those moments forever in time.    

 When I became a mother for the first time, I truly understood the power of a photograph: a photo is a reflection of life, captured forever. I went back to shooting families again, and I saw everything with different eyes. I remember seeing the mother all dressed up; she looked beautiful and perfect for the pictures I was about to take. But now I knew what real life looked like; how there’s days when you barely make it to the shower, when there’s no schedule and your own needs get neglected. 

I understood then how special my sessions are; time is so scarce and precious when you’re a mother. That’s the reason why I handle my work with such care and devotion. Because I’ve been there. So, I want to honor all that effort put in for the camera. My commitment is to that mother who has trusted me to capture those images, who’s empowered herself by choosing her own narrative and aesthetic — her motherhood story. Many things will change over time, but those pictures will remain forever. 

Theresa currently photographs families in NY and the Tri-state area.