"You relax. I'll take the photos."

As a mother of two, I know how difficult it is to enjoy your children and take pictures of them at the same time. When you have your camera in your hand, you're not really "in the moment," savoring each silly or touching moment. Instead, you become an outsider to the moment. A beggar, even.

"Smile! Please? Come on, smile for mommy!"

As your family's primary historian, carefully taking photos and archiving them for future generations, you play a crucial role in capturing all those special "everyday" moments: the afternoon to the park, the trip to the zoo, the barbecue on a lazy Sunday evening, splashing around in the pool.

But when you are your own photographer, your presence is largely absent from your family's photo history. A great candid photo almost never has the photographer in the shot. That means you.

Most of us wouldn't think twice about hiring a photographer for a formal occasion: weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, Christenings, anniversaries, birthday parties, etc.

But we never think to hire a photographer for those everyday occasions, the ones that make up the majority of our lives. Maybe we should.

After all, how can you take a picture of yourself tickling your own child as the two of you giggle and roll around on the floor? How can photograph yourself playing catch with your child? How do you capture a photo of yourself pushing your baby on the swing for the first time as he squeals with glee? You can't. But I can.

Next time you consider stepping outside your door to spend time with your family, invite me to come along. I'll capture all those special moments, and ones you hadn't considered.

You relax. I'll take the photos.