Mother’s Day 2026: Celebrating Every Kind of Mother

We’ve all been touched by the role of a mother in one way or another. Whether we are mothers ourselves, have a mother, or simply witness motherhood in action, the responsibilities and love that come with it are unimaginable.

As a photographer who has captured a variety of families, I've seen a story of unconditional love behind every smile, every hug, and every glance.

Here are some “mother” roles I’ve observed and admired:

1. The Grandmother

Grandmothers never retire from being mothers. Their role simply expands. They continue to fuss over their own adult children, such as reminding them to eat more, rest well, and take care of themselves, while pouring double the worry and love onto their grandchildren.

I remember calling my own mom when my boys had to stay in the hospital. She flooded me with questions and asked for updates every hour. At times it felt overwhelming to reply to every message, but those constant check-ins were filled with so much care.

2. The Mother

As a mother of two active boys, I know this role intimately. Some days are filled with laughter and joy; others test our patience to the limit. We lose our cool, we get frustrated, and then we hug them tighter because our love is greater than any exhaustion.

We scan every room for the smallest hazards, correct every misbehaviour, and celebrate every tiny milestone. All we hope is that our children grow up feeling safe and loved.

3. The Mother-to-Be

Pregnancy is one of the most memorable chapters in a woman’s life. It takes incredible discipline to give up favourite foods (uni sushi for me!), skip nights out drinking with girlfriends, and accept the changes in our bodies.

Those nine months are filled with a mix of excitement, discomfort, and sometimes anxiety. Every mother-to-be shows incredible courage and dreams about the little one she’ll soon hold.

4. The Pet Mother

While I don’t have pets myself, I’ve photographed many families who treat their furry companions like their own children. These pet owners rush home knowing they’ll be greeted with wagging tails. They schedule vet visits, plan walks, and prepare meals.

The bond between pet parents and their animals is pure. It is full of responsibility, but it is rewarded with companionship.

Mother’s Day is this weekend! In many Asian families, including mine, we tend to be more reserved about expressing love openly. But this is the perfect time to change that.

If you have a mother, grandmother, or mother figure in your life, take her out for a nice meal and plan a relaxing day together. And if you are a mother, I hope you take a moment to enjoy your quality me-time too.

Happy Mother’s Day everyone! 💕