Janine Soltman
Janine Soltman is a lifestyle and brand photographer, photographing everything from newborns and families, to branding sessions, focusing on women. “I truly love every moment behind the camera.”
Mom to: Baker, 9; Delta, 3
Hometown: Snoqualmie, WA
Favorite ways to spend family time in WA: We love to go on long walks and hike around Snoqualmie Falls and Rattlesnake. We’ve also made it a point to get the kiddos used to eating out at a young age because my husband and I love to be out and about. One of our favorite activities on a sunny day is to walk to our local brewery with friends. There’s absolutely no place better than the PNW when it’s nice out!
Biggest challenge as a mom: Ooooof, honestly – the biggest challenges depend on the day. Our 3-year-old gives me a run for my money, and it can be a challenge to stay calm when she has tantrums, but it feels so rewarding when we work through them in a healthy way. And as my son gets older, I admittedly have a really hard time letting go of him into the world. Letting him make his own mistakes, work though friendship issues by himself, etc. I definitely have to keep an eye on my “helicopter mom” tendencies!
A mother who inspires you and why: The first thing that comes to mind is witnessing my friends become moms themselves. I’ve learned so much from those around me and feel very fortunate to have a diverse group of mothers that I can lean on, as well as be inspired by. I mean, Michelle Obama is no shabby mom either, though. She seems to have let her girls flourish as their own people while parenting so graciously.
Best piece of advice for a new mom: Don’t feel like you have to know all the answers or read all the books. Instead, feel free to seek information as issues come up. What one mom may run into as a challenge could be so very different from yours, so worrying about things that don’t happen in your own family can be a huge waste of emotion and energy.
Your biggest hope for your children: My biggest hopes and dreams for both my kiddos are that they are kind and self-assured. That they each make their own paths and have the resilience and perseverance to follow them; to be happy and feel loved, and show love in return.
How are you celebrating Mother’s Day? I’m looking forward to sleeping in and maybe a brunch at Salish Lodge (hint hint, husband).