What were you doing before you got into photography?

I was a cosmetologist and owned a housekeeping business. But I knew that I did not want to do either of those the rest of my life.

When and how did you get started as a photographer?

I got into photography right after my son was born. I was shooting with a film camera and was loving it so much that my husband purchased a Canon Rebel XTI. He noticed I was really, really liking taking pictures of the kids. I had no idea that I would have ever ended up taking portraits for people. I absolutely love my job. I knew that I wanted to stay home with the kiddos, and this was perfect. But I knew I couldn't afford the time or money to go to school for photography, so I studied and practiced all the time on my own kids, especially my son as a baby, but also on friends, too.

Why was it important for you to capture good photos of your kids?

It's so important to document great photos of your kids because you never ever get that moment back. I want to look back some day, and I want my kids to look back and see what life was like for us. Don't go through life and not photograph your children. You forget so quickly what they looked like, and you will never get that back. A portrait will last a lifetime.

What does it mean to you to look back on the photos you took of them as babies?

It means everything to me. My kids and I sit down and look though their photo books, and they laugh and ask questions about them. I want them to see what I saw.

It was probably easier to take photos of your own kids as babies. When did they start becoming more difficult to photograph and why?

It was definitely easier to photograph them as babies. They can't get up an walk away and back talk. Now I break out the camera, and they run. Funny thing is another photographer could get them to do anything and everything, but mom? No way. Newborn to 1 are great for photos; ages 2-4 are really tough; 5-8 they're interested; 9-12 they get bored, 13-16 "leave me the heck alone"; and 17 - high school seniors are awesome!

What tricks do you use for getting pictures of your own kids?

They do occasionally give me what I want. They really are patient kids. But I normally have to bribe them with something. A lot of the best pictures I've gotten are when they didn't even know I was taking the photo. One of my favorites is of my son kissing Madelynn on the cheek. I love these shots when I get them. Some parents really like the completely posed photo where everything is perfect, but you can't always get that.

You have a family photo (with you in it) on Facebook. How did you get that photo?

I had to set the camera how I wanted it and then have my brother just snap away. He did a great job.

What advice do you have for parents trying to take photos of their own kids?

Remember your photos don't have to be so posed. Sit back and watch them. Sometimes those end up being the best pics ever. Just have fun and try new things. Different angles and light make a huge difference.

How does your husband feel about your business?

He is such a supporter in my business. I could not do this without him. He is always watching the kiddos when I have photo shoots or meetings. And, yes, he does laundry and dishes.

How many photos of your own family do you have up in your house?

I only have one family photo up with the whole family. And lots of the kiddos together and separate. I seriously need to do all new photos soon. I am actually going to have a fellow photographer friend take my family pics this year. I am not going another year without family pics. They are very important to me. I want my kids to have photos of us all together to look back at and to show their families.

Dana Moore

Age • 29

Hometown • Warrenton

Occupation • Photographer, owner of Moments Photography (momentsphotography studios.com; 636-456-3613)

Family • Husband Keith, 32, bricklayer; daughter, Madelynn, 9; son Brayden, 3

AUDIO SLIDESHOW

Hear Dana talk about her work and see some examples at STLmomsanddads.com