In light of Mother’s Day, and highlighting Black Women Photographers New York City members, Laila AnnMarie Stevens sat with Maria J Hackett and discussed her journey with motherhood and exploring motherhood within her work.

“My photographic journey has been greatly impacted by my motherhood journey. Becoming a mom has allowed me to see the world so different. Children, if we allow it, constantly force us to readopt, question and to continuously evolve to better help them in life as their guides. Also, to see things more clearly. As mothers, our minds, spirits and intuition are also changed in a completely different way. This all allowed me to see and connect with people differently. Paying more attention and feeling better able to connect with their stories. In addition, it allowed me to better analyze what may have not worked in a shoot both technically and emotionally, giving me a better sense of myself.”