How I, mom and North Augusta Photographer, found that a music-video viewing gone wrong could spark the sweetest reminder about motherhood.

I had what I thought was an awesome Halloween-season idea:
“Let’s show the girls the “Thriller” music video!”

I remembered it being iconic, fun, and very ’80s.
What I didn’t remember? How borderline-terrifying it might be for my 5- and 7-year-old who were just trying to enjoy their snacks in peace.

After unintentionally scarring them with gory zombies (oops), I immediately launched into damage control mode. I figured the best way to erase any lingering fear was to show them other music videos — the fun kind! The “no one is suddenly a werewolf” kind.

And then I thought of a song I tried to teach my girls that wasn’t a nursery rhyme or a movie soundtrack: “Girl on Fire“ by Alicia Keys. I wasn’t sure if I’d even seen the music video before, but I crossed my fingers and hit play anyway.

What happened next absolutely floored me.

Everything I thought I knew about that song? Gone.

I’d always assumed the song was about a young woman — heading out into the world, taking risks, discovering her independence, realizing how strong she is. A sort-of “coming-of-age” moment.

Nope. Not even close.

The video depicts a mother.
Juggling all the chores of a messy house.
Dancing and playing with her kids.
Caring for her aging relative.
Feeling the weight of life and relationships and bills.

A mother doing it all.

This is the girl on fire.
Not because everything is perfect, but because she keeps going.
And even in the ordinary, exhausting, never-enough-hours-in-the-day kind of moments — she shines.

Motherhood Doesn’t Always Feel Fiery

It feels like wiping crumbs off the counter (again).
Googling “how long can leftovers last” at 8pm.
Realizing you signed up to bring snacks and the game starts in 20 minutes.

It looks like showing up every day.
Like getting through the hard stuff.
Like refining the routines of your home in ways only you notice — but that shape everything.

And in all of that, you are absolutely, unquestionably on fire.

Why This Matters So Much

Aside from just reshaping my perception of the song, the video reshaped how I look at motherhood. And watching it with my girls reminded me why I love photographing other moms — showing women who often feel tired or stretched thin that they’re on fire for their families.

One day, your kids will look back at photos and see exactly what Alicia Keys was singing about: a girl on fire. A mother who loved them and lit up their world — even if she didn’t feel like she was glowing at all.

And I hope you come to see it, too. Every time you allow yourself to be documented.
Because you deserve to see the beauty, the strength, the fire that’s been there all along.

See the music video for yourself here!

Amy Najmon Photography specializes in family photography in North Augusta, SC, as well as maternity and newborn photography for the entire CSRA, including Aiken, Graniteville, Augusta, Evans and Martinez.

I love filling my calendar with moms desiring a custom experience and family images exuding joy. I provide personalized session planning, a size-inclusive client wardrobe of dresses for mom (sizes XS – XXL), outfit styling for the whole family, and hair and makeup recommendations so your session as seamless as possible. All you need to do is arrive and be ready to play and snuggle with your children.

If you love these photos and are looking for a North Augusta photographer, I would love to photograph your next portrait session. To see more of my child & family portfolio please click here. And if you are interested in a personalized portrait session with Amy Najmon Photography and would like more information about the experience, please click here.

I’m currently accepting both studio and outdoor family sessions for the rest of 2025 and into 2026. If you would like to reserve space on my calendar for your North Augusta area family photos, I would love for you to contact me here.