Heidi Drexler treasures a portrait of her mother as a young woman.

It’s one of the few photos that show her alone, without kids or husband or vacation landmarks in the background.

“I just absolutely love it and I’m so glad I have it,” said Drexler, a Glendale photographer who specializes in photographing children and high school seniors.

The simple headshot of her mom at age 34, which Drexler snapped as a 9-year-old back in the 80s, inspired her to organize a Mother’s Day photo shoot to encourage women to take a few minutes out of their hectic lives and celebrate themselves.

“Moms are always the ones behind the cameras,” said Drexler, the mother of two boys, 7 and 5, whose mother now lives out of state. 

“I know I’m in no pictures. If something would happen to me tomorrow, I’d have no proof that I existed,” she joked.

Drexler came up with the idea while talking with other moms of young children. They all wished for a good photo of themselves, but there was always some excuse.

“Don’t wait until you lose 10 pounds or cut your hair,” Drexler said. “It doesn’t matter. I just want to give them something they can be proud of and have forever.”

All of the proceeds for the photo shoot will go to the Marikle Foundation, which helps make ends meet for families dealing with sick and hospitalized children. The Foundation is named for the daughter of Drexler’s best childhood friend.

Twenty-four women signed up for the photo shoot, which will be held in various locations around Kirkwood on Saturday between noon and 7 p.m., raising more than $1,800 for the Marikle Foundation.

The women will first work with stylist Anne Jackson, who will help them choose outfits, accessories and makeup.

While this year’s Mother’s Day photo shoot is sold out, Drexler hopes to make it an annual event. To see more of her work, check out Heidi Drexler Photography.

Enjoy this article? We recommend:

• Whiz Kid: Kirkwood Teen Inspires Marikle Foundation