Shutterbug Puts Motherhood First

Corey Best

Age: 31

Neighborhood: Waterchase

Mommyism: "Nobody's an expert at being a mom, for me it's crucially important to have friends as moms who can laugh and relate to what's going on."

When Corey Best moved to Tampa last summer for her husband Dan's new job she left behind the bright lights of a television news career to be a full-time mom to Cannon, 3, and 1-year-old daughter Emerson. With two kids and moving to a new city "my priority was to get my new family settled," said Best whose last job was as a reporter for the Fox affiliate in Cincinnati.

But that didn't make the transition exactly easy. No longer being able to tell people she was a "reporter" took some getting used to.

"I was just a mom and it took a long time to figure out that new role," she said on a recent day while discussing motherhood. "It was tough. Then I started this little business and now it's the best of both worlds."

Best launched Best Part Photography in January 2012. She specializes in family and children portraits.

"I just like seeing the joy on people's faces when they see their kids through someone else's eyes," she said. "I like the idea of constantly learning. There's so much I don't know. This is something new and I can challenge myself."

On the decision to start Best Part Photography: "That's something I need that is my own, that's just mine, but I can still be mom."

On her extended family embracing her new role as full-time mom: "They didn't love the idea, but this was a tremendous opportunity for my family."

What motherhood has taught her: "I'm so far from perfect. It's taught me to be flexible and go with the flow. You have to prioritize and figure out what's important and that's to raise happy, healthy kids who know the difference between right and wrong, who are kind and have good values."

Editor's note: Westchase Patch teamed up with Westfield Citrus Park to pamper some special moms from our neighborhood. For our Mother's Day photo shoot, Westfield Citrus Park merchant Francesca's Collections supplied Corey's Graphic Fiesta One-Shoulder dress ($44); Double Drop Golden Pearl Earrings ($9); Double Drop Green Bib Necklace ($24); and Etched Wave Bangles ($18). Makeup courtesy Sephora.

Mom's Day Gift idea: Bib necklaces like the one Corey is wearing are all the rage this season. Check out Francesca's wide selection of accessories. Now through May 14 buy one piece of jewelry at Francesca's and get half off another piece.

Check back tomorrow for our next featured mom!