mom is here project

Recently Sprout, (the 24 hour preschool channel) sent me a fun little care package and asked me if I would participate in their latest initiative called the Mom Is Here Project. Though I am pretty darn picky about the things that I promote, I said YES! because I think this initiative is something would resonate with lots of moms out there. The project was inspired by a recent article in the Huffington Post which asked the question- why aren't more moms present in photographs of milestones and memories of their children. Sprout is trying to galvanize a movement of moms "getting back in the picture" with their "Mom Is Here" project.

 Sprout asked me to spread the word via Instagram but I wanted to take it a step further and dedicate a post to some photography tips and inspiration. As a blogger, who is now a mom I am always trying to find creative ways to capture a moment, document an idea or use my lens to capture inspiration to share with my readers. Taking pictures is a BIG part of what I do every day so I have gathered a few tips and tricks with the hopes of inspiring all of you mamas out there to get back in the picture!

I use my camera timer ALL the time to capture those moments when its just Lucy and I together. A timer makes it possible to quickly jump into the photo. Any camera with a timer setting will work. I would suggest getting comfortable and practicing with your timer first. Most of the time I carry my iphone with me so I make sure I have it loaded with all kinds of photo and timer applications. My favorite timer applications are-

Camera Timer- its SIMPLE! I use a timer all the time to capture self portraits or family photos. 

Timer Cam- Another super simple and straight forward application.

GorillaCam- From a self timer to rapid fire to stop motion and time lapse, this  FREE application has EVERYTHING you need in a timer.

While I typically use what I have on hand (stroller, rock, sweat shirt, etc) to prop my camera, there are all kinds of really cool tripods that can be used with cameras or camera phones. My favorite is the The Gorilla Pod (or any flexible tripod) is SUPER cool because you can mount your phone or camera and twist it around anything, set the timer and shoot!

"Selfie's" (or the obligatory photo taken of yourself) used to be for taking your facebook profile pic but I like to use this concept to capture little moments with Lucy. If she is sitting on my lap, sleeping on my chest, riding on my shoulders, I like to grab my camera, turn it around and click! There is no timer used in photos like this, instead you are simply holding your camera out in front of you and trying to capture the moment! It takes a little practice but it's really handy to catch a quick photo. 

Even the most confident of people can get camera shy or feel self conscious about having their photo taken! Instead of close up or a full length body shot- try getting creative with cropping or positioning the photo in unique ways. There is no rule that says you need to have your face in a photo- instead focus more on capturing the moment...

Its easy to think that photos of memories and milestones need to be happy and beautiful. But to be honest some of my favorite photos are of the not so happy times because these are the moments when there was struggle, growth and learning. Forget about always trying to capturing a beautiful moment instead challenge yourself to capture the bad with the good!

I am defiantly the photographer in the family which means much of the time I end up taking photos of everyone else! As much as I wish someone would follow me around with a camera capturing all of the precious moments, I've finally learned that I just need to speak up and ask to have my photo taken. Over time my husband has become acustomed to the types of photos I like so when we are out doing something I simply speak and ask for him to follow Lucy and I around capturing photos. We trade off doing this for each other and then use our timer to capture all of us together.  

I have always loved taking photos, documenting moments and using my camera to express  myself and now that I am mom, this process has taken on a whole new meaning. I am even more inspired to use my lens to capture this journey as a mom. I don't want to miss a moment and I also don't want to miss out on appearing in the photos while those moments are happening. I want to challenge all you mamas out there to find unique and creative ways to capture your own journey and get yourself back into the photo!

Want to participate?

Snap a photo of you and your kids

Post on Instagram

Tag #MomIsHere

Post by 5/31

Selected photos will appear on a billboard in Times Square and ten winners will be featured on Sprout and receive a prize package!

updates from the studio

I've been keeping a huge secret over here that I am finally able to share...

Back in 2011 I was contacted by Demdaco about working together- insert two years, lots of creativity, 

collaboration and time- I am happy to announce that I will have a line of products with Demdaco. I wish I 

could share photos and more details but I can't quite yet (soon, very soon). All I can say is my line 

"Heart to Art Remix" looks amazing and I am super proud and incredibly excited for this new adventure!

With summer right around the corner I've two fun small online classes coming.

I will be releasing details and registration next week!

My husband Andy and I have been making time to collaborate and we have a matted art print of our first 
collaboration available in the shop HERE.

I have finally created a newsletter that will be going out every month. Please sign up if you would like 

updates, 

announcements, inspiration, giveaways and more delivered to your inbox!

Subscribe to our mailing list

Looking for a place to advertise? I've got a handful of ad spaces available. Head over to my sponsorship 

page HERE for more information

studio schedule

I've got a handful of live classes/retreats scheduled in my studio. If you are looking for a reason to escape 

to the Oregon Coast and emerse yourself in creativity, join me!

Living on the Oregon Coast has made me a seeker of adventure and inspiration. From the mountains, to the sea, to
the quaint coastal communities- the area offers some amazing inspiration. In my this one day class we will combine
sketching and exploration. We will sketch our way around my hometown of Seaside, Oregon. I will take you to some
of my favorite places and secret spots all while learning and sketching on the go! I will discuss and demonstrate simple
techniques for sketching and keeping a visual journal. We will absorb the colors, materials, and treasures of the area
and document them in our sketchbooks. Drawing and art journaling is such an important part of my creative life- it
provides the opportunity for practice, growth, inspiration and escape and I can't wait to share my passion with you!

For more details visit HERE

From an artistic perspective, growing up on the Oregon Coast made me a seeker of wonders.  From the old growth 

woods, perched above the ocean, to the thundering surf pounding against the rocky shore, to the fog hanging over sandy 

beaches- the landscape offers up its treasures and dynamic inspiration to the willing soul. “You, Me, and the Sea” is 

a small retreat designed to share the inspiration of the Oregon Coast and the opportunity to immerse yourself in 

sketching, painting and mixed media projects based on the natural wonders of the sea. Together we will spend 

3 day sin a whirlwind of creativity- drawing, painting and projects inspired by the ocean and its offerings. We will 

absorb the colors, materials, and treasures of the landscape and turn them into unique artwork. 

for more details visit HERE

With a background in painting and printmaking I have discovered all kinds of simple and messy graffiti inspired 

techniques that can be used in a variety of surface design projects. From painting to doodling to layering color- there 

are so many ways to create unique fabric with a graffiti vibe. And the best part is that alll that fabric can be used to create 

one of a kind accessories! In this two day class you will have the opportunity to design and create your own fabric and then transform that fabric into a unique no sew handbag. I've been transforming my graffiti paintings into purses for the 

last ten years and I am excited to share my techniques and process with you! 

For more details visit HERE

Interested in bringing your group to my studio for a customized retreat or class?

Contact me for class options, details and pricing at alisaburke@gmail.com

fashion friday- DIY ombre hair

Let me first start by saying that I don't think "DIY" and hair belong in the same sentence but this was so darn easy 

I just couldn't resist sharing.

I've been growing my hair out for the last 4 years and FINALLY it's long enough (well, almost- it could probably be 

a little longer) for ombre highlights. Ombre highlights are when your hair graduates to a lighter color at the ends. 

Its a little dramatic and I've found you either love it or hate it- I love it! I think it has a nice boho/summer vibe. 

Feria makes a product called Wild Ombre and since I'd rather spent money on plants for our garden (than a trip 

to the salon) I decided to give it a try. *Word of warning- coloring your hair at home always has the potential to 

go wrong. Make sure you do a strand test before jumping in! 

My hair is dark brown and typically turns a nice auburn/red if I spent time in the sun. I wanted my ombre more 

red (than blond) and less dramatic than the color on the box so I left the color in for the minimum amount of 

time (25 min) to achieve reddish color. 

I love the way that it turned out- its perfect for my wavy (messy) hair and will be fun for summer!

spring color study

grab a ball point pen

My husband Andy is an EXPERT at drawing with a ball point pen so I asked him to help me put together

a swatch guide, with his favorite techniques for using a blue ball point pen in drawing and sketching.

1. Shade dark to light  2. Cross hatching 3. Scribbling  4. Make use of different types of lines and weight of lines 

5. Dark cross hatching or concentrated pigment 6. Hold pen as flat as possible when shading

6. Hold pen at 45 degree angle to shade 7. Use fine details and shading along with lines 

8. Use cross hatching along with lines  9. Shade in the direction of a shape or object 

Head on over to Andy's blog to see more of his ball point pen drawings!