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 thought this initiative is something that 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. 

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!

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.

"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 accustomed 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 into motherhood. 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!