celebrating mama in 2018

Mother's Day is always a very busy time of year for me as a Motherhood photographer. I've spent nearly a decade celebrating mothers through photos and this year I'm excited to have a lot going on as a result of that work.

First up, as an Unraveled Academy Contributor I am THRILLED to present Mother Lovin' Self Care. In this course, you will learn about reasons and ways to care for yourself first so that you can give more to those who need you.

Here's a snippet:
"Many years of my life, starting in about the fourth grade, have been spent thinking about or pursuing ways to change my body. I have spent so much mental energy thinking about my my stomach, my thighs, butt, breasts, knees, chin, nose aren’t skinny, or full, or round, or perky, or smooth or whatever the hell society has told me they should be. [...] Self portraiture is a powerful healing tool and creative exercise, and I challenge myself to get in the frame at least once a week. When I share these images, I’m not only conquering fear of disapproval, but helping other mamas feel like they aren’t alone in their skin or in their spirit."

Find out more about Unraveled Academy's membership program, and get in on my course, I'd love to see you there.

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Next, I am so thrilled to share that my friend Hollie over at First Baptist Church in Rockport is hosting a Mother's Day dinner Friday, May 11th for single mothers in our community. I have previous obligations, but know that my oldest daughter, Lily, is excited to serve at this event. If you are available to help pamper these women this night, know a single mama, or are one yourself, please contact the number on this flyer for more details.

Single mothers are among the most marginalized groups in our society, and I would love to see those in our community honored and loved.

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Also in line with treating mama to some good food is the Mother's Day Brunch I am hosting with Glow.

This popular mom-boss owned restaurant (the BEST brunch spot in town!) hosts a wonderful brunch every year and I thought it would be amazing to team up with her to celebrate motherhood in our own unique way. Make sure you give Glow a call to reserve a table and don't be shy, say hello!

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And finally 

I've teamed up with Kyla Ewert Photography and Ginger Unzueta Photography to produce an inspiration guide that not only encourages you to take pictures of your children, but to spend time with them. We want you to go beyond using your children as props and fully enjoy the summer you get to have with them while using your creative gift.

*If you love shooting everyday and are looking for some inspiration
*If you need a little extra push to get started shooting everyday, or every few days
*If you just love beautiful photography
This guide is for you.
No big girl fancy camera required

We are releasing the guide this Mother's Day (Sunday, May 13) for presale. Follow this link to get updates and be the first to know when it goes live.

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In between all of these amazing events, I get to do what I love - photograph motherhood for some amazing women and their families visiting Rockport & Port Aransas this weekend. I find so much joy in photographing expecting couples, babies, and families in Rockport, Texas - For more information on these sessions, visit my shop or email me at hello@maeburke.com for more info on booking a session with me.

predictable

Somewhere along the way - there became a very predictable career path for the mommy photographer-

Step 1- Get DSLR

Step 2- take pictures of kids

Step 3- have all of the friends you take pictures of for free tell you your amazing and should do this for money (these people never actually pay you)

Step 4- enter the rat race unprepared as a technical, artistic, or emotional photographer, leaving yourself susceptible to comparison.

Step 5- seek approval through trivial status certifications and online features (that did not pay you and do not give you clients that pay you)

Step 6- use superficial status symbol to FINALLY make a little bit of money through teaching

Step 7- get way over your head and realize your children you used to take pictures of are more-or-less props in your life that you've used to make a name for yourself and now it doesn't matter because the photography community has moved on to the next Mommy and Me pair who are actually a little bit more talented as a technical, artistic, or emotional photographers because they've learned from your mistakes.

And then said mommy-tog mysteriously disappears never to be seen again (or, let's be real, is now just in the hottest new MLM)

I know this because I, more or less, was trapped in this path.

I even played a small part in creating the mold.

But I am doing all I can to re-calibrate and fine tune the way in which I work. Not only to properly support my family, but to influence the other women in our community.

You are more than an "ABC Pro" or "contributor."

Your children are more than place holders in a "featured" image.

Your success can be defined by your ability to be what your family needs from you as a mom, wife and artist- NOT what a predictable career path has set before you.

Be on the lookout for more on

"Mother Loving Self-Care" on Unraveled Academy

and a special project with a few other women who have seen the results of this predictable path, that's going to feed your mama soul.

Mother's Day Brunch at GLOW

If you will be in Rockport Mother's Day weekend, you now how the perfect plan for Mother's Day.

Join local small business owners Karey of Glow and Mae of Mae Burke Photography for a morning celebrating motherhood!

Glow will be providing a delicious special menu.

Mae will have art displaying the beauty and strength of our local mothers and provide candid snapshots of the event, available for purchase.

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Be sure to book your reservation as soon as possible. This event is usually packed, and we don't expect this year to be any different!

I will also have limited availability that weekend for family portraits. Visit my shop for more details or email me at hello@maeburke.com