http://www.jillhiggins.com/blog/ Jill Higgins Photography Blog en-us http://www.jillhiggins.com/blog/index.php?link=380 http://www.jillhiggins.com/blog/index.php?link=380 Saturday, April 07, 2012
After having Cole, I also re-evaluated my photography business and what I wanted to do most. Although I adore weddings, I want to be free to be home with my family most weekends. You will see that my new website has two sides, and one of them is weddings. Although I will still be shooting them, I plan to only do 3-6 regular weddings per year.

I also decided to narrow down the portrait side of the site. My focus will now be lifestyle baby photography. I want to capture those sweet, everyday moments that you don't ever want to forget. If you need photos of something else, give me a call. I will still do other things if you need them or refer you to someone who can help you out.

When I decided to switch things up a little, I hired Eliza McCall of Shadetree Marketing to help me think of ideas for how to use my branding to convey the type of photography services I offer. She is brilliant and came up with a tagline for me: 100% Natural. Nothing Artificial.

Next I hired the amazing crew at Braizen to create a new logo for me and design my website layout.

Here is the "new" site, so check it out:





But wait...there's more. I couldn't quite give up on weddings and discovered it is really fun to shoot elopements. They are short and sweet. They allow me to do what I love and still have plenty of time to hang out with my family. I also love to travel. So I combined the two and came up with the idea for my next website: Love Takes Flight. I pulled together a team of wedding creatives, and we build destination elopement packages all over the world. So be sure to check it out too!





]]> http://www.jillhiggins.com/blog/index.php?link=379 http://www.jillhiggins.com/blog/index.php?link=379 Wednesday, July 27, 2011 {Quick Side Note: As my regular blog readers know, I am doing away with my blog and haven't posted here in a while. I'm in limbo right now, so this will probably be the last post. I had to take my old website down in order to move forward with new branding and a new site. So...if you go to jillhiggins.com you will just see a messy placeholder there right now. New things are on the way, however, so stay tuned.}

EMILY and CLAY

Black clouds chased me down the long, beautiful driveway and thunder began booming overhead as I drove up to the house to meet Emily and Clay for their "get to know you" session. Fortunately for me, Emily was up for indoor photos.

Emily and Clay are awesome and deserve nothing short of a Top 5 list, so here goes.

Top 5 Reasons to Love Emily and Clay:

1. They are a little bit quirky in a fun way.
2. They laugh. A lot.
3. They tell great stories. I loved learning more about them.
4. Emily has the cutest shoes.
5. They knows enough to come out of the rain. Literally.

That last one sounds much better than saying Emily is a big ol' chicken and afraid of lightning, right? I kid, I kid. Lightning is one of my two phobias, so I was quite relieved to know she doesn't like it either!

If I had room for more I would say they have wonderful taste in dishes. I really want their dishes. lol

Emily and Clay enjoy playing Scrabble together, so we started out with a little of that.





They told me lots of fun stories while they played.









If the truth be known, they didn't actually play. But...they did build words that tell something about their relationship.





As adorable as Emily and Clay are, Bootsy did steal the show for a little while. How cute is he?





It is obvious that Emily and Clay enjoy each other's company so much...

















I'm pretty sure that a couple that laughs together stays together.





















Next we worked up some courage and ventured [almost] outside.

















Bootsy stole the spotlight for another moment.





I hear that she may make an appearance at the wedding.





A quick traditional shot...





I love this series that tells so much about the sweet way they interact...


















Emily and Clay - it was a pleasure and I'm looking forward to your wedding!






Keywords: Thomasville, GA - Tallahassee, FL Wedding Photography Photographers]]> http://www.jillhiggins.com/blog/index.php?link=378 http://www.jillhiggins.com/blog/index.php?link=378 Saturday, April 09, 2011




The dress...





Everyone was buzzzing about and suprisingly cheerful for 7:00 in the morning! Maybe the mimosas helped. :)









Sky and Luke decided to see each other before the ceremony, and here is Luke as he was waiting for Sky to come down.





I love this sweet time that brides and grooms have together before the wedding begins.













The beautiful bride...













I'm normally all about color photos, but for some reason I just love their photos in black and white. I had a hard time not converting most of them. I think Sky and Luke have a classic look about them that just looks good that way.





Their ceremony took place in the First Baptist Chapel.





These candles were special to Sky and Luke because they were in memory of loved ones.





Mr. and Mrs. Luke NeSmith...





Sky and Luke decided to have a bubble exit as they left the chapel to go to the reception. I thought it was a great idea, and fortunately the rain stopped just as they made their way to the car that was waiting for them.









The pink and tan reception details were perfect for a brunch.













I thought these pink and white lollipops were so cute. Of course, the kids thought they were so...yummy!





The cake cutting...





How cute is she playing with the wedding Barbie that she received as a flower girl gift?





Cinderella?





I caught a quick shot of this couple holding hands and thought it was sweet...





A couple of first dance moments...









Sky said it's tradition for brides to do be photographed in the tub upstairs, so of course we had to get a fun shot for her!





And last but not least, they wanted a shot from the balcony overlooking the chapel.






Sky and Luke, it was fun seeing you again. I hope you are having a great time in the Keys!
















]]> http://www.jillhiggins.com/blog/index.php?link=376 http://www.jillhiggins.com/blog/index.php?link=376 Friday, January 21, 2011
My personal facebook page:




My photography facebook page:




My new destination elopement facebook page:





This is a more posed photo of my sweet, little boy. I do love it.





But what I really love...is seeing photos of him being himself. I just can't get enough of him, and I don't want to forget all the cute litle moments. Cole loves exploring, so I love this photo of him crawling through his new tunnel.





I also want to have photos to show Cole what his life as a baby was like. We move often because of my husband's job so our house is far from grand or perfect - but I want Cole to know what it was like. I bought this coffee table with him in mind. I thought it would be perfect for him to pull up on and walk around, to use to play with his toys, and when he is older to use for playing games. It's hard to believe that Cole is already using the table to play with his toys.





Cole is Brian's mini me. He wants to know how everything works. It amazes me how he can focus on a toy so intently.









I love his cute, little feet. When he first started standing he would stay on his toes most of the time. Now he is beginning to stand with flat feet as he learns how to walk.





Can I really blame this cutie for liking to check himself out in this mirror? His facial expressions crack me up. Of course this is a mirror that we need to hang on our wall, but that just goes back to the whole thing about our house being far from perfect. It's so important not to wait until you think everything is just right before capturing those important memories!









It's crazy to me how babies seem to know just what to do with things. For example, I don't think Cole has ever seen a horse, but he seems to know just how to ride it. Maybe he has a little cowboy in him. :)





So exciting...are the first teeth!





Cole has been wanting to walk for a long time. That desire has slowed down a tiny bit since he started crawling really well and is able to get where he wants to go quickly. He really likes his new wagon because he can walk around on his own.





At least he walks until he decides to sit down and play in the grass! Cole loves being outside.





Trying out a leaf...





...and the expression that says, "Ewww...I think I'll stick with baby food."





Even though he is getting so big, I like that this photo reminds me how small he really is still.





Hmmm...I think he has figured out the EASY way to get around.





I had one of my not so smart moments the other day when I decided to let him eat some banana pieces. Yeah...too slimy and slippery to pick up. Even with all the tiny pieces in front of him - he immediately reached for the big pieces at the back of the tray. Why do babies gravitate to things they shouldn't??? :)





Cole loves bath time and is always trying to sneak in the bathroom and get into his bucket of tub toys. He will pull up on the side of the tub and bang on it with his hands to let me know he wants to get in.





Happiness...













Brian and I both love bedtime...it is such a sweet time to give him his bottle, say a prayer with him, and then rock him to sleep.






So there you have it - a little glimpse into Cole's life yesterday. This is exactly what I want to do for other people. It's amazing how quickly you can forget things, and I want to help capture those sweet memories. I look forward for doing this for children and families - birth through high school!

If you are interested in this type of session, give me a call! :) ]]> http://www.jillhiggins.com/blog/index.php?link=375 http://www.jillhiggins.com/blog/index.php?link=375 Wednesday, December 15, 2010
When I first arrived I spent some time photographing details including the beautiful floral arrangements from Singletary's - Ram always does a beautiful job.





Lisa was getting ready with her bridesmaids...





Waiting for Guinness...





She and Guinness decided to see each other before the ceremony, and we were able to get a few photos while we still had daylight!

























It was soon time for the ceremony which took place in a beautiful horse barn.





I always love catching the groom when he sees the bride coming down the aisle.









The reception was beautiful, and everyone had a great time.









Savannah Moon Bakery made the pretty cake...

















The first dance...





The guests had a great time dancing - it was definitely a fun reception.

Disclaimer: The two you see below are NOT together. They are brother and sister. ha





Pure Platinum Band kept everyone on the dance floor.

















And I'll end with these two holding hands and sharing a sweet glance at each other.






Lisa and Guiness - I enjoyed your wedding festivities and wish you the very best! ]]> http://www.jillhiggins.com/blog/index.php?link=374 http://www.jillhiggins.com/blog/index.php?link=374 Tuesday, November 30, 2010













]]> http://www.jillhiggins.com/blog/index.php?link=373 http://www.jillhiggins.com/blog/index.php?link=373 Sunday, November 28, 2010 Azalea Inn is a wonderful location if you are planning to elope or have a very small wedding.





Leigh and Michael decided to elope, and I was thrilled that they called me to come and capture their special day.

Michael waited anxiously with the minister for Leigh to come down the walkway...









The ceremony was beautiful. I loved the way Michael and Leigh kept stealing sweet glances at each other.

















I thought the minister did a great job of making the ceremony meaningful and special even though he was just meeting the couple.













Making it official... :)





I grabbed a few shots of Leigh while we were waiting for Michael. She looked radiant.









After the ceremony we walked around the block to Forsyth Park and took pictures along the way there and back.





































We got a couple more quick shots inside the inn...






Leigh and Michael - It was fun! Best wishes for a lifetime of love and happiness! Keep in touch!






Keywords: Savannah, Georgia Wedding Photography Elopement Photographers













]]> http://www.jillhiggins.com/blog/index.php?link=372 http://www.jillhiggins.com/blog/index.php?link=372 Saturday, November 27, 2010
I don't know about you, but I think if you can still fit in your wedding dress a year later that calls for some kind of celebration, right? :)

We started out at the old store, and then took a few in the pecan orchard...









Did I mention that she is gorgeous?





And next...Chelsey went out in a little overflow part of the cypress pond. Yep. She walked right out into it. I would have been shaking in my dress thinking a gator or a snake would get me - but not Chelsey.

































Chelsey did a great job pretending that she was not freezing! The water was so cold that her legs were bright red by the time she got out of the water.


















It was so much fun Chelsey. We'll have to do it again on your five year anniversary! ha


So, what do you think? Would you be as brave as Chelsey?

]]> http://www.jillhiggins.com/blog/index.php?link=371 http://www.jillhiggins.com/blog/index.php?link=371 Friday, November 26, 2010 the big oak which is 326 years old!

The first photo clearly doesn't show Sky and Luke well, but I took it that way intentionally just to show the size of the tree and to give perspective.





A few more shots under the tree...













Next we strolled around the downtown area waiting for the lights to come on in the trees. I love this little spot tucked away by the old library.





In the little alley by Jonah's...













They are so cute together...





And finally...the pretty lights!



















]]> http://www.jillhiggins.com/blog/index.php?link=370 http://www.jillhiggins.com/blog/index.php?link=370 Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Bea was interested in outdoorsy photos, so we started out at the Country Club.

















The next few photos took place in a not so desirable part of town in the middle of the old fairgrounds. You certainly can't tell can you?





























Last, we headed back to the big city of Quitman. I was hoping for some pretty lights, but we didn't find any. We did check out the new garden by the Cultural Center.













We got a few more shots around town as we circled back around to our cars...


















It was fun Bea - I enjoyed spending time with you and your mom! :)

]]> http://www.jillhiggins.com/blog/index.php?link=369 http://www.jillhiggins.com/blog/index.php?link=369 Monday, November 22, 2010 see their wedding photos here.

We recently go together for some photos at a special location. We started off at the old store...













Next we headed off into the beautiful cypress pond.





My pond guides were Paige and Logan. I must warn you in case you ever hop in a boat with Paige...beware of algae and pond scum! :)





Their sweet, little dog was in the boat with us and could hardly stand not being with them...






































It was fun, and I think everyone should do anniversary photos! Be sure to check back soon because we also did photos of Chelsey IN the cypress swamp. That's right - she pulled out her wedding dress and enjoyed it one more time!]]> http://www.jillhiggins.com/blog/index.php?link=368 http://www.jillhiggins.com/blog/index.php?link=368 Monday, November 22, 2010 see their wedding photos here.

We recently go together for some photos at a special location. We started off at the old store...













Next we headed off into the beautiful cypress pond.





My pond guides were Paige and Logan. I must warn you in case you ever hop in a boat with Paige...beware of algae and pond scum! :)





Their sweet, little dog was in the boat with us and could hardly stand not being with them...






































It was fun, and I think everyone should do anniversary photos! Be sure to check back soon because we also did photos of Chelsey IN the cypress swamp. That's right - she pulled out her wedding dress and enjoyed it one more time! ]]> http://www.jillhiggins.com/blog/index.php?link=367 http://www.jillhiggins.com/blog/index.php?link=367 Sunday, October 31, 2010




Just kidding of course - but that was the news in Belize on 10-10-10. I grabbed a paper to get a shot for Corina and Luke. It's fun to have a newspaper from important dates, but I thought I would capture the date in another way as well.

Residents of Ambergris Caye mainly travel on foot, by golf cart, by boat, and on the north end of the island - by bicycle. I thought it would be fun to write Corina and Luke's names and date in the sand and wait for the perfect moment to capture someone riding their bike by in order to get a truly Belizean shot.





The sky was dark, and rain seemed imminent as Brian and I jummped on a boat to take the short ride up to Las Terrazas Resort where the wedding would take place. Las Terrazas is a beautiful resort nestled on 4.8 acres of private beachfront property.





Before the ceremony I was able to grab a few detail shots, and their rings were my favorite...









I Do Belize Weddings had the ceremony site looking gorgeous. I love it when event planners know how to make a beach wedding look pretty without taking away from the natural beauty of the scenery.









I love the sound of a steel drum on the beach...





How cute is this...big sis pushing big brother down the aisle...









It did start raining just as the ceremony was about to get started - but thankfully it stopped just in time for Corina to walk down the aisle.









Smelling the bouquet...





After the ceremony, the guests enjoyed cocktail hour...





Ha - no worries - just a Shirley Temple - but he sure is cute, right?

While the guests were mingling, we slipped away for some photos.





































Is this dinner with a view or what?? :)









Love this one...





Because the location is so pretty I had to include some shots of the area...





















A little dancing before dinner...





A final shot of dinner from the dock...






It was a beautiful day and a beautiful wedding!








Keywords: Belize Wedding Photographer, Ambergris Caye Weddings ]]> http://www.jillhiggins.com/blog/index.php?link=366 http://www.jillhiggins.com/blog/index.php?link=366 Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Julia said that being on the farm and outdoors really represents who they are - so that is exactly what we did. :)









Reed has his first cotton field of his own this year, so it was only natural that we go spend some time there. Julia had mentioned that they love a good Malbec wine, so I was sure to pick up a bottle at my fave kitchen store while I was home visiting in south Georgia. I surprised them with a blanket, the wine, and some glasses.

Cheers!


































Before leaving that location we walked over to a hay field and got this shot that I love...





Next we went to another special spot - and it was such a beautiful place to watch the sunset. Even Drake hopped in for a few photos. Isn't he great? I'm a sucker for labs.









Okay...take a look at the hills of in the distance in the next two photos and see if they look familiar. A movie was filmed here, and I'll give you a hint. It had something to do with Russians launching a missile. Okay - I'm kidding about that. (Inside joke related to my lack of movie memory.) But really - scenes from The Patriot were filmed on those hills! Cool, huh?









A few more in the golden sunlight...

















And last but not least - a silhouette since the sky was so beautiful.





Julia and Reed - I am so excited about your wedding. I wish it were not so far away, but it will be here before we know it.




]]> http://www.jillhiggins.com/blog/index.php?link=365 http://www.jillhiggins.com/blog/index.php?link=365 Saturday, October 23, 2010




















Then we went outside for a little while...









Kelly has clearly been watching too much Top Model and has mastered a couple of poses...





I can just hear Tyra telling her to look fierce...





Ha - I'm totally kidding of course!





Big brother Will came out for a little while and out came the suckers!





Sweet...









I think I got Will a little tickled... :)









A couple more of Kelly playing inside...










Being that we go to the same church as cute Kelly, I think Cole could possibly be chasing an "older woman" in the future! ha]]> http://www.jillhiggins.com/blog/index.php?link=364 http://www.jillhiggins.com/blog/index.php?link=364 Wednesday, October 06, 2010
We had a mini session+ to get a photo of them for their Christmas cards. We did a little extra (+) in order to get a couple of pictures of each of them individually.





They are so sweet together.

































Can't wait to see y'all again - Cole says hello! :) ]]>