Angela Higgins – Lifestyle Photographer » Lifestyle Photographer of kids, babies, families and weddings

OUR WEDDING PLANNING

Thursday, February 4, 2010

And so it begins.

We have set the wedding date, found the location and now comes the hard stuff. All those details and plans. I am beginning to have a new found respect for my brides (or any brides for that matter) who plan a wedding from top to bottom. It is a daunting task and perhaps the wisest piece of advise so far has come from Grant in saying that so long as we have planned as best we can, nothing can go wrong. Its always in the preparation that things can be overlooked or missed, but if we prepare as much as possible all that is left is for the day to unfold naturally and for us, and our guests, to enjoy the moments we have crafted.

And so while we begin the planning stages I thought it might be fun, and perhaps useful for other brides, to see how we are crafting our particular day of days. So here marks that first post of what I am sure to be many which are going to be categorised under PLANNING!

There is still much underwraps as we finalise some details but I can tell you this. It is a destination wedding and it is in 2011. We will not be getting married in Western Australia or anywhere else in Australia for that fact, so it is going to be a challenge putting it all together remotely. I am so looking forward to it though. Our ultimate aim is that it is a celebration over a few days, not just the one day when the actual nuptials take place. A time for us to spend time with those that we care about most.

And so as I put down the cheese and cracker and get my workout routine together, beauty routine, find the dress, the shoes, his suit, perhaps the attendants clothing, create the save the dates and invitations, find a florist and a photographer, plan events for our guests over the weekend – we have a lot to do and just over a year to do it. Totally doable. Right?

This is a inspiration board I created a month or two ago over at Style Me Pretty. It is an awesome application that I highly recommend any bride use in the initial planning stages as it makes it so much easier to see what could possibly eventuate out of those thoughts in your mind. This is how I envisage our wedding. It will be interesting to see how it actually turns out I keep hearing Darryl Kerrigan when I look at the Chanel shoes, “Tell her she’s dreamin’!”.

Wish us luck (and pray for good shoes)

xoxo

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VON AND CONRAD – MOSMAN’S RESTAURANT WEDDING

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Von and Conrad are just perfect together. There is a synchronicity between them that speaks volumes about how much they care for one another. The light touch on the small of her back. The glance across the crowd to her groom with a knowing smile. They just get it and they get each other. Conrad looks at Von the way every woman wants to be adored. It is incredible to be witness to their relationship beginning the next chapter.

Von and Conrad are based in Melbourne and were initially supposed to be married at a private property on the outskirts of Perth. As fate would have it, circumstances left them finding a new venue and they came across Mosman’s Restaurant which was fortunately available for their date. Its funny that when I look at these images, each one is coherently Von and Conrad and I can’t imagine their day any other way or in any other location. It was a dream for me to be a part of and their collection is to die for.

I have to mention the time and effort they put into finding locations for their getting ready images that were beautiful as well as well lit was invaluable. As a natural light photographer, I will often forgo an attractive background for the best natural lighting. However, when I arrive to a beautiful home or wedding venue that has natural light pouring through the windows I often breathe a sigh of relief and have an internal “YES!” moment complete with fist pumping the air. It really does and makes my job much easier and creates those signature images that you see on the blog and in my portfolio – captured simply with the light that we are provided by the earth. Naturally.

Bride Getting Ready: Eight Nicholson
Brides Dress: Izaro
Brides Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Wedding/Reception: Mosman’s Restaurant
Flowers: Urban Flowers of Perth
Hair/Makeup Artist: Lisa Chester

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AUSTRALIA DAY WISHES

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Happy Australia Day!

Our day started at 4.30am (yes, I know!) this morning as we all piled into the car and headed to Point Walter for Grant and Ben to compete in a triathlon. Ben won his age group coming in 1st and Grant did an amazing job too. So much spirit and passion is in every athlete that competes – its a great testament to the human spirit and I never tire of it.

The drive home along the coast was littered with people heading to the beach for the day and boats on their way to the Swan River to get their positions for the fireworks tonight. We are off to my parents house for some swimming, BBQ and quality time with family. So looking forward to it.

So we wish you a Happy Australia Day! Be safe

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FOLLOWING THE RULES

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

When we decorated a living room recently, I invested way too much money in a custom ottoman upholstered in a beautiful chenille fabric. I had plans for this beautiful piece of furniture in our small, modest room as a feature piece. The room and layout I wanted wasn’t big enough for additional chairs, so the ottoman seemed like a perfect choice.

As it turns out, it has been an extremely good investment as a dog bed. Trying to discourage the dogs from being on the (yet to be scotch-guarded) couch, I encouraged them sit on the ottoman instead and before I knew it — it became their permanent resting place. It is right behind me as I work and perhaps the closest place to me without sleeping at my feet on the cool tiles. It is the perfect vantage point for viewing out the window without being told off for jumping on the couch and of course, is extremely comfortable for a 10kg canine. I have to admit, I like being able to hear Lily breathing deeply as she dreams. Perhaps not so happy when she lets “fluffy off the leash” as it is so affectionately termed in our house. This girl can evacuate a room, quick smart.

So here is a little celebration of my little Lily for following the rules and always staying on her très expensive dog bed and knowing the couch is out of bounds. I will not however, be posting photo evidence of Lulu ignoring the rules as always and claiming the couch as her own. No sir. The girl is 40cm long but can take up a 3 seat lounge like no-one else.

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Posted in LILY AND LULU, PERSONAL

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ANNIKA AND TOM – MATILDA BAY WEDDING

Sunday, January 17, 2010

I was delighted when I opened Annika and Tom’s wedding invitation. I love it when my bride and groom’s are kind enough to send me an invitation as the choice of stationery and carefully chosen words set the tone for a wedding day. When Tom and Annika’s came it only solidified my belief that this was going to be a day to remember.

Tom and Annika have been together for years. So many years in fact that their friends and family made many jokes during the day that they never thought this day would actually come. It is evident that they are more than husband and wife, but are also best friends. They have that knowing look that couples who understand each other have when they glance at each other and know, without words, what the other needs or wants. Their wedding day was based around them spending as much time as possible with their family and friends that had come to witness their marriage and celebrating their union.

Because of this focus, Tom and Annika chose to have a First Look on their wedding day. This is something that is quite a big trend overseas and I can see beginning to take off in Australia where couples will spend time together before the ceremony for their portraits allowing them to spend as much time with their guests after the ceremony. It is also great when your ceremony is going to be later in the day, perhaps around sunset, where the time directly after the ceremony may not have enough light for the best on location portraits. This is particularly vital with my approach to photography as I work with natural light almost exclusively. Tom and Annika chose to have a First Look for both of these reasons and it was such a great choice for their day and I think it made the day all the more special for them.

Ceremony: UWA Prescott Court
Reception: Matilda Bay Restaurant

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Posted in WEDDINGS

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STARSTRUCK

Thursday, January 14, 2010

I was casually browsing through my blogroll one August morning last year when I came across a blog post that was almost too good to be true. Cathy Crawley was going to host Jasmine Star in Sydney as she conducted one of her workshops. My heart skipped a beat and I think I forgot to breathe as I feverishly put in my application to attend, hoping against hope that it wasn’t already sold out as I knew it would in record time.

I came across Jasmine’s work early on in my photography career and she has been more than a subtle influence in my own emerging style. I instantly fell in love with her work, her spirit and her candour as I read her blog from start to finish and then found her previous blog which I devoured much too quickly. Her work as always been a source of inspiration for me and to know that I would not only meet Jasmine but be able to get insights into her thoughts and then to watch her shoot was almost too much for me to bare. The workshop has come and gone far too quickly and as I begin to process what I have learnt and how I am going to implement these tools into not only my business but my life, I feel incredible blessed.

Here are some of my favourites from our shoot that are only possible because of the incredible work Cathy put into organising it. She sourced the best vendors in Sydney for the outstanding couture gowns, incredible bouquets and boutonnieres and the most beautiful hair and makeup.

Models – Lacy and Evan, Kristie Jane
Flowers – Daisy Chain Florist
Dresses – Catherine Colubriale
Hair and Makeup – Elle Vierboom

A huge thank you to Cathy Crawley and to Jasmine and JD. Your incredible hard work and effort was above and beyond my expectations and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the opportunity you have given me.

xoxo

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THE FRUITS OF MY LABOUR

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Oh internet, where shall I begin? This past week has been beautiful in so many ways, all accumulating in my being in Sydney to attend a workshop with the fabulous Jasmine Star. This trip ended up being my own little pilgrimage as I took the time to listen to my inner voice and begin to live my life and approach my work with a new zest. I am very aware that I have been living a blessed life and I am also aware that it could be taken from me at any time. Spending time with Jasmine has encouraged me to jump head first into my life and not to hesitate in my decisions.

As I enter my third year in business as a professional lifestyle photographer, the next few months are expected to be busy with me coming to the end of a number of projects and beginning a few new ones that I am so looking forward to sharing. I have invested alot of time and effort over the past few years into my business and bettering myself as a photographer which has sacrificed alot of my time as a partner, daughter, sister and friend and the time has come to sit back for just a moment and reflect, reassess and move forward. The fruits of my labour in my business have been rewarding and there is more to come in the next few months. However I can’t wait to have more personal fulfillment as I invest time back into my loved ones and encourage them to pursue their own happiness and passion just as they have with mine.

In other fruits of my labour, these little glistening rubies were waiting for me in my modest vegetable garden when I returned home from my trip. The first harvest of the summer. They are small, but they make me smile from ear to ear.

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SHALINE AND MOHAN

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Shaline and Mohan flew in for our session from Malaysia back in November. We hit the town for some casual post-wedding portraits finishing it off spending some time in a field of kangaroos. These are some of my favourites

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A year in review

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Two thousand and nine.

I began this year with hope and peace in my heart at my decision to leave the corporate world behind me and pursue my passion. Photography was calling to me and as I look back over my years work I feel I made the right decision. It has been a hard journey, one that is often fraught with self-doubt but I remain sure that the images I am crafting are making the world, and my clients lives, just a little tiny bit more beautiful.

I am proud to now call myself an artist as I felt I was unable to before. I am finding my feet as a photographer and have gained the confidence to be more experimental in my approach to my work. I have learnt to follow my instincts and they will usually pay off. I see the world with an artists eye and am now documenting weddings and life honestly with this viewpoint. I can see how my work has evolved and how my journey to develop my own style is continuing to evolve with it as I follow my heart.

I set out this year with a goal of documenting 10 weddings. I have surpassed with a total of 12 wonderful clients that opened their hearts and welcomed me into their lives to document their declarations to each other. I am pleased to report that a few of these couples are expecting new additions to their family in 2010 which makes me so happy for them. There are also my portraiture clients (20 of you) who allowed me into their homes to document their lives and their relationships which I am so grateful.

2010 is looking to be just as beautiful, if not more than 2009. The next 6 months will see me document another 5 weddings, travel to Sydney for a photographers workshop, open my residential gallery to my clients and begin the planning stages of our own wedding we are scheduling for April 2011. I am developing a new found respect for my brides (and grooms!) and the effort and time they invest in crafting a wedding.

In the meantime, my resolution for 2010 is to make each day more beautiful than the one before. I have plans to refine my currently mediocre french, experiment more in the kitchen and enjoy the small moments that make life beautiful. I have a couple of other personal goals which I will wait just a little longer to share.

Happy new year!

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The following four weddings were just this month and I will share them over the next few months. The last two were actually in the last 4 days so they are very hot off the press

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