{My Baby Sister's Family} | Gwinnett County Portrait Photographer

My family has always been very supportive of my "little photo business". At the beginning, most thought of it as a fun hobby, but now, they are confident in referring to me as a pro. I love to do shoots for my family because we are so close and I feel like this is something I can give them from my heart.

My sister doesn't usually wait for me to offer- she asks- ok, tells me that I am her photographer (and let's face it, I'm not gonna turn her down!) I am always very flattered that she trusts me to capture my niece's newborns, first months, and now, her sweet little family! We ventured to a local park to find people camping on the site (ummm, huh?) but we were able to find a nice quiet area all to ourselves and had some fun!

Love you guys!

Yup- that's my sister!

{Fall Giveaway Time!}

Over the last few months, after searching for inspiration, outfits for my own children, and my obsession with Etsy, I have found some AWESOME crafters to share with my fans and blog readers! I was so excited to show off their wares, I decided that a giveaway would be the perfect way to get the word out!

These gals have generously donated a Fall or Halloween themed item from their shop for you to "bid" on! Each of these photos can be found on the Hugghins Photography Page. All you have to do to enter is comment on the photo. There is no limit to how many items you can "bid" on, but you can only comment on each photo ONCE. When the contest is over, a winner will be chosen randomly for each item. You are also highly encouraged to Like their Page to stay updated on their latest creations and show your support of their business!

Anyone can enter, including photographers!

 

Georgia Couture

Rosette Headband (fits toddler to adult)

"Bid" on this item here

The Headband Shoppe

Burnt Orange Peacock Clip (fits child to adult)

"Bid" on this item here

Mellon Monkeys

Brown Argyle Tie (infant-8 years)

"Bid" on this item here

Kiwi and Kiki

Orange Flower Headband (fits newborn-adult)

"Bid" on this item here

Posh Tots

"Boo" Pillowcase Dress (size toddler to 6)

"Bid" on this item here

Pretty Baby Bowtique

Flower Headband with Pearls (fits infant-toddler)

"Bid" on this item here

Southern Stitches

Acorn Tee (any size)

"Bid" on this item here

Buttons, Bows, and Tiny Toes

$25 Gift Certificate to the Shop

"Bid" on this item here

Sweetest Stitches

Pumpkin Knit Hat (fits newborn to 3 months)

"Bid" on this item here

Two Lollidots

Crown and Bow Tie Set (fits toddler-5)

"Bid" on this item here

Hugghins Photography

Half-Off Session

"Bid" on this item here

Remember to comment on Facebook photo for your entry to count! You can view all of the items HERE

CONTEST WILL END FRIDAY OCTOBER 21ST!!

{The Byars Family} Gwinnett County Family Portraits

Like I said on my Facebook, I ADORE this family! They are beautiful inside and out! I have known these guys since our high school days way back when and watched their relationship blossom! I was there when they exchanged vows 5 years ago and when they announced their pregnancy amongst our entire friend family! I was honored when they asked me to capture their sweet baby's newborn portraits and now that she just celebrated her first birthday, it was time for the ever important family session.

We met on probably the coolest day of Fall so far (and the windiest!) but they were troopers! I was in love with their outfits and the light that poured through the trees. Perfection.

This family (and session) exudes love in everything they do and become instant friends to everyone they meet. Guys- you are amazing!

Hot Mom check-in!



{Local Ladies} Jenny Williams

Your Name: Jenny Williams

Business Name: Josie’s Jewels, LLC

City: Canton, GA

Year Established: 2011

Website: www.josiesjewels.com

Facebook: www.facebook.josiesjewels.com

  

Do you have a location or are you exclusively online?

Exclusively online

Tell us about your product:

Josie’s Jewels sells boutique hair accessories including bow & flower headbands, beanies, feathers, clippies & more.

What made you want to start a business?

I’ve always wanted to own my own business, but I never could pinpoint what it was I really wanted to do. When my daughter was born, Josie became the inspiration I was looking for to get started! I realized how hard it was to find quality hair bows and flowers for her in the stores around town. So, Josie’s Jewels was born! We are more passionate than ever in creating fun and unique hair accessories for all of the “jewels” out there!

What’s your favorite thing about owning your own business?

I get to be a stay-at-home mom and own my own business – it’s the best of both worlds!

Any advice you’d give you someone looking to turn their hobby into something more?

Save up and start with CASH! Start small – don’t try to take on the world and your biggest competitors all at once. Maintain a healthy balance of work and family. Pace yourself, find your niche and go for it!

What inspires you?

Everything around me! I find the colors just in nature inspire my best color combinations and designs – taking a walk around the block can really help get the creative juices flowing! Combine that with some good driving music and maybe a quick shopping trip to check out the latest styles and trends for the season, and I’m ready to get to work!

Tell us about yourself, family, interests:

 I’m married and a stay-at-home mom of two. My husband is my biggest supporter, and I couldn’t be more thankful for him being the love of my life! My children are an absolute joy! When I was younger, I never imagined having children and was solely focused on my career. Little did I know what God had in store for me! Let’s just say, I’m thankful He knows me better than I do, and I’m humbled at the most amazing life He has led me to! I am a member of First Baptist Church Woodstock. I enjoy singing and playing tennis.

Where can we find you when you aren’t working?

Spending time with my family or at church.

Do you have any guilty pleasures?

My friend, Gretchen’s homemade red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese icing!!!

Where is your dream vacation spot?

 Italy/Greece

Thanks so much, Jenny! I am in love with those curled feathers! So elegant!

And she has been so gracious and is offering her Halloween feather headband (pictured in the first image) to one lucky reader! All you have to do is Like Josie's Jewels and Hugghins Photography on Facebook, then leave your comment here or on either Page! Share the blog link for an extra entry!
Contest ends Friday 10/7!

If you are feeling like you gotta have some of these for your little lady, check out Jenny's Etsy Shop

{My Home} Beginnings of a Boys Gallery

Ok, so I am always telling my clients how to display their portraits that I thought you might want a glimpse into how I decorate with images in my own home.

Let's begin with the boys.

After almost 6 years in our house, I have decorated (ok, painted) every room in my house except 2- the laundry room, and my kids' room. So it was time to finally give their room a bit of personality, and Labor Day weekend, we tackled a few overdue projects. First, with the help of my 8 year old, I painted the room a pale blue-gray. Then my oh-so-handy hubby cut and hung a few shelves for their ever growing "stuff" collection. Looking at the vast blank wallspace between the two top shelves, I immediately envisioned a big old print of the two kiddos there. So, again with the neverending help of my 8 year old, we chose the perfect photo- one from our beach trip this past summer.

I chose to do a mounted 16x20 and set it in a glassless frame which was just collecting dust in my office. After a coat of blue paint, voila! The very first art piece for the boys!

Stay tuned for more of my "gallery style" (if I ever finish any of them!)

And for more ideas for your home- check out some Wall Inspiration!

{The Anti-Photographer}

Photography is very much subjective. As with all art, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. When we go to get "pictures made", we want to look our best. We want to look pretty, or handsome, or thin. We want a photo of the kids getting along, or mom kissing the baby just the way they saw in some advertisement. We want to look perfect. Just like that family on the wall at the mall photo studio. You want them to capture that special moment of your family too.

So why then, are big photo chains telling you that you aren't special- you are exactly the same as the family from their 12:00 session and will be the same as their 5:00 session. You will get the same 30 minutes, the same white, then blue, then black backdrop. You will be told to sit, then stand, then lean on your back shoulder while they tease your 4 year old with a feather duster trying to get him to look at the camera. (I am speaking from personal experience) Is there anything wrong with this? No, not neccessarily. But if you are like me, you hate being treated like a number. You hate being viewed as a walking checkbook.

Now, take a look at your family- your 3 year old, freckle faced cherub whose dirt stained cheeks are so common, you tell everyone they are birthmarks. Your little blond angel who refuses to wear anything without her pink rainboots and a tiara, cause let's face it- she IS a princess! Then there's your hubby (sorry guys- calling you out!) who never smiles the "good smile" when asked to.

Maybe I'm a rebel, but the photos I really cherish are the ones that show the real sides of my family. We are by no means "normal", nor do I care to be- and that's how I want my family to be captured. Exactly as we are. I have one actual "smiling" shot of my boys in the house- the others are either them being their goofy selves or looking away from the camera. It shows who they ARE, not who I want people to THINK they are.

You will never hear me say:
"Cheese!"
"She's just not working for me today!"
"Do you want to reschedule so we can get some posed smiling ones?"
"That tutu and jeans combo ain't doing it for me."
"Just wear white tops and khakis on everyone!"

Let's create a session that is styled and designed for YOU, not the masses. And if that kinda thing is your style, then I may not be the photographer for you, and that's fine. My feelings aren't hurt. I do get that magic shot where everyone is looking at the camera with a great big smile on their face- but it is never forced. They smile because they had so much fun during the rest of the session, they can't wipe them off their faces if they tried.

{Have Your Cake and Eat it Too!}

When you think of the holidays, you think of all those people that are going to be expecting a holiday card. And not just some snapshot of your or your kids by the fireplace, I mean a card that will have them talking! Well, with this month's special, I got you covered!

September weekends are all full and only ONE weekday spot remains! October weekends are almost gone too. Don't wait! Get on the books today! ashley@hugghinsphotography.com