A little bit about me…
I’m living the North Coast dream up here in Portstewart, Northern Ireland with my husband and 3 kids.
Since 2012 I’ve photographed nearly 400 weddings throughout Ireland and the UK. I think it’s safe to say I’m a wedding expert! Although interestingly (for some) I used to be a physiotherapist so you could say my career took a slight U turn!
I love seeing couples do their own thing, break tradition and make ‘having fun’ their main goal for their wedding day.
I love living an active lifestyle - crossfit, hockey, and daily beach walks - I live by the sea and my house is permanently covered in sand. It’s a good problem to have.
I love being with people but I’m equally happy in my own company listening to a podcast or a great Spotify playlist. I’m an extroverted introvert.
If you’re into personalty typing stuff, I’m an enneagram 3. I love being productive and ticking things off lists. I need to learn how to rest better.
I wear far too much black - in a non-emo way. Can’t help myself!
My Approach to photography
I’m a people person - I’m good at reading the room and I think this is probably one of the most important parts of photographing intimate days and special moments. I’ll gauge when to sit back quietly and observe, and when to step in, enjoy the fun and have the craic with you. Your wedding day will have moments of sentiment which need to be respected… but usually by the end of the day the party vibes are in full flow and I’ll be there to party with you!
I love getting to know your family and close friends on the wedding day, ok, hands up I’ll get names wrong sometimes and make a fool of myself, but meeting so many new people is definitely a job perk. My aim on the wedding day is to fit in, and I often have parents of the bride & groom commenting to me when I leave “we hardly knew you were there this morning!”. Mission Accomplished.
Another goal of mine is to work quickly and efficiently - I don’t want you to miss any of the craic on the day, and with their being 2 of us (my husband Tim, and me) we can get through the dreaded family photos at lightening speed. We’ll have you back to the party in no time.
Why the change from Gather & Tides?
Tim and I launched our photography business as Gather & Tides in 2014. Initially we both shot everything together while I did most of the communication and admin. Gradually over the years, with Tim’s own work commitments progressing and now with him furthering his skill set into counselling, the business has become much more led by me, and I shoot everything outside of weddings independently. By moving to Gillian Higgins Photography, it takes the pressure off him to be at every wedding, and while he will still shoot the majority of weddings with me, I’ll occasionally be bringing along a different second shooter…. and not to overlook the fact that by going by my own name, it brings a personal touch to my business.