David Higginbotham Photography, The Blog » Commercial

Faces of Sugar Creek-Alabama Commercial Photography-

David Higginbotham — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 02:43:32 +0000

Some faces just need to be photographed. Other times it’s the personality that begs a portrait. On most occasions it’s a combination of the two. Such is the case with most of the residents of Sugar Creek. One day Anna and I will be part-time residents at Sugar Creek and to be honest I’m not sure I’m interesting enough to live out there.

I imagine that little dead-end road is a pretty good representation of a lot of dead-end country roads on the water. Everybody knows everybody. You drive up and down that road more than once and you aren’t a regular…you’re likely to be stopped and questioned. It’s community watch without the monthly meetings.

I’d like to photograph a lot more people at Sugar Creek and hopefully one day I will.

Poetic Portraits - Huntsville, Alabama Commercial Portraits –

David Higginbotham — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 02:56:00 +0000

I’m working on a personal portrait project and last February my friend Dwight (1st image below) invited me to a poetry reading in Huntsville, Alabama to see if I could add to that project. It was a great event and I shot a ton of portraits. There were three that really jumped out as my favorites though.

Swimmer at The Aquadome – Decatur, Alabama Photographer –

David Higginbotham — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 02:06:46 +0000

Back in 2001 while still working as a photographer at The Decatur Daily I shot a swim meet photo at one of our local pools. The place is called The Aquadome. I’m pretty sure that was the name of a Kevin Costner movie too. Anyway I always liked the photo and wanted to try and recreate it only with a little better…more deliberate lighting.

Here is the original photo from 2001.

The folks at The Aquadome were very accommodating . The local swim coach offered up a couple of students for me to photograph but by the time I got inside and set up all of the daylight was gone. Instead of just packing up and leaving I tried to make the best of the situation.

It’s not a terrible photo but it’s certainly not what I had envisioned.

I have a feeling that shooting an image I’m happy with from inside that facility is
something that’s going to eat at me until I get it done.

Alabama Charity Championship Horse Show Portraits – Alabama Commercial Photography –

David Higginbotham — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 02:36:20 +0000

Last October I decided to go to The Celebration Arena in Priceville, Alabama with Anna as she had to work a shift while volunteering with the local Junior League chapter at the 20th Annual Alabama Charity Championship Horse Show. During my time as a photographer at The Decatur Daily I had many assignments at this horse arena. The majority of the time I was working on a tight deadline and never really had the opportunity to spend time exploring the many portrait opportunities that event presents. So instead of sitting at home while Anna worked I forced myself to go and take pictures simply for the sake of taking pictures. Since I am a full time photographer I do have to force myself sometimes. It’s sad but true. I’m almost always glad that I did. That night was no exception.

Amy from Penny Lane Farm was extremely kind and gave me several minutes of her time as she prepared to show her horse during this saddlebred show. This first image was my prize for putting in the effort to go shoot. I love this photo.

The clothes that the riders wear are formal and unique. I could probably shoot an entire portrait series just showcasing the fashion. Note to self….

Debbie with Blue Grass Farm was my next subject. She and her little Jack Russell were a lot of fun to photograph and she was so patient with me as I freaked out over all the photo possibilities I saw in their stall area. I didn’t meet a lot of folks that night but if these two ladies are any indication….I’d say horse people are good people.

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Harry Hames

David Higginbotham — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 00:13:40 +0000

Sometimes I decide that someone needs to have their photo made. I may showcase those images on this blog from time to time. If for no other reason than to tell their story…even if it’s a painfully brief version.

This is Harry Hames….

Harry has chosen to dedicate a huge percentage of his time to helping the people of Haiti recover from the earthquake that struck early in 2010.

I’m not going to try and write an article on him as I know it would be inadequate. Here is a link to a local story about the work Harry does there if you want more details.

If you know Harry tell him thank you for the work he does. If you don’t know Harry look around you and find someone who does dangerous, thankless work all in the name of helping others and tell them thank you.

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Briana Dean Music – Alabama Commercial Photographer

David Higginbotham — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 02:35:37 +0000

Briana Dean is no stranger to this blog. Here are some images from our first session back in ’09.

Briana’s music is a staple on both mine and Anna’s iPods. You can see more about Briana and hear her latest music by checking out her Facebook fan page.

We had planned on shooting some additional promotional images for her in the Spring and it actually didn’t happen until late this past Fall….there’s a tiny bundle of joy to blame for that one and I’m not talking about her husband Garrett.

Frank Barker Is A Helicopter Pilot – Decatur, Alabama – Commercial Photographer

David Higginbotham — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 04:12:33 +0000

Frank is a helicopter pilot. Not just any helicopter but a Sikorsky SK58T helicopter. There are only about 14 others like it in service within the U.S. It’s used by Solley Crane Service in Decatur, Alabama and can carry up to 5000lbs on the hook. Frank’s been flying these type helicopters for 23 years and has no idea how cool that is.

This is the second helicopter of it’s kind to be in service for the company. The older generation may look familiar to any of you who used to watch the television show Riptide. Check out the video at this link to see that helicopter, along with the finest version of cool that 1983 had to offer.

For my fellow photo nerds….here’s a nuts and bolts of the setup….

The main lighting on this image was an SB fired into a 28″x28″ Westcott softbox at camera right…another bare SB way back and high to camera left as a kicker. Finally a third SB was firing towards the company name on the side of the helicopter from the far right. That was all of the lighting for the base image.

Six other shots were then composited into the final image to add detail to the rotors, cockpit, sky, the tail, and the ground behind the helicopter. The camera was on a tripod and I walked around firing a single flash on those specific areas….except the sky…I just used an image from earlier where there was still detail.

Big thanks to my friend and fellow photographer Jonathan Moral for being another set of hands for me at this shoot.

Briana Dean

David Higginbotham — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 16:04:20 +0000

Briana Dean is an extremely talented singer/songwriter. Don’t believe me? Watch the video below and see if you aren’t singing this song the rest of the day! If you’re like me you’ll also find yourself singing it and pounding the wall (see 2:40). Just joking Briana….but seriously….I did that. :)

“Take This Outside”-Briana Dean

Fuzzyfilm | MySpace Video

We’re updating some of Briana’s promotional material and will probably get together again in the Spring to add a little daylight! But in the meantime….here’s what we have so far! Ironically enough….we did take these outside.

….okay except for this next one….