Photography & Film
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ERICA HIGGS
New York-Based Freelance Photographer
New York-Based Freelance Photographer
Abby & Erica
When Erica’s daughter, Abby, was about one year old, mom and daughter started wandering the trails in the Hudson Valley and beyond. During the pandemic shutdown, they hiked 200 miles in just a few months. Erica shares, “We don't usually hike with anyone else, and we embark on our adventures with very little gear. Abby’s strength, perseverance and free spirit prompted my writing and creative journey with my photography.”
Blue Kinda Day
© Erica Higgs |
Amongst the Clouds
© Erica Higgs |
Erica discusses her quest to document her adventures with her daughter as they explore nature. The result: Adventures of Abby Girl
What do you hope to inspire in other moms when they view your photos of Abby?
I hope to inspire other moms when they view Abby enjoying physical activity, instead of sitting on the couch playing video games or watching TV. Abby is experiencing adventures that some people never will. She’s living epic dreams at a young age, reaching for the stars and grabbing them.
The best part is, you don't need a lot to experience nature and have these awesome adventures. You can see Abby enjoying the outdoors, and in a lot of the photos, you will notice Abby is barefoot. The truth is, we probably both are. We don’t spend a lot of money on these adventures.
The photos show Abby climbing mountains, visiting ruins, bushwhacking, or doing her schoolwork on a wooden bridge next to a pond. [Abby is homeschooled.] We live by Philippians 4:13 which is that you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength. Abby is one of the strongest girls I know, and it shows in the photos of her. I believe it inspires other moms to be strong and brave and raise little ones like that too.
What do you hope to inspire in other moms when they view your photos of Abby?
I hope to inspire other moms when they view Abby enjoying physical activity, instead of sitting on the couch playing video games or watching TV. Abby is experiencing adventures that some people never will. She’s living epic dreams at a young age, reaching for the stars and grabbing them.
The best part is, you don't need a lot to experience nature and have these awesome adventures. You can see Abby enjoying the outdoors, and in a lot of the photos, you will notice Abby is barefoot. The truth is, we probably both are. We don’t spend a lot of money on these adventures.
The photos show Abby climbing mountains, visiting ruins, bushwhacking, or doing her schoolwork on a wooden bridge next to a pond. [Abby is homeschooled.] We live by Philippians 4:13 which is that you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength. Abby is one of the strongest girls I know, and it shows in the photos of her. I believe it inspires other moms to be strong and brave and raise little ones like that too.
On the Farm
© Erica Higgs |
Suspended
© Erica Higgs |
What does Abby think of the photos?
Abby loves seeing herself in the photos. In fact, at a young age, it inspired her to pick up a camera, and now we collaborate. Just the other day, she went out on a frozen creek bed and took the most amazing photo. Then, she discussed it with me.
This inspired her to start her own business, Abby Girl Art, where she creates and sells abstract prints and photography. All of her proceeds fund her dance education. She also loves looking back at all of our adventures.
Abby loves seeing herself in the photos. In fact, at a young age, it inspired her to pick up a camera, and now we collaborate. Just the other day, she went out on a frozen creek bed and took the most amazing photo. Then, she discussed it with me.
This inspired her to start her own business, Abby Girl Art, where she creates and sells abstract prints and photography. All of her proceeds fund her dance education. She also loves looking back at all of our adventures.
Girl Who Talks to Flowers
© Erica Higgs |
Leap and Splash
© Erica Higgs |
Rejoice
© Erica Higgs |
Any future plans for your photography that you'd like to share?
We both hope to continue to inspire others. We would love to be featured in more magazines and galleries in order to share our story with more people.
Where do you find sanctuary?
I find my sanctuary, my peaceful place, in my mind and heart on top of mountains and in the woods away from man's footprint – just surrounded by nature. More specifically, I find peace in my heart and mind. To me, the higher I climb, the greater the challenge and the closer I feel to God when I hit a summit. This gives me peace.
We both hope to continue to inspire others. We would love to be featured in more magazines and galleries in order to share our story with more people.
Where do you find sanctuary?
I find my sanctuary, my peaceful place, in my mind and heart on top of mountains and in the woods away from man's footprint – just surrounded by nature. More specifically, I find peace in my heart and mind. To me, the higher I climb, the greater the challenge and the closer I feel to God when I hit a summit. This gives me peace.
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Erica Higgs is primarily a nature photographer inspired by the hundreds of miles she has wandered with her daughter on trails throughout the Hudson Valley and beyond. Erica and Abby have explored over 850 miles together on both easy and advanced trails.
Erica enjoys finding that special element when capturing a moment in time, even if it means lying in the mud or dangling from a tree. Her daughter has taught her to look at everything from a different perspective, creating very unique photography in the process. Erica’s work has appeared in several publications and in local galleries. Her photography has been featured on a billboard in NYC, and she won several first place awards. Erica curated a homeschool art show and is currently teaching art at a co-op. When Erica isn’t behind her camera, she can be found writing about her adventures through her blog and YouTube channel and posting in social media. Erica is also a violinist and modern dancer – she loves dancing with her daughter everywhere! |
Suspended Peacock
© Erica Higgs Besides her series "Adventures of Abby Girl," Erica enjoys taking photos of wildlife and her natural surroundings. |
