getting to know the locals
Jay Bellflower, Cover Artist
I’m Jay Bellflower from Eastman Ga., but most
people know me as jaybirdpix. My wife and I
have been visiting Saint Simons Island for over
20 years, and we consider the island our home
away from home. The ocean has always fascinated
me, particularly the waves and their
movement. A few years ago, I came across a
photographer, Clark Little, from Hawaii. His
detailed images of Hawaii’s ocean waves and
landscapes inspired me, so I grabbed my
GoPro camera to try my hand at capturing the
beauty of a coastal Georgia wave. To my surprise,
the photos I took were also impressive, I
decided to invest in higher quality equipment to
continue my search for the perfect shot . I’ve
found that no matter how small or big the waves
are, they offer a unique beauty which is something
that, unfortunately, most people never
stop to notice. Through my art, I’m hoping to
capture memorable images and bring awareness
to what this world has to offer. So, the next
time you see me out there flopping like a fish in
the surf, I’m not crazy...I’m just chasing a wave
for the perfect shot. Feel free to come by and
say hello.
Fun Facts:
Approximately 14 years ago, I was barbed by
a stingray in front of Beach Club and had to
seek medical treatment at the hospital. It was
probably the worst pain I’ve ever felt, but even
that incident could not deter me from the ocean.
62 | @hightidestsimons
I have three children, and the ocean has
heavily influenced their lives as well. My daughter
attends the College of Coastal Georgia and
is a member of the Mariner softball team. I have
a son who is a junior in high school with plans
to join the Coast Guard, and my 10 year old son
also shares my love of the ocean. He often
accompanies me in the water and even takes
photos of his own!
Follow me on Instagram for daily photos
@jaybirdpix and visit Saltwater on Saint
Simons Island to pick up some cool metal prints
from my collection.