#TBT Real Bride: Ebony | Leighton DaCosta, Savannah Wedding Photographer

The finished shot!

Autumn 2010, a few months before her wedding, one of my brides, Ebony, decided to take part in a formal bridal dress session. I've always loved seeing large, fine art prints of brides. There was just something majestic and regal about it. 

This was my first time working with the amazingly talented, Timothy Cabell, of Savannah, GA. Timothy is an award winning and internationally competitive Hair and Makeup Artist. The session took place at the SCAD stables, located just outside of Savannah on the South Carolina side of the border. My wonderful lighting assistant was Hair stylist and educator, Shameka LeCounte, of Jacksonville Florida. Dress and accessories provided by David's Bridal Savannah.

Timothy adds the finishing touches to Ebony's makeup

Behind the Scenes, Shameka holds the light above Ebony's head

Survey Question #18: Does my photographer really need to be insured?

If you asked me 10 years ago, does a photographer need to carry liability insurance, I would have probably looked at you crazy. Why? At that time, I knew of nobody that had been injured or killed while taking a photograph. I would have told another photographer, "Just cover your gear and you're good!" Today with photographers taking photographs on more and more railroad tracks (usually illegal), private property, and other places; placing clients in danger, I have done a total about face on this subject. 

One of the first weddings I've ever shot, I ended up booking, because the other photographers did not carry liability insurance. The venue required only $100,000 at the time, and I was covered for that. I didn't think anything of it though, until after the fact when I found out why I had won the booking, and started seeing more and more venues require liability coverage. These days, usually between $1 Million and $5 Million at some of the premium venues.  

Simply put, EVERY vendor you work with should be insured for the unforeseen. In most cases, the insurance is pretty affordable, and there are companies who specialize in photography studios and businesses. This is a legitimate question to ask your photographer, and the answer should always be, "YES!"

If you find a vendor who DOESN'T carry basic business liability insurance, be very concerned. This could be a signal that he doesn't have the other requisites in running a legitimate business in his state or city. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst. 

LD

January 6th 2015, Jessica + Maigan

After so many years together, finally able to say "I do."

When I got up this morning, I really had another blog scheduled for today. Normally I never place the date in the title, unless there is a significant reason. Today is a very special and significant day in Florida history. For the first time, statewide, same sex couples are allowed to legally get married. I have many friends who have had commitment ceremonies, but now they are able to be protected by the laws and rights that were never available before. 

Normally, I go down to a local courthouse once a week, to offer complimentary services to random couples, as a way of "giving back." People get married at the courthouse or other municipal center for different reasons. They could be financial, simplicity, speed, or maybe even a shotgun to the head. The courthouse wedding has always provided an effective remedy. My hope is that those counties in Florida who have chosen to NO LONGER PERFORM WEDDINGS at the courthouse for both same sex and heterosexual couples will re consider for the benefit of the public. But I digress... I believe that everyone should have great wedding photos. It is YOUR day. THIS will always be your anniversary, and as such, you should have something great to remember it by. 

While I was in the parking lot waiting to go in, I happened to see a group of people walking out and two beautiful young ladies just GLOWING! There I met Jessica and Maigan. I explained to the newlyweds, what it was that I was doing, and they were all too happy to participate.  

Jessica and Maigan with close loved ones on their wedding day!

I hope you enjoy these photos of Jessica and Maigan. To see more of these images and other sessions, visit the Client Photos section and go to 'Sidewalk Sessions.' Thank you!

LD

Sneak Peek of Tara+Kola: The Groomsmen

The Groomsmen
Tara+Kola

Just wanted to share from this past weekend's wedding. Blog to come soon.