The DWF has received an email from Bob Davis, one of the best known wedding photographers in America.
In his note to the DWF, mentions that he’s not “forum person,” but wanted to share this note with our community. The subject is his relationship with the controversial Bella Pictures wedding photography company.
Bob Davis’ note is presented here, without comment:
Back HomeHi everyone. I not a member of DWF, but this thread has been brought to my attention and I wanted present the facts. I am not nor was I ever an Owner of Bella Pictures, but I was founding member. My goal in working with Bella Pictures was to help establish the standard of photography that would be acceptable and to help foster creative growth and technical proficiency through photo coaching.
I have always been an advocate for photographers and the photographic community, that does not mean my voice was always heard. As of March of 2009, I was let go from Bella Pictures, due to financial reasons. For a long time our core values have been growing in different directions. For those of you who know me, I have a passion for wedding photography and for helping others improve their craft of photography. It has never been about the money! For months I said nothing, but considering recent events, just my opinion, Bella made further mistakes on their part showing lack of respect for the entire wedding industry, I felt it was time publicly divorce myself from Bella Pictures.
I wish them well and hope at some point they can get back on track with the core values we created.
I have always been open and honest with anyone who asked me about Bella Pictures or about my own photography.
Respectfully,
Bob Davis
9 Comments at "From Bob Davis, re: Bella"
It was inevitable.
Hmmmm…..these same concerns were expressed years ago by the professional wedding community. Bella’s lack of respect for the “professional” wedding community. It’s more than just making a buck. It’s about providing the best product and service without compromise.
best of luck to you and dawn, bob!
Bob, you are a talented man of integrity and high moral fiber. Your pursuit of mentoring the photographic industry and genuine concern to help others speaks to the nature of your intentions. Your departure from Bella is a devastating loss to them. It will be a great gain to our community as your time is freed up to continue developing your main mission in life. Bob, thank you for all your hard work, passion and vision.
Bob, after attending your seminars, I’ve had hard time associating your name with Bella, then Blue Studio… Glad I don’t have to think about it now. Rock on! See you around.
I’m always suspicious when people say it’s not about the money
I had a Bride just dump Bella pics because of their rude and dishonest behavior.. She said they wanted to charge her $300 to just meet her photographer the day of.. Well she jumped the ship and hired me.. Nice Bella keep on sending me the clients!!!
they are nothing without you Bob!
…and Jim H… seriously, is that all you can say?
I am not trying to start an argument, but after all that Bob wrote in his post all you can think of to write is that you are suspicious of comments about money. Well honestly, I am a photographer because I love what i do and what i give to the world and I learned a lot from Bob about paying it forward. You should really meet Bob & Dawn and maybe research their background more before you make such blind statements.
[...] A recent post by a founding member of Bella Pictures, as well as an email from my sister-in-law got me thinking about knowing your photographer. I’ve always been aware of the relationship I have with a bride and groom, and if you think about it, photographers are unlike any other wedding vendor. No one else other than perhaps your maid of honor and best man will be around you as much as your photographer…not your caterer, your florist, your coordinator, your officiant, or your DJ. We stick to you like glue from the moment we arrive to the time you have a glorious send-off into the night. [...]
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