Several weeks ago, The Wedding Marketing Blog posted an item, noting the disinformation contained in a Chicago Fox TV interview with Bella Pictures, former VP of Business Development, Jenny Lefcoourt. In that discussion, Lefcourt self-promoted Bella Pictures, and then went on to give some very ragged advice on saving money in other areas of a wedding. The low-light was its entertainment segment, suggesting that bride might ‘dump the DJ’ in favor of using an iPod.
Subsequently,The Wedding Marketing Blog posted another Lefcourt interview with a Los Angeles Fox TV Affiliate showing brides how they should pose to ‘shed a few pounds.’
Despite being first aired, in 2008, these interview had been missed by many wedding professionals. Representation of the clips caused a fresh firestorm about a variety of issues. Links to these blog posts popped up on many industry message boards and discussion groups.
Today, there is something new to report. On the Open Source Photo message board, a message was posted by former Co-founder and Chief Photographer of Bella Pictures, Bob Davis.
The carefully worded message made some of the following points.
- Davis shared his “disappointment” with the Fox TV Interview (Chicago segment)
- He makes it known that “he is no longer with Bella Pictures”
- Davis goes on to explain that “…his values were no longer in alignment with Bella as of March 2009, and he was let go.” One might characterize the situation as philosophical differences (my words, not Mr. Davis).
- He gives a direct, but clearly-worded warning to photographers, reading his post, to “Please enter into any working arrangement with Bella Pictures with your eyes and expectations wide open.”
Analysis and Opinion: Bob Davis left Bella Pictures quite recently. You should read his entire post to get the full flavor of it. I read the tone as a lament. He is clearly expressing that Bella Pictures has strayed from its original concept and he was no longer comfortable with it.
His ‘warning to photographers’ should further concern about the practices of Bella Pictures. Davis does not address brides, as the Open Source Photo Message Board is a forum for professionals; however, one can only speculate what he might tell them.
In my study of many online comments of brides on various other forums, the random satisfaction of their customers makes continuity and consistency the major bugaboo with Bella Pictures. The major one, but there are others.
Despite the fact the Bella Pictures has an inconsistent track record in their core competency, photography, they have expanded into videography.
When you hear such sad comments from Co-Founder and former Chief Photographer of Bella Pictures, it should give you great pause for concern.
Andy Ebon
The Wedding Marketing Authority
Great to hear Bob is keeping his morals at the forefront of his life.
Good for you man.
Eric
A lot of people have taken interest in the news. They all think Bob is tops!
Andy
wow…Andy you are a wealth of knowledge. thanks for keeping us all informed!
J
Thanks Andy for the update on Bella Brides!
Justin
I worked for Bella Pictures long enough to put 200 weddings under my belt through their bookings. It was good. Very good. Until the month of April in 2008. Tarah Makinson-Sanders took over as VP of Photography and the real founder, George White, ‘left’.
I have never been treated/lied to in the kind of manner that actually made me sick.
I went out in a BLAZE of GLORY: Read the closing exchange of email correspondence.