I began photographing weddings for Bella Pictures in 2004, around the same time as Mr. Slattery did. This was when John Kringas, George White, Tom Kramer, David Kreitzer, Steven Jersic, Bob Davis and Robert Ringham were the substantial and capable glue responsible for holding the company together. After a few wonderfully crazy months of traveling the length and breadth of the country photographing Bella brides I volunteered to review assignments and certify photographers for the company. I remained as a photographer and coach until just over a year ago when I became one of the many victims of the economic downturn and Bella terminated my position.

Michael Slattery was one of the photographers I was responsible for certifying and helping with company questions and concerns. I like Michael and have always admired his work. He is a top notch photographer and I found him to always be very conscientious in his desire to please his Bella clients. To say that he took it personally if he didn’t please them would be a gross understatement of fact.

Unfortunately, as nice a guy as Michael is, he isn’t always the most diplomatic person, making it difficult at times to positively move beyond his passionate pleas to be heard and understood. It takes patience and emotional energy to hear him out, but in the end, I always found that Michael listened and reacted favorably to reasonable dialogue.

As Bella Pictures grew it was necessary to bring in good managerial talent who didn’t necessarily come from backgrounds involving constant dialogue and intense interaction with very passionate and creative persons like Michael. When some of the former folks he used to interact with were no longer available I believe it became difficult for Michael to vent and then have meaningful dialogue in a timely manner.

As companies expand there will inevitably be changes that don’t meet everyone’s needs. Interpersonal communications seem to be a victim when corporations expand and Bella is no different in this regard. Demands on peoples time in relation to the required metrics to meet profitability simply prevent them from giving adequate attention to those who desire and need it most. I believe this is where many growing companies experience pain and have so much to gain if they would only put the proper people and procedures in place to deal with it.

I listened to Michael’s concerns when I was a Photo Coach for Bella and I know how frustrating it can be to want to help when policy and procedure dictate a direction that differs from what is desired. I also know how personally rewarding it was when Michael and I came to a mutual understanding of the situation.

Sadly, now communication has broken down and feelings have been hurt on both sides with dirty laundry being aired for the whole photographic community to view. Perhaps more complete explanations after allowing Michael to passionately and privately vent would have helped.

Let me clearly state that I don’t wish to second guess anyone. The rhetorical ball has been out of my court for some time now. I feel badly that it had to come to this for Michael, Bella and future Bella brides who won’t have the opportunity to be photographed creatively by Michael. I certainly believe that Mr. Slattery could have been more diplomatic by keeping individual personalities out of this now very public conversation. Bella might have benefited and avoided the situation altogether had they been able to communicate a bit quicker or more personally.

I sincerely wish Mr. Slattery and all the dedicated, hard working people at Bella Pictures, the very best and much prosperity in their future project and endeavors.

That you for your very eloquent post.

I would say that the big variance here is that Michael was getting different commitments/promises/projections on what amount of work to expect.

In my business history, I can think of any number of circumstances where talent (photographers, hotels, entertainers, etc.,) have tied too much of their income to a single source. That creates an incredible vulnerability.

Had Bella been as forthright with Michael, as they were with you, we probably wouldn’t be having this discussion.

Thanks again your very articulate contribution to the discussion.

Please visit often,

Andy