“I love this photo because you can see and feel the genuine love they have for each other and cooking. It also just gives a bittersweet vibe because of the B&W, which kind of hints at the fact that their family is going through adversity, but still continues to do what they love. “
Peri Carr, Graphic Designer
“The whole dry-aged pompano appears so simple and rustic —complete with a handwritten tag — yet so much innovation went into its preparation. It’s a perfect example of local food elevated by the amazing chefs we have here in the region.”
Marissa Deal, Editorial Assistant
“I absolutely adore the two-page spread in the March 2023 issue featuring a dozen different Azalea blooms! As a native Mobilian, I appreciate not only the beauty photographer Chad Riley captured with his lens, but also the fun facts about each different blossom featured.”
Jennifer Ray, Advertising Sales Executive
“This ridiculous photo. Audrey McDonald Atkin’s thoroughly entertaining feature on the Nutria rodeo hit several local notes: hurricanes, the Delta, queens, conservation and parties. In this picture, the boys’ hesitation to pose next to the giant, dead swamp things is readily apparent, but peer pressure is a powerful motivator at that age. The characters, actives and wildlife of our area are all endearing and unique, and this story epitomizes that.”
Stephen Potts, Assistant Publisher
“He (or she) just looks so happy and having a really good time…”
T.J. Potts, Publisher
“This cover photo of ShaMyra Sylvester screams “Summer fun.” Colorful and fresh, it perfectly displays her joyful and bright personality. From the moment we got to her shop, “Ginger and Spice,” we knew we had our cover girl. Flawlessly dressed and comfortable in front of the camera, ShaMyra made our job easy. With Chad Riley’s expert lighting, ShaMyra’s “all in” attitude, and just the right pink board, we seized the opportunity to capture this May cover.”
Laurie C. Kilpatrick, Art Director
“When I first saw this photo, I may have let out an audible gasp. The lighting, the framing, the scenery… I could go on and on describing everything I love about this photo. Suffice to say, with Richard Sullivan’s relaxed demeanor showcased against a beach-house background, it perfectly encapsulates a start-of-summer party on the water.”
Amelia Rose Zimlich, Editorial Assistant
“Every styled photo has a starting point, and that giant champagne bucket was the impetus for this beautiful collection of barware. My sister gave me the copper-colored ice bucket for Christmas and we knew we had to use it for something extravagant in the magazine! Shopping local stores for all the strawberry and champagne-themed gifts and barware was fun, but making the photo come to life with Art Director Laurie Kilparick and photographer Elizabeth Gelienau was the definition of creative collaboration.”
Maggie Lacey, Executive Editor
“As an introvert who’s joyfully afflicted with wanderlust, this airy, minimalistic ‘skoolie’ reminds me that dreams of living on the road can come true, even in the form of a 36-foot school bus.”
Amanda White, Mobile Bay Magazine Planning & Development
“This photograph transports me to the pier. I can feel the sun shining on my back and the breeze coming off the water. I can smell the fishiness of the bait and the salt in the air. I can hear the gulls off in the distance and the sound of the wagon clunking over the wooden boards as Jonathan heads over to drop his line.”
Marissa Deal, Editorial Assistant
“This photo is a stunner! The antipasti looks straight out of Italy, beautifully representing Daphne’s Italian roots. It was a cold late-January day for this photoshoot at W.O. Lott Park, which makes the warmth of this shot even more impressive. Who wouldn’t want to nibble on this spread at their next bocce game?”
Amelia Rose Zimlich, Editorial Assistant
“When I think of summer in the Bay Area, I am lounging on a float in the bright sunshine, bobbing with the soft wake from the passing boats, icy cocktail in hand and savouring the aromas from the low country boil cooking nearby. Photographer Elizabeth Gelineau brilliantly captures all the goodness of summer living on the river.”
Jennifer Ray, Advertising Sales Executive
“I love this photograph because no matter how many years pass by, the one thing that remains the same is our passion for our Bay-area waters. It’s a timeless love story.”
Mattie Naman, Digital Editor
“Every Gulf Coast cook and foodie loves gumbo, and this shot was extra fun to put together. John Sledge shared his family recipe with us, but we ran out of time to cook the laborious stew, and so we bought some (equally delicious) Azalea Brand. I wanted to include a crab to really grab your attention, so I went to my dad’s wharf and stole a few crabs out of his trap. I drove home with them in a bucket on the passenger seat of my Toyota, and cooked them up on the stove with my kids help. The old fashioned china and silver feels like a classic Mobile table setting, but the giant crab body gives the photo an edge.”
Maggie Lacey, Executive Editor
“I love to eat at Vandals, and believe it or not the food is even better than the photo! They have the article framed and hanging proudly on the wall, and it’s so fun to see it when I eat there.”
Frances Hurley, Event Coordinator
