Anatomy of an EIL Cover
People come up to me all the time and comment on how beautiful the covers of EIL are. This month’s cover is unique in that so many folks contributed to its creation. With that in mind, I thought I’d take you behind the scenes of how this issue’s feature and cover came together.
It started when EIL’s production manager, Terry McCarthy came up with the idea and organized a story to feature the upcoming Southern Grown Festival with the help of Sea Island’s Merry Tipton, Lesley Dalton and Eliot VanOtteren. Sea Island gave us those great recipes and photos we used in the feature. Kathi Williams, our editorial and social media director, thought up the “As Southern as” title concept and went to work with a foundation of exemplifying what's iconic about the South -- from biscuits to seersucker suits. All the pieces were shot up to Beth Rowen, our art director, and she put her spin on what you see on the page.
Ok, so now we needed a perfect cover that would say “Southern” to match our feature.
Beth came up with the idea to stage a casual but chic table setting under a live oak, made a sketch and found some sample images. Terry coordinated with designer Elaine Griffin to style the photo. The location was scouted and chosen from three possible locales. Sarah Spivey from The Darkroom was secured to photograph the scene.
Sarah Spivey, The Darkroom Photography
Some of the props came from the private collections of Lawrence Certain, Nancy Phelan and Nancy Butler. Natalie Bishop and Jim Quigley helped procure the instruments. Jim stayed though the entire shoot and helped us out. Thanks Jim! EIL’s Yolanda O’Hern and my mom stepped in to help with the actual shoot. Lee Watson from 1610 Antiques let us borrow many of the cover's items. Brenda Cofer at the 19th Hole put together the Southern cocktail fixin’s. Low Country Walk loaned glassware, Ace Garden lent us the garden accessories. Harlan Hambright had a dulcimer that Terry just HAD to have in the shot, and my Glynn Academy classmate Keith Wiggins lent his time, gun, and his wife’s heirloom quilt. The Pampered Foot, Gentlemen’s Outfitters, J. McLaughlin, and Jos. A. Bank loaned the clothing and accessories. Patty Rogers at A Courtyard Florist created the beautiful flower arrangements. George Ferreyra baked and brought the food. 40 biscuits! I think I ate 19 of them after the shoot! Delicious!
This went from concept to completion in three days, including a three-hour set-up and shoot. I’d like to say a special thank you to everyone mentioned above who helped contribute to make this cover stunning!
Oh, and the best moment of the day was just as Sarah snapped the cover shot, the church bells in Epworth began to ring. As my mom said, “They chimed a heavenly signal.”
The one and only time I was talked into being on the cover. ~DB
P.S. Remember to go online to vote for EIL’s Best of 2016. The results will be in July’s issue.
