C O N T R I B U T O R S
IAN SANTIAGO / PHOTOGRAPHER
IN AN INDUSTRY THAT IS OFTEN DOMINATED BY LEFT-BRAINED INDIVIDUALS , Ian Santiago strives to introduce the more analytical and methodical right brain to meet a balance of professionalism and creativity . A proud Northern Wisconsinite , camera in hand and car packed to the brim , Santiago took off to South Carolina in 2018 in pursuit of becoming a master of his craft . With a B . S . from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse , Santiago has spent a good deal of time becoming an experienced professional in events and logistics . Drawing inspiration from Ansel Adams , Dorothea Lange , Reuben Wu and Jose Villa , it isn ’ t uncommon to see Santiago come on location with a crazy idea . Follow Santiago @ ianvsantiago and see his photographs in “ Burnt Church Distillery ” on page 120 .
AMY BARTLETT / WRITER + EDITOR
A 20 YEAR VETERAN OF MARKETING , MEDIA , AND MINISTRY , Amy Bartlett has built a career on finding and delivering the story — especially the story of God in contemporary society . Graduating from NYU ’ s Tisch School of the Arts , Bartlett worked in New York as an editor for Guideposts Publishing before becoming marketing director for a large San Diego church and later Northern California University . Now settled in the Southeast ( Hilton Head / Savannah area ), Bartlett has returned to writing and editing full time , and maintains multi-passionate pursuits in the Arts , including music and photography . Find Amy at amybartlett . org and read her work in “ The Southern Side of Hollywood ” on page 40 .
ABIGAIL MOISE / WRITER
ABIGAIL MOISE HAS LIVED ACROSS THE GLOBE from Japan to Germany but calls Georgia home . After earning her bachelor ’ s degree at the University of New Mexico , she and her husband settled in Savannah where she began her career in writing . Apart from her passion for the art of the written word , she is a devoted mother to a one-year-old boy and is expecting a baby girl in October . See Moise ’ s work in “ The Haunted South ” on page 34 .
JOHN ALEXANDER / PHOTOGRAPHER
ORIGINALLY FROM COLUMBIA , Md ., John Alexander has been a photographer in beautiful Savannah , Ga ., since 2005 . His formal training is from University of Maryland , Baltimore County , where he received a bachelor ’ s degree for photography and graphic design in 1998 . Alexander ’ s areas of expertise are commercial , portraiture , weddings / special events and fine art . Alexander ’ s style is vibrant and comes alive with a unique personality . Find Alexander @ johnsphotolife and see his photographs in “ DineSouth ” on page 100 .
BLAKE BALLARD / PHOTOGRAPHER
ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING PHOTOGRAPHERS ON THE RISE in an intensely competitive industry , Blake Ballard has had a crucial hand in developing many of the most sought after talent in the modeling arena . With a diverse portfolio and multiple magazine covers behind him , Ballard always pushes the envelope creatively , and consistently produces engaging images in collaboration with top agencies and talent . A former model himself , Ballard is adept at providing constructive direction to models to help them excel not only in front of his camera , but in future endeavors as well . He provides insight , and instills confidence to help talent grow and flourish in front of the lens . Follow Ballard @ blakeballardphoto and see his work in “ Hunting for Elizabeth Mitchell ” on page 52 .
20 SOUTH Fall 2021