Signature Series: "Reserved", Shagari Jackson Talks Doing What He Loves & What To Look

September settles us into fall. Fall brings us fashion, football, family time, and events with friends that feel like family. The season also sets off the primetime for becoming a fiancé. There are so many events happening, so much amazing fashion, music, and celebration that I decided to create the Spilled Champagne Signature Series— a monthly sip-down into fly, event industry professionals. These special digital editorial issues will give you insight, awareness, and bring light to resources that will make discovering the perfect event services.

Our inaugural feature for the Spilled Champagne Signature Series is Shagari Jackson, an award winning wedding photographer. Jackson started wedding photography in 2014, learning from friends that came before him. A long time creative, the freedom of capturing people's raw emotions versus etching ink on skin was what lured him into transitioning from tattoo artist to photographer.

Jackson: " Tattooing got me into photography, I picked up a camera and started a portfolio. I gravitated toward photography because it felt like a great fit for all my creative skills and I was happier doing it as a professional."

The organic, robust, but airy style that Shagari brings to his photos can easily be described as vivid mosaic tiles glowing in the sunlight. Capturing these moments and treating photographs to maximize their potential isn't a rapid process. Shagari tells me that for every 10% of time shooting there's 90% of time spent editing. He backs up photos to ensure security, and distills through about 2000 - 5000 images based on how long a wedding is.

Jackson: “I want every session to stand out and be true to who the bride and groom are... ...not shoot 1000 generic Pinterest style photos. My best work comes from clients that allow me the creative freedom to capture them. ”

It's clear that Jackson takes his craft seriously. He believes brides should take the selection of their photographer serious too. When choosing a photographer he cautions anyone to be selective and believes that you should be deeply in love with a photographer's portfolio style as is. His contingent rule is this: if there is anything you would change about a wedding photographer’s style, then don't hire them.

Photo by Shagari Jackson of Mosaic by MG, Florals by Hummingbird Floral Studio, Wedding gown by Blush Formal and Bridal, Rentals by Event Rental - Baton Rouge, Candles by Truly Haute Candle Decor, Makeup by Liz Schoeffler of E. Schoeffler Artistry, Model Chelsea @thenativeflora, location Jungle Gardens

Get interactive with the Spilled Champagne Signature Series by following @VAREvents to get access , comment, and ask questions. Special Thanks to Shagari Jackson of Mosaic By MG for his time and honesty in making our inaugural feature one to remember.