The most iconic event in Savannah happens every March when the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade and all things Celtic-related rule. The town’s population triples for the occasion and, thanks to the keen eye and artistic talent of photographer Bailey Davidson, the entire world can witness the city’s joyous, fun, and traditional celebration through his treasured images.

To be able to “shoot” and document the events for the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Committee is “very much an honor,” Davidson said. “To me, it’s all about being a part of history. The Saint Patrick’s Day Parade is a tradition in Savannah and it’s nice to be a small part of that.”

Davidson, 51, has a life-long love affair with photography. “I have been a visual artist since childhood and have been taking pictures for almost as long,” he said. “My first camera was a Kodak Disc, which I still own. In 1990, my mother gave me a hand-me-down Minolta 7000 35mm camera with detachable lenses and that took things to the next level.”

After receiving a Bachelor of Arts from Georgia College, the Milledgeville native found his way to Savannah in 2000 when he was accepted to Savannah College of Art and Design’s Master of Fine Arts Photography program. While attending SCAD, Bailey met his wife, Larissa Thut Davidson, originally from Switzerland, who was also studying at SCAD. The importance of photography in their life is apparent in their love story.

“We got married in 2011 in the photo equipment check-out room where we met, in the basement of Bergen Hall, the old photo building,” Bailey shared proudly. “Larissa is now the Marketing Director at the Savannah Music Festival and we have a three-year-old daughter.”

Nowadays, Davidson uses every type of equipment from plastic film cameras to Canon 5Ds, depending on his subject, project, or mood, when he is working an event. However, during the historic parade, he likes to have at least two cameras on hand that can cover a wide range of focal lengths.

Options for nabbing the “money shot” are high for Davidson, especially since he began working for the Parade’s Executive Committee in 2018 and has been photographing most of the festivities since then.

“There are several events—starting at the end of February—leading up to the parade,” Davidson explained. “For example, I get to photograph things like the Honoring of the Deceased Grand Marshal Ceremony [where] a past deceased Grand Marshal is recognized graveside; the Celtic Cross Mass, Ceremony, and Reception at the Basilica Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist; the Sergeant William Jasper Procession and Ceremony honoring the Jasper Greens and where retired and active military service members are recognized; the greening of the fountain in Forsyth Park, and, of course, the parade itself.”

In all the years Davidson has been capturing images and memories from the Saint Patrick’s Day festivities, there is one shot that stands out.

“Wow… to pick a favorite [picture] might take a while,” he began. “…but this photo, in particular, says many things. I watched the scene unfold as the little girl in the picture was somewhat hesitant to approach the rumbling, flashing motorcycle and its armed occupant. However, with encouragement, she mustered up the strength to bring him a flower and it provided me with this honest, endearing moment.”

It is memories such as this that are so important not only to Davidson as a photographer, but to him as a local and what the day means to all Savannahians. This year, Savannah is celebrating its 200th parade anniversary, so Davidson knows it will be a special day for everyone who gathers on the streets, picnics in the squares, and cheers along to the music and entertainment.

“It’s a day for all! You see so many people… Family, friends, and, most importantly, the celebration of Saint Patrick. There will be a special energy in the air this year due to the significant anniversary. I am always intimidated going into the season, but I am looking forward to the challenge.”

Davidson can be found online at www.baileydavidson.com. Check out the festivities and parade schedule at www.savannahsaintpatrickspics.com.

This article appears in Connect Savannah I March 2024.