Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Smith.
Hi Taylor, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Being a native to North Georgia, I spent most of my formative years exploring different art media and found myself returning many times to photography. Disposable and polaroid cameras tirelessly captured what delighted or interested me, finding most of my work to be documentary. Growing up, I worked with film SLR’s, video camcorders, point-and-shoot digital cameras, and finally modern DSLR’s. I took some time to explore being the subject of the camera through freelance modeling, which influenced my ability to understand how to direct scenes for my own artistry. In 2013, I established myself professionally as a portrait photographer. My style consistently demonstrates a naturally bold and unapologetic expression of beauty, celebrating more neutral and earthy tones in my subjects and their surroundings. I have since found inspiration in the lifestyle genre of photography, which naturally depicts milestones and personal experiences such as maternity, newborn, engagement, couples, graduation, and wedding photography.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like any small business owner, it was challenging to overcome the mental hurdle of taking the full leap into my work. My upbringing influenced me to believe guaranteed income was more important than investing in myself and my potential for growth. I was putting so much time and energy into a separate full-time job that I missed out on many opportunities as a photographer. For this reason, my business remained stagnant as inquiries became fewer and fewer with the public perception that I was unavailable.
However, I finally decided enough was enough. I knew that I wasn’t going to achieve my professional goals until I put all of my energy into it. I hit the ground running full-time and have been working my tail off to market myself, showcase my creativity, collaborate with other talented artists, and nurture relationships with clients.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As a portrait photographer, I specialize in capturing maternity, newborns, engagement, couples, graduation, and wedding photography. I like to say that my style consistently demonstrates a naturally bold and unapologetic expression of beauty, celebrating more neutral and earthy tones in my subjects and their surroundings. I would categorize my work to be in the lifestyle genre, with an artistic focus on emphasizing the features of my subjects in an intimate way that creates naturally bold imagery.
I am most proud of the fact that while my editing style has transformed and strengthened throughout my career, it has remained consistent in representing who I am as an artist. The greatest compliment I can receive from clients is that they book with me because they truly vibe with my style of work.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
That depends on what the definition of Atlanta is! Atlanta is inside the perimeter to some people, and anything within an hour from Atlanta is still considered Atlanta to others. Others may even assume anything in Georgia is considered Atlanta. I would say the best part of our city is that with its many different definitions, there is such a wide variety of environments in which to work with. You can find beautiful landscapes, busy downtowns, active suburbs, and abandoned places galore!
I think we can all *politely* agree that traffic is the worst. Aside from the usual car accidents, the construction changes so frequently that Apple Maps can’t keep up.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.taylorsmithimages.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/taylorsmithimages
Image Credits:
Taylor Smith Images
