Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tay Lee. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Tay thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
How did you learn to do what you do?
My journey into photography started during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when the world was facing uncertainty and instability. I saw an opportunity to help people celebrate milestones that were often overlooked or limited by the circumstances—birthdays, graduations, anniversaries—special moments that deserved to be remembered. The pandemic had a way of highlighting how precious life truly is, and through my lens, I began capturing the beauty in the simplest moments. At first, it was about bringing joy and light into people’s lives during such a time. As I continued to photograph, I realized I wasn’t just capturing events—I was telling stories of resilience, love, and human connection. It shifted my perspective, helping me to see life’s beauty.
Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process?
Looking back, I wish I had trusted myself more and moved forward with my vision sooner. I hesitated at first, unsure if I was ready to fully commit to photography as a career. I spent too much time focusing on how and not enough time remembering why I started in the first place—because I wanted to help people capture the moment.I also could have embraced mentorship earlier—learning from others who were already established in the field would have saved me time and helped me refine my skills faster. There were many lessons I learned the hard way, but each one was necessary in building a foundation that now allows me to fully embrace this creative path.
What skills do you think were most essential?
The most essential skills have been a mix of technical expertise and emotional intelligence. While understanding lighting, composition, and editing are key to creating quality photos, what has been most important is the ability to connect with people. Photography is about capturing moments that resonate deeply with others, so empathy, communication, and trust are essential. Capturing history has become a big part of my mission as a photographer. I learned to embrace my own unique perspective and to use that to tell visual stories.
What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
The uncertainty around turning my passion into a full-time career was daunting, especially during such an unpredictable time. Learning how to market my work, handle contracts, and manage the logistics of running a photography business took time and trial and error. However, I grew through these challenges and ultimately realized that the true value of my work came not from what I could earn, but from the impact it could have—capturing moments that allowed people to see the beauty of life.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Tay Lee, and I’m the founder of Heart of The City Photography. My journey into photography began during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when many of us were grappling with uncertainty. In the midst of it all, I realized that photography could be a tool to preserve these moments of resilience, joy, and love, even when it seemed like life had been put on pause.
The more I captured, the more I understood that photography was about more than just taking pictures—it’s about telling stories. Every photo I take is an opportunity to communicate a message, to freeze time, and to preserve the essence of an experience. I quickly realized that the power of a photograph goes beyond a simple image—it can encourage, inspire, and ignite action. Through my work, I aim to capture moments that speak to the human experience and highlight the beauty, strength, and connections that exist in our communities..
What type of products/services/creative works do you provide?
At Heart of The City Photography, I provide a range of photography services, with a strong emphasis on storytelling. I have the opportunity to have done photography for Black Tech Saturdays, TEDx Detroit, Michigan Founders Fund, Michigan Central Station, and many more amazing organizations. In addition, I have been featured in Ebony and Essence magazine, Michigan Chronicle and other publications. My primary focus is on event photography, where I capture not just the moments, but the energy and emotions that define those events. Whether it’s a community gathering or a corporate event, I use my lens to tell stories that go beyond the surface. My work also includes social impact photography, where I partner with nonprofits and organizations to document their work in a way that highlights the real change they are making.
What problems do you solve for your clients and/or what do you think sets you apart from others?
What sets me apart is my approach to storytelling. I believe every photograph is a chance to capture something meaningful. I’m not just photographing people or events; I’m capturing their story, their impact, and the energy of that moment. Photography has the power to convey emotions, raise awareness, and even inspire change, and I focus on using that power intentionally.
What are you most proud of, and what are the main things you want potential clients/followers/fans to know about you/your brand/your work/etc.?
I’m most proud of the ability to tell stories through my lens—stories that not only reflect the moment but also evoke emotion and inspire others. I’m proud to use my craft to create work that makes a difference, whether it’s shining a light on social causes or preserving memories that will be cherished for generations.
What I want potential clients to know is that my work is not just about creating beautiful images; it’s about creating powerful, meaningful moments that resonate long after the photo is taken.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
My journey took an exciting turn when I met my husband, Shawn Lee of Shawn Lee Studios through Black Tech Saturdays and TEDx Detroit. Our shared passion for photography and people brought us together, and soon after, we were married. We will be celebrating one year of marriage on August 8th! Now, we work side by side as a team, combining our expertise to offer event photography, headshots, senior portraits, and global social impact photography. We are driven by our love for storytelling and our mission to capture meaningful moments that elevate our clients’ stories to the next level. Becoming one has allowed us to bring our passions together.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
As a photographer, one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that photography is not just about taking a great picture—it’s about running a business. In the beginning, I focused mainly on the creative side of things, but I quickly realized that to succeed long-term, I needed to learn more about the business aspects, such as marketing, pricing, contracts, and client relations.
Looking back, I wish I had discovered photography associations and networking groups sooner. These resources have been invaluable for learning best practices, gaining industry insights, and connecting with others who have helped me navigate the business side of photography. Understanding that photography is both an art and a business has allowed me to grow more confidently and effectively as an entrepreneur.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Heartofthecityphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartofthecity_photography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Heart-of-The-City-Photography-with-Tay-Ford-100063707072641/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/heart-of-the-city-photography/?viewAsMember=true
Image Credits
Heart of The City Photography