We recently connected with James Taylor and have shared our conversation below.

James, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

Starting a photography business was never my primary goal. I had always heard horror stories and was even warned once that “it will suck your creative soul.” I understood why people advised against it—I had a strong artistic foundation, and they feared I might lose that spark. To combat this, I decided not to make photography only a part-time job. Easing into the business at my own pace turned out to be the best decision for me. I’ve always enjoyed variety in my work, so balancing creative projects part-time with commercial work has been a fulfilling approach.

The moment I realized I wanted to commit to my photography business was when I was laid off from my last professional job as a photo editor for a local Halloween costume company. That experience was eye-opening; I saw that I could make just as much money as a photographer on my own while working fewer hours than at the 9-to-5 corporate job I’d lost. From then on, I made it my goal to create, grow, and get my name out there.

James, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a Mankato native and have been passionate about photography for 15 years. In 2020, I graduated with a BFA in Photography from Utah State University. My work explores the human condition, focusing on themes of spirituality, sexuality, and art history. My bachelor’s solo exhibition, Heaven Wasn’t Made For Us, featured powerful imagery that examined the often-clashing realms of sexuality and religion.

I shoot both commercial and fine art photography, ranging from surrealist creative portraits to capturing magical wedding moments for beautiful couples. I consider myself an artist first and a photographer second. I’m best known for my skill in digital manipulation using Lightroom and Photoshop. My greatest strength is transforming a simple photograph into a vibrant and compelling story through digital editing. One of my recent works, which I’m particularly proud of, involved photographing subjects against a white background and digitally transforming the image to make it appear as though they are walking through a barrier of mist.

This talent for digital manipulation sets me apart from other photographers in Minnesota. Whether I’m capturing a family’s joyful smiles or crafting an image that conveys deep emotional experiences, I strive to create work that is rich in story, depth, and beauty. My goal is always to produce images that are not only visually stunning but also meaningful and impactful.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

At the heart of my creative journey is a mission to explore and communicate the depth of the human experience through photography. I see myself as an artist first, dedicated to crafting work that blends visual beauty with emotional resonance. My photography delves into profound themes such as identity, spirituality, and connection, reflecting my personal journey of self-discovery and belief.

Through both fine art and commercial work, I strive to celebrate human connection, capturing life’s beauty and shared moments—whether it’s a family’s joy or a couple’s wedding day magic. My expertise in digital manipulation allows me to push creative boundaries, transforming simple images into surreal, story-driven pieces that engage and inspire.

Ultimately, my goal is to create work that not only captivates the eye but also sparks reflection, understanding, and connection, ensuring that every image tells a meaningful story.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to transform emotions, ideas, and personal experiences into meaningful visual stories that resonate with others. Creating work that explores deep themes like identity, spirituality, and human connection brings me immense fulfillment, especially when it evokes emotions or sparks reflection in others.

I find great joy in capturing and celebrating moments of human connection, whether it’s through fine art or commercial photography. The process of pushing creative boundaries with digital manipulation and surreal storytelling allows me to develop a unique artistic voice that is both personal and impactful. Ultimately, the most rewarding part of being an artist is the opportunity to connect with people—whether by sharing my own journey or inspiring others through the work I create.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thedigitalalchemist.zenfoliosite.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedigitalalchemyst/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558960413757