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

Makayla , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Starting out as a photographer was only a hobby for me. At the beginning I never really thought of it seriously as a job to earn money. I bought my first camera while I was in college majoring in Performing Arts. Photography was just another way to flex that creative muscle. I would go around my neighborhood and take random pictures or have small photoshoots with my family and friends and furthering that project, I taught myself how to edit them in Lightroom and Photoshop watching Youtube videos. Still after a couple of years I didn’t want to take the risk and dedicate time to expand and actually turn the hobby into a business. I was afraid I wasn’t talented enough and lacked experience. I still had a full time job and needed a full time paycheck to pay bills. I was afraid of failing and the lack of assurance I would have not knowing if I would have consistent clients and get paid. I took a major risk a year ago when I started my business. I went part time at my day job and put all of my extra time dedicating it to my business. The uncertainty was a huge risk and I needed to put all my faith into it, because I have a family to think about and the lifestyle was a huge part to consider. Especially just starting out and knowing that financially it would be a change and an adjustment. Taking the risk was important to do and worth it. I would have never known if it was worth it until I took the risk.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi! I’ll start with a little bit of background about myself. I am a wife, mama, actor and photographer. I was born and raised in Jacksonville, NC. Creative arts has always been a passion of mine! After high school I attended a performing arts and design school in Savannah, Georgia. College is where I found my love for photography. My first camera was a gift from my husband and its been in my hand ever since. I fell in love with photography, taking pictures of my own family and friends. It was a hobby that quickly turned into a passion. I am a self taught photographer and I specialize in portraits; Family, Lifestyle and Boudoir. I also work events per request. I started Makayla Taylor Photography officially and dove head first into the photography world and business. My style is based on my clients! I can go from white and bright to dark and moody. During the process, I help decide on style, location, colors, poses, what to wear and even how to do hair and makeup. I love capturing the essence of my clients personality and aura. My goal every shoot is to give my clients a fantastic experience and create affordable, high-quality photos that they will cherish for a lifetime. I build a bond with my clients and the goal is to get to know them as much as I can. I love to build relationships with my clients.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best source of new clients for me has been word of mouth. All of my clients have come from some form of reference. A family member, co worker or friend talked me up or referred me to another person and they booked with me. I have also gotten a few bookings from google search. The least amount of bookings has actually come from social media. Facebook and Instagram surprisingly has not gotten me much bookings.

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

The most rewarding feeling is the love my clients have for my work. When I can deliver the photos to my clients and they absolutely adore and cherish them. it is the best feeling to me that I was the one that was able to capture those moments for them and give that to them forever.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.makaylataylorphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makayla_t_photos/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile

Image Credits
Makayla Taylor Photography