Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Maxine Parkin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Maxine thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project to me, is having taken photos of my grandfather and grandmother. Something that felt very simple at the time, are some of the photos I hold most dear after he passed away in 2024. It gave me the perspective I need when photographing weddings. This is a celebration of love, but you never know when it will be the last time all the people you love are in one place again. I hold a huge responsibility when taking photos and I will never take that for granted.

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?

Hello! I’m Maxine Taylor Parkin, though my first and middle names are shortened to my business name, Max Tay Photo. I grew up in the beautiful Sacramento, California, attended college in Newberg, Oregon, and now I’m based in Oakland, California. My journey to photography is a little unconventional.

I didn’t grow up with a camera, but I discovered my love for photography through my passion for editing. In fact, I flunked a photography class in high school—at the time, I never imagined this would become my calling. However, I’ve always had a creative side. I’ve explored everything from knitting and painting to drawing and editing iPhone photos. I started with apps like VSCO and Lightroom long before I even owned a camera. Once I got my first camera, the transition to composing photos and editing was seamless. I had my camera for just two months before I opened my business and started working with clients.

Building a client base in three different cities over four years has been a challenge, but it’s something I’m incredibly proud of. As someone who loves to travel, I’ve had the privilege of photographing weddings up and down the West Coast—from Bellingham, Washington, to San Diego, and everywhere in between.

During college, I was asked to create a personal mission statement, and from that exercise, I narrowed down three words that have come to define me: Create, Connect, and Celebrate. These words guide everything I do.

Create: Art is my love language. Every friend and family member has something I’ve created—whether it’s a hand-made blanket, painting, or photo. It’s the easiest way for me to show appreciation and make the world a bit more fun. I love creating.

Connect: For me, creating is how I connect. Building relationships with my clients brings me so much joy. I love hearing how couples met and fell in love, the funny family stories shared in wedding speeches, and seeing friends who have supported each other through heartbreak now celebrating with their soulmate.

Celebrate: My parents always celebrated every milestone in my life, big or small. Whether it was graduating college or even just getting three checkmarks on my elementary school contract for good behavior, their cheers and support taught me the importance of celebrating everything. That’s why I chose a profession where I get to do just that! Photography is often a celebration of love, family, and community. I fully recognize my energy on your day matters. I am here to cheer you on and celebrate you on any occasion you are having photos done!

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

While listening to the incredible Brené Brown and her many books, she quotes Theodore Roosevelt’s “Daring Greatly.” When I first read that quote, I felt chills, and my body was instantly energized. The quote is quite long, but I encourage everyone to read it in full. Here’s a snippet that particularly resonated with me:

“…and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

This quote struck me so deeply that I have the words “Daring Greatly” tattooed on my right foot. Every time I take a step forward, I remind myself that it’s better to try with everything I have than to sit back and watch.

There’s a lot of pressure that comes with walking into photoshoots and weddings. I put an immense amount of pressure on myself to do my absolute best, which can be daunting! I’ve always been described as “fearless,” but a professor once told me she doesn’t like that term. She suggested I say I’m courageous instead. It’s not that I’m without fear, but I face it head-on, because I dare greatly!

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Photography is one of the most accessible art forms. You don’t need thousands of dollars to get started because, in my opinion, it’s the photographer—not the equipment—that makes the difference. Right now, film and grainy photos are trendy, and you can achieve that same aesthetic with an inexpensive camera or even an iPhone—without spending a fortune on top-of-the-line gear!

Good art makes you feel. It creates a connection, regardless of the tools you use. For me, “raising capital” to start my business was as simple as $75 and a Facebook profile. I bought a basic, old camera from a sweet older man on Facebook Marketplace, and that’s where my journey began. I used that camera and charged $10-$50 for photos. I also subscribed to Lightroom, and from there, I took off. All settings on a cheap camera are the same on an expensive one. I knew I needed to learn the dance between Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO before ever upgrading cameras!

I’ll never forget the family and friends who supported me and paid me for shoots in those early days. I kept growing, kept working—I second-shot weddings for free and used social media to find clients. Now, I’ve upgraded to top-of-the-line gear, but I credit my abilities to the experience I gained working with that $75 camera from Facebook.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://maxinetaylorphoto.mypixieset.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxtayphoto/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxine-parkin-a09677221