For as long as I can remember, I have always had a passion for people. I love experiencing others in their fullness and providing space for them to be exactly themselves. Prior to my mother’s passing, I watched her do this effortlessly by loving, gifting, and supporting others both in business and in life. After her passing, I made the full commitment to spending the rest of my life serving others in whatever way I can. At the time, I had no idea the ways in which that would unfold.

In creating Cloud Ten Photography, my mission was, still, and will always be to uplift, encourage, and serve others in seeing their own authentic light. When we show up as our most authentic selves it allows others to feel free enough to do the same in return. Photography has shown me just how beautiful , extraordinary, and important holding space for others truly is.

Hi, Hey, Hello. Welcome inside The Cloud. My name is Tayla Berry, and I am a self-taught Portrait and Lifestyle Photographer based in Durham, NC. I have spent the last five years building my photography brand, Cloud Ten, while simultaneously maintaining a full time job where I rehabilitate individuals with severe mental illnesses back into society through guidance and counseling. I am very passionate about people and cultivating spaces of acceptance, freedom, inclusion, and safety. Through photography, I have been able to service others by providing timeless imagery that reflects an individual’s authenticity and/or a business’ true brand identity. I shoot mostly editorial-styled portraits and special occasions, ranging from personal brands, small businesses, influencers/bloggers, graduations, engagements, elopements, small weddings, and creative collaborations throughout Eastern North Carolina. Recently, I have been moving toward more studio and commercial/documentary styled work.

Entering into the world of photography, it was apparent that there was a lack of Black women photographers as well as opportunities for us in creative spaces. I aim to bridge that gap in highlighting the need for other Black women photographers and the impact of what representation can do in the community. I think what sets me apart from most, other than my dedication to each shoot, is that I curate an overall experience specific to that individual, brand, or business – leaving nothing on the table.

For me, it’s important that I build rapport with each of my potential clients prior to the shoot to better understand their vision, what their day-to-day life is like, and what their expectations of the photos are. With that being said, I am most proud of the community that Cloud Ten has developed. That I was able to build a business from the ground up without any prior experience, knowledge, or skill and others just believed in me. It means the world to me to be so supported in navigating what it truly means to be a photographer.

I believe others are a fan of my work/brand because as a photographer I stay in the moment with you. I document things as raw and as real as I feel and see them. I want people to know that when they get Cloud Ten, they can expect to get a photographer who believes in quality versus quantity – someone who takes the time to create unique experiences for others to freely exist and someone that believes beauty is in us, around us, and in our every day.

On Cloud Ten, we carry the confidence that extraordinary things happen when two-or more come together to create something beautiful.

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the joy in storytelling and freedom of expression. There is nothing better than bringing someone else’s vision to life or being able to create from a blank canvas. In one of my favorite childhood television series, there was a quote that said, “Your art matters. It’s what got me here.” If I can create in a way that leaves people feeling better than when they initially came to me, I have served my purpose.

Being a creative also allows me to push for diversity and inclusion in spaces of Art, Photography, and Film, which I remain passionate about. It is a privilege to be a Black woman in this field and be a representation for others. I truly believe that when one Black woman wins, we all win in some way. As we continue to fight systems set against us–often working twice as hard for half of the recognition–it is deeply rewarding to encourage others that faith the size of a mustard seed has the ability to move a mission forward. Showing up in spaces Black, bold, confident, and woman makes room for me to show other photographers, creatives, and little Black girls that you can make a career simply out of trusting yourself and honing in on your gifts and talents. This is the true reward.