We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Taylor Danos-Terry. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Taylor below.

Taylor , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?

Becoming a photographer wasn’t something I planned—it really fell into my lap.
Growing up, I dreamed of becoming a historian. I loved learning about the past and sharing those stories with others. Looking back, I think that passion is actually what led me to photography. History is all about preserving moments in time, and photography allows me to do the same thing on a much more personal level. It gives me the ability to freeze a moment that will never exist in exactly the same way again.
Photography was always around me. I come from a family of photographers—my dad and my grandfather both loved photography and always had cameras nearby, although neither pursued it professionally. Because of that, I almost always had a camera in my hands growing up. Documenting life felt natural to me long before I ever considered it as a career.
Right after high school, I purchased my first DSLR, a Canon Rebel T5. From that moment on, the camera rarely left my side. I photographed everything I could—friends, family, landscapes, everyday moments. The more I shot, the more I realized I wasn’t just taking pictures; I was telling stories.
As a senior in high school, I became fascinated with the film industry. I didn’t know exactly what role I wanted to play, but I knew I wanted to create something meaningful through visual storytelling. That passion led me to pursue a degree in Film and Photography at Wayne State University.
While I was in college, photography slowly transformed from a hobby into something much bigger. I continued developing my skills, building a portfolio, and taking on more clients. At the same time, I worked multiple jobs while growing my business on the side. There wasn’t one single moment where I woke up and decided to become a full-time photographer. Instead, it was a series of small moments—clients trusting me with their memories, referrals coming in, and realizing that the work I created genuinely mattered to people.
What gave me confidence that this could become a successful business wasn’t just my love for photography—it was seeing the impact it had on others. I watched couples cry while looking through their wedding galleries, families treasure photographs of seasons of life that passed too quickly, and seniors gain confidence through images that captured who they were. I realized I wasn’t simply providing photos; I was preserving memories that would become part of someone’s story for years to come.
That realization changed everything. Photography became more than a creative outlet—it became a way to serve people. That’s when I knew it was a worthwhile endeavor, and it’s what continues to motivate me every time I pick up my camera.

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 background and context?

I’m the owner and photographer behind Taylor Marie Photography, a Michigan-based photography company specializing in weddings, engagements, couples, seniors, and portrait photography.
While I shared more of my personal journey in the previous question, what continues to drive me today is the opportunity to preserve meaningful moments for my clients. My work is centered around creating photographs that feel authentic, emotional, and timeless—images that will still hold value decades from now.
One of the biggest problems I solve for my clients is helping them feel comfortable in front of the camera. Most people aren’t professional models, and many arrive at their session worried they’ll look awkward or won’t know what to do. I focus on creating a relaxed experience where clients can simply enjoy the moment while I guide them through the process. My goal is for sessions to feel less like a photoshoot and more like spending time together while creating memories.
I primarily serve couples and families who value the importance of preserving life’s milestones. Whether it’s a wedding day, engagement, senior year, or another meaningful chapter, I strive to capture both the big moments and the small details that often become the most treasured memories later on.
What sets me apart is my storytelling approach. My background in both photography and film has taught me to look beyond a single image and focus on the entire story unfolding in front of me. I pay close attention to genuine emotion, relationships, and the in-between moments that often mean the most.
The accomplishment I’m most proud of is building a business that allows me to serve people during some of the most important seasons of their lives. Every time a client trusts me to document their memories, it’s something I never take for granted. The greatest compliment I can receive is when clients tell me that their photographs brought them back to a feeling, a moment, or a memory they never want to forget.
At the heart of my brand is a simple belief: life moves quickly, but photographs allow us to hold onto the moments that matter most. That’s what inspires me every time I pick up my camera.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is, without question, the people.
I have the privilege of being present during some of the most meaningful moments in my clients’ lives—wedding days, engagements, graduations, growing families, and countless milestones in between. There is something incredibly special about knowing that the photographs I create will be looked at for years, and hopefully generations, to come. Seeing a client light up when they receive their gallery, hearing that their photos brought them to tears, or knowing I’ve helped them preserve memories they never want to forget is one of the greatest rewards of this career.
I also love that photography allows me to serve others in a meaningful way. In a world that moves so quickly, I get to help people slow down and appreciate the season of life they’re currently in. Many of my clients come to me worried about how they’ll look in photos, and it’s incredibly fulfilling to help them see themselves through a different lens—to feel confident, beautiful, and valued.
On a deeper level, I believe this career is part of the purpose God has placed on my life. While photography is certainly a creative outlet, it’s also an opportunity to love and serve people well. I believe God created each person with unique value and a story worth remembering, and I feel honored to play a small role in preserving those stories. Being able to use the gifts and talents He’s given me to bring joy to others is something I never take for granted.
At the end of the day, it’s about much more than taking photographs. It’s about creating something meaningful, serving people with excellence, and leaving them with memories they can hold onto long after the moment has passed.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

There are a few things that drive my creative journey, both personally and professionally.
One of the biggest influences in my life was my Papa. He always had a camera in his hands and documented everything. Family gatherings, everyday moments, milestones—nothing was too small to be worth remembering. Looking back, those photographs have become some of our family’s most treasured possessions. They allow us to revisit moments that would have otherwise faded with time.
I often think about how much he influenced my love for photography, even before I realized it myself. In many ways, the work I do today is a continuation of what he started. I wish he could see where this journey has taken me, but I hope he would be proud to know that the appreciation he instilled in me for preserving memories has become the foundation of my career.
Another major motivation is my family and the future my husband and I are building together. My husband is currently pursuing his dream of becoming a physician through medical school, and one of my goals is to support our family while he works toward that calling. Building a successful photography business has allowed me to contribute to that dream while also pursuing one of my own.
Beyond those personal motivations, my mission is simple: to create photographs that matter. I want my clients to have images that become family heirlooms—photographs that are cherished not just today, but decades from now. If someone can look back at their gallery years later and be transported right back to that moment, then I’ve done my job.
At its core, my creative journey is about preserving stories, honoring the people who inspired me, serving others well, and building a life that reflects the values that matter most to me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://taylormphoto.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/taylormphoto
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaylorMarieph/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/taylor-marie-photography