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

Taylor, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard.

From the beginning of my career, I have valued uniqueness, innovation and individuality. And although back then I hadn’t truly come into my style at the time, I knew that I treasured my ability to do things just a little bit differently than my peers.

This is the big reason we began incorporating 35mm film photography into all of our wedding packages. We are taking our photography experience and making it unique, back to the vintage basics of our forephotographers, and giving each of our clients an incomparable experience that they likely can’t get anywhere else. And now, all of our couples leave with a similar photography experience as their own parents shared- just much, much cooler!

Taylor, 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 borrow my dad’s point and shoot camera when I was 16 years old for an online photography class (that I skipped most days, to be honest).

It wasn’t my plan when I graduated high school. But surprisingly, I have this crazy incredible story of turning 18 years old, moving into the city and becoming a White House News Photographer for my first photo gig ever. It still feels like a dream most days!
And although I didn’t choose to pursue politics, I knew that I had found my lifelong job and passion in photography.

After moving back to Asheville, NC, I started my career into wedding photography simply because I love those moments, the smiles and laughter, all the kisses and happy tears. And over the past ten years, I have honed my brand. my style and my business statement.

Today, I serve couples who want a creative and elevated wedding photography experience. I combine editorial ambience with a photojournalism vibe. So that each of my couples leave feeling like their images could very well grace the cover of a magazine.

It is possible. You can have photos that FEEL like this, but look like THAT. That’s the beauty of the brand I have created. Wedding photography is not a one-size-fits-all situation. It can be unique, different, and still absolutely “wow” you at the end of the journey.

When I began adding 35mm film into our experience, it was a coming-together moment for me. Realizing this what the final element that I needed to really serve my clients uniquely and proudly. The entire process is incredible and each of my couples loves it- the patience of waiting for the film to be sent off and developed, the scans hitting their inbox, and seeing the absolute authenticity of a moment captured forever on a slide of film.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of creating art is sharing it with my clients. There is something so incredible about knowing a piece of your very own art is hanging above someone’s fireplace or above their bedframe. Even after 10 years, I still get so excited to hit send on an email that’s sharing someone’s gallery because I know that joy of receiving it myself. I consistently remind my followers how special it is to pass an album full of wedding photos around a table at the holidays. And knowing that my work is so impactful in this way is the reason I continue doing this every single day.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

This one took me entirely too long to figure out, I must admit: Fostering relationships with other wedding photographers and other wedding vendors. If I could go back and tell this to myself a decade ago, I would. There is nothing better than you can do for yourself and your business than having fulfilled relationships within the industry. I am so thankful for all of the incredible businesses and vendors who constantly lift me up, send me referrals, and support every launch we have.
Aside from honoring your clients, this is the big sauce secret in my opinion!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.taylorparkerphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorparkerphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taylorparkerphotography

Image Credits
Taylor Parker Photography