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

Alright, Taylor thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

Coming up with the photography business was more like a gradual fall I wasn’t aware of and then a leap of faith once I was aware of my abilities and passion as a creative. Photography began as a hobby with an iPhone, you know, the old brick looking ones. Well, I liked what I could do once I took a photo and tinkered with it on various editing programs. I soon realized that wasn’t enough. I wanted to make quality, crisp images, not these pixelated concepts I was dabbling with.

That gave me the push to go rent a current, decent DSLR so I could learn. I also started to take some classes in both digital and film, but COVID interrupted that. With that rented DSLR, I took pictures of absolutely everything and everyone whenever I could. Nature was the main subject. But that’s when I became more familiar with manual settings and creating the image I pictured in my head. Editing was/is fun, but capturing the perfect raw image is even better.

After the familiarity came to me over time, I grew more confident and began photographing friends and family, then friends of friends and family, and then strangers for a small fee. In the over 5 years it’s been since I dubbed myself a photographer, I officially have a fully functioning registered business in the state of Ohio and have serviced over 100 clients. I am proud of what I have created, all because I gave some effort to something that truly made me happy.

Taylor, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a 31 year old boy mom and girlfriend as well as a green thumb, bookworm, and critter collector. I spend a lot of time working between my day job and photography, but when I am not, I am usually with the family doing something fun outdoors or kicking back relaxing on the rare day off. I am what some would call a Jill of all trades, having worked in some off the wall industries and having a wide range of skills. I believe knowledge is power, so I like to learn everything I can.

Outside of family, photography is my biggest passion. It is my outlet, my peace, and the one thing I have stuck to faithfully. I also love it because there is no such thing as learning everything there is to know about photography. I can always grow in it, create new things, and find different ways to release my inner thoughts via a productive outlet.

One of the main things I’d want most folks to know about me is that I do my best to remain as budget friendly as possible while still making at least something for my efforts. It is not about making gobs of cash for me. It is truly about preserving memories for those who want and/or need it. Sometimes photographs are all that’s left of someone.

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

What helped me build my reputation especially in my local market is that I provide a lot for less. Some may read that and shake their head at me, but I really do and I do it with good intention and good faith. I charge less than most but provide more than most because I can and it makes everyone involved feel good. It is my way of making back when I need to but also doing something good for someone else. I feel that should definitely be a goal for many when possible.

I have also been told I have quite the personality and have made many friendships through client meetups as we always just click. I am also blessed to live in an area that offers beautiful scenery and lots of options to set up a pretty picture. Word of mouth has also been kind to me as I have a handful of families who have come to me as a whole or individually for all kinds of shoots. I can’t forget about the return clients, especially when the littles return and have grown.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I’ve really had to unlearn being a people pleaser in the customer service side of the business. I am a very kind and generous person when it comes to photography, and I feel sometimes that gets taken advantage of. Some people I know expect discounts for everything while others tell me I charge too little for my experience. It is really quite frustrating trying to maintain a kindhearted reputation when some folks want to ruin it for the rest. I try my hardest to be fair but reasonable and politely hold my ground when necessary.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twphotollc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taylorwestphotographyllc
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@twphotollc