We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tevelle Taylor. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tevelle below.
Hi Tevelle, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
Before I ever held a camera, I was deep in research. I spent hours watching YouTube videos on lighting, camera specs, and studying the work of established photographers to figure out how they created certain shots. I wanted to be ready so that when I finally got my first camera, it was go time.
I started my photography journey during the pandemic, which made it hard to immediately apply what I was learning. Since I learn best through hands-on experience, I know I would have progressed faster if I could have gone out to shoot earlier. But that didn’t stop me.
For me, the most essential skills were lighting and understanding camera settings. I did not approach photography just to follow the standard. I saw it as an art outlet. I learned the rules so I could break them, and that mindset is what helped me discover my own style.
Tevelle, 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?
My name is Tevelle Taylor and I’m a 22-year-old photographer based in NYC. I first picked up photography in high school when my classmates started calling me the photographer of the group. Back then, it was just me and my iPhone, but something about capturing moments felt natural. I got my first camera in 2020 and haven’t looked back since.
Today, I focus on creative concept photography—often playful, sometimes spontaneous, but always expressive. My goal with every shoot is to translate a feeling. I want you to see the energy in my photos and feel like you’re part of that moment. Whether it’s the model, the setting, or the emotion behind the concept, I want people to stop scrolling—not just because something looks good, but because it feels alive.
What sets me apart is that I’m not just creating for aesthetics. I create to connect, to spark curiosity, and to show that photography is more than what’s in frame—it’s about what the image makes you remember or imagine. A lot of my concepts come from things that seem random—an object, a color, something I see walking through the city—but I love turning that spark into something visual that moves people.
One of the highlights of my journey so far has been working on a project with Toyota. I flew out to Detroit earlier this year where I got to bring original ideas to life while incorporating the Toyota Camry. That project showed me what’s possible when you bring your creative voice into commercial spaces without losing your identity.
I want everyone who sees my work to know this—I didn’t start with the best gear or any real connections. I started with questions, curiosity, and a hunger to create. That same energy still fuels everything I do. I’m not just here to take photos. I’m here to push boundaries, elevate storytelling, and show what happens when you fully commit to your craft.
This is just the beginning. I see myself continuing to blend creative direction and visual storytelling while building something bigger—not just for me, but for the next generation of artists who need to see that it’s possible.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Growing up, I always thought the only way to make good money was by working in a corporate job or investing. I didn’t see people who looked like me turning creative passions into sustainable careers. Taking photos, drawing, or doing anything considered a “hobby” didn’t seem like a real option. That limited mindset came from what I saw around me—not from a lack of talent or ambition, but from a lack of examples.
My family wasn’t wealthy. Like a lot of people, they had to work long hours, juggle multiple jobs, and sacrifice their own goals just to provide for us. I’ve always carried that with me. And now that I’ve stepped into my craft and seen what I’m capable of accomplishing, I feel more motivated than ever to create.
My goal is simple: to live comfortably doing what I love. But beyond that, I want to be the one who breaks the cycle. I want to give my family the things they deserved but didn’t get the chance to have—not because they didn’t work hard enough, but because the odds were never in their favor.
I also want to redefine what success can look like for people like me. I’m not chasing a single lane—I want to build multiple creative businesses, challenge the norms, and show that you can build a life rooted in creativity, freedom, and ownership. If I can do that, and open the door for others to do the same, that’s the real win.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding part of being a creative is seeing your thoughts come to life and realizing that something that once lived only in your head can now exist in the world—and be appreciated by people you’ve never met. It’s a wild feeling to wake up with an idea and, by the end of the day, bring something to life that didn’t exist before. That creative freedom is powerful. And sometimes, that one idea you had on a random afternoon ends up opening doors you never expected. That’s what makes this path so exciting—your next creation could literally change your life.
Another thing I’ve come to value deeply is the emotional impact art can have on people. Sometimes it’s about inspiring other creatives, and other times it’s about making someone feel seen. Maybe one of your images reminds someone of a childhood memory, a person they love, or a version of themselves they’ve forgotten. To know that something you made can spark emotion, reflection, or even healing—that’s real power. It reminds me that this work isn’t just about aesthetics or concepts. It’s about connection.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tevelletaylor.com
- Instagram: @tevelletaylor
- Linkedin: Tevelle Taylor
