Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Carlson.
Taylor, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I owe a lot to my mom for getting me started in photography. She had bought me my first camera as a gift for Christmas in 2015. I had been dropping hints for months about a camera, and it was a sweet surprise to open it on Christmas morning. I initially started by taking photos at high school sporting events for my friends, which led to taking their senior photos a few years later. I loved being behind the camera, spending time with my friends, and being creative alongside them. Once I started college, I began second shooting for other photographers in Michigan and learning the ins and outs of weddings. I absolutely loved witnessing couples celebrate with their favorite people. It was and still is a bittersweet feeling seeing couples so happy, yet in certain moments, mourning the loss of their loved ones, who they wish were here to celebrate alongside them. For the past seven years, I’ve been photographing weddings and elopements exclusively. I value connecting with people and being able to artfully document the story of their wedding day through multiple perspectives. More recently (within the last 3 years), I’ve begun traveling internationally for events. I’ve had the honor of photographing in France, Italy, the Dominican Republic, Switzerland, Mexico, and Greece. I am so grateful to each couple who has trusted me to capture some of the best moments of their life. My mission is to provide each couple not only with beautiful images that capture the essence of their day, but also provide them with an unforgettable experience.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I wish! I continue to struggle with imposter syndrome and question whether my work is good enough. Seeing so many photographers on social media can be wonderful, and I’ve had some really great connections because of it, but it can also bring different challenges. I think it’s important to keep your circle small and really focus on the clients and connections that feel the most natural and genuine. I always joke, “there’s a photographer for every street corner,” because I’ve noticed a lot couples feeling overwhelmed with how many photographers there are and determining which one is the right fit for them. Finding a unique way to stand out without coming across as cliché can be challenging when there are SO many incredible photographers for couples to work with. The longer I’ve been a wedding photographer, the more I value taking on limited events so I can provide each client with an exceptional experience that is uniquely tailored to their specific vision. So while I still struggle with the feeling of wanting more and questioning whether my work is good enough, I have to remind myself of all of my previous, current, and future couples that I am able to celebrate with and who trust me to document their day. It’s a really special feeling to witness so much love!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a Michigan-based wedding and elopement photographer. I travel throughout the U.S. and internationally to celebrate with couples as they begin a new chapter. I’m known for my true-to-color images with a warm, earthy-toned flair. When my clients receive their images, I want the colors in their images to look and feel like they did on that day. I enhance the colors within the images so they feel timeless yet natural. I’m most proud of my ability to connect with couples and their families. It’s important to make a genuine connection with people. Weddings are deeply personal, and I want to be able to connect with my clients on a personal level. I want them to feel comfortable and at ease in front of my lens, because let’s be real, having our photos taken does not feel natural for the majority of us. It can feel uncomfortable and stiff. My job is to help couples feel relaxed so they can authentically interact with one another just as they would on any other day. I also feel like my attention to detail and personality set me apart from others. I’m a glass-half-full type of girl and want to focus on all of the wonderful things that deserve to be celebrated, like your love!
How do you think about happiness?
My daughter. I recently became a mom to a beautiful baby girl this past March. She is everything and then some. And I know it probably sounds cliché, but being her mom is the coolest thing in the world. Seeing her smile at me when she wakes up in the morning is the sweetest feeling. It also gives me a new perspective with my couples. I get why moms shed a tear as she zips up her daughter’s wedding dress, or when a father glances over and smiles at his daughter as he walks her down the aisle. I’ve honored these moments in the past, but it feels different now that I’m a mom. How special it must truly feel to see your child loved so much by someone else.
Pricing:
- 6 hours of coverage – $3,000
- 8 hours of coverage – $4,500
- 10 hours of coverage – $6,000
- Destination Weddings/Elopements – Begin at $6,000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://taylorraecarlsonphotography.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorraefotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaylorRaeCarlsonPhotography
- Other: https://tr.pinterest.com/taylorraefotography/
