Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Danos-Terry.
Hi Taylor , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Photography has always been part of my life. I come from a line of “photographers.” My papa, my dad’s dad, always had a camera in his hand. He documented everything, especially my brother’s and my childhood, and those photos have become some of my most treasured memories. My dad has always loved photography too and wanted to pursue it more seriously, but never had the opportunity. Growing up, there were always cameras around, so it was almost impossible for me not to pick one up myself. When I was 8 years old, I got my first camcorder for Christmas, and from that point on, I recorded everything. Car rides to dinner, my fourth-grade field trip, family Christmases—you name it. That camcorder rarely left my side for years until I eventually upgraded.
Right after high school, I bought my first DSLR at 18. At the time, I was attending college to pursue film with dreams of becoming a film producer. Between classes and working part-time, I spent every free moment taking photos. In 2017, I photographed my brother’s senior pictures, and that’s really when everything started to take off. Soon after, I photographed my sister-in-law’s senior photos, then her friends, then families, maternity sessions, and before I knew it, my weekends were booked.
I’m incredibly grateful to every person who trusted me in those early days. Without them, none of this would have been possible.
When COVID hit, my business grew even more. I made the decision to leave my job and pursue photography full-time, and in 2020 I photographed my first weddings. Since then, each year has brought new opportunities, growth, and lessons. In the middle of building my business, I also earned my Bachelor’s degree in Film and Photography from Wayne State University.
Today, I’ve had the opportunity to photograph weddings and sessions all across Michigan and even travel out of state. Looking back, it’s incredible to think it all started with a little camcorder and a kid who wanted to capture everything around her.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have definitely been a lot of obstacles along the way. When I was in college, I received a lot of pushback from some of my professors. They would often question my abilities, critique my website and work in front of the class without me asking for feedback, and sometimes make me feel like I was wrong for putting so much time into my business. At the time, it was frustrating because I knew how much work I was putting in and how passionate I was about what I was building. Balancing two jobs, a full college course load, and a growing photography business was not easy. There were plenty of late nights, long weekends, and sacrifices. I’ve also dealt with broken cameras, slower seasons, and times where growth felt much slower than I hoped. More recently, one of my biggest challenges has been moving and having to establish myself in new areas. I started my business in New Baltimore, then moved to East Lansing, and we’ll be moving again to Traverse City in 2027 for my husband’s medical school journey. Every move means building new connections, getting my name out there again, and essentially starting from scratch in a new market. It’s been challenging, but it’s also taught me to adapt and trust the process. Building a business isn’t always a straight path, and I’ve learned that persistence and consistency matter just as much as talent.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Taylor Marie Photography is a wedding and portrait photography company focused on creating timeless, emotion-filled imagery that allows people to relive some of the most important moments of their lives for years to come. While I photograph a variety of milestones, weddings are truly at the heart of what I do. I specialize in documenting genuine moments, authentic connection, and the little in-between memories that often become the most meaningful.
What sets my brand apart is the experience I create for my clients. I don’t believe great photographs come from simply showing up with a camera—they come from building trust, making people feel comfortable, and creating an environment where they can be fully present. My approach blends natural storytelling with an editorial eye, resulting in images that feel both elevated and deeply personal.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of photographing hundreds of couples, seniors, and families, and one thing remains the same: I want every client to feel seen, celebrated, and cared for throughout the process. From helping couples plan their wedding day timeline to guiding seniors through their first professional photo session, my goal is to make the experience enjoyable, stress-free, and memorable.
Brand-wise, what I’m most proud of is the relationships I’ve built and the trust my clients place in me during some of life’s biggest moments. Many of my clients return for multiple milestones—from senior photos to engagements, weddings, and growing families, which is the greatest compliment I could receive.
At the end of the day, my mission is simple: to create beautiful, meaningful imagery while serving people well and preserving memories that will become even more valuable with time.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is people and the memories they make throughout their lives. As a photographer, I have the privilege of witnessing some of the happiest and most meaningful moments people will ever experience, and I don’t take that responsibility lightly.
I care deeply about capturing those moments exactly as they happen—the genuine emotions, the laughter, the tears, and the connections between people they love. Long after a wedding day is over or a graduation cap is put away, photographs become one of the few things that allow us to revisit those memories and feel them again.
At the end of the day, what matters most to me is making people happy and giving them something they can cherish for generations. Knowing that my work helps preserve some of the best days of someone’s life is what inspires me every time I pick up a camera.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://taylormphoto.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/taylormphoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaylorMarieph/
