Life & Work with Taylor Richards

Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Richards.  

Hi Taylor, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My grandmother was a very talented photographer and artist. She was published all over and even won an international photo contest. Her name was Judith Bullock. She built a studio behind her home in Lansing, MI, and called it the North Light Studio because she had skylights put in on the north side of the studio. Therefore, the lighting in the studio is perfect at all times of the day. She was an absolute genius, and if you ask my grandfather, it’s the only studio like that in all of Michigan! 

I spent a lot of my time with my grandma growing up and she always had me in her studio with her. I was not only her little model, but I always had a disposable camera in my hand. Trying to copy her. 

Years later, as an adult, I have always loved photography but never believed in myself and went with a corporate job. However, in 2021 my grandmother passed away my person, my best friend, gone too soon. A month after that, my husband almost past away in my arms. He did make it and is still with me. The PTSD from this event took a major toll on me, especially since I just lost my grandmother. 

I had always struggled with anxiety and mental health, but this pushed me off the edge. I decided I would try to work through my struggles and heal with creativity. Therefore, I went back into the North Light Studio and decided to make it my own. My grandfather still lives on the property and tells me all the time it makes him so happy seeing the studio still being used. My grandmother and I were so close, we are very close to the same person, and I think having me there more often brings him lots of joy. 

I continued to heal and connect with my grandmother in her studio. It feels like I have found my happy place again!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road, as I mentioned previously, I started my photography business to heal through creativity. I would say the biggest challenge I have had is believing in myself and my work, but with each day that confidence grows.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a photographer and wedding officiant in the state of Michigan for ALL couples. I specialize in elopements/intimate weddings, boudoir, and fantasy/cosplay photography. 

I always strive to be different and stand out. I try to fit sessions to the individual I’m capturing. I love to bring out people’s own personalities and weirdness. Which is probably why fantasy and cosplay photography is so fun for me! 

Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
Books – I’m a fantasy freak! Anything by Sarah J. Maas, I will read and love. But I really love any fantasy book that is going to take me to a new place! 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.northlightco.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northlightphotographyllc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086284849681

Image Credits
North Light Studio