VENDOR SPOTLIGHT - Taylor Brooke Photography
We may be a little biased (she's OUR Bride!) but we think Taylor of Taylor Brooke Photography is the best in the business. Her vivacious personality shines through in her photography style, and results in seriously stunning photos. We've showcased some of our Brides that she has also teamed up with, and we highly suggest that you do the same! Read on for an interview with Taylor, and click the links below to see more of her work.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY?
I have always loved being outdoors, having adventures, and meeting new people. I have also always been the girl with the camera, but had never thought that I could make a career out of it- it was more of a passion and hobby. Then one day, a friend of mine gave me a nice camera that had just been sitting in his closet collecting dust and I started practicing with it, then I eventually started second shooting with a friend of mine who was a wedding photographer, and the rest is history!
WHAT’S THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB?
The best part of my job is that I literally get to enjoy my passion for people, the outdoors, and adventure all at the same time. I never thought I could love a career so much. I'm also a licensed marriage and family therapist, which is another place where I get to know all kinds of people and hear their story. With wedding photography I get to know people as well, hear all about their love story, and then I get to document it and be creative with how I do that. For me, it's more than just offering a service to people, it's about actually connecting with people, helping them feel comfortable, and bringing out all of the unique parts of them that allow me to really create an accurate picture of who they are as people and as a couple on their wedding day. I also think it's important to have fun while we do that! Weddings can be stressful, but part of my job is putting people at ease and laughing and joking around with them. I look at every shoot, every wedding, and every couple as a brand new adventure and I absolutely love it!
“I absolutely LOVE what I do and my goal is for that to show in every moment that I spend with you. I believe that photography is much more than taking pictures. I want to know your story, I want to know the little details that make you unique, and I want to capture not only the big moments, but the in between moments as well. My favorite moments are the raw, genuine ones, and I believe it’s incredibly important for you to feel comfortable around me so that I can capture all of those candid moments for you.”
TELL US ABOUT YOUR MOST MEMORABLE EVENT YOU HAVE SHOT SO FAR.
Gosh, I've had so many fun shoots and amazing couples. In general I just love that I get to document all kinds of joy-filled occasions. One of my most memorable shoots was in Maui this year when I had a bride and groom who wanted to do a trash the dress shoot the day after their wedding. I got to be barefoot in the sand at sunset and call it "work". I ended up waist deep in the ocean during the shoot while they splashed around in their wedding clothes and we had an absolute blast! Adventurous couples like that typically end up with photos that are full of life because it really shows that they aren't afraid to let go and really live it :)
WHERE DO YOU FIND YOUR INSPIRATION?
My inspiration really just comes from my passion to know people and really soak up both the big and little moments in life. I like photographing people in a way that is authentic and real, and full of life, rather than stiff and posed. My inspiration also comes from the people I shoot... part of what I love is that everyone is so different and unique and there's always something new to work with. My job is to just give them space to be themselves and to help bring out their personalities so we can really get them to show in their photos.
NAME FIVE THINGS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT.
Hmmm five things I can't live with out... my faith, my family, my cowboy boots (if I'm not running or frolicking around barefoot I'm more than likely in a crazy pair of boots), adventure, and my camera of course :)
WHAT’S NEXT FOR TAYLOR BROOKE PHOTOGRAPHY?
One of my goals this year is to travel more. Some of my favorite shoots have been destination weddings, and in all different parts of California. I don't like to box myself in to any specific type of wedding or setting and the goal is to continue meeting new people all over and hopefully even shooting some weddings in other countries! I shoot all kinds of events and do a wide variety of types of photo sessions as well, so I'd love to just keep expanding and growing and continuing to enjoy all of the people I meet along the way. The possibilities are endless and I'm along for the ride!
