I originally wanted to call this blog Taylor’s Version... a place to tell stories exactly as I experienced them. But since that name was already taken... I realized what I actually wanted was something deeper than a title. I wanted a space to talk about the feelings behind each photo shoot, the quiet moments, the laughter, the nerves, the connection and why those details matter. Every session holds its own energy, and my goal is to shape each experience into one that feels joyful, creative, and true to the people in front of my lens. This blog is my way of documenting those moments, one era at a time.
the journey about how i built my skills
So, to give you a little bit about who I am. I have a bit of a hodgepodge of interests. I love nutrition. I earned my master’s degree; however, I never practiced as a registered dietitian, so I retained the degree and use it in my daily life for my family and friends.
I love being creative in the kitchen, which I get from my dad, who is a chef. My favorite foods to work with are primarily vegetables and fruit, and I can make a mean salmon taco.
The journey of my education to a Master of Science shaped my brain to have a deeper understanding of healthcare and the body, which I believe played a role in connecting me with my husband. He also works in healthcare. He can actually handle the hospital. The Lord was definitely not calling me there. However, every opportunity is a stepping stone to the place He is calling you to.
I received my master’s degree from Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University, a wonderful school with wonderful people, and I made meaningful connections there.
After graduating, I freelanced for a year and worked at a coffee shop. I am sure my dad was overjoyed that he had just dropped a bag for me to go work at Brew Ha Ha. I had always wanted to work at a coffee shop, and I thought this was the perfect time.
Over that year, I really leaned into learning my camera and working on my communication with clients. I definitely had some hiccups, but we all do. If you met me, you probably would not know it, but I have always been an anxious person. I tend to overthink communication, which is why my friends are very cool with me not responding for three to ten business days.
That is what I love about photography. When someone is in front of the camera, it is your job to make sure they are not anxious and that they are having a great time. I get to guide that. It may seem ironic, but it has actually helped me grow a ton as a person.
Life is filled with so many beautiful things, and it is easy to forget to be present in them when you are too in your head. When it is your job to be present and capture those moments, something switches.
The Lord knew that I needed to grow in confidence, not only as a person but behind the camera as well. That is why I believe He guided me back to the university as a Marketing Specialist. In that role, I created graphics, videos, and photography. I collaborated with people across the university. I ran and grew the social media accounts, and I produced monthly reports.
My boss was genuinely a wonderful person to talk to as I continued learning and helped me navigate moments when I was overwhelmed. The team at FranU that I had the privilege of working with is something I truly can never thank enough.
Next blog, I'll talk about my transition out of my 9 to 5 to pursuing my dream full-time!