Vendors I Love: TAYLOR LAUREN BARKER PHOTOGRAPHY
I took an amazingly circuitous route to get to where I am. But looking back, it makes incredible sense. The same goes for the photographer I focus on today. I met Taylor at a wedding I officiated in the summer of 2015 in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. While it’s difficult to connect at events since we’re um, well…working, it was clear that Taylor and I had similar processes. While I tell stories with ritual and ceremony, she tells it through light and images. Without further ado, I am delighted to introduce Photojournalist and Creative Storyteller, TAYLOR LAUREN BARKER
What was the path that led you to become a photographer?
Well, I've always been a storyteller. Some of my earliest memories are of times I would regale my family with the adventures my baby dolls and I would take. I think that my love of storytelling is also where my love of photography comes from. The first time I really fell in love with photography was my senior year of high school. I was a co-editor of our yearbook and did a lot of work with the school's Canon Rebel. Looking back, I had no idea what I was doing, but I did know that I loved it and wanted to do more. When college decision time rolled around, I decided to pursue a degree in journalism from the Newhouse School at Syracuse University. I major-hopped all of freshman year, but finally, after a trip to the Newseum in Washington, D.C., I settled on photojournalism. I was astounded that a career path actually excited where I could mix my love of photography and storytelling. I didn't set out to be a wedding photographer, what I really wanted to be was a hard-hitting news photojournalist. It wasn't until after a summer internship with a small wedding studio in NYC, that I really started to appreciate the creativity and romance of weddings. I started to apply what I was learning about telling authentic visual stories to these weddings. The next thing I knew, I was falling in love with love stories.
What excites you about weddings?
To me, the most exciting part of being a wedding photographer, surprisingly, isn't the wedding at all - it's getting to know my couples. It's getting to learn about them, to hear their stories and to figure out the best way to honor them. Sure the wedding day is awesome, but there are many ways I invest in my clients before and long after their wedding day. Building and maintaining those friendships, continuing to tell their family's story as they have babies and anniversaries and trips - that's the good stuff!
What do you look for in a couple?
My ideal couple is adventurous and kind-hearted. Not many couples that come to me are intimately acquainted with the nuances of the wedding industry quite like I am, so it's the best when a couple has total faith in me. When I know a couple appreciates me and trusts me to tell their story - that's when I do my best work.
What is the greatest compliment you’ve ever received?
That I'm a good listener. So much of being an effective story "teller" starts with being a good story "listener" (it's cheesy, but true!). I know I really appreciate it when someone takes the time to simply be there for me and listen to my story, so I try to be there for others in that same way.
What do you desire for your business?
My greatest desire is for my couples to feel loved and heard. I want them to walk away from their wedding day feeling like I've supported and encouraged them. I want them to feel like I've told their story.
What are you grateful for?
Oh man, that is a long list! Really it all boils down to being incredibly thankful for the many people who love and support me. If I didn't feel so loved it would be really difficult to care for other people well.
Any recent cause for celebration?
I just turned twenty-five! Celebrating this birthday was really special. I took some time to reflect on all that I've accomplished and I was really humbled by the number of opportunities I've been afforded. I am so, abundantly blessed and find great joy in being a blessing to others.
Please join me in wishing Taylor a very happy birthday, and a great year ahead!
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