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Life and Work with Sam Taylor

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

Sam, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My photography business started out as a hobby while working as a medical student. After a few months of building up my portfolio shooting with friends and family, I was fortunate enough to be hired for a few weddings. Once I realized I could make a living while doing what I love, I promptly quit my day job and put all of my energy into building the little business I have today. I am thankful enough to say that by age 22, I am self employed and have worked with multiple brands and creatives.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It definitely was not easy to get to where I am today, and I am still constantly changing styles and growing as a photographer. The most difficult part about it is finding peace with your work and the creative energy you put out. I definitely believe that comparison is the thief of joy, so my biggest advice to anybody starting their creative journey is to be proud of where you are and what you are putting out into the world. It was hard to find a niche I really enjoyed and would stick to, but when I realized it is okay to be multifarious, that’s when the fun began! Especially to photographers, you have the ability to shoot anything and everything, not just ONE type of service -experiment!

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Sam Taylor Photography – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I currently provide almost all types of photography services. I have worked as a photography contributor providing content for brands such as Pei Wei, Amador Whiskey, Johnny Rockets and more with the help of Shutterstock Custom. My favorite type of work is content photography – I love being able to connect with other hardworking brands and businesses to provide images unique to them! It is such a great way to get your name out there when you work with other local businesses. Along with most photographers, I also shoot weddings and senior and family portraits. I am definitely the most proud of the relationships I have made within the past year working with local brands and fellow creatives! Being a photographer has opened up a whole new world of creation that I never could imagine for myself. I try to imagine that I’m the only photographer in the world and that seems to set me apart from others. Too many times on social media, do I see photographers taking other creative outputs and contorting them into their own. It’s all about your confidence and appreciation for your own style and work!

There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
Be polite and be humble. Messages over the internet seem to be conveyed in different ways to different readers, so just be sure to stay as professional and polite when you reach out as possible. I probably sent out over a hundred emails and DMs to work with local models, brands and businesses and have been turned down more times than not when trying to network. Just focus on the main goal of trying to build your brand and don’t give up.

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Image Credit:
Katelyn Dorko, KS Garner, Tori Rahn, Levi + Rachel Weeks, Jacob Attilio

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

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