Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Rollins.
Hi Taylor, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I have always had a huge passion for photography. My parents got me my first digital camera when I was in 6th grade as a Christmas gift and that’s when my love for it really first began. Being able to capture the world from different angles and perspectives has been something I’ve enjoyed challenging myself to do. Throughout my years in middle and high school, I continued to do photography solely as a hobby until I graduated college. After I graduated, I spent my years as a teacher and only did photo sessions as people would need or ask for them. Photography kind of took a backseat but was a small side gig to my first salary job.
Flash forward to February 2020 when I had my first and only daughter. She was born almost exactly one month before the world shut down. 0 out of 10 do not recommend becoming a brand-new mother during a global pandemic. Anyway, after having her, a combination of postpartum depression and anxiety as well as the loneliness that came with being a new mom and being isolated from all of my friends and family took over. I had an extremely hard time leaving her to go back as a teacher for the 2020-2021 school year. It was during that year that my husband and I made the decision for me to stay at home with her for the foreseeable future.
After making this decision together, I was SO excited but it also brought some hesitation because it meant that I was losing my salary and half of our total family income. With my husband being a teacher as well, I HAD to do something to make up at least part of my lost income. We brainstormed ways we could both put forth an effort to make ends meet and photography immediately came to mind as a way that I could help. Ever since, I’ve been working hard to build my client base all while staying home with my girl. It’s the best of both worlds and I’m so grateful that I get to do two things that I really enjoy spending my time doing – being at home for memories with my kid AND capturing those sweet moments for other families. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. My husband’s support for me to stay home and the fact that I get to with my daughter is what keeps me going in the photography world.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Of course not! But the best things in life are not always easy and require hard work. There have been so many times that I’ve doubted my abilities and questioned if I really can do this. Even though I have been working hard lately to build my business into something that is worthwhile, there is always a voice inside of me that doubts if I really will be able to do this as a full-time gig. It’s discouraging when I feel like I don’t have a lot of likes on Instagram or if my posts don’t reach as many people as I hope they would on Facebook. The thing that keeps me going is the encouragement from my husband and my loved ones. They are an incredible support system.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a photographer that specializes in outdoor photography. I really enjoy photographing families, couples, and seniors but am open to trying new ideas that are outside of my comfort zone. In my photography business, I think I am most proud of the fact that I am self-taught and learn how to do certain things by trial and error. One of my favorite things to do is try new things in the photography and editing world to see what works and what doesn’t for me and my business. I think the thing that sets me apart from others is the relationships I like to make whenever I’m capturing a new client. My husband and my friends will be the first to tell you that I LOVE meeting new people and making new friends. So, whenever I have the chance to meet someone new, you bet I jump on that opportunity! I try to make them feel comfortable to be who they are and to come as they are.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned through photography but not necessarily completely related to photography is that everyone is going through something, whether it’s a hard season or an easy one. Photography has forced me to see the world through a different lens, literally, and has, in turn, allowed me to love on people the best way I can. One of the best things I can do for those around me is to be kind and to meet them where they are at, regardless of their circumstance. One of my favorite quotes is by an author named Bob Goff. In one of his books, he says, “Everybody, always. Not just some people, sometimes.” I love this quote because it really helps me to take a step back and say “Okay, how can I show love to someone around me instead of judge their situation?” The thing photography has really helped me appreciate is not only the way I see the world around me but also how I see the people around me, too. There is so much beauty in the people of this world and I am thankful that I get to capture it.
Pricing:
- $150 30-minute session + tax
- $250 60-minute session + tax
- Studio mini sessions – price depends on theme and location + tax
- $450 90-minute session + tax
Contact Info:
- Email: taylorrollinsphotography@gmail.com
- Website: https://taylorrollinsphotography.mypixieset.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/taylorrollinsphotography/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/TaylorRollinsPhotography/
Image Credits:
Jennifer L Kirk Photography
