We had the good fortune of connecting with Taylor Gaddy and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Taylor, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Simply put- I love, love. I wanted to find a way to connect my creative itch with the love people share all over the world. After experimenting with family photography, lifestyle photography and sports photography, I felt like I was still craving a more personal connection to my clients and their stories, near and far. Thats when I felt I was being called into travel wedding photography. God blessed me with a beautiful gift and my heart is so full behind the camera. He has shown me each couple I come across is an intricate work of art and the camera is just an instrument that allows me to share that art and their story with you. Thats why I started Taylor Gaddy Photography.
Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I think what sets me apart from other wedding photographers is how I choose to capture moments. I like to take on a wedding day through an intentional documentation style instead of just taking photos of anything and everything- by this I mean that I pay attention to every little detail. I capture the main big moments but also those little hidden moments in your day like a tearful sibling during your first dance with dad, a locket attached to your flower bouquet that was grandpas first gift to grandma, singing your favorite song with your best friends and so much more.
I am most proud of how far I have come despite the health challenges life has thrown at me this year. I am most excited for all thats coming!! I can’t wait to meet my future couples and see what parts of the world I will travel to next while photographing their special days!
I got to where I am today through hard work and determination. I know that sounds cliche but it’s true. When you start an artistic business, it’s hard for people to see your vision and fully support you at first so, you have to be the person to believe in your own work and push yourself to where you want to be! It’s definitely not easy starting your own business, and not everyone can do it, but if you can it’s so worth it.
I have learned so many lessons along the way, but the most important one I learned was to keep going. Through difficult times in life, a bad economy, a worldwide pandemic, starting a wedding business in a season where there were literally no weddings going on- its so easy to want to give up when it feels like the world is against you, but I promise if you just keep going its going to be so worth it.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had a friend in town I would take them North of Atlanta to the Alpharetta area for the best smoothie bowls at Flavor Juicery. Avalon and Halcyon are a must for dinner options. Ponce City Market and Atlanta Beltline are always a good time to enjoy some drinks, food, and a cute photo op. I have more of an adventurous soul, so we would probably go to the GA aquarium and swim in the tank, cage dive with the sharks and take a road trip up to hike the North GA mountains one day!
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Oh wow, there are so many people who deserve a part in my story, I could go on forever, but most importantly I want to dedicate my shoutout to my couples. Every one of my couples has inspired me more and more with their love stories. It still amazes me that I get to be the person who captures the start of your forever and just that feeling alone is so rewarding. Thank you guys for supporting my small business and trusting in me to document your love story.
Website: www.taylorgaddy.com
Instagram: @taylor.gaddyphotos