Meet Taylor Kuykendall | Editorial Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Taylor Kuykendall and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Taylor, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Back when I was just a little girl I remember so vividly watching my mom paint, write, take photos, and create art through sculpture. She was always scratching her creative itch. I remember wishing at such a young age that I could do what she did, to be as good as she was. By the time I got older I realized it was never about how good she was at something but rather the outlet the art was gifting her. When she passed away I realized I too needed an outlet, something that would make me feel close to her in a time when she was far. I picked up a paintbrush and a pencil and never looked back. Years later I found that photography was my real outlet- my real art. I could convey my own feelings but also help others convey theirs. I owe my artistic career to my mom, but also think no other career would suit me better than being considered a creative.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I think what sets my art aside from others is it’s very raw while also pulling in an editorial and vintage creative touch. I think since I began this photography journey I’ve always stuck close to my vintage interests but rather grown stylistically in how I chose to shoot. I owe that to education and lots of inspiring other creatives. I remember when I first started I was using a friends camera, a canon T3 if we are being specific. I thought it truly was the greatest thing- I was taking it everywhere with me and planning as many shoots as I could. My friend and I would beg anyone we knew to get in front of our cameras and play dress up! Now I look back and think my career isn’t so different from that now. Now I just have a nicer camera! I still ask friends to play dress up for photoshoots and I still get together with my friends to talk about where we think our careers will be in 5 years, 10 years. While my career in the photography world has taken off since I first started I’m lucky to still hold so many of the principles I first started with. I always wanted to create photographs that felt like art- rather than still moments of people’s lives, now say cheese. I always wanted them to take on an artsy approach and grab people’s attention. So much so that 30 years from now people will look back at their photos and remember every single thing about that day because I caught all the raw moments. We run through so many trends and fads in the photography world but true raw moments will never go out of style.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First stop- Atlanta thrift stores. As many as possible. We have some gems! -Anticos pizzas. My FAVORITE pizza place. The owner is from Italy and brought all his family with him to create true authentic Italian pizza. It’s heaven.
-The high museum of art. For obvious reasons.
-Drinks at Gypsy Kitchen on the rooftop.
-Bike ride on the belt line to Chattahoochee Coffee Co. for Lavender matcha and pretty views.
-Trip to Trader Joe’s for snacks.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mom-for showing me the world of art. My best friend Addie Eanes- for being my right hand man from the beginning of this photography journey. And my husband for always encouraging me, pushing me, but most importantly believing in me and my art.

Website: Www.taylormontanerophotography.com

Instagram: @bytaylormontanero

Other: TikTok- @bytaylormontanero

Image Credits
Taylor Kuykendall