Owner Spotlight: Kali Taylor
I’m Kali Taylor, the proud owner of Kali Taylor Photography.
I look forward to sharing my story. I hope that you will enjoy getting to know me better.
When I started Kali Taylor Photography, I had come to realize that photography could help me connect with others and show them their beauty as I saw it. I started out photographing in the lingerie industry, and soon learned how much I loved working with women. I felt like I empowered them through my photographs, and I wanted to do more.
As I grew into a professional photographer, I decided to move into the wedding industry. I believe this was a natural progression for me as I wanted to work with more people and bring out their genuine emotions through pictures. As a wedding photographer, I can share with my clients not only images of beautiful spaces and poses but also the intimacy of the most important moments of their lives.
I started working as a photographer in 2012 and split my time between photography and my lingerie business, Impish Lee. I can truly say that I love my job(s) and see them as a vehicle for spreading joy and love to others.
Throughout my career as a wedding photographer, I’ve noticed that some things never change in the wedding industry, but I do have to say that my clients just keep getting more inventive and creative in the directions they take their events. Every event or wedding seems to out-do the last, and I am not complaining. I love when my clients’ visions are fully realized, and an event space is transformed for the day into the dreams they envisioned.
The most enjoyable part of my job is seeing my clients happy and feeling beautiful. Sometimes when I capture these emotions, I can’t help but show the couple a little peek at the back of my camera and share the magic we’re making together. I love shooting and editing and even designing my clients’ photo albums, but at the end of the day, if my clients are happy, that brings me the most joy!
To capture great images, my philosophy in photography and life is to be in the moment. As a photographer, it’s easy to get caught up throughout the day, to be concerned about gear, lighting, the weather, or other vendors. However, it is more important to be present with the clients, share in their emotions, and capture honest moments and expressions.
Additionally, I think it’s important to be kind and calm as a wedding photographer. Emotions are always heightened on wedding days, and I strive to be a soothing presence in the mix of all the craziness. It’s also essential for me to build trust with my clients so they can feel comfortable with me. Above all, though, I want to make their events and our sessions fun, and so our clients know it’s alright to let loose, be silly, and enjoy their occasion.
Through the years, I have experienced several successes and defining moments in my career as a photographer. I owe all of this to the incredible mentors and teachers I’ve had while learning my craft. I always give up my talents and success to those who graciously shared their experiences and knowledge with me. Because of my teachers, I also know that I will be a lifelong student. There will always be ways to improve and continue to strive for as a photographer and student of life. There is still room for growth and improvement, especially in this competitive industry that’s continuously looking for new ideas and creativity.
When it comes to creativity, I do my best to follow my philosophy of staying in the moment and making the most of what I have. For example, during an engagement session, which I was photographing, I stopped to do some solo shots of the engagement ring. As I slipped the ring onto a tall blade of grass, a beautiful butterfly flew by, and I was able to capture the ring and the butterfly together for a closeup. I learned later on that the bride-to-be’s father had passed away not long before our session. She expressed to me how meaningful that photo was for her as she saw it as a blessing from her father. It was rewarding for me because of how much that meant to her. Moreover, she would always remember her father when looking through the pictures I’d taken for her that day. This occasion goes to remind us all that every moment can be laced with a little bit of magic if we are looking through the right lens.
Besides this instance, I’ve had several other memorable moments while taking pictures for clients. Each of them has taught me something new and enabled me to grow into an exceptional professional.
When I’m not taking photographs, I love spending time with my friends, being in nature, and hanging out with my pup, “Roxy.” Recently, I’ve also discovered my love for gardening and have been enjoying playing in the dirt when I have the time!
Additionally, as a photographer, I feel strongly about sharing my love for photography and all the meditative qualities it encompasses. Having a creative outlet is essential, so I love to encourage others along their creative paths. As a result, I make myself available for mentorships and photography lessons as well!
I have enjoyed sharing my story about the things which matter to me and how they influence the way I do business.
If you or someone you know could benefit from my expertise as a wedding, family, and portrait photographer, I invite you to get in touch. I cater to clients across Centerport, Huntington, Manhattan, Long Island, New York, and the surrounding areas. Please visit our website at www.kalitaylorphotography.com.
Sincerely,
Kali