Today, we're excited to introduce you to photographer Hope Taylor! We've gotten to know Hope a bit through email exchanges and Instagram when she tagged us in a #Fotospotting. (Follow her here!) We're delighted for you to get to know Hope better--enjoy!
Hello! Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Hope Taylor and I am a high school senior portrait and wedding photographer based in Fredericksburg, Virginia! I'm 18 years old and have a sight obsession with Kate Spade and extra buttery popcorn. I love spending time with my close friends and family, swinging on the swing set by the lake in my neighborhood, and exploring new places (I've got some serious wanderlust!!) I have two pet ducks, Quakers and Bubbles, and they are best friends with our family cockatoo Biscuit.
What can you share about your business/organization/philanthropy?
I got my hands on my first camera at the age of 11 (yes, 11!) and immediately fell in love with capturing memories. However, after being in business for over 2 years, I have found that my passion really lies in people. This business has brought some of the most amazing people into my life whether it be industry friends, wonderful clients or inspiring leaders, and I am so thankful for that. My business is built on community and encouragement, and I strive to always inspire and build up other photographers and creatives in the industry. I also want to love my clients in a way that they have never found in other businesses!
What's the best advice you've been given about your business/organization?
As someone who began their business in high school, making decisions about my future became incredibly complicated. I struggled a lot with decisions regarding things like college, my education and where to live. When I met Caroline Logan, another young photographer in the industry, she shared with me something that she was told when she struggled with the same decisions: "Wherever you go, be all there". This quote has stuck with me through some of the best and worst times in my business, and it guides every decision I make!
What's your favorite thing about Fotostrap?
I absolutely LOVE Fotostrap and was so excited when I stumbled across them last year! I adore that you can customize almost everything about your strap, and the wide variety of colors that they offer guarantee that everyone will find something that they love!
Who do you admire and why?
There are SO many people that I admire, both in the industry and in my personal life, so this is a hard one!! But, although it may sound cliche, my mom is easily the number one inspiration in my life + the person I admire most! She has one of the most wonderful hearts I've ever seen, and she always supports me 100%, even when everyone thinks we're crazy. She's my absolute best friend and the person who inspired me to be an entrepreneur + boss lady in the first place!
Where do you find inspiration?
A lot of my business, especially the senior portrait side, is heavily inspired by fashion + personal style. I find inspiration in brands like Kate Spade, Tory Burch and Marley Lilly! I love southern, preppy fashion and taking one look through a J. Crew or Lilly Pulitzer magazine inspires me more than ever!
Describe where you see yourself in 5 to 10 years.
Oh, this is a hard one!! As my business starts to focus more on weddings, I definitely see myself shooting more weddings down the road. I also hope to become even more of an educator, and one day speak at conferences! (That's a big dream right there!)
What are some of your favorite photography "must haves"?
My 50mm 1.2 and 85mm 1.2 lenses are my babies!! I absolutely LOVE my prime lenses and I would be lost without them! I also love my JoTotes camera bag in my favorite color (aqua!) as well as my adorable Fotostrap! I also always keep a snack stored somewhere in my bag because you just never know!
Anything else you'd like to add?
My next Senior Photography Workshop is being held in August of this year, and I would absolutely love to see you there! You can find more information about the workshop here.
Thanks so much for sharing your heart with us, Hope! We've enjoyed getting to know you and look forward to watching you continue to grow in your photography career!