Taylor Smith
Taylor Smith
Photographer / Creative Director
Los Angeles, CA
www.boomhauscreative.com/taylorshoots
instagram @whoistaylorsmith
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I am a commercial photographer with an emphasis on lifestyle & fashion storytelling that is built behind a visual positioning strategy to reach a target audience.”
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
My career happened by accident as before this I worked in the music industry wearing multiple hats on both the creative and administrative sides. At the time I was managing an artist who needed visual content on a daily basis and it was more cost-effective for me to buy a camera and figure things out versus hiring a freelancer to shoot a few days a week. So with that being said, my first camera was bought from Best Buy and then passion was born. I eventually parted ways with the music artist and decided to go all-in on shooting commercial work of all types but I eventually fell in love with fashion and lifestyle work because there is so much room to tell an artistic story with just a single image. But I cannot leave out that having a degree in Entertainment Business & Marketing helps me a lot especially when working with brands and helping them put together a visual campaign that will impact their target audience.
How do you stand out in your field?
I do my best to be as authentic as possible by producing work that makes the audience feel something. Whether that feeling is good or bad, I want to trigger an emotion with my work and I want that work to deliver a message at the same time. On top of that, the in-between moments... or magic moments always work for me. The images that you're able to capture by the luck of the light.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
Currently wrapping up 2020 with clients both in fashion and cannabis marketing as well as positioning myself as a brand for the new year and hoping there is a light at the end of this somewhat dark tunnel we've all been in. I also find myself doing a lot more networking and reaching to brands and other creatives to expand my relationships and creative footprint.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
I love simplicity in what I shoot. For the longest, I was mainly shooting in natural light as I had a fear of using flash but I was forced in 2020 to get over that and now I feel like you can't get me out of the studio. Right now I'm experimenting with strobes and gels but for client work, a single off-center strobe with a large modifier has been defining a lot of my work and I love the look it gives especially when I am working with a model who has darker skin tone.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
If I had to pick one..... it would definitely be fashion because, In hindsight, I use to buy all the fashion magazines to only look at the pictures in the ads and editorial sections and this dates back to being in high school and I say this am I'm looking at my collection of GQ mags that goes back to 2007.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Dealing with the gatekeepers and playing politics especially when working with a brand. I feel like sometimes there are way too many cooks in the kitchen and everyone has an opinion and not to mention the budgets.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Everything but creative. As I'm sure others can relate, but being in meetings (zoom calls) or replying to emails can drain so much from you that when it's time to actually work, you don't have anything left to give.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
Back in 2004/5 I was really into Tumblr and the work that was being produced by the streetwear brand "The Hundreds" so with what I know now, I would have told myself to leave the music business, start shooting, and that over time you will find your lane.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
How to remain consistent and relevant in the climate of today as the industry is so saturated with creatives.
Getting signed to an agency.
And how not to burn out.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I love the fashion space so ideally, I'd like to work more there and be apart of projects and campaigns that lead with storytelling and push the boundaries of what is already in place.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
Honestly, a lot of my clients are my ideal collaborators as they allow me to simply create and trust that I will deliver what is best for them but speaking overall, as long as there are communication, respect, and trust between all parties, the work will get executed.
Who is a creative that has helped you elevate your work?
There are probably too many to name here but for sure one of my close friends Preston Dawson who is a photographer turned Director/DP & editor. He was the photographer I use to book when in the music business and was probably the first person I went to for advice when I jumped into this industry.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Shoot me an email or DM on social and let's talk. If I think I can add value I'm always down to work and figure things out.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Constantly keeping my eyes open. We live in such a visual world that ideas are always being triggered.
This member profile was originally published in Decemeber 2020.