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

Hi Justin, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own photography business was rooted in a combination of passion, purpose, and a desire to create lasting memories for people. I’ve always enjoyed the art of storytelling through visuals—capturing the emotion, the energy, and the essence of a moment.

I wanted to build something that was not only a reflection of myself, but also a brand that is trustworthy and delivers quality from start to finish. Starting my own business gave me the freedom to set my own standards, shape my client relationships, and grow in ways I couldn’t imagine.

It wasn’t just about taking photos. It was about building something sustainable that could scale, evolve, and serve people in a meaningful way. That mindset has carried me every step of the way.

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 love this question because photography is so much more than just a skill for me. It’s truly my art and my purpose.

My photography is centered around intentional storytelling. I don’t just capture images, I capture energy. I focus on the feeling behind the frame. Whether it’s a brand shoot, a wedding, or a lifestyle portrait, I want people to look at the photo and remember the emotion, not just the moment. That’s what sets me apart. I pay attention to the details, the glance, the laugh, the stillness. That’s where the real story lives.

What I’m most proud of is the trust I’ve built with my clients. People don’t just book me for photos. They come for the experience. They know I’m going to bring professionalism, and a calm energy that allows them to feel confident. I’ve had the honor of shooting for entrepreneurs, couples, corporate clients, birthday and etc. It’s all rooted in connection and excellence.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. There were seasons of self-doubt, financial sacrifice, and having to learn everything the hard way. From advertising and editing to managing client relationships. Through it all, every challenge taught me something valuable. The biggest lesson? Consistency beats talent when talent doesn’t show up. You have to do the work even on the days you don’t feel like it.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know about me and my brand, it’s that this was built with intention. Every shoot, every email, every interaction, I take it seriously because people are trusting me with their stories. Trust is something I never take for granted. My brand stands for quality, purpose, and the belief that photography should strike an emotion.

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 friends coming to visit Dallas for a week, I’d give them a mix of culture, food, and good vibes. We’d kick things off with dinner at Nuri Steakhouse and drinks. During the week, we could explore the Dallas Museum of Art, chill at Klyde Warren Park, and walk around Deep Ellum for murals, music, and bars. We’d do a photoshoot in the studio or downtown near the AT&T Performing Arts Center. Eat at spots like Musume, Paradiso, and Mister Charles. If time allowed, we’d either catch a Mavs or Cowboys game. We’d wrap it up probably at Legacy West and skyline views from Reunion Tower. I’d try to do what I could to highlight some of the best things the city has to offer.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely! There’s no way I could tell my story without giving a major shoutout to D. Lacy.

From day one, D. Lacy has been more than just a mentor. He’s been a guiding force. His belief in my vision, even when I was still trying to find my footing, gave me the confidence to keep pushing forward. He’s the kind of person who leads by example through consistency, excellence, and an unmatched work ethic. Watching how he moved through his craft, how he treated people, and how he carried his brand with integrity, it taught me that success isn’t just about talent, it’s about how you show up every single day.

D. Lacy poured into me without hesitation. Whether it was phone calls, honest critiques, or connecting me with opportunities that opened doors I never imagined. He’s a huge part of the reason I built the confidence to step out and create my own lane.

So if you see any light in my work, just know it’s a reflection of the people who invested in me and D. Lacy deserves every bit of recognition for that.

Website: https://www.TaylorMediaPhotography.com

Instagram: @Taylor_Media

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.