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

Hi Taylor, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always wanted to be my own boss. I’ve loved photography for years and was the friend who ALWAYS carried around the camera growing up and who took all the photos.

It took me time to accept that I am a creative, for fear of seeming “irresponsible.” Once I accepted and embraced that I am a creative and could build my own business where I get to be creative, love on people, and make a living… I pursued it 100%!

I also wanted to be sure to have the flexibility to create my own schedule as a way to prioritize my marriage and potential future family, without reporting to a boss.

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.
Taylor Cook Photography is all about serving with excellence, loving well, and bringing peace & fun into a bride’s day. What sets my brand and business apart is that it’s my highest priority to make you feel seen and known throughout the entire process of working together. Providing you with awesome photos is just the end result, but a client’s entire experience with me truly matters.

My style is a perfect mix between candid moments and the editorial vibe. I am here to capture the moments that make you remember the feeling. I want couples to look back at their photos in 10, 20, 30, plus years from now and literally be flooded with all of the feelings they felt on their wedding day.

Building a business isn’t easy. You are constantly looking for ways to improve, taking risks, making mistakes, and adjusting as time goes by. Apart from the logistics and practical challenges that come with being a business owner, my greatest challenge was fear. I was afraid to step out and be 100% who I am and run my business in the “public eye” unashamedly. The biggest way I overcame that fear was remembering that this business belongs to The Lord first and foremost, remembering all the words of encouragement that my Husband has said, and realizing that me being myself has the potential to truly impact others and give others permission to be themselves and pursue their dreams!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oooooo!!! Let’s do this!!!

Definitely would be going to Texas Roadhouse and Papa Lopez’ and Fork & Fire.

We would also have to go to White Rock Lake and the Harbor in Rockwall, especially when they have live concerts.

If it’s July 4th we are going to watch fireworks and find an outdoor concert!

We also would be going to Summit in Plano to go indoor rockclimbing. (something I’ve discovered I really like and want to start doing more!)

We could also check on Six Flags. 🙂

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout may not be like others, but it’s 1000000% to a person who deserves the recognition. My Husband is definitely my greatest source of encouragement and support which has lead to any success I have. Let’s be real.. he saw how unfulfilled I was before going full time with wedding photography + videography. He is the one who told me I was capable and that I should dive into it head first. He is an absolutely amazing friend and Husband!

In addition, my shoutout goes to God. He is the Author of Creativity and it’s because of Him that I even get to do what I do. It’s from Him and for Him.

Website: https://www.taylorcookphotography.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tayl0rcookphotography/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taylorcookphotography

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