This week’s ambassador spotlight shines a light on Taylor Duggan of Taylor Duggan Photography. Read on to find out more about Taylor, see some of her beautiful work, and which bluebird chic strap is her personal favorite! (For this week, her pick will be available at a discounted rate in the shop.)
Taylor Duggan is a professional photographer by day and student by night. When she’s not changing the world one photoshoot at a time, she studies speech language pathology at the University of Texas at Dallas. She specializes in modern high school senior portraiture, and aims to build the self-confidence of young women throughout the DFW area by capturing their true radiance and beauty in photo form. Taylor’s work has been featured on major national blogs such as Senior Style Guide and LooksLikeFilm. You can see her most recent work (plus an occasional dog photo or two) over on Instagram.
How long have you been a photographer?
I bought my first-ever camera off Groupon as an impulse purchase about 2 ½ years ago. I knew absolutely nothing about photography at the time, but I was seriously addicted and learned everything I could about equipment, settings, editing, and starting a business. Everything snowballed and fell into place extremely quickly from there. I officially opened for business in January 2015, and began specializing in seniors a year later. The rest is history!
What made you decide to pursue photography?
I think it’s so important for young girls to be confident in themselves and to celebrate their beauty, which is why I decided to specialize in senior photography. I love knowing that I can make a difference in a girl’s life just by taking their photos. Seeing my seniors’ faces light up during the Image Reveal is priceless, and knowing that they truly love the way they look is a feeling like no other! My goal is for every senior I work with to leave feeling confident, beautiful, and ready to face the future.
Which of your business achievements are you most proud of and why?
I’m not the bragging type, but I have to admit I’m so proud of myself for making a name for myself in such a competitive industry at such a young age. I’m only 22, I go to school full time pursuing my career in Speech Language Pathology, and somehow I still find the time to excel in my own business endeavors. I’ve climbed my way up from the bottom of the totem pole, and I’m now one of the most sought out senior photographers in my city. People ask me how I find time for it all, and the truth is, I have no idea! 😉 I just keep hustling.
What is the best part of being a photographer?
The best part of being a photographer is definitely the fact that I get to work from home in my PJs most of the time. Unless I’m meeting with a client or doing a shoot, I get to spend my ‘work hours’ at home with slippers on and my hair in a messy bun. I’m still working my tooshie off, but at least I get to be comfy and sip coffee the whole time. I love being able to make my own schedule and take time off whenever I need to.
What kind of camera(s) do you own and what role do they play in your life?
I don’t have a lot of gear, and I like to keep it simple! I shoot 99% of my photos with my “dream team combo,” my Canon 5D Mark III and Canon 85mm 1.2L II lens. I absolutely love the way that the 85mm blurs out the background to almost nothingness, and I’ve incorporated a lot of that bokeh into my signature photography style. I have a 50mm 1.4 lens on hand just in case I need a little extra wiggle room, but that’s all!
My secret weapon is the Omega Reflector, which my awesome boyfriend/assistant helps me out with during shoots! I highly recommend it!
What’s your favorite thing about your bluebird chic strap?
My ambassador pick was the Stormy Sea scarf camera strap! It’s cool navy blue color goes with absolutely everything, and I’m obsessed! I can pair it with a more muted color palette, or match it with brighter colors to really make a statement.
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This week save 20% on Taylor’s ambassador pick! Offer ends 04/09/17.
[ click here to shop this style in the bluebird chic shop, etsy shop or on amazon handmade ]
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Thanks for sharing with us today Taylor and for supporting the bluebird chic brand!
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