TEST SHOT TUESDAY: Kentucky Editorial Photographer / Shooting with Mekaela for 5 years

When I finally get to see Mekaela after months and months of talking about this, I was so excited! Mekaela came to me with this idea of wanting to hang photos from a tree of all of the people who made her who she is today. Now graduating college, it was the perfect opportunity for this to happen! I have been photographing Mekaela since before she was a high school senior. She was one of my very first clients and on our first shoot together, I remember leaving my SD card at home while we were on location. Mekaela’s mom had dropped her off with me so she had to ride with me back to my house. I am so happy those struggling 17/18 year old days are far behind me! I didn’t realize it at the time we were doing this shoot but the vibe is SO similar to our first shoot. I will add a few of those at the bottom if anyone is curious to see! To be honest, if it weren’t for that shoot, I probably would not even be in this field now. That shoot single handedly pushed me down the deep rabbit hole of photography magic. I fell in LOVE with light and whimsy.

As I said before, Mekaela is graduating college and is going to be a social worker! We drove down her childhood road until we found the most perfect clover field to match her tee. I am so honored to know Mekaela, her big heart, and to have watched her grow over the last 5 years. Thanks for being a major part of my story, Mekaela! :)

-Taylor

5 years ago this July…………………..

(also cracking up at that hair tie on her wrist)

TEST SHOT TUESDAY: Kentucky Editorial Photographer / Shooting with Kendra Part II

Part II of shooting with the gifted fashionista - KENDRA!

The challenge with this shoot was the location. It was a total new location that I literally found sitting on the side of the road. I’ve been itching to shoot here for years but never had a good enough of reason. It’s easily one of my new favorite spots in Somerset if you’re going for that urban, lost boy, rebel vibe. The sun sets PERFECTLY over these asphalt mountains and we used smoke bombs to enhance the mood of a wasteland. We didn’t plan this shoot to be inspired by T Swizzle but as we were shooting, I couldn’t help but be reminded of the “I knew you were trouble” music video.

I hope you guys enjoy viewing this shoot. We had so much fun creating it. I’m sooo looking forward to the next time I shoot with Kendra :)

TEST SHOT TUESDAY: Kentucky Fashion Photographer / Shooting with Kailan

The best and hardest part about shooting with Kailan is that we almost NEVER plan anything. We both come to the meeting point with minds full of ideas to explore, outfits and props. No discussion, pressure or stress is allowed. We just want to have fun shooting with maybe a vibe in mind, but no restrictions or expectations. I think that’s where I am most inspired - with help from the lighting conditions and Kailan’s wardrobe :)

Kailan is a beautiful person. She’s currently in her journey of being a yoga instructor while inspiring me, personally and the world with positive vibes. I feel like I’ve said it 10 times already but I generally just love shooting with her. It’s so relaxed, we’re always on the same page, and she just makes my heart happy. :)

• I hope you enjoy the finished product! •

  -Taylor