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

Hi Taylor, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Taking risks is what has grown and continues to grow me as a person and as a business as a whole! Taking risks is super scary to me, I’m not someone by nature who really likes living on the edge, I like to have some kind of predictability and stability. But had I not taken the risks that I did, despite the fact that I was absolutely terrified (and sometimes still am, if we’re being honest), I wouldn’t have started my business to begin with, I wouldn’t have invested in myself in the ways that I did, I wouldn’t have met the people that I have in my life now, I wouldn’t have quit my job, I wouldn’t be where I am! And so for those reasons, taking the risks, getting uncomfortable, stretching myself and rebuilding myself… it’s been 100% worth it and I would tell anyone else thinking about taking the leap, it’s worth it.

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 think one of my favorite things about the work that I create, and something I hear from a lot of clients, is that I capture the joy in people. I love capturing the authenticity of a small moment, romanticizing the things that clients don’t really think of when they think about what makes a picture great. Creating space for couples to just be in each other’s presence and love on each other, or letting kids be playful and goofy and messy like they naturally are, and then telling that story is what I think makes the best photos. I used to think you needed to have the perfect backdrop and I needed to have a lot of poses planned out for clients so I didn’t come in unprepared, and I need to edit this specific way because that’s what’s popular right now. And that was really hard for me to get over. But as I’ve grown, I’ve found that telling people’s stories is more powerful and important than anything. Instead of trying to get the “picture perfect shot,” and focusing on what the photo itself looks like, I want to focus on the way the photo makes you feel. I want clients to look at their photos and be taken back, to remember what that moment felt like.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh gosh, there is so much to do around here! I personally love trying out different coffee shops and am a bit of a coffee snob (to put it lightly), so of course we’d be doing that. A few of my favorites are Blue Sparrow Coffee, Mango Tree Coffee and Carbon Cafe. I, and everyone else, agree that Red Rocks is unbeatable in terms of music venues, so it’s a must that we would see a concert at red rocks. I love the Golden area and how much there is to do, so I’d say let’s go to Lookout Mountain, take in some views and then head over to the Golden Mill. It’s a food court type of thing, so you have options for whatever food you want and if you’re a beer, cider, or wine drinker, they have a whole wall of options on tap. It’s self serve and you just pay by the ounce! Lastly, I’m a lover of the outdoors and love hiking (how Colorado of me, am I right?). If you want to see some of the best mountain views around, my suggestion is try to out a sunrise hike around loveland pass or make the trip to Rocky Mountain National Park! You will not be disappointed!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people that I could thank for pushing me and believing in me. Of course the obvious ones are my family, my boyfriend, and my friends, because where and who would I be without them? But also, I think of my mentors that I have had over the last couple years, one in specific is my girl Jordan (@jordananne.photo). She is so kind, she has so much wisdom, she’s wicked talented and is always willing to answer dumb questions I have. I learn something new from her every time I work with her and I’m just thankful for her friendship!

Instagram: @taylorisomphoto

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