We had the good fortune of connecting with Taylor Longcrier and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Taylor, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I was younger I would dream extremely big for what I wanted my life to be. Some would say I was even a little overly ambitious. I never knew exactly what it would look like though. My dream once I graduated high school was to go to college, do something in the medical field, and show everyone that I could create a life that I wanted. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford college and I lasted one semester. From there I was lost, but still dreaming. A couple of years later I bought a camera to originally start making YouTube videos, but then I stumbled on an opportunity to set up my camera during a friends wedding ceremony. I told her “Hey. I’ve seen these videos that people make, I bet I could do that if you want me to try.” I had no idea what I was doing but the rest is history. I stumbled on a passion for something that gives complete control of my life, and it’s everything I could of hoped for as a kid. I never thought it would turn into what it is today.
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 want more than anything for my films to be intentional. I want to create art that stays with someone forever, something that can be past down, and something that makes an impact. I am so excited to see how much I will continue to grow. I think the possibilities are limitless as long as I never stop learning, and being open minded.
Education is a huge reason I am where I am at today. Investing in yourself, and your business is huge. There is so much free education put there as well. Investing in yourself doesn’t always mean spending a ton of money. Do what you can to grow with what you have! It definitely wasn’t easy getting here. I don’t think it is for any entrepreneur. A lot of us start a business to gain freedom in our lives. While we definitely achieve that, it takes a lot of sweat and tears to get there. Wow though, is it worth it. Best decision of my life. If I could give some advice to anyone starting out, especially if you are young would be to one, be confident in yourself, your work, and your ability to grow. Two, do not compare yourself to others. That is the biggest lesson I learned, and continue to work on in myself. Imposter syndrome and the comparison game will ruin your drive. Look for inspiration in others but do not compare yourself to them!
I want the world to know that I create films for my clients. Not myself, not Instagram. My clients. I believe film is so much more than a video to share on social media. This is something that will live longer than anyone. Wedding films are a way to see people at a incredibly important moment in your life, hear their voices when you never thought you would again, see their smiles, the way they’ve aged. It is just so important.
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?
So many people. My love, Timmy Nichols is one of the biggest reasons I was able to go full time and work on my business. He not only believed in me, but he was willing to support me and struggle if we needed to so that I could create a life I wanted. It’s not easy in many ways trying to start something from the ground up. My family supports me in any way they can and that looks different for each of them. I am grateful for it all.
Education is so important. My mentors and the community I joined this last year have completely changed the game for me. So I would give a huge shoutout to John Bunn and Nick Miller from How to Film Weddings, and our little family in the MasterMind group we are in.
Website: www.taylorlongcriervideo.com
Instagram: @taylorlongcrier
Facebook: Taylor Longcrier Videography
Image Credits
Cassidy Wilson Kirsti Summers Taylor Longcrier