MY FIRST BLOG POST EVER!

Hey everyone, I’m Taylor. Welcome to my first official blog post! (OMG, am I really saying that?!) I’ve been wanting to get all my thoughts in one place for a long time now, and it feels amazing to finally get my first one out there into the world. For those that don’t know me, I’m the face behind TCole Photography. Taking photos has been one of my biggest joys for the last 10+ years and I finally took that giant leap of faith to turn this hobby into a full-fledged business in January 2024.

As I approach my one-year anniversary, it got me thinking about my “why”. Why did I create this business in the first place?

A little over a year ago, I quit my full-time job without a plan. Which, if you know me, well, that’s not really how I typically do things. I’m a highly organized individual, I’ve got a type-A personality, and I think through every possible outcome so I don’t get hurt or so I’m not left surprised. Just ask my partner, Irvin- I HATE surprises! Haha!

So what led me to make this wildly impulsive decision without a plan?

I was at a point where if I kept living the way I was, there would be none of “me” left. I was living with crippling anxiety that led to physically debilitating panic attacks and emotional breakdowns that could occur at any moment. In my journal from that time, I wrote these words: “I think I just feel fragile and defeated. Like the next thing is gonna come and I’m going to implode. I’m walking on eggshells. I want to feel strong, confident, empowered. Badass. I know what that feels like because I’ve been there before. I am doing all that I can to get back to that place.”

I had told myself that “I loved my job” and that “I could push through it if I just worked hard enough”. But here’s the real truth, I was grasping on to the feeling of total control, something I would never be able to obtain. It became so clear to me that I had no other choice other than to fully trust God with my life; to fully surrender my control to the one who holds all the power. I made it my mission to pursue him with everything I had, learning what it meant to hold the fruit of the spirit true to my heart again: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

So, I did it—I quit and asked God to show me what’s next. While I definitely don’t have it all figured out and I still have moments of fear and doubt, my heart has been changed through this journey. God used photography, something I’ve loved for so long, to be the thing that saved me. Through my art, He’s teaching me about life, faith, and surrender. It’s not in my control; it’s in His. This is my why: to grow in faith and spread joy, just as Jesus did.

TCole Photography creates joyful, authentic, and bright imagery; capturing what’s uniquely yours.

My photos feel alive, capturing the energy and emotion of the moment they were taken, so you can hold onto that feeling for a lifetime.

So here we are, December 2024, celebrating almost one year in business.

45 clients served.

53 galleries delivered.

20,000+ minutes of editing.

1 God who made it all happen.

My business is my testimony of what life can look like with Jesus leading the way.

I also want to note that while I follow Jesus and hope others can experience the life-changing power of faith, I understand that not everyone shares the same perspective—and that’s okay! I believe our differences are beautiful and meant to enrich life, not divide us. I’ll always honor your traditions and respect your worldview.

My hope is for each of my clients to feel welcome and accepted, no matter where they are in their faith journey. I’m sharing this because, well, I’m an open book—and because Jesus is my favorite topic! But mostly, I just love learning about people and telling their stories.

This blog will be filled with just that: YOUR stories! I will be recapping some of my favorite sessions, weddings and special moments. It will also be a place for educational content, some of my photo tips and tricks, and really just a way for me to further connect with YOU, my clients, who mean everything to me! Without the belief of my clients, none of this would be possible. Thank you for believing in not only me, but in what God is calling me toward: to serve you and create lasting memories through photography.

I can’t wait for what God has in store for Year #2! Buckle up, friends, we’ve got some exciting stuff ahead!

If you read to the end of this, THANK YOU!

Mention MYTESTIMONY code when booking your next session for 20% off!