i think it's only fair...
If you're going to trust me to capture your story in photos, I think it's only fair that you get a window into my story too! So, this is me. My name is Tayla, and I am here to capture your chaos, get you laughing, and help you relax at your photo session. As a Mom of four, I know that inviting someone to take your picture and join your chaos can feel a bit overwhelming; I get it. My kids range from 13 down to 5 so I spend my days breaking up fights, making food and teaching my kids the power of taking a deep breath before responding. But one of the things I love most about photographing a family is catching those real moments. Real moments are what I love about photography. I am far less interested in any of that high-fashion-portrait-type photography than I am in the grass-stained-knees and laughter-at-sunset-type photography. I can see the beauty in other approaches and styles, but it isn't what fuels me. I love catching the honest connections and the everyday magic of family life. From maternity sessions, to lifestyle newborn sessions, and then families with toddlers and kids running everywhere!
If you want photos that showcase the natural and authentic magic of your family through the years, I'm your gal.
When I'm not behind the camera...
I really do have 4 kids. My oldest son is 13, then my daughter is 10, followed by her 8 year old brother and then my youngest is 5. I have been at home with them since my eldest was born. Being at home is not for the faint of heart. Actually, motherhood in general is not for the faint of heart. But, I have found staying at home to be both extremely draining as well as rewarding. The needs are so constant and exhausting, but the amount of time I get to spend with my kids while they're little is also so special.
A self-portrait of me in Mom mode
how did i get here?
After my youngest son was born and I started to come out of the baby haze, I started to ask myself, "who am I?" I didn't really recognize myself anymore. I had spent years taking care of everyone else, prioritizing their needs because that is what you do with babies and young children. As they started to get older, I realized that I wanted to do something else, beyond being with them. I wanted to do something that was for me — a creative outlet, and if it could help contribute to our home financially, that would be even better!
I had been taking photos of our kids with an entry-level DLSR camera for years, but always considered it a hobby. I started looking into further education in photography, and ended up enrolling at Sheridan College for a photography program. That was where things really got rolling. I spent two years learning and studying, taking lots of photos, and honing some of the more technical skills. There is so much that can be learned in this art, but I quickly learned how much I loved photography, how it fuelled me, and how satisfying it is to deliver beautiful and natural images to someone. And as an added bonus, I've loved that it often gives me a break from only playing "Mom."
That is pretty much how we got to where we are, and I absolutely love it.
Even though we are adults, don't we all just feel like kids?
the speed round...
If you're still reading this far, please allow me to share my deepest gratitude! I shall reward you for your perseverance with a few random facts about me. Let's see...
I play the bass guitar, and I have since I was 14. I couldn't reach the furthest tuning peg when I started. My husband likes to joke that that hasn't changed much, but what does he know...
I make amazing cookies. Like, really, no joke amazing. I specialize in soft chocolate chip cookies and then sugar cookies at Christmas. I have had multiple repeated requests to go into business selling them. I think I'd enjoy the process much less if that were the case, so I'll stick to making them for fun and giving them away...
I always ask people deep questions—even the hard ones. In fact, those are the questions I think are really worth asking. I'm less interested in 'how was your week?' and far more interested in 'what's the thing you fear that you're too scared to say out loud?' And if I think you need to be asked the hard one, I won't shy away from asking it...
I am extremely loyal, maybe to a fault. I go to such lengths to try and honour people that I've let them get away with far more than I should have. I'm just trying to love people authentically. It's not a perfect science...
When I am in a good mood I sing loudly and off-key on purpose. It drives my husband crazy and I'm a little bit in love with that. If there is music on I will do weird dance moves to make my kids cringe; basically if I can get my whole family rolling their eyes at me I'm winning in my book. It's the little things in life that make it fun!
Okay, that was kind of a random bunch of information but I hope you enjoyed it. I hope that one day I can embarrass myself with bad dance moves to make your kids laugh! Don't worry, I will have been practicing... see you soon!
My kids faces when I do weird singing and dance moves
