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My Last 1,097 Days

One of the first books I ever read about starting a photography business was Fast Track Photographer by Dane Sanders. One of the stats that he presented shook me and stung:  “In the 1st year, 60% of photographers give up their business. Of that remaining 40%, another 25% will fail within the 2nd year. The ones that make it are the remaining 15% who endure through the 3rd year.” I knew statistically there was a 15% chance of my succeeding as a full time professional photographer. However, in my heart of hearts, I knew there was no other option for me and I had to dedicate myself to make it past that 3 year mark with 100% certainty that I would be able to live my dream. Today, 1,097 days later, I made it.

August 29, 2015, three years ago, seemed like forever away, but was a day I was going to look forward to or be terrified of. In my fear-stricken mind, there were numerous and unsurmountable obstacles that I was going to face that would cause me to be part of the 85% of new business failures. On Saturday, something popped up in my newsfeed. It’s the middle of year three wedding season, and I don’t have much time to be on Facebook, but occasionally, I will be alerted of something I posted years back. Normally it’s monumental, like when Mike and I got engaged and when we bought our house. However, this status that had only received twenty-some-odd “Like’s” and maybe 2 comments, popped up in my newsfeed:

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“Finally.” That day 3 years ago had been one of the scariest days in my life. I had just walked out of my corporate office job and went right to the bookstore to get all the business, marketing, and photography books I could find. I was sick, physically and emotionally a train wreck. Giving up a steady income with health insurance and travel benefits was sickening. Mike and I had only been dating for about 6 months when I called him and said, “I just quit. Can you come get me?” Mike and I had just spent the weekend prior camping and chatting about our future around the campfire. When the topic of pursuing photography full time came up, Mike asked what I was waiting for? I didn’t have a good reason. “I’m scared…? I won’t succeed…? People won’t like me or my work…?” I didn’t have a solid reason for why I was in a job I didn’t like merely lusting over the idea of running my own business.

The day I walked out of my comfort zone, we packed up our car and headed to Ouray and Telluride to business plan, logo design, and begin this awesome journey. The whole weekend was a whirlwind of excitement and terror and I didn’t sleep for more than 3 hours the whole weekend. Fear crept into my heart and I wasn’t sure that I had made the right decision. Was I being foolish? I had no income now. No health insurance. No security. And the worst part, no one knew about me or my business. I was TERRIFIED. Two days after I started the Facebook page, we hit 100 likes and I nearly cried. I just stared at the likes. 100 people thought my works was something noteworthy and believed in me.

Today, 3 years later, I couldn’t be more stunned and amazed by the fact that I get to live my dream of being a Rocky Mountain photographer in Colorado. In 3 years, we’ve shot nearly 75 weddings and have played one of the most intimate roles on couples wedding days. We’ve been there to witness new little additions as families grow, meet new parents who want their most sacred moments with their children cherished, and have watch our couples say their vows and promise themselves to each other. I can’t express how emotional and deeply honored and humbled I have been in the last 1,097 days. Thank you to all the people who have been a part of this journey with me! I love you all!

Love,
Tay

-Codey & Taylor

“We knew our photos were going to be something we would treasure forever, but what we didn’t expect to walk away with was an effortless bond turned friendship.

Taylor and Mike are not just invested in capturing the magic of the wedding day, but their heart is in it for the marriage and future that follows.”

-Brett & Mendy

I did not feel rushed or anxious, just simply in the moment—which was most important as this would be a once in a lifetime experience—and believe me, Taylor and Mike made it memorable. Separately they are an absolute delight, and together they make the ultimate team and genuine couple. You can see the true dedication they put into making that day, your day…special! It was an absolute joy to work with this inspirational couple."

"With grace and charm, Taylor and Mike set the tone for our beautiful wedding day!

-Jake & Christina

They did everything we asked and more. Our friends and family keep remarking how great our photographers were. They took so many photos and delivered them in such a fast turnaround."

"Taylor and Mike are professional, friendly, detailed, flexible, committed—exactly the kind of presence you want from photographers on your wedding day! 

-Chris & Kim

On the day, they were so organized and kept things moving at a perfect pace. We never felt rushed yet were able to adhere to our timeline perfectly. They made everyone, including my generally camera-shy husband, feel at ease making for photos with real smiles."

"From start to finish, Taylor and Mike take great care to make sure you are comfortable and have clear and prompt communication. 

-Jake & Haydn

We are so impressed with not only them as people and their amazing work, but also their communication skills throughout the entire planning process."

"Taylor and Mike have a great ability to take photographs in places no ordinary person would ever think of, and, while still focusing on you, they are also able to capture the beautiful scenery.

-Adam & Sydney

Though we had never met, it was as though we were life-long friends and it was immediately apparent we wanted to work with them. They are so pleasant, personable, and go above and beyond to make sure you are comfortable and relaxed. We were so worried the photo process would be weird and awkward, but they made it one of the most fun aspects of the whole day. To top it all off, the photos are simply gorgeous!"

“We gave them a call and they were the first, and only, photographers we spoke with.

View
their
love
story

The Surf Hotel
Buena Vista Colorado Wedding

Chris and Kim

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their
love
story

Mount Princeton
Hot Springs
Wedding

Jarrod and Brittany

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their
love
story

the Donovan Pavilion Vail Colorado Wedding

Jake and Mary

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their
love
story

The Barn at Sunset Ranch Buena Vista Colorado Wedding

Hayden and Erin

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their
love
story

Salida Steamplant Wedding Salida Colorado

Reid and Michael

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their
love
story

Piney River Ranch Vail Colorado Wedding

Codey and Taylor

Let's BEGIN OUR JOURNEY

We embrace diversity and welcome couples of all backgrounds, religions, genders, races, and sexual orientations with open arms. Your love is unique, and we're here to celebrate it in all its beautiful forms.

We're located in Buena Vista, Colorado, but our love is universal: we shoot worldwide.

Reaching out about your portrait or branding session?

Visit our portrait page

Are you a planner? Click here!

Let's BEGIN OUR JOURNEY

We embrace diversity and welcome couples of all backgrounds, religions, genders, races, and sexual orientations with open arms. Your love is unique, and we're here to celebrate it in all its beautiful forms.

We're located in Buena Vista, Colorado, but our love is universal: we shoot worldwide.

Reaching out about your portrait or branding session?

Visit our portrait page

Are you a couple? Click here!

To honor your time, we will reply to you within 24 hours.

THANK YOU

FOR GETTING IN TOUCH!

If you're simply too excited (we are, too!) and can't wait that long to connect, please feel free to give us a call directly at 720-412-7237.