Rising Stars: Meet Taylor Nicholson of Lee’s Summit

Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Nicholson

Hi Taylor, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I haven’t put my camera down since I was three years old. I was inspired from a young age by my photographer father and grandfather to see the world differently through my lens, and I have carried that with me throughout my life. We have home videos of my younger siblings from my little camera and my favorite movie as a kid was my parents’ wedding video, and I think part of me always knew this was what I was going to do! I have always been in love with storytelling and with weddings, so becoming a wedding videographer was where I found my passion. I studied mass media in college and spent even more time outside of my studies learning more about photography and videography on my own. I just graduated from Baker University, where I had such great opportunities to learn and grow within my business and myself. Today, my schedule is busy shooting weddings around KC and beyond and I couldn’t be more thankful.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Getting into the wedding industry is not an easy feat, and booking the first wedding is the toughest. In high school, I took two of my friends to a pretty location and filmed them and their connection to have proof that I could film a couple in love and make it beautiful. I then reached out to a friend’s older sister who was getting married, I showed her the video, and she took a chance on a teenager who had never filmed a wedding. I was so grateful (and nervous!) for the opportunity, and proud that I put myself out there. Along the way, there are always struggles, equipment mishaps, thinking on the fly, and comparisons to seasoned videographers. Ultimately, every struggle or doubt has allowed me to prove myself and grow more confident in my business and in myself.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a wedding videographer and photographer inspired by vintage media, home movies, nostalgia, and documentary-style videos. I pride myself on being an encouragement, a positive light, and a constant cheerleader to couples on the best day of their lives! I aim to create videos that are time capsules that take a couple right back to the feeling of their wedding day when they rewatch their video. Even though I wasn’t at my parents’ wedding, I love being able to watch their video and feel like I was. I am most proud of the connections that I make with others in the industry, my couples, and beyond. I value relationships and making those around me feel comfortable and inspired. My only hope is that this comes through in my films and that those who watch can feel the authenticity, timelessness, and the love. This year, to really amp up that nostalgia, I am beginning to offer authentic Super 8 film. This is something I am so excited for, and I hope that will become part of my specialty and something that sets me apart and introduces a new style to my brand.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
My dad deserves so much credit in my journey for my inspiration from a young age, to teaching me the technical side of the industry. He bought me my first camera, taught me how to use it, and still constantly pushes me and encourages me in my craft. He rescued me at my first-ever wedding when I needed backup, and never forgets to ask me how each wedding went, even after so many. I am so thankful for the teachers and professors I have had through high school and college who encouraged me in so many ways. My mom, my family, and best friends, because I know each of my posts will get a heart emoji from them, and of course, my clients, for trusting me to capture some of the most important memories of their lives. It takes a village and I believe I have the very best one there is.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://taymaliafilms.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taymaliafilms/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taymaliafilms