Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Morrison.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I first started photography when I was around 15 years old. I loved having “photoshoots” with my little sisters and friends. I would take their photos on my iPod or the family camera. Taken By Tay was born to an 8th grade girl with a big idea. I always loved to have my picture taken, but quickly realized that I really enjoyed the process of bringing a vision to life! I got my first starter camera kit for my 17th birthday & my business journey really started from there. I offered free shoots to family and friends in my area & was on the yearbook team in high school.
I attended Avila University in Kansas City, Missouri in the fall of 2022 with most of my intention being to follow my dream of being a collegiate athlete. While being a full time student athlete, I also kept up with Taken By Tay and successfully migrated from my tiny hometown to KCMO. I have learned and grown into my creativity so much over the years with lots and lots of practice. I’ve been so lucky to be able to work with a wide variety of clients across Northwest Missouri and have even traveled out of state for sessions! I love to capture all of the session types, I feel like it is very hard to limit my creativity to a certain niche. From newborns, families, seniors, weddings, and branding, I love it all!
I graduated in the spring of 2026 with a Bachelor of Visual Communications in Digital Media & Film. I look forward to maintaining and growing client relationships & keep building my photography business. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me and my big dreams!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Something that I really struggle with is imposter syndrome. I have always had a bad habit of comparing myself to others in my personal life, and unfortunately sometimes fall into it in my professional life. In college, I had the opportunity to work alongside so many talented creators. I often found myself wondering if I was good enough to be trusted with such important moments. Working in a creative field, especially freelance, is extremely competitive & sometimes it’s hard to feel like you aren’t competing for views, likes, and clients.
I have taken the time to invest in myself and business mentally and physically. I still find myself comparing myself to other photographers, but I have learned to give myself grace because imposter syndrome happens to most people. I am only 22 years old and just starting out on my creative journey, I have so much space left to take up and I plan to use every bit of it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Along with photography, I also love to do all things crafty. I have a horrible habit of rotating hobbies every few weeks. From clay, to jewelry making, painting, sewing, crocheting… you name it, I’ve done it. Ever since I was a child I have always been the artsy one. My house walls are decorated with paintings and other things I’ve made. I find so much joy in making things for people and just creating in general.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I absolutely love being in Kansas City. I came from a tiny, tiny town with less than 3,000 people. I can drive down the street without wondering if the neighbors goats are going to be in the road, or planning a whole day trip around the grocery store. I love being less than 20 minutes from everything I could ever possibly want or need. Being in the city provides such a variety of opportunities and experiences. I could meet 100 new people every single day if I wanted to. I am so grateful for my family and where I came from, but it has been such a nice change of scenery to be in a city that’s so alive.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://itwastakenbytay.com
- Instagram: itwastakenbytay
- Facebook: itwastakenbytay
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-morrison-takenbytay
