Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor McDonald.
Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today. You can include as little or as much detail as you’d like.
I’m Taylor, a photographer living in Durham North Carolina. I’ll tell you a little bit about my story. When I was 17, I traveled to Greece with my senior class. Experiencing a world so different from my own was overwhelming in the best way. I was captivated by what I was seeing & wanted to take it all home. I relentlessly took photos of everything I saw. I credit that time to when I recognized the magic of photography – The magic of bringing a memory home.
In 2011, I began my studies at the Savannah College of Art and Design, focusing on graphic design and fine art photography. I still pursue photography as an art form in my free time and enjoy the slow and rewarding process of shooting with film. After graduation, I took every photo-related opportunity I could find. My real *I want to do this forever* moment came when a family friend needed some help with his real estate photography business. He taught me how to photograph homes and I was hooked.
Growing up, I wanted to be an architect, but I was discouraged from that path due to the intensity of the programs and some learning challenges I faced. Discovering interiors photography felt like finding my way back to that dream. It allowed me to explore architecture and design through my own talents and strengths. My grandfather was a builder and architect, and I feel a deep connection to him when I’m working.
Today, I’m most inspired when photographing interior design and hospitality projects. Being surrounded by the creativity of my clients is incredibly motivating.
Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I’ve been extremely fortunate in my career. Early on I connected with clients who kept me busy, and once you’re in the industry, the next project often comes from the last. For the first eight years I really hustled. I was shooting and editing constantly. I wrestled with perfectionism. The unceasing need to make an image “flawless” (whatever that means) kept me at my desk longer than it should have. Saying yes to everything left less space for work that truly inspired me. It took a lot of time and effort to get to the place where I could believe in my work, know when it was good enough, and turn down projects that didn’t align with my goals.
The business side was a learning curve, too. I made plenty of mistakes, but I learned from peers and kept refining my process. Living with learning differences can often make tasks more challenging, but I’m proud to say that I’ve found a space within my career that allows my brain to truly thrive.
Today I’m more intentional. I prioritize interior and hospitality projects, protect time for personal work, and scope and price my jobs realistically. That balance has led to stronger images, better client fit, and a healthier creative life.
We’d love to learn more about your work. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
Because being tied to just one thing isn’t really my style, I would say I’m an interiors, architectural, commercial, and fine art photographer. I appreciate variety in my work and life. The zen technicality of interiors work fascinates me, portraiture satisfies my social side, and fine art allows me to express my thoughts and ideas in creative ways.
My work is primarily known for capturing beautiful homes and hotels but I also shoot a lot of commercial work under the radar. I’m proud of the commercial work I’ve done for Spectrum (Charter Communications) and I’ve traveled all over the country working for them. I also have adored all of my work with Loden Hospitality – specifically at Rhodes Motor Lodge and The Longleaf Hotel. I am also very passionate about photography as art and you’ll always find me with my film camera in hand. I am extremely detailed when it comes to editing and I think this defines the clean and sleek style of my work.
What are your plans for the future? What are you looking forward to or planning for – any big changes?
As my career continues, I would like to shoot more projects in the hospitality field. I’m hoping to connect with more clients in that space. I am also in the beginning stages of starting a new fine art project for the first time in years and I’m finding it exhilarating.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.taylormcdonaldphoto.com
- Instagram: @taylormcdonaldphoto (professional work) @teaylor ( personal work)
