by Jonathan K. Taylor
A nice talk with Jonathan K. Taylor, a brilliant Brooklyn based photographer who presents us this sexy series featuring lovely Niki, enjoy!
See more at instagram.com/jontaylorphoto– www.jontaylornyc.com
In a few words, tell us a little bit about yourself?
I’m a 27 year old photographer from the Washington, DC area, currently based in NYC. While my background is in weddings and photojournalism, I’ve drifted to shooting fashion and dance full-time.
How long have you been a photographer?
Since I was a child, really. Though I’ve been shooting professionally since 2007, and full time since 2010.
How did you discover photography?
I’ve had a camera in my hands for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I called it “making art” and my parents called it “wasting film”. Then in high school, during the dawn of the digital age, I began to consider it as a career.
How was your first shooting? What did you shoot?
My first photography “job” was at one of those mall portrait studios, photographing families and children. It was a great stepping stone into learning how to work with people of all types. I spent almost 4 years there and actually enjoyed it way more than I pretended to.
How would you describe your style?
I want every image I shoot to tell a story or elicit an emotion. From fashion shoots to acting headshots to ballet photos, I want there to be both artistic and photojournalistic elements. 99% of what I shoot is natural light - both because I enjoy the challenges that it presents, and to maintain a non-artificial intimacy between myself and my subject.
What does photography mean to you?
Photography is the ability to see through someone else’s eyes. Photography is truth, though there can be many truths and it’s the photographer’s responsibility to interpret everything they see and feel and instantly paint in onto a 36x24mm frame of film.
What inspires you?
Firstly, my friends. I’m inspired more by people being good human beings rather than technical talent. There’s nothing more inspiring than surrounding yourself with good people that are passionate about creating art and telling stories.
What would you like to photograph?
My dream job would be something where I could combine my background in photojournalism and my love for fashion (and or theatre/dance). Shooting backstage at big fashion shows and Broadway shows during the hustle and bustle where I can completely disappear absolutely fascinates me. Long term, when I’m older and I’ve lived a little more of my life, I’d love to drop myself off in the middle of a war zone and see what stories I can find. Conflict photography is incredibly important to any storyteller, but so many young photojournalists die on the front lines.
A photographer you particularly admire?
Mario Testino and Pete Souza. Mario demonstrates an ability to be completely candid with his subjects, capturing both graceful elegance and unfiltered rawness at the same time. And politics aside, Pete Souza (President Obama’s official photographer) is attached at the hip of one of the most powerful people in the world, yet is able to beautifully document every moment of every day as though he were just a fly on the wall.
What is happiness?
Happiness is eating good food, having beautiful [and sometimes not-so-beautiful] experiences, being surrounded by inspiring humans, and helping others while earning a living doing something that’s fulfilling to you.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
I dragged myself to NYC kicking and screaming, but I knew it’s where I had to be. Brooklyn has become home, but perhaps I’ll someday say the same thing about the avenues of Paris, or the beaches of Malibu, or the red rocks of Nevada. Who knows?
What’s your next goal?
I want photography to take me places. I want to see the world and eat food and meet people and hear stories. But on today’s agenda - make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich get caught up on some edits.
Model: Niki instagram.com/nikichristine