We had the good fortune of connecting with Taylor Hanson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Taylor, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I pursued a creative career because it’s where I found the most freedom and authenticity in expressing myself. From a young age, I was always drawn to the idea of capturing moments in time. That form of creativity allowed me to make sense of the world around me and gave me the space to process my emotions and experiences.

Photography became my way of not just documenting life, but also actively participating in it. Through the lens, I felt I could tell stories better than words could. What really drove me to this career was the belief that every moment holds meaning, and that art has the power to express and preserve that meaning for generations to come.

In pursuing a creative career, I also found that it gave me the ability to create something that could make others feel understood and honored. There’s something so powerful about being able to reflect people’s hearts and their most important moments back to them. I realized that this was the kind of work I wanted to do… work that not only brought me joy but also had a lasting impact on others.

Ultimately, I pursued this path because it allows me to connect and create in ways that feed both my soul and my sense of purpose. Creativity, for me, is not just a career choice, it’s the way I make sense of life and share it with the world.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is rooted in storytelling. Not just the highlight reel, but the kinds of moments that might get overlooked if no one is paying attention. I’m a lifestyle and wedding photographer, but more than that, I think of myself as a documentarian of connection. What I capture isn’t just about how something looked. It’s about how it felt and what it meant.

I didn’t grow up thinking I’d become a photographer. But I’ve always had the instinct to preserve things… ticket stubs, journal entries, handwritten notes. When I lost my brother, I came to understand legacy in a completely different way. We only had a handful of photos of him. That grief, not just of losing him but of having so little to hold on to, made something click. From a young age, I knew memory mattered. Not the just the posed and polished version, but the real. The honest. The tangible. That realization truly shaped everything that came next.

I became a mom at 20, and like all moms, I began documenting. At first, it was just for me. A way to remember her perfect ringlet curls and her infectious smile. But slowly, something shifted. Photography wasn’t just a way to hold onto our life. It became a way of seeing. A way of connecting. A way of contributing to something more.

What sets my work apart is that it comes from a lived place. I’ve rebuilt after heartbreak, navigated single motherhood, and grown a business from the ground up while figuring it out in real time. I don’t approach this work from a distance. I’m in it. I know how quickly life can change. I know what it means to fight for peace, to protect your joy, and to create something beautiful from a place that wasn’t always easy. I carry all of that with me into every story I tell.

Today, my business reflects the life I’ve built. One that’s full of intention, heart, depth, and meaning. Whether I’m photographing a wedding, a family legacy, or a purpose-driven brand, I lead with presence. These stories are sacred, not just for now, but for the people who will hold them decades from now.

The thing I’m most proud of is that my daughter has watched it all unfold. She’s seen me stay up late editing and wake up early for school drop-off. She’s seen me say no to what doesn’t feel right and yes to what lights me up. She’s also seen me make mistakes, question myself, and navigate hard things in real time… but she’s never seen me give up. She knows I’m not perfect, and I think that’s important. Because what she’s really witnessed is that success isn’t about the hustle. It’s about living with intention, loving well, and building something that’s aligned with who you are.

If there’s anything I want people to take away from my work, it’s this: your story is already worthy. My job isn’t to stage it or perfect it. My job is to help you see it, feel it, and remember just how beautiful it really is.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting for a week, I’d want them to experience the mix of magic, soul, and sunshine that makes Arizona feel like home to me… especially Gilbert, where I live and love so much! We’d kick things off with an early morning hike in the Superstitions. Afterward, we’d head to The Coffee Shop or Joe’s Farm Grill for a laid-back brunch. Mid-week, we’d road trip up to Sedona. Even if we only had time to wander around Tlaquepaque, take in the red rock views, and grab a bite at Elote or Mariposa, it would be worth every mile. Back home, I’d make sure we had an evening in Downtown Gilbert. Dinner at Joyride or OHSO, followed by drinks at The White Rabbit, such a fun hidden gem! We’d hit the Gilbert Farmers Market on Saturday morning and, if the timing lined up, catch a concert at The Van Buren in Phoenix to wrap up the week!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d love to shout out Brittany Hagensen, who was a wedding photographer when we first met and played such a pivotal role in my journey. I was still really young and just starting to imagine what a creative career could look like, and I remember being so inspired by the way she showed up in her work with so much heart and joy.

She was warm, open, and incredibly generous, letting me shadow her and ask all the questions. That kind of willingness to welcome someone in, especially in a creative field, meant the world to me. It was community over competition from the start.

Years later, I’ve had the honor of documenting her family and photographing her brother’s wedding, and it’s felt so beautiful and full circle. I’m endlessly grateful for her early encouragement and the way our paths have continued to intertwine over the years.

Website: https://taylorhanson.photography/

Instagram: @tayylor.hanson

Facebook: @taylorhansonphotography

Image Credits
Taylor Hanson Photography

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