Photographer captures scenes of family and motherhood

As a child, Sarah Taylor loved flipping through the pages of National Geographic magazines from which her mother would draw inspiration for her paintings. Her art-centric homelife coupled with a deep love of wild spaces led Taylor on a path to photography. 

Through yearbook and photojournalism classes, working in dark rooms to develop film, and online courses, Taylor found a knack for the creative outlet and after her second child was born, she decided to embark on a business venture and officially start Sarah Taylor Photography.

“After my first daughter was born, I realized I needed a new camera,” she said. “Then when my second daughter was born, I thought, ‘Let’s make a go of it,’ so I took some marketing courses and it’s been uphill ever since.”

Over the years, Taylor has developed a style inspired by her love of film and black and white photography taking a fine art approach to her work. Her favorite scenes to capture are those involving family and motherhood, maternity, birth and newborns. 

“I love every bit of maternity, birth, and family portraiture and obviously motherhood because I'm in it right now so it's very relatable to me. The whole feminine side of that journey is so rewarding to see,” said Taylor. 

Taylor also shoots boudoir, school portraits, videography, and assists with personal branding. After shooting, clients receive an online gallery where they can download images and make product orders. In addition, she offers styling assistance for the whole family, which includes an online styling assistant, guide and complimentary client closet.

As the oldest of seven, Taylor said she knows how to be around kids and that she loves to turn family photo sessions into an opportunity for the family to bond. Since children are unable to sit still for long periods of time, Taylor allows the session to take on its own life.

“Kids make it very natural and I am totally in my element when there are lots of kids. It is such a fun dynamic and everyone’s always moving and doing something. Even the bickering and fighting is fun to watch,” Taylor said with a laugh. 

Photography is a way for Taylor to express herself as well as improve the mental well-being of her clients. Taylor discussed studies in which links were made between higher confidence and seeing portraits of oneself.

“Having a pretty picture of yourself somewhere helps boost your self esteem,” she said. “Especially for kids, seeing family portraits and pictures of themselves on the walls helps their confidence and creates a more bonded family unit.”

Over the years, Taylor has been able to capture in a variety of locations, as she travels for work. Professionally, she has taken pictures all over Montana, Arizona, Colorado and Washington. 

In the future, Taylor hopes to build a separate studio from her house to have a dark room and do her own printing. 

“I would definitely say I'm more partial to print products and film,” said Taylor. “I believe that's why you're getting pictures done is because people like to share their photos, so I want to offer speciality items like canvases, albums, and special prints — things that you can't really get anywhere else and to make these photos more of an heirloom type of product.”

To learn more about Sarah Taylor Photography or inquire about booking a photography session, visit sarahtaylor-studios.com or contact by phone 406-212-2593 or email hello@sarahtaylor-studios.com.

Reporter Summer Zalesky may be reached at szalesky@dailyinterlake.com.

    Sarah Taylor focuses on photos of family and motherhood through her business. (Photo courtesy of Sarah Taylor)
  

    Sarah Taylor focuses on photos of family and motherhood through her business Sarah Taylor Photography. (Photo courtesy of Sarah Taylor)
  

    Sarah Taylor focuses on photos of family and motherhood through her business Sarah Taylor Photography. (Photo courtesy of Sarah Taylor)
  

    Sarah Taylor focuses on photos of family and motherhood through her business Sarah Taylor Photography. (Photo courtesy of Sarah Taylor)
  

    Sarah Taylor focuses on photos of family and motherhood through her business Sarah Taylor Photography. (Photo courtesy of Sarah Taylor)