If you’ve ever stepped into my grandma’s house, you know that nearly every inch of her walls holds a photograph. Growing up, the back staircase was my favorite gallery. Lifestyle images from before my time, snapshots from family birthdays, and film prints taken by her or a hired photographer—every single frame told a story. Long before I knew how to compose a photograph myself, I already understood what a privilege it was to hold someone’s memories.

My curiosity began the moment I learned to sneak disposable cameras out of drawers. I’d pose my American Girl dolls, rope my best friend into photoshoots, and cross my fingers that the prints turned out. Eventually my mom caught on and bought a digital camera with a little home printer (she loved a QVC find — still does). I quickly figured out the printer, she quickly ran out of paper, and something clicked in me—I loved creating something that felt like a small piece of someone’s history.

In fifth grade, we visited a mall photography studio — Glamour Shots. The photographer was a photographer AND a ceramic artist, and I remember thinking, “That’s the coolest job in the world.” From that moment on, I wanted a future rooted in artistry.

Everything shifted the summer before my freshman year of high school. My brother studied abroad in France and while I was visiting, he surprised me with my first Canon digital camera, which I still own today. I photographed my way through Europe, completely absorbed in every detail—from cobblestone streets to quiet moments on the train. Some of those photos later won university awards and helped me earn a college scholarship.

High School: The Beginning of My Real Training

I joined journalism and spent years photographing anything the school needed—sports games, features, portraits for the newspaper. That class brought in new iMacs and a Nikon D40 that no one knew how to use… so my teacher handed it to me and said, “Figure it out.”

And that summer, I did.

That year I learned how to use light, movement, composition, and instinct. A swim meet photo I created ended up winning an award from the Columbia University School of Journalism, which took our class to New York City. I still remember boarding the plane home with my classmates and uploading my first photo to Instagram. Instagram had just come out and the professors at Columbia were talking about its upcoming potential. What a time to be alive.

A few months later, everything aligned.

My First Wedding: September 17, 2011

My high school journalism teacher’s wife needed a second photographer for a wedding at the Lakeside Rose Gardens in Fort Wayne. I said yes, showed up with equal parts nerves and excitement, and fell in love with documenting a wedding day. The connection, the emotions, the energy—it felt like being part of a story bigger than myself.

A few weeks later, I got a Facebook message from Dustin, who was my brother’s former youth pastor and a wedding photographer in Fort Wayne. He had quietly been following my work and asked to meet. We sat in a Panera on Coliseum Blvd and talked about his business, his dreams, and the possibility of building an associate team. Our first wedding together happened shortly after.

For years I photographed weddings, seniors, families, and even pets while helping with editing, album design, and the backend of his business. It was the real foundation of everything I know now—the technical side, the creative side, and the human side.

2015: The Year Taylor Ford Photography Was Born

As graduation approached, Dustin and I sat down and mapped out the future. On February 1st, 2015, Taylor Ford Photography officially launched. That first year, I photographed 18 weddings as my own business. I began traveling for sessions and weddings—Fort Wayne, Columbus, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Chicago, and even Nashville, TN.

My camera took me even further in the years that followed.
Dallas. San Diego. San Francisco. New York City. Washington D.C. Colorado. Santa Fe. Auburn. Charleston.
Dozens of lakeside, private estate weddings, and heartfelt Midwest days that still stay with me.

I’ve photographed hundreds of weddings, each unique in traditions, timelines, and cultures. And after 13 years, I still feel that same pull I felt standing on my grandma’s back staircase: these images matter.

Why I Still Love Photographing Weddings 13 Years Later

Legacy matters.

I’ve always believed photographs are a family’s most meaningful heirloom. They outlive trends, technology, and even us. When I photograph a wedding, I think about the generations who will hold these images one day—kids, grandkids, and people not even born yet.

I love blending calm direction with genuine moments.

My personality on a wedding day is quiet confidence—laidback, efficient, and grounded. I’ll guide you when you need direction, step back when a moment needs space, and anticipate the in-between gestures that often end up being a couple’s favorite images.

True-to-color editing is my promise.

I want your photos to feel fresh and timeless 30 years from now. No heavy filters. No trends. Just clean, genuine colors that reflect the atmosphere of your day.

Working with planners, designers, and strong vendor teams is one of my favorite parts.

Over the years I’ve collaborated with planners and creatives across the Midwest and beyond. I understand elevated timelines, custom installations, multi-location days, and the artistry that goes into refined wedding design. My role is to support their work and preserve it beautifully.

Experience truly makes a difference.

After photographing weddings for more than a decade, I know how to adjust quickly when timelines shift, weather changes, or emotions run high. My goal is to be the calmest, most reliable person in the room—so you can feel fully present.

Even after all this time, the music starts, the room goes quiet, and I still feel honored to witness it.

What I Promise Every Couple

Communication that feels easy and honest
Gentle direction without stiff posing
Photography that honors your family and relationships
A calm, confident presence
A gallery that feels timeless, genuine, and true-to-color

I’ve been photographing weddings since 2011, and I still believe it’s the greatest privilege. Every couple, every family story, every quiet moment behind the scenes—these are the things that remind me why I picked up a camera in the first place.

And if you’re here reading this, maybe you’re looking for someone to photograph your own story. I’d love to talk with you about your day.

Inquire

Wedding Photography FAQ

How long have you been a wedding photographer?

I photographed my first wedding in 2011 and have photographed hundreds of weddings since. With 13+ years of experience, my approach is calm, efficient, and grounded in storytelling.

What is your photography style?

My work is true-to-color, genuine, and timeless. I blend editorial moments with candid, emotional storytelling to create images that still feel beautiful decades from now.

Do you photograph private estate or elevated venue weddings?

Yes. I often photograph celebrations at private estates, lakeside homes, architecturally beautiful venues, and multi-day wedding weekends. I understand the pace, design, and coordination that come with these gatherings and photograph them with intention.

Do you travel for weddings?

Absolutely. I’ve photographed weddings and sessions across the U.S., including Chicago, San Diego, San Francisco, New York, Dallas, Santa Fe, and several beautiful destinations throughout the Midwest.

What can we expect from working with you?

A relaxed, confident presence, gentle direction, great communication, and images that feel natural, elevated, and honest to your day.

My Story: How I Became a Wedding Photographer & Why I Still Love It 13 Years Later