Meet Taryn Donofrio

We recently connected with Taryn Donofrio and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Taryn, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

My work ethic is deeply rooted in my early experiences within the creative world. By the age of 9, I was already a professional ballet dancer, commuting solo to New York City to train at the School of American Ballet and spending summers in intensive dance programs. This early exposure instilled a strong sense of discipline that has shaped my career.

After leaving ballet during my teenage years, I took time to explore who I wanted to become. At 19, I landed a role as a window designer at Macy’s Herald Square, where my creativity flourished. Designing for 51 windows, especially in the mid-90s, was an exhilarating challenge that expanded my creative horizons.

Eventually, I transitioned into creative production, joining Estee Lauder’s MAC Cosmetics. Over 16 years, I directed events across the U.S. and Canada, mastering production, management, budgeting, and talent acquisition. These events became legendary, sparking conversations for years.

My journey continued with managing events for top-tier brands like Gucci, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Hugo Boss, and Tiffany & Co. Throughout these experiences, I always had a camera in hand, which led me to my true passion—Corporate and Dance Photography.

Today, I proudly serve clients such as COTY, Gucci, Burberry, Tiffany & Co., Clinique, Headliners Dance Competition, Target, and various production houses, traveling coast to coast.

The lessons from my early journey have molded me into who I am today. As a business owner, I’ve learned to navigate challenges, always prepared with plans B, C, and even D. My motto is to never let them see you sweat—sometimes, the most chaotic moments yield the most beautiful results.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

As a seasoned photographer, I have the incredible opportunity to collaborate with some of the biggest names in the industry, such as Target, Estee Lauder, and COTY Luxury Fragrances. My work takes me across the United States, photographing high-profile corporate events and projects that require precision, creativity, and a keen eye for detail. My career journey is deeply rooted in my early days as a professional dancer, which has now seamlessly transitioned into my role as a photographer and show director for a leading Dance Competition. This unique blend of experiences allows me to capture the dynamic energy of live performances, translating the passion and movement of dance into stunning visual stories.

This past summer, I had the privilege of working with Clinique for their prestigious STAR program, a three-day event in the heart of New York City. It was an extraordinary project that allowed me to showcase my event photography skills, capturing the essence of the program and the vibrant energy of the city. Each moment of that event was a testament to the power of collaboration and creativity, making it one of the most memorable experiences of my career.

In addition to corporate and event photography, I work with duty-free shops, traveling along the East Coast to airports, where I capture the elegance and allure of luxury retail in these unique spaces. These projects offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of high-end travel retail, blending commerce with art in a way that tells compelling stories.

Recently, I reached a significant milestone by becoming a member of IMDb, reflecting my expanding role in the entertainment industry. I had the incredible opportunity to serve as the photographer for an upcoming movie project, where I was able to bring my passion for storytelling to the film set. This experience has opened new doors, allowing me to explore the intersection of photography and cinema, and I am excited to see where this journey takes me next.

Overall, my work as a photographer is a constant evolution, shaped by my diverse experiences and the incredible opportunities to work with leading brands and creative projects across various industries.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

One of my greatest strengths as a photographer is my ability to see the final product through the lens before I even take the shot. In my mind’s eye, I already know what the photo will look like, a skill honed through years of experience and deep-rooted knowledge in photography. This intuitive approach is shaped by my extensive background in the arts, which has sharpened my creative instincts and visual storytelling. For aspiring photographers, my advice is simple: never give up. Every photo has its own unique story to tell, and no two photographers will ever see the world in the same way. Embrace your distinct vision, because it’s those differences that make each of us and our work truly special.

Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?

My ideal client is someone who approaches the world with an open mind, recognizing that ideas are constantly evolving and willing to explore new possibilities. They value collaboration, allowing me to guide them by integrating my creative insights and visions with their own. This client understands the depth of experience I bring from my background in the arts and directing, appreciating the unique perspective I offer to bring their vision to life in innovative and impactful ways.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Td4imagination
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taryn-donofrio

Image Credits

Nikiya Griffith