Meet Roger Taylor III

We were lucky to catch up with Roger Taylor III recently and have shared our conversation below.

Roger, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

I approach every aspect of my life with a never give-in mentality. For a good portion of my life I dreamt of chasing after goals that those around me believed weren’t possible. They saw very little potential in pursuing it any farther. It didn’t seem that it would lead to anywhere that would be beneficial. It wasn’t until I decided to stop letting others to determine my actions in my life that I began investing in various fields. I put one hundred percent into achieving my goals. Even if I knew one of these paths could result in humiliating failure. I would still put all my heart and soul into it. I work twenty times harder to prove those around me wrong. It’s my resilience and determination that has evolved from my desire to prove all those that were wrong about me.

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?

For my photography, it has evolved alongside my book writing. Both have become centered mostly around the horror the community. I also indulge my photography skills in the comic con and with the many of the creative cosplayers that put so much of their hearts into their outfits they put together. The horror cosplayers share the same creative talents. Over time I began diving into the old art of film photography for the horror conventions. Particular, black and white film photography that reminds us of how horror movies were first presented to the public so many decades ago. Wasn’t long until I began using black and white film at all these events, and still to this day I use both digital and film camera’s in my work. With my writing I draw my inspiration from the ancient tales from the old world. The myths of Ancient Egypt or Ancient Greece are remarkable sources to write about. I try to get my stories as close to the ancient tales with my own unique twist. Always trying to write the perfect balance of the two, and I hope to inspire others about the wonders of the myths and legends from around the world.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Dedication, determination, as well as resourcefulness are valuable elements on anyone’s artistic path. Keep practicing and never give up due to negative comments about your creative endeavors. Facing doubt, rejection, and negativity may be a constant obstacle. It’s important not to be discouraged by their opinions. However, one of the most important pieces of advice to a growing artist is to listen to the comments; whether it be negative or positive. It’s a great way to grow while trying to fully find and embrace the creative side of themselves. It won’t be easy. All of your hard work will be seen as pointless to some. ‘You’re not real photographer’ or ‘You’re not a writer until you’re published’ are just a couple of the remarks I’ve heard during my journey. But…I persevered. Armed with my determination and dedication, my work in recent years has really flourished. In 2024, I had all access press pass to the Hollywood Christmas Parade to take photos. As well as taking photos for a number of horror and comic cons throughout the year. I’ve had the honor to be a part of Real Family Adventures (Instagram) media crew capturing photos at events- these have been sone of the greatest moments of my artistic life.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

It wasn’t just one person. What has been most valuable was surrounding myself with those who shared similar interests as I did. This led me to start attending horror and comic con conventions. These conventions dove into the deepest realms of artistic inspiration. So many individuals gather to share the common passions we all love. Being among so many continues to fuel my artist side of me; its endless inspiration. In our community of creative spirits, we bounce ideas and projects off each other. We help each other and build each other up. I would say that is a great way to build and improve your skills; find yourself a community that inspires and supports you and take advantage of what those relationships can offer you. And of course- what you can offer to them.

Sometimes the history of a particular field is enough to spark my interest when it comes to my passions. What originally sparked my interest in film photography was when I inherited my grandfather’s professional quality camera. Not long after, I learned my grandfather used this very camera to capture the 1984 Olympic Torch running past his machine shop at the time. This bit of family history compelled me learn this forgotten art of photography. Which led me to a burning desire to use black and white film photography. From that moment, I began using my grandfather’s camera whenever I went.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: wolfsbane_mystic

Image Credits

All photos belong and were taken by Roger Taylor III