Taylor Dunn of Maryland on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Taylor Dunn. Check out our conversation below.

Taylor, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
A common misconception is that photography is simple—just point, shoot, and post. The time, effort, and emotional energy that go into each image, however, are not visible to them.

Photography is about creating a moment, not just catching it. It requires a great deal of self-criticism, technical accuracy, innovative problem-solving, and hours of preparation. The majority of photographers spend more time questioning their work than showcasing it, striving for perfection in an unattainable world.

In all honesty, the best photographs aren’t flawless. They arouse feelings, tell tales, and capture the ephemeral. That’s the secret. It’s so much more than just “taking pictures” because of this.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Taylor Dunn, a landscape photographer with a deep love for capturing the views of life.

Photography started as a hobby, something I did simply because I was fascinated by the world around me. I wanted to freeze time, to hold on to fleeting moments and scenes that stirred something inside me. But once I turned that passion into a business, it became about more than just beautiful images; it became about creating lasting memories for others, too.

I believe there’s something magical about getting lost in art. Each photo I take reminds me not just of the place, but of the feeling I had when I was there. Through my lens, I aim to capture the essence of life, its stillness, its movement, and its soul.

My goal is to continue building a body of work that speaks to people, and to share it through meaningful prints and collaborations with wholesalers. Whether it’s a quiet mountain view or a dramatic sky, every image tells a story, and I’m here to share those stories, one frame at a time.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
Over the years, my relationship with God has deeply shaped how I see myself and what I have to offer to the world. As I grew mentally, spiritually, and creatively, I began to see that my differences weren’t limitations; they were part of my design. Once I truly understood my purpose on this earth, everything else faded into the background.

I realized I’m here to create to reflect beauty, truth, and presence through my art and to serve others through that gift.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have been plenty of times when I’ve wanted to walk away from my business. The weight of it all, creativity, comparison, and self-doubt can be overwhelming. But instead of quitting, I’ve learned to take breaks.

Sometimes I just need to step back, breathe, and miss the feeling of capturing life through my lens. And honestly? That space is where I rediscover why I started.

Taking a break isn’t failure, it’s fuel. It’s how I reset, refocus, and come back with a clearer mind and a fuller heart. That pause always reminds me: this work matters to me. Creating art matters. And even when it’s hard, I’m still called to it.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version is the real me, but it’s just a part of the whole story. What people see of my art, thoughts, posts/reposts, and curated moments are often filtered through what feels safe, professional, or presentable. And that’s not fake. It’s just partial.

The “real me includes the struggles, the doubts, the spiritual journey, the breaks I take to regroup, the days I question my path, and the strength it takes to keep going. It’s all part of my truth. The challenge is: how much of that truth do I choose to share?

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say I lived with purpose, that I didn’t just exist, but I showed up for life.

I hope they say I paid attention to the world around me. That I captured beauty in places most people overlooked. That my art helped them feel something—stillness, peace, awe, or even just a reminder that life is worth noticing.

I want people to remember me as someone who didn’t chase perfection, but who chased meaning. And most of all, I hope they say I gave more than I took. That I served others. That I used my gift to shine light, to create memories, and to leave behind a body of work that felt alive because it came from a place of love and truth.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @_taylormadephoto_
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-dunn-bsw-754499208?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app