We were lucky to catch up with Taylor Howie recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Taylor, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
I never thought a color could change so much in my life, but orange really did it for me. I found my confidence—and a huge turning point in my business—through this one bold, vibrant color.
I’m a professional wedding photographer, and, as you probably know, the market is insanely saturated. I really wanted to stand out but also be myself. I wanted to work with couples who loved my work but also clicked with me—my personality, my energy, and everything that makes me unique.
The thing is, I wasn’t really showing up online. Sure, I posted my work here and there, but I wasn’t putting myself out there. I wasn’t letting people see the real me. Once I started showing up on social media—whether it was through stories, behind-the-scenes clips, or random posts—I noticed something. The more I leaned into being myself, the more my business grew.
Here’s where orange comes in. I’ve always loved bold colors, but orange became my thing. Whenever I put on a bright orange outfit or swiped on a bold red lipstick, I felt my MOSTTTT CONFIDENT!!! It wasn’t just about looking good; it was how it made me feel. Orange gave me that extra boost of confidence to show up, especially on social media.
And let’s be real—putting yourself out there is scary. Social media is wild these days, and trolls are everywhere. But I realized that when I was dressed in colors I loved, I felt my absolute best. It’s like I wasn’t just showing up for my business; I was showing up for me.
I think that’s what made the biggest difference. When I started being unapologetically myself online, I began connecting with couples who truly got me. They didn’t just love my photos; they loved my vibe, too, and this has allowed us to travel the world for weddings.
Now, orange is kind of like my secret weapon. It’s not just a color—it’s a reminder to be bold, to show up, and to keep doing things my way which makes me just so happy. And honestly, it feels pretty amazing.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Thank you so much! I’m excited to share a bit about myself and what I do. I’m a professional wedding photographer and videographer based in Portland Oregon and my work revolves around capturing one of the most special days in a couple’s life. I absolutely love being in the wedding industry—it’s such a personal, celebratory space, and I feel so honored to document moments that people will cherish forever.
What makes my work really special is the connection I build with my couples. I’m not just there to take photos; I’m there to truly celebrate with them and make them feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. I’ve always believed that the best photos come from a place of genuine trust and joy, and I strive to bring that to every wedding I photograph.
A big part of my approach to photography—and to running my business—is showing up as my authentic self. The wedding industry is incredibly saturated, and it can be hard to stand out. I realized early on that the best way to attract the right couples was to share who I really am, not just what I do. That’s why I’m so intentional about being active on social media, sharing not just my work but my personality, too.
One of the ways I express myself and boost my confidence is through color, especially orange. It might sound simple, but wearing a bold orange outfit or red lipstick has become my personal power move. It helps me feel vibrant and confident, which translates into the way I connect with my couples and show up online.
Right now, I’m focused on growing my business while staying true to my values—celebrating love, creating art that feels authentic, and building meaningful relationships with my clients. I’m also always exploring new ways to connect with my audience, whether that’s through social media, collaborations, or sharing more behind-the-scenes moments from my shoots.
For anyone following along, I’d say keep an eye out for more of that raw, fun energy I love to bring to my work. I’m all about showing up unapologetically and helping others do the same, whether it’s through their wedding photos or just feeling good in their own skin.
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?
I’d say three things have been absolutely essential to my journey as a wedding photographer: confidence, connection, and consistency.
1. Confidence:
This didn’t come naturally at first. When I started out, I felt a little unsure about putting myself out there—especially on social media—but I realized that confidence is everything. It’s what helps you show up for your clients, market yourself, and stay true to your style. For me, confidence grew as I embraced my personality and leaned into what made me different. Wearing colors I love, like orange, gave me a little extra boost to feel bold and authentic.
Advice: Confidence isn’t something you just wake up with—it’s something you build. Start small by taking steps that feel just a little outside your comfort zone, whether that’s sharing more of yourself online, reaching out to potential clients, or trying something new creatively. The more you practice showing up, the easier it gets.
2. Connection:
This is huge in my line of work. Wedding photography is such a personal job—you’re there for some of the most emotional moments in people’s lives. Building a real connection with my couples has been a game-changer, both for the experience they have and for the photos I’m able to create.
Advice: Take the time to listen and genuinely get to know the people you’re working with. Connections make all the difference. It’s not just about the work—it’s about the relationship.
3. Consistency:
It’s not the most glamorous skill, but it’s a big one. Whether it’s delivering a great experience for every couple, consistently posting on social media, or honing my editing style, staying consistent has helped me build trust and grow my business over time.
Advice: Focus on small, repeatable actions that move you forward. It’s easy to get overwhelmed thinking about all the things you “should” be doing, but start with what you can commit to regularly. Over time, those little efforts add up in a big way.
For anyone just starting out, I’d say: be patient with yourself. Growth takes time, and no one has it all figured out right away. Focus on learning, trying new things, and showing up authentically—you’ve got this!
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal client is someone who’s all about love, laughter, and living in the moment. They’re the kind of people who value connection over perfection and want their wedding day to feel like a true reflection of who they are—whether that’s a big, joyful celebration or an intimate elopement in the mountains.
They’re adventurous at heart and aren’t afraid to embrace the unexpected—like a little rain on their wedding day or hiking to a dream location for the perfect shot. They trust me to capture their day authentically, and they’re not just looking for a photographer; they’re looking for someone who can celebrate with them and help tell their unique story.
The couples I vibe with most value real emotions over stiff poses. They want photos that feel warm, candid, and full of life—something that takes them right back to how they felt in the moment. And honestly, they’re usually a little quirky, a little bold, and always down for fun (bonus points if they love a good pop of color like me!).
If you’re someone who loves adventure, cherishes meaningful connections, and wants your photos to feel like you, then we’re probably a perfect match. Let’s create something amazing together!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://howieephotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howieephotography/
- Facebook: Howie Photography
Image Credits
Beach photo in orange with sunglasses: By Kayla Esparza Photography
Orange dress photo with my fiance: KMT Photos
The red lipstick and orange jacket photo: Taylor Stuck
other photos were taken by me(:
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
