Today we’d like to introduce you to Evan Taylor.
Hi Evan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I’ve always been playing with cameras, and I’ve always been a huge computer nerd. Back in Elementary School, I used to steal my parent’s camera gear and run around the neighborhood creating videos with the neighbor kids. Many many hours were spent Editing videos in my family’s basement “Computer Room”.
In high school, I’d constantly be asking my teachers if I could create Videos as a substitute for the normal Homework assignments.
I went to Gustavus Adolphus College where I studied Studio Arts and Biology. I really enjoyed the connection between Art and Science. This passion led me to launch a camera up into “Space”, or, Upper Stratosphere, around roughly 128,000ft, the same height Felix Baumgartner jumped from with Red Bull a few years later.
After Graduation, I worked for a Marketing/Ad/PR Agency in Downtown Minneapolis called Fast Horse, where I was introduced to this amazing world of Commercial Marketing. A world where Photo and Video assets are heavily utilized, an industry I felt alive in.
After about a year with Fast Horse, I went Solo and opened up Evan Taylor Studios, where I continued to immerse myself in the Commercial Marketing World.
Throughout the last decade, I’ve worked with my own clients, and have partnered with many Agencies/Media Houses /Production Groups to create libraries full of Photo and Video assets. From Climbing on the Glaciers of Ecuador at 18,000 ft for Gustavus Adolphus College/Science Magazine to being on Photo Boats for Mercury Marine representing the Agencies of Don’t Blink and Six Speed.
Every project looks different. Today I could be on a Solo shoot for the Mankato Clinic, and tomorrow I could be on a flight to the mountains to film Polaris Snowmobiles with a 30-person crew.
I have many agencies to thank for the work I find myself shooting. My work is not all me. I work with so many talented individuals across the State and Country. My amazing friends at Don’t Blink keep me busy with all sorts of projects, contracting me when and where needed, along with the talented groups at Six Speed, Swanson Russell (Nebraska), Fast Horse, Russell Heeter Photography, SuperBird Studios, Unrestricted Marketing, Kōvly Studio, Heroic Productions, Wasserman, Turnberry Solutions, Red Mood Marketing, and more!
I’m a Minnesota-based Professional Advertisement Photographer, Commercial Filmmaker, Director, Producer, Drone Pilot, and Video Editor – creating all things media.
I’m often hired as the “Utility Knife”, if you will, for many agencies and producers.
I originally worked for Fast Horse in Downtown Minneapolis – which was awarded the #1 Most Effective PR Agency in North America. Throughout the years, my experiences have led me on assignments for many restaurants, athletes, non-profits, and multiple Fortune 500 clients including Coca-Cola, Polaris, Medtronic, Federal Premium, BlueCross BlueShield, Caribou Coffee, Toro, BF Goodrich, Mentos, DJ Khaled, and the National Marrow Donor Program (Be The Match).
Sure, my Portfolio contains an array of photos and videos – but when I look at them, I’m filled with the memories of photographing at 18,000 Feet on the ice-capped glaciers of Ecuador (Gustavus Adolphus College), filming in the woods while strapped to the back of a snowmobile as riders zoom past me (Polaris), witnessing the smiles and tears on the faces of bone marrow recipients as they meet the donor who saved their life for the very first time (Be The Match), experiencing the sound of power being generated inside a Nuclear Power Plant (Ecolab), feeling the sand in my hair as we film in the Western Sahara Desert (Cabrina Kites), and seeing the sheer joy brought onto wounded soldier’s family as Jared Allen hands them keys to their brand new home (JAH4WW).
Between the handshakes, I’ve shared, the laughs with clients while on the road, and the drone shots we’ve ooo’d and ah’d over – there has been nothing more rewarding than being immersed in this industry.
If you or your organization ever have any Photo/Video needs – please do not hesitate to reach out.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t think anything in life is “easy”, but if you keep chasing your passion and purpose, the speed bumps along the way become so worth it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in Professional Photo and Video work, primarily in the Commercial Marketing and Advertisement space. I shoot both Photos and Videos, fly Drones, Video Edit, Produce, Direct, etc.
I’m most proud of the connections I’ve made with people over the years. I get to meet some of the most passionate, creative, and talented people out there, and it’s so enthralling to watch them succeed in life and work alongside them. There’s nothing more meaningful to me, than seeing a client utilize my images in their Marketing/Advertising platforms (Websites, Magazines, Video ads, Billboards, etc.) and seeing them grow and accomplish their goals.
In my free time, I love to be outdoors and hunt (Ducks, Pheasants, Deer) with my Golden Retriever, Goose.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out.
Find your passion and follow it. Find what you love doing in life, and surround yourself with like-minded people. Learn how and when to disconnect and spend time with your friends and family.
Find the people around you who are your best supporters, and spend your energy on them. For me, it’s my Wife and Daughter. They’re the absolute driving force behind the work that I do. It feels great to follow my passion while providing for my family. My Wife, Katie, is an absolute rockstar, and is a Photographer, as well! (www.katie-taylor.com), and my daughter, Indy, is the best set of laughter to come home to after a long photoshoot.
Find your passion, find your people, Oh, and buy a Golden Retriever, you won’t regret it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.evantaylorstudios.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evantaylorstudios/
Image Credits
Katie Taylor Photography
