Taylor Pendleton - NatGeo and Taking Big Leaps
"But that's just the way of the artist. We're never really satisfied."
Taylor Pendleton
Taylor Pendleton is a self-taught photographer turned filmmaker/director. Her diverse work experiences over the last decade have brought in clients like National Geographic, Andalucía Tourism Board, Spotify, Walmart, and Dramamine.
See Taylor Pendleton’s website here!
“Lean into what makes your soul sing, even if you're not a master yet.”
Interview
(Uncut and Unedited)
1. Where did your photography journey start?
This one's tough...I don't really have an exact start point. I had my parents' cameras in my hands A LOT as a kid....so, then?
2. Did you always want to pursue a career in the creative industry?
Yes! Even though I did go to college for English and Gender Studies, I knew I'd be working as a visual artist somehow.
3. How has your presence online impacted your opportunities?
It was the whole reason I could start my own business in college and shoot weddings full-time. It literally gave me my start! Since then, it definitely helps to have a social presence in the process of gaining larger clients.
4. What was it like to work with National Geographic?
Absolutely surreal! We drove all around Peru for a week and shot sun-up to sun-down. I had bruises all over my legs from hiking with huge lenses, but I had never been so happy to be so hurt! It was physically exhausting and soul filling. The best kind of job!
5. I love your Ziggy Stardust self portrait, how have other art forms such as music impacted your work?
Thank you! I feel a huge kinship with Bowie. Music and the musicians behind it, as you can probably guess, is a huuuuuge inspiration for me always. Of course, television and movies! But lately my takeaways from these has shifted - rather than pulling inspiration of what to do, I instead pull what I don't want to do, which is just as helpful! If not, more.
Follow Taylor Pendleton on Instagram here!
6. When photographing, do you find yourself overthinking the shot or, is it a more relaxing and therapeutic experience?
I don't overthink while shooting...it's actually the one thing in life I don't overthink, which is why it is so cathartic for me. I will say, sometimes when I look back at my images, I wish I would've overthought a little more, haha! But that's just the way of the artist. We're never really satisfied.
7. If you had 1 month free and an unlimited budget to create whatever you want, where would you go and what would create?
I'd hit the road and make a photo/video series! I have two specific ideas, but not time to share just yet ;)
8. When was the last time your approach to art changed/evolved?
Man, I feel like it's evolving right now a lot as I type this. I'm going through a major shift, as I sink deeper into who I am as an artist. Having worked in a group for the last 7 years, it's been a slow burn of realizing who I am amidst it all. I get this big feeling lately that I've not made what I'm supposed to make yet. It's my time to really let my voice out.
9. Are you pessimistic or optimistic about how AI can affect the art world?
I have used AI 2 times, each for a podcast where I had to for experiment's sake. Otherwise, I never once have used it. If that doesn't tell you how uninterested I am in it, I don't know what will. When I think about it, it scares me a little, but I don't think it's coming for my job necessarily. There's too much humanity necessary and I don't think that can be replicated.
10. What is one piece of advice for aspiring creatives?
Take big leaps. What jet-setted many aspects of my career was applying for a job I wasn't quite yet technically qualified for, but my hunger to learn outweighed that. You can be taught technical skills, you cannot be taught passion! Lean into what makes your soul sing, even if you're not a master yet. That comes later with time.
Shooting For National Geographic
For all you photographers out there, you are doing yourself a disservice by not following Pendleton’s YouTube. One of the greatest photography channels out there in my expert opinion. There’s a remarkable sense of calm in Pendleton’s videos, those of you who are familiar with her videos, I'm sure, will understand what I mean. Combining travel, photography and life as an artist, it is easy to binge-watch her videos, as I have many times. You can thank me later for your new pre-bedtime relaxing YouTube favourite :)
I always look forward to the last question in these interviews, there is always a great motivational answer and Pendleton did not disappoint. Artists can fall into the trap of thinking they aren’t good enough, holding them back from progressing and developing skills. ‘Oh I don’t have the experience for this…’ ‘I’ve never done that before…’ ‘I don’t have the equipment for that…’ etc. Sometimes, as Pendleton reminds us,
“What jet-setted many aspects of my career was applying for a job I wasn't quite yet technically qualified for, but my hunger to learn outweighed that. You can be taught technical skills, you cannot be taught passion!”
So next time an opportunity presents itself, seriously consider taking that leap!!
Best
Alex