Today we’d like to introduce you to Mattie Geist.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Ever since I was a child, I loved art and creating it. A favorite activity of mine was visiting various museums around the country. Half of my family members are artists and creatives; the other half are successful entrepreneurs who have gone after their own dreams. I believe that that mix of examples in my life greatly influenced who I am and what my business is today.
Mattie Taylor Photography was established my senior year of high school. After school is when my sessions generally were scheduled. I gained great experience with both business and photography during this time and I was able to do what I loved.
After high school, I served a mission for my church in the Philippines where I served for over a year. At this time, I learned to speak fluent Tagalog. Having this incredible opportunity to serve the people there is something I will always cherish.
While in the Philippines, my business was put on hold of course. When I returned from my mission, I moved to Provo, Utah and worked at a local art publisher. This was another fun opportunity where I learned a lot about the world of professional artists. I don’t think I picked up a camera for months during that time.
After about a year of living in Utah, I met my now husband Seth. While planning our future life together, we decided to move back to San Diego for him to start law school. It was then I realized that while he is chasing his dreams of becoming a lawyer, I could seriously consider diving back into my photography business full time.
The first two months of moving and building my business back up basically from the ground was honestly very difficult! I learned a lot about diligence and put as much effort into it as I would any other job. I learned that if you have a passion for something, in order to make it work for your lifestyle you need to truly dedicate your life to it. It won’t always be easy but it will always be rewarding.
Please tell us about your art.
I love all types of art and I try to create as much as I can every day, in various forms. For my work, I am a portrait photographer. People are my main subjects and I love that. I feel that a photograph is so much more interesting when there is a human in the photo. My favorite thing about photography is helping others to see their beauty and their worth. I also enjoy capturing raw emotion in my art. There’s something special about freezing a moment in time that allows you to remember exactly how that moment felt. My style of photography is authentic, bright, colorful and natural. I am obsessed with finding pretty light in pretty places. I love using negative space in photos in order to create a dramatic and impressive look.
What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
Artist have always had to be diligent in their work to make it as an artist, that is as true today as it has been since the beginning. I believe that those who have the opportunity to create for a living are extremely blessed. The people of San Diego can continue to encourage the arts and help artist thrive by supporting artist in their own community.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
You can view my full portfolio on my website, www.Mattie-Taylor.com. The best compliment someone could give me is to refer me to their family and friends.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mattie-taylor.com
- Phone: 8013495353
- Email: mattiegeist@gmail.com
- Instagram: mattieetaylor
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mattietaylorphotography/
Image Credit:
Mattie Taylor Photography
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