In a world saturated with images, Emily Porter Tayler stands out by capturing not just moments, but meaning. With a lens tuned to emotion and detail, her work tells stories that linger long after the shutter clicks.
In an era of fast visuals and fleeting trends, Emily Porter Tayler remains rooted in timeless storytelling. Her work blends classic technique with a modern eye, offering a refreshing take on what photography can be.
Emily Porter Tayler doesn’t chase trends—she follows curiosity. That curiosity has led her to create some of the most emotionally resonant and visually compelling photography in recent years. In this interview, she opens up about her creative process, inspirations, and what drives her to keep evolving behind the camera.
Q. Beyond photography, you are also a yoga instructor and herbalist. How do these disciplines intersect with your artistic practice, and do they influence your perspective as a photographer?
Answer. I am a person who enjoys learning and exploring different topics and avenues as much as possible. Yoga and herbalism are both life practices which help me to enjoy and intermingle with nature. As a photographer, I am inspired by places, creatures and humans that tell stories just by merely existing. I think they influence me greatly as a photographer and how I approach a subject.
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Q. What do you love to do When you’re not behind the camera?
Answer. When I am not behind the camera I love hiking with my husband, gardening and making things with plants and going to the movie theater. Reading a book is a must at all times. I love reading. The more I can be outside the better!
Q. Do you have any dream locations you’d love to shoot in?
Answer. I would love to go to Ireland as an adult and photograph as much as physically possible. My family stems from Ireland and I feel I have always been called there. There is a sense of magic in the land and I would love to be able to capture this magic in the people, the land and the flora and fauna.
Q. What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
Answer. Interesting question, I rarely, if ever plan a shoot. I love wandering and following the light. When I am done with a roll I will put it in my bag and just pull a few out to develop. Every time I develop a roll film it is a surprise which I love about the entire experience.
Q. What’s the funniest or most unexpected thing that’s happened on a photoshoot?
Answer. I shoot very freely, so I do not have set photoshoots often, so I do not think I have a story for this one.
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Q. Could you share the inspiration behind your “In the Mountains” project? What message or emotion were you aiming to capture through this series?
Answer. The mountains have saved me more than once. They saved me in Salt Lake City, when I was trying to find myself in my 20’s. They saved me in California when I lost my partner and friend. I was engaged on the top of the Canadian Rockies in my 30’s. Mountains are ever present in big moments in my life, and I tend to be drawn to them. They are looming beings that I think have such a presence in this world. My project “In the Mountains” is an ode to these wondrous formations that haunt, lure and loom over this planet.
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Q. What’s your go-to way to relax after a long day of shooting?
Answer. After a long day of photographing, which usually means I was outside hiking, I love resting and chatting with friends, making a cup of tea, reading and perhaps going on another walk with no attachments to technology. Take it all in without capturing, which can be difficult sometimes.
Q. How do you decide whether a particular project should be shot in black and white or color?
Answer. It is usually a decision based on what film I purchased that month. Some years I will only shoot with black and white polaroid, others only 35mm color. It is never a processed thought. I usually grab film, sometimes not knowing what it is, shoot and see what happened after the fact. I do not plan images often and love the magic and spontaneity of the medium.
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Q. How do you handle creative blocks or periods of artistic doubt?
Answer. It can be really hard, especially when your medium has changed so drastically in different ways and can loom doubt of its necessity. I am lucky to live with my husband, who is a painter and constant inspiration to me. If I am going through a creative block he is very encouraging. I will usually read or just shoot to continue through. I love looking at Patti Smith’s and Nan Goldin’s books for inspiration as well.
Q. Where do you see the photography industry heading in the next five years?
Answer. Honestly, I think about this often and I have no idea. When I received my photography degree my class was the last one to work in the darkroom as a mandatory class to receive your degree. Now I do not think they have a darkroom at all. It has changed so much already in my lifetime, I am not sure where it will go in five years. Digital cameras have already changed so much and I still cannot bring myself to shoot on one. I love film and hope they will bring back some of the films I loved to shoot with. Hoping film photography will get cheaper, but we will see!
Q. If you had to describe your photography style in three words, what would they be and why?
Answer. I think the three words that describe my photography are: wander, explore, journey
Q. What advice do you want to give someone who wants to step into photography?
Answer. Follow the light and do not think about it too much.
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Q. Are there any new techniques or styles you’ve wanted to try but haven’t yet?
Answer. I have been intrigued by photo transfer onto fabric or within a book bound format. It feels like I always have several ideas at once and there are so many amazing techniques to try!
Q. What legacy do you hope to leave through your photography?
Answer. Oh wow, I hope to leave a sense of wonder through my images that spark inspiration, but also love for the natural world. Perhaps in years to come, when technology takes over even more, someone will see one of my images and reconnect with a soft moment and put down their phone.
Q. Lastly, are there any exciting upcoming projects or projects you are currently working on?
Answer. Always! I am working on a cyanotype project of portraits of native species of Wisconsin, fabric panels of flora and I am hoping to get into book binding again, which would integrate my photographs. This month I have been itching to get back to my SX-70 polaroid as well!
As Emily Porter continues to explore and expand her creative world, her work reminds us that photography is more than just seeing—it’s about feeling. And few do it with as much heart as she does.
To check out more of Emily Porter Tayler’s beautiful work here is the links to Emily Porter’s website
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