Performing Arts — Taylor Dizor Photography Blog

This has been an incredible year. As I'm writing this blog post, I'm thinking back to a little over a year ago when I bought my camera. At that moment, I still didn't think I would become a photographer. Yet in this crazy year, I found a passion I didn't expect.

In 2017, I took risks and dove head-first in doing crazy things to find something. I made the decision to start a photography business, take my health seriously, move across the country and live two months in Wisconsin, embrace my insecurities, move forward, and - most importantly - live. This year, things started making sense to me as to where my future would lead: wherever creativity and happiness brings me. I know that seems more vague than anything (ironic for a realization of clarity)! But I've come to accept whatever my future will bring. I'll be okay with it as long as I'm doing what I love!

That is my hope for you. As we say goodbye to another year, push forward in 2018 embracing the things that bring you happiness! Before you dive in head first, make sure you have a plan. That's right! Make those New Year's Resolutions that no one ever achieves! Why? Because it's something! Every day is a new start and a new chance to turn a new page. Even when you fail, you can start again.

So here are my New Year's Resolutions! Feel free to help me stay accountable!

Shoot and write more. I want to become a better photographer for my clients and share my work more. The only way I will be able to do that is to PRACTICE!
Embrace a healthier lifestyle. Y'all let me be honest. . . I am a poor graduate student and I live like one. If I can start eating healthier and sleeping more, I know that I'll be in a better place (trying not to gag at how Hallmark this sounds, but I'm serious!).
Take time for me. I am a Class A workaholic, which is obvious if you look at my Instagram stories of me editing pictures at 2am. I'm even writing this blog at 3am...ON VACATION! I want to be committed to taking time to relax and recharge. Whether it's an hour reading book or an evening grabbing drinks with friends, this is a must!

Before I officially say goodbye to 2017, I want to share a few of my favorite photos from 2017. Not going to lie. . . I cringed a little as I looked at some of my early work. But I'm embracing the fact that I am always learning. Thank you so much to every amazing client I have had this year. I am eternally grateful that you believed in me enough to invest in me. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Best of 2017 Gallery

This past year, I took on a client that led to amazing opportunities I never even thought I would have. I began working with Lake Area Independent, a world-class winter guard affiliated with Winter Guard International, as their public relations director. What is winter guard? It is indoor color guard pageantry that incorporates dancing, flag work, and weaponry.

So what did this activity do for me this year? It gave me the chance to see some of the most amazing young performing artists I've ever seen expose me to a whole new art. The way these kids perform with such emotion inspired me as a photographer. They made me want to capture the feeling they were expressing through their performances. Getting to work with various high school and independent groups has shown me the hard work, dedication, and skill that goes into this craft and I would like to share with you some of what I got to see.

The pictures I am sharing are of the talent that is right here in Louisiana. There is an amazing amount of artistic talent in our community if we only just open our eyes and watch. I want to thank Lake Area Independent, Lafayette High School Winter Guard, Westlake High School Winter Guard, and Lake Arthur High School Winter Guard for allowing me to capture their shows and share with me their talent.