Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Ballantyne
Taylor, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Taylor Ballantyne (CEO & Founder of Ballantyne Films Inc) and am a Director and Photographer. I specialize in commercial advertising, print, editorial, music and film. I grew up in Malibu, CA, attended Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbra and relocated to NYC to finish out my education and begin my career. Over the course of 20 years in the industry I have developed my reel and portfolio working with celebrities, super-models, athletes, musicians, creative agencies, license branding companies, and production companies globally.
I have achieved at a high level in the industry by cultivating long lasting relationships with my clientele. I received national attention for my accomplishments within the visual creative space; including 7 Sports Illustrated Covers, directing a short film entitled “In Her Own Words” accompanied by a photographic series for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, directing a chart-reaching music video for “The Voice” winner Jake Hoot featuring Kelly Clarkson and directed my first feature film for The Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band released on Amazon Prime Video. I currently reside in Nashville, TN and continue to expand my commercial and film portfolio traveling all over the world.
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’ve been working as a director and photographer for 20 years in the commercial and film space. As I continue to develop my skills and confidence, there are still plenty moments of doubt and uncertainty. The only way I have been able to deal with “imposter syndrome” when it comes up is to remind myself of my value. Tell myself the facts; I have achieved, I know what I want and where I’m going. When my goals shift & grow, I realize I have a choice. I can believe in myself and my value OR not. If I don’t… no one else will. For me it’s taken resilience and constant work to continue to evolve personally and creatively.
Dedicating my life to storytelling has given me perspective and compassion for others and myself. I align with my subjects energy, reproduce it through the lens and allow their authentic selves to shine through. It’s been a journey; a path of risk, stamina and a will to succeed rewarded with relationships who have enabled my success.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Aligning with my subjects energy, reproduce it through the lens and allow their authentic selves to shine through is my commitment to my creative. My journey to where I am today was an extremely unique path; from starting my own photography business at 16 years old shooting god knows what for god knows how much, all the way to shooting Sports Illustrated Covers, took an immense amount of stamina and will to succeed.
Photography taught me how to create a story within a single image. Learning how to master this allowed me to expand on a larger scale. As a director and photographer my job is to connect with people on an emotional and personal level to learn how best to tell their story. What drives me each day is telling other people’s stories and the challenge of learning how people will digest and receive those narratives. Dedicating my life to storytelling has given me so much perspective, understanding and compassion for people and for myself.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Playing make believe with just about anyone or anything… getting lost in dream land, laughing and goofing around every chance I got.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.taylorballantyne.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorbphoto/?hl=en
Image Credits
Ballantyne Films Inc
