Tana Taylor
Tana Ava Taylor is a popular family photographer in Los Angeles. Together with her partner, Rose Hamilton, Tana Taylor Adoption has built her business in the growing field of adoption photography. Taylor was herself adopted as a baby, and her deep interest in adoption fuels her emotional photography style. Taylor and Hamilton are focused on creating new family moments with their clients and on bringing adoption into the public eye. Tana Ava Taylor hopes that her beautiful and fun photo shoots will influence parents who are considering adoption to add to their family in this loving way.
Taylor has a college photography degree and a deep artistic background. Her style incorporates classic photography techniques and fresh, new touches that delight her clients. She is especially skilled at photographing children, capturing the personality of each child through her lens. Through her collaboration with Rose Hamilton, the two photographers can build a unique style that highlights the love and beauty of each family relationship.
It took a few years for Tana & Rose Photography to become profitable. The photographers experienced some overhead costs when they were starting out, including investing in the industry’s best photography equipment and editing software. The investments began to pay off after a few years as they were able to put money back into the business. The goal of Ava Rose Taylor Adoption is to open more photography shops around California, spreading their brand concept to new areas.
What do you know about the real estate industry?
Not as much as I should, to be honest with you. I know that it’s a highly competitive field with many opportunities. I’ve been told that real estate is a solid investment for people who are looking for a great return on their money.
Have you ever sold real estate? How did you make it happen?
I’ve bought and sold two homes in Los Angeles. My family and I live in the third home. Each time, I put the houses on the market after some time and thought. I let our realtor handle most of the details, though I was very involved in deciding how to stage the homes for sale. I was able to use my artistic eye to make the most of the beauty of each home.
How much experience do you have in buying or selling real estate?
Only a little. I bought my first home when I was single. It was the size of a postage stamp. This is L.A., after all. As our business began to take off, I was able to buy a nicer home in a better part of town. This home was too small to raise our child, so my husband and I sold it and bought a four-bedroom house in the hills. The only problem here is that the commute into the city is ridiculous. Luckily, my studio is close to our home.
Have you ever made a sell or a purchase you have regretted?
I shouldn’t have bought my first house when I did. The market prices were going down steadily, and I jumped on the house when I should have waited for the seller to lower the price. Hardly anything in the neighborhood was selling. The house also needed more work than I was able to put in. I had to live with the most outrageous 1970s kitchen. It was a running gag among my friends.
What advice would you give inexperienced who are wanting to buy or sell?
Pay attention to your broker’s advice. Don’t let your heart rule your real estate buying and selling. You have to look long and hard at home and all the possible expenses and know for sure that you can afford it before you jump in.
What have you found out to be the best way to market property?
My realtor uses social media advertising to market her properties. Instagram provides a gorgeous view of each property. Facebook is the workhorse of social media and provides a service that almost everyone uses.
What tools do you believe are essential for success in the real estate industry?
I believe that determination is the most important part of success as a real estate agent. This applies to photography as well. Both jobs have a lot in common. You’re working for yourself and working one-on-one with a client, trying to serve their needs to the best of your abilities. At least some of the job depends on appearances. Quick thinking is just as important as determination.
What has real estate taught you about life?
It’s taught me not to move too quickly where business deals are concerned. Buying that first house taught me the meaning of “buyer’s remorse.”
How can you use what you have learned in real estate to succeed in other areas?
All of my personal experiences, including buying and selling real estate, can apply to my job as a photographer. Being willing to negotiate is a big part of my business. This is a delicate process at the best of times.
Do you have a mentor who taught you what you know?
My parents gave me a lot of good advice. They told me I should hold off on buying my first house and I went ahead and ignored them. That taught me a lesson.
Do you have a feedback system? How does it work?
As a photographer, I’m deeply interested in customer feedback. I encourage my customers to fill out a detailed evaluation form about every part of their experience. I have a semi-annual drawing for a gift certificate to entice people to fill out the survey.
