About Me: Ian Taylor Photographer

I just asked Grok what it knew about me, and it’s more or less correct

Ian Taylor is a Canadian photographer specializing in family and lifestyle portraits, with a strong focus on natural, candid shots of children and families. He's been based primarily in Hong Kong since 2007 but has worked extensively across Asia, including Cambodia, Laos, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, as well as in North America (Toronto and Vancouver) and other global locations. His career spans over 20 years, blending commercial family photography with documentary work for NGOs.

Background and Career

Early Start: Taylor began photographing his nieces and nephews in the late 1990s, frustrated by the formulaic style of kids' photography at the time. He aimed for more authentic, child-centered images rather than adult-directed poses.

Professional Path: After graduate studies in Asian studies, he entered journalism in 1994 as a photojournalist for The Cambodia Daily. This led to decades of work in Southeast Asia, including NGO projects like photographing rural schools in northern Bangladesh, the "First 1000 Days" initiative in Laos, and K9 search-and-rescue units. He later transitioned to full-time family photography while maintaining a documentary ethos—emphasizing dignity, ethics, and genuine connections in his work.

Style and Philosophy: Known for hands-off sessions where parents avoid coaching kids (e.g., no "say cheese!"), he shoots in unexpected, scenic spots like Mui Wo beaches, Cheung Chau villages, or Stanley in Hong Kong. Favorites include Repulse Bay Beach and Lingnan Garden. His pricing is straightforward: USD 20–25 per edited image, drawing from his wedding photography efficiency for high-quality results at accessible rates.

Portfolio and Reach: Over 1,000 family sessions across 100+ locations worldwide. He has a large online presence, including a Facebook page with 123,000+ likes and a blog highlighting his NGO collaborations.

Recent Highlights

In late 2024, Taylor was featured on the Insight Myanmar Podcast (Episode 423: "Snap Judgments"), discussing his shift from Cambodia's media scene to photographing Myanmar's refugee camps, and broader themes of photographic ethics and cross-border storytelling.

As of 2025, he's active in Bangkok and continues global commissions, with clients praising his ability to capture fleeting family moments without staging.

Note: There are other photographers named Ian Taylor (e.g., a UK-based studio photographer in Oxfordshire since 1997, and another in northeast England), but the Hong Kong/Asia-focused one appears most prominent based on search volume and impact. If you're referring to a different Ian Taylor, provide more details for a deeper dive!