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Posts
- Nostalgia. 'A Prelude'
After several years of growing up together, traveling, learning, writing, and playing music, Laura Epling and I decided to try something new and create a short film project. We call it Nostalgia. I brought the idea to Laura about a year ago while we were off somewhere dreaming about the future. With the both of us exploring new writing and filmmaking endeavors, it made sense to branch out and combine our two unique disciplines into one collaboration, if even just for ourselves.
At the time, I was living in Charleston, West Virginia and she was in and out of Nashville, Tennessee for school. We made a promise that one day we would stretch ourselves to our limits, beyond what we thought was possible, and see what would come of it.
Early February ‘14 I decided for one reason or another to move to Nashville. One thing that sparked this move was the possibility of this being the time to start pursuing our short film project. After a couple of months of my settling in and her conquering finals, we starting planning. Planning and storyboarding led to narrative and shooting. Fittingly enough, our first shooting location was in Nashville and the second was in Charleston. This made sense: the film to us encompassed concepts of new and old, beginning and ending, and remembering for better or worse. I believe that we accomplished what we set out to do, and I hope that you as a viewer can take something beautiful away from it. We will be posting a release date and updates here during the next couple of weeks. Thank you to all who have been a part of us and supported us thus far. Whether you knew it or not, you have been creating memories for us that would last a lifetime and that trigger Nostalgia for us frequently. This is for you.
-Taylor & Laura
(photo by Taylor Napier on location in Nashville)
- Prints:
Several people have asked me recently where they can buy prints of photographs I have taken over the years. Well, I have opened an online store where you can do just that!
If there is a photo you are wanting that is not up on the site, let me know and I will put it on there for you. - Coyotes in Boxes (in studio) | May 2014
Coyotes in Boxes. Not only have we shared the stage multiple times, but we are both from West Virginia and have now ended up in Nashville for one reason or another. These guys are some of the most talented and kind people you will meet. I’m really excited for all that is to come for them and for you to hear the songs they are working on. Get ready for some crazy stuff!
While you are waiting make sure to check out their previously recorded record here (coyotesinboxes.bandcamp.com).
- Leah Lawson | March 2014
- 3.26.14 Ryan Lafferty; Nashville Tennessee
Here are a few photos I took for my friend Ryan Lafferty last month at his showcase at 12th and Porter in Nashville. Great show and great sound! Excited to work with him more later this month
So much there is to see, but our morning eyes describe a different world than do our afternoon eyes, and surely our wearied evening eyes can report only a weary evening world.
Travels with Charlie; John Steinbeck- Film 3/2014
Here is some new film from the past month I’ve been living in Nashville, some film from Fall ‘13 that I just discovered had not been developed, and a couple of photos taken on my last day in WV before the move. I love the way these turned out, especially the few that came from an old automatic Canon camera my grandma gave me last Christmas. Enjoy!
Fall ‘13; New River Gorge/Beauty Mt. West Virginia
February ‘14; West Virginia
February/March ‘14; Nashville Tennessee
*all film is Fujifilm Superia 400.
- New short film...
- Autumn in West Virginia [2013]
Packed up my trusty Subaru Forester and hiked through the mountains of West Virginia quite a few times this past fall. It may be the dead of winter now but I thought I would finally share some photos from my travels to a few of my favorite WV places
//half of the photos are digital and taken with a Canon 60d & the other half are 35mm film taken with a Canon GII and using fujifilm 400 superia & expired kodak 400 film
all photos by Taylor Napier
LEWISBURG, W.Va
Fayetteville/Gauley Bridge, W. Va
North Fork Mountain & Seneca Rocks | near Cabins, W. Va
Dolly Sods Wilderness, W. Va
The mountain can capture the most still of minds, while the waterfall captures the most chaotic. The two work together so perfectly.
- Anthony + Sarah | Engagement
- 2014 Seniors(so far)
This fall has been full of senior shoots and I love it!
These kids are a bunch of talented individuals that are going to do some great things in the world. To everyone I’ve met, got to hang out with and take pictures of(so far) this school year, thanks for being awesome!
Here are some of my favorite shots:
- The Wolfe Family
Had the pleasure of taking pictures of this sweet family a couple of weeks ago. I’ve known Brandi & Ryan for a few years now and took pictures of Eli when he was just a newborn. Can’t believe he just turned 2 and they have another kid on the way! (since these pics were taken, their 2nd child has arrived. Congrats to the family!)
Love this family and had a great time with them! Enjoy a few of the photos from the session…
- Braiden Maddox
Braiden’s dream for a while had been to have her senior photos taken at Holly River State Park in West Virginia. Growing up taking family trips there every year, complete with a quiet camp ground, rolling West Virginia mountains, and cool streams, its sentimental as well as an all around perfect place for photographs.
When she contacted me about a day camping trip in the mountains I couldn’t refuse! It was one adventurous day of picture taking, and definitely the most memorable senior shoot to date. I loved getting to know Braiden and her Mom better and getting to share their special mountain get away with them.
Braiden Maddox | Holly River State Park, West Virginia
More photos from this session coming soon!
- Colombia, South America | June 2013
I can’t believe its been almost a month since leaving on a plane for Medellin Colombia. I still haven’t fully processed the trip, as quick as it came and went, but I do miss the culture and the people and think of them often.
Here are a few of my favorite photos from the trip. If you are interested in knowing more about the foundation I visited, you can find more on their website: openarmsfoundation.com
The wonderful family we stayed with while at the farm.
So thankful for my trip to Colombia South America last week with some dear friends. Though it was short, I made lots of new friends in the process and learned so much from them. Can’t wait to visit again one day.
More pictures to be posted within the next couple of weeks.
La Finca(the farm) in San Pedro, Colombia
This is Gaby. She is our cook for the week while visiting Colombia(s. America)
She’s been like my grandma this week and an incredible inspiration. Not to mention, she makes amazing food. All the best to herMore pictures from the trip coming soon
- Summersville day trip {May 2013}
- Derek & Katie {Engagement}
- Virginia {April 2013}
A video I filmed for my friend Karen Spurlock a couple weeks ago.
Speckled green eyes, don’t you see, don’t you see
the row of berry bushes and the thousand trees
the lonesome bird’s guarding on his branch
does he welcome travelers of the Louisville stretch?Speckled green eyes, don’t you see, don’t you see
the dusty gray rays in the overcast sea
while…If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.
Mother TeresaAfter writing songs together and overall idea collaborating the past few weeks, my friend Lauren and I decided a photoshoot of sorts would be fun on this snowy afternoon.
I’m so happy with the way these turned out and am always inspired and encouraged when working with Lauren.
Photographs by me
Editing by lauren stonestreet{elle effect}
I have had the great honor of working with Sustainable Williamson in developing an upcoming campaign to help raise support and build a national movement for sustainability and economic diversification in the heart of the Billion Dollar Coalfield.
Check out the TEASER I created below and share…
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taylornapier::
A project I helped shoot announced their launch this evening. Watch the video, share it, and read up on how you can support Sustainability in our area and Central Appalachia!
I’ve learned that God sometimes allows us to find ourselves in a place where we want something so bad that we can’t see past it. Sometimes we can’t even see God because of it. When we want something that bad, it’s easy to mistake what we truly need for the thing we really want. When this sort of thing happens, and it seems to happen to everyone, I’ve found it’s because what God has for us is obscured from view, just around another bend in the road.
Bob Goff- TayLou Western Adventure || iphone video
Finally went through iphone video footage I took while driving through the states last spring and put together a little video. Can’t believe its almost been a whole year! This time last year I was planning it out and saving up every penny I had.
This is maybe a little over a quarter of the places we actually drove through. From South Dakota, Southern Washington, Oregon, Southern Idaho, Utah, & Arizona.
- The Hills of West Virginia
In the hills with good friend and assistant, Taylor Napier, for a time away to edit the crap out of an upcoming project for Sustainable Williamson.
- Beauty in the Badlands || {December Alleys}
The newest song written by myself and the wonderful Laura Epling! It was written about our trip to the Badlands in South Dakota last spring and how it changed our outlook on certain things in our lives. If you have even been there you probably have some kind of story of impact it had on you. For us, it was the most terrifyingly beautiful place we have ever been.
So whether you take this song to be literal or metaphorical, we hope you enjoy and get something from it.
Also, can’t wait to record it and have Laura’s amazing harmonies and violin skills on it!
here is the link to my post from last spring about the badlands: http://taylornapier.tumblr.com/post/20639505356/day-7-sioux-falls-the-badlands-south-dakota
- Camping Under Trees || North Carolina; 8.3.12
Air full of rain but the trees protect us from it. Their trunks are small and branches long. Reaching out to touch the others. Covering and protecting us from the rain.
It’s noon and barley daylight. The sun slowly makes its way to the top of the trees and shines over us.
Just as the trees I am surrounded by friends. Reaching our arms out we protect each other. We interweave our fingers so its harder to break us when the winds grow strong. Our roots grow deeper and wider under the wet ground. Deeper until they start to become one with each other.
We grow stronger with age. - Stephen | Stonestreet Creative | December 2012Just a few picture I forgot to post last month after Stephen helped with the filming of the December Alleys Christmas video. Check out his work at www.stonestreetcreative.com
- 2012 Recap
As every year comes to a close, it always makes me more and more excited for the next.
Pondering on everything that I’ve been able to do this year, I realize how much I’ve managed to cram into one year and how the only way any of it has been possible is because I have a loving God looking out for me. I’ve found that more than ever this year.Its been an adventure in many more ways than one. And even though it seems like so much, I feel it has happened in a much smaller time frame than a whole year. The past is good, but though change and moving on is hard it’s worth it. Seeing everything that has changed, and also what has stayed the same makes me excited for the coming year(s).
All the people who have mentored me, encouraged me, and have done life with me this year I want to thank you. I know we’re going to do life together for a very long time no matter where the roads take us.
2013. It’s gonna be a good one folks!"We shall never be again as we were!" -Henry James
And here are just a few highlights:
Took pictures for Karen Spurlocks 2012 release “My Hearts Desire”- https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/my-hearts-desire-ep/id516368997
The first stop on my trip from WV-The west coast and back. Quills Coffee, Louisville KY
Hiked in southern Ky and then played the last year of the Ichthus Festival in Wilmore, Ky with some of my best friends
Successfully hiked to the top of Grandfather Mountain in NC once again
Played at Moxxee Coffee, WV with some great and talented people to benefit Belwop
Dolly Sods, WV
Here are a couple projects I worked on and released this year
December Alleys EP
http://decemberalleys.bandcamp.com/album/december-alleys-ep
"Love is Calling" music video(co-directed/filmed/edited)-Karen Spurlock
Many more to come this year!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Morgan Mecaskey - Go Tell It On The Mountain (Live) (by Morgan Mecaskey)
- December Alleys | Laura, Matt, & Taylor
I was pleased to take these photographs of three wonderful people: Laura Epling, Matt Epling, and Taylor Napier of December Alleys. They’re such fun and beautiful people. Thankful to have them in my life.
I also shot this video with the help of Matt Epling (second shooter) for December Alleys, with editing/color grading by Taylor Napier Media.
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Photos
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Film
- "Nostalgia; a prelude" [COMING SOON] (*2014)Short film/Poetry//Directed by Taylor NapierWritten by Laura Epling & Taylor Napier
"Back Row" by Leah Lawson (*2014)Live Music Video//Directed, Produced, & Mixed by Taylor Napier"Love is Calling" by Karen Spurlock ft. John Katina (*2012)Official Music Video//Directed & Produced by Taylor Napier & Karen Spurlock(recently featured as the artist spotlight on UPtv)Caleb Martin (*2012)Promotional Video//Directed & Produced by Taylor Napier; Audio Engineering & Mixing by Steve RileyKaren Spurlock (*2013)Live Music Video//Directed & Produced by Taylor Napier; Mixed by Taylor SheaKaren Spurlock (*2013)Live Music Video//Directed & Produced by Taylor Napier; Mixed by Taylor SheaKaren Spurlock (*2012)Live Music Video//Directed & Produced by Taylor Napier; Mixed by Taylor SheaKaren Spurlock (*2012)Live Music Video//Directed & Produced by Taylor Napier; Mixed by Taylor Shea____________________________________________________________________________Projects & Videos I've been Assistant DP/Assistant Editor on::"disABILITY" (*2014)Documentary//Directed & Produced by Stephen Stonestreet (Stonestreet Creative)"A Collaboration Across the Nation" (*2013)Documentary//Directed & Produced by Stephen Stonestreet (Stonestreet Creative)Quiet // Live at the Alban Theater (*2014)Live Music Video//Directed & Produced by Stephen Stonestreet (Stonestreet Creative)"Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" by December Alleys (*2012)Live music video//filmed by Stephen Stonestreet (Stonestreet Creative) + Matthew EplingVideo/color editing & sound editing by Taylor Napier
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Music
- Here are a list of music projects I'm involved with or have been in the past::(click on project name for website and more info)
For music booking, etc.
booking@decemberalleys.com
Bands/Artists I've regularly played, traveled, & written with::December Alleys(Singer-Songwriter; Guitar; Lead Vocals)::2011-PresentThe Turn Around(Acoustic/Electric Guitar; BGVs)::2007-2013Karen Spurlock(Touring BGVs; Acoustic/Electric Guitar)::2010-2013Recorded Projects::"disABILITY" documentary score(Charleston, WV. 2014)(composed and played everything, except piano on last song played by Lauren Stonestreet)"Sustainable Williamson" documentary score(Charleston, WV.2013)(Everything)Watch it here:: https://vimeo.com/60905729Listen/purchase score here:: https://decemberalleys.bandcamp.com/album/spring-13-2December Alleys:: December Alleys EP(Hurricane WV.2012)(Lead Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Aux Percussion, BGVs, Mixing, Producing, Writing)Karen Spurlock:: My Hearts Desire EP(Nashville TN. 2011)(BGVs on "New")**Also designed all the album art and photographyThe Turn Around:: The Turn Around:Acoustic(Risen Son Studio, Beckley WV/Nashville TN. 2009)(BGVs)
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About/Contact
Grown in West Virginia; re-planted in Tennessee. //
Charleston, WV + Nashville, TN. *always willing to travel
"If a story is in you, it has to come out" -Faulkner
i wold love to help you tell your story.
For pricing + questions contact::
info@taylornapier.com // 304 . 654 . 6932
Here are some types of work I most often do.
To see examples check out the 'photography' + 'film' tabs at the top of the page.
If you don't see what you're looking for contact me and we'll make it happen.
portraits (seniors, artists, bands, engagement, head-shots, etc.)
promotional (artist, kickstarter, brand, press kit, website, etc.)documentary (bands, events, lifestyle, etc.)weddings (video or photo)//Followtwitter + instagram:: @TaylorNapierfacebook:: facebook.com/taylornapiermedia
*photo by Lauren Stonestreet. logo by Michael Stidham.
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Prints
- buy select gallery quality prints from my travels here!http://society6.com/taylornapier*if you don't see the photo you're looking for in the store above shoot me an email and let me know what you're looking for!info@taylornapier.com
