Today we’d like to introduce you to April Taylor.
Hi April, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
The Woman Behind the Lens + Studio 47
For 14 years, I’ve had the joy of capturing life’s most meaningful moments as a wedding and portrait photographer. What started as a small home studio has grown into something I only dreamed of—Starrella Photography and, more recently, Studio 47, a natural-light creative space for myself and an inspiring community of photographers.
The woman behind the lens—that’s me, April Lynn Taylor.
It took me years to truly write this. To know who I am and to understand why I chose photography… or better yet, why God chose photography for me.
I’ve lived a life filled with both trials and incredible beauty. Through every high and low, I’ve learned to see the world differently—through people, places, light, and love. When I look through my camera, it feels like seeing creation through God’s eyes. Eyes like a shutter, mind like a lens.
I became a mom at just sixteen years old, and I can say with complete certainty that I wouldn’t change a single moment of my journey. Every season—every challenge—helped shape the woman I am today. I have the biggest heart, I love deeply, and even through life’s obstacles, I’ve always held tightly to my faith, trusting that everything truly does happen for a reason.
At twenty-one, I lost my big sister. I didn’t realize then how deeply I would long for photographs of us—moments frozen in time that I barely had. She became my stars in the sky. Around the same time, my daughter Ella —the baby girl I was blessed with as a teenager—changed me forever and help to shape me into the strong mother I am today. Since then, I’ve been blessed with three more beautiful children—Braden, Preston, and Blakelyn—who have brought endless joy, love, and purpose to my life alongside their big sister who turn 21 this year.
At twenty-three, I built and branded Starrella Photography, and over the last 14 years, I’ve grown not only as a photographer, but as a woman, mother, and creative.
Two years ago, I took another leap of faith and built Studio 47—an all–natural light creative photography space designed not only for myself, but for a wonderful and growing community of photographers. What once started as a small studio space in my home has now become a place where creativity thrives, ideas are brought to life, and stories are captured with intention. I’m constantly amazed watching photographers bring their visions to life in these walls.
In recent years, I lost myself for a while. I fought hard to rebuild the girl I once was, pouring emotion, honesty, and truth back into my work and my brand. I often asked myself—who was she really? And the answer was always the same: without God, faith, and prayer, I would not be here.
The Bible verses planted in me as a little girl, my father’s testimony of faith, and God’s steady presence carried me through seasons of grief, fear, anger, and healing. At thirty-three, I finally found the courage to put my own testimony into words.
Photography is my gift to others. It fills my heart and completes me. Through the friendships and relationships this journey has given me, I’ve been able to hold onto pieces of myself that have shaped the woman I am today. Every session, every smile—even if it was just one moment during an hour—meant more to me than you’ll ever know.
I am a perfectly imperfect, fearless, faith-following, Jesus-loving woman. I give the biggest hugs, believe in living fully, and lead with love. I’m endlessly thankful for the families of Southern Maryland and beyond who have trusted me with their memories.
I still have so many years to give, and I will continue to grow in the best way I know how—with Jesus and purpose leading the way.
“You never see the hard days in a photo album, but those are the ones that get you from one happy snapshot to the next.”
Here’s to fourteen more years.
Let’s live life for Jesus—joyfully, faithfully, and wholeheartedly.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all. Life has been full of ups and downs, and my journey has had its share of challenges. Becoming a mom at sixteen brought immeasurable joy, but also responsibilities and growth far earlier than most.
There were times I lost myself completely—trying to balance motherhood, faith, and my identity as a creative. I spent years just hustling, working two other jobs in healthcare while building Starrella Photography, often juggling long hours. It felt overwhelming at times, but putting God first has been the most beautiful relief—bringing organization, peace, and clarity to my life and work. Creating Studio 47 came with its own challenges—the pressure of building a space for others and the fear of failure.
Thanks Jesus , Studio 47 has been the most wonderful blessing. I walk into my space and just take a deep breath—it’s so calming, and it sets a mood of creativity and peace. What started as a small studio in my home has grown into a place that not only inspires me but also allows a wonderful community of photographers to create and flourish. I’m constantly amazed seeing so many talented creatives bring their visions to life in these walls.
Through all of it, my faith has been my anchor. I’ve learned to embrace my identity as a child of God, a creative, and someone with a purpose. Every struggle, every trial, has shaped me and taught me to trust God’s plan. Even the hardest days have guided me to the moments of joy, growth, and fulfillment I experience today—both behind the lens and in life.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am the founder of Starrella Photography by Aprilynn, a wedding and portrait photography business I started 14 years ago, and the creator of Studio 47, a natural-light creative space for photographers and creatives in Southern Maryland.
I am known for my ability to combine technical skill with a personal, faith-centered approach. I strive to create images that not only look beautiful but also tell a story, celebrate life, and honor the people and moments that matter most. From weddings and portraits to bridal sessions, styled shoots, newborns , family portraits , the list goes on – my work is built on authenticity, attention to detail, and the belief that every families story is unique.
What sets me apart is my focus on faith, purpose, and community. Photography is not just a job for me—it’s a gift from God that I get to share with families, couples, and fellow creatives.
Two years ago, I built Studio 47, a 1,200 sq ft space with high ceilings, polished concrete floors, and crisp white walls, designed to inspire creativity and collaboration. Seeing other photographers bring their visions to life in the space is one of my greatest joys—it’s a dream come true to offer a place where people can create freely and beautifully.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of how Starrella Photography reflects my story and values: faith, authenticity, creativity, and service. My brand isn’t just about images—it’s about relationships, trust, and capturing the love and joy in life’s moments. I want readers to know that my business is here to serve, celebrate, and create with intention. Whether through a wedding, family session, styled shoot, or offering Studio 47 as a creative hub, I aim to bring heart, faith, and excellence to everything I do.
At the core, Starrella Photography by Aprilynn is about celebrating life, creativity, and purpose, and giving families and creatives a space to make memories, tell their stories, and feel inspired along the way.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Most people know me as a photographer or the owner of Studio 47, but they might not know how much of my journey has been built through sheer hustle and faith. I didn’t start with a big budget or a perfect plan—I spent years balancing multiple jobs, including working in healthcare, while building my photography business and raising my children.
Studio “47” – is built after my dad who passed away in 2018 – he was born in 1947 , I wanted to incorporate a little piece of him into the studio that GOD helped me build.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.starrellaphotography.com
- Instagram: @starrella.aprilynn
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BCyZ7ttEL/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/studio.47.md?igsh=MTQ3N29sajZmMGV6MA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
