i'm all about

creating school portraits that feel a little more special — authentic, timeless, and full of heart

a fresh take

unlike traditional school photos…

these sessions are relaxed and fun, allowing children to show up as they are—natural, confident, and full of personality. No stiff poses or forced smiles—just genuine expressions and real moments.

Every child is unique, and my goal is to capture their personality with honesty and care. The result? Portraits that families will love and cherish for years to come.

We’d be honored to partner with your school to offer a heartfelt, modern alternative to standard school photography—one that reflects children as they are.

ATA - 2.jpg
ATA - 5.jpg
ATA - 6.jpg
ATA - 9.jpg
ATA - 7.jpg
ATA - 8.jpg
ATA - 13.jpg
ATA - 11.jpg
ATA - 16.jpg
ATA - 23.jpg
ATA - 14.jpg
ATA - 15.jpg
ATA - 12.jpg
ATA+-+22.jpg
ATA - 26.jpg
ATA - 25.jpg
ATA - 17.jpg
ATA - 18.jpg
ATA+-+4.jpg
ATA - 28.jpg
ATA - 27.jpg
ATA - 24.jpg
ATA+-+1.jpg
ATA - 20.jpg 
why partner with

as they are

Our sessions allow students to relax and express themselves, resulting in real images that parents cherish.

Stress-free experience for schools

Easy online ordering for families to choose their favorites and order prints and/or digitals easily

Modern & personalized approach

Seamless process for children, staff, and parents

No upfront cost to the school — all students have their photo taken and the parents decide to purchase if they’d like to

Meet Taylor

Hi, I’m so happy you’re here!  With a background in early childhood education and years spent teaching in preschool, I developed a love for working with children and a deep appreciation for their curiosity and joy.

My background in play-based learning naturally led me to capturing children just as they are—authentic, playful, and full of life. Now, as a photographer, I bring that same approach to each session, especially school portraits! I can’t wait to create something meaningful with you!

  • kind words

    “My preschool used Taylor Cruz this Fall for our school photos and in the Spring for graduation photos. Taylor has a special touch with the children which allows her to capture their unique personalities. The photos are wonderful and the parents were so happy with them. We had the best school photo day with Taylor this year. She is better than any other company we have used in the 22 years I have been at the preschool! The day went smoothly and her interaction with the children was priceless. As long as Taylor is doing school photos, I will not use any other company.”

    - Jenny, Director of Temple Beth David Preschool

  • kind words

    “I’m the PTO President at my kids Pre School and we have actually used Taylor multiple times for school photos. She is fantastic to work with! I love watching her work her magic… she’s really great with the kids and knows exactly how to make them smile! Her turn around on the photos is very quick and the process to purchase the photos has always been very easy to work through. If you’re looking for not your typical/extraordinary school photos, then Taylor is your girl! I can truly say that every time I’ve gotten my photos back, I get the chills because the photos are so precious and just everything and more!”

    - Jodi, PTO President of Beit Blumi Preschool

  • kind words

    “We’ve had the absolute pleasure of working with Taylor for both our fall and spring preschool photos for several years now, and I truly can’t say enough good things. As a preschool director, I’ve worked with many photographers over the years—but Taylor is in a league of her own!

    Her warmth, kindness, and genuine love for children shine through in every moment. As a former preschool teacher, she gets it—she connects with each child in the most natural, beautiful way and brings out their best, most joyful selves. The photos she captures are nothing short of magical—parents are obsessed, and I totally understand why!

    Every school should be lucky enough to have Taylor behind the lens. She’s the best there is.”

    - Courtney, Director of Beit Blumi

  • kind words

    “Taylor is the absolute best photographer! She did a mini session for Mother’s Day for us plus she does all of my babies’ preschool pictures! Not to mention she was my big girl’s preschool teacher! No one captures the joy of children like Taylor! We’re so grateful for each memory she has been there for and we’ll hire her any chance we get!”

    - Nancy, Preschool Parent

frequently asked questions

  • Avoid logos, characters, or busy patterns that might take the spotlight off their adorable faces. Let their personality come through in what they wear—think fun touches like a backwards baseball cap, pigtails, overalls, a mohawk, tie-dye, or a classic henley tee. Whatever feels most them!

    Check out my instagram @_AsTheyAre for more inspiration on what to wear!

  • Within two weeks of your child’s photo day, you’ll receive an email with a link to the class viewing gallery. Each child will have 1–8 images, depending on their comfort level during photos. All images will be available in both color and black & white.

    You get to choose your favorites—yay! You can easily order prints and digital files directly from the gallery, and the process is simple and secure.

    The gallery will be open for 10 days, so be sure to place all orders within that window. Once print orders are placed, they’ll be shipped straight to your home! Digital files purchases will be emailed right away.

  • It will be shipped to the address you put in! (your house!)

  • There is no upfront cost to the school. All students will have their photo taken, and parents can choose to purchase photos only if they’d like to.

  • I’ll be sharing a prep guide via email before picture day at your school! Inside, you’ll find simple outfit tips, ideas to help your child feel confident and comfortable, and even a photo of me so they can start recognizing my face and name ahead of time. I can’t wait to bring a little picture-day joy to your school!