Canadian fashion photographer Todd Anthony Tyler lives the jet setting life. He’s been around the world photographing for magazines like Elle, Vogue, Bazaar… and even does men’s fashion, thank you very much. Not only that, he’s engaged with the internet community, heck, I found him in IQONS. So here it is, we got to catch him for a moment to tell us about how he develops a fashion shoot and the difference between working in LA and Shanghai.
The Coveted: Do you remember the first photo you took? Your first camera? Was it love or apathy?
Todd Anthony Tyler: LOVE !
My first camera was a 110 cartridge camera - I think from Kodak - Kind of shaped like a little rectangle ( reminded me of an ice cream sandwich ha ha). My mother gave it to me when I was 5. I think they are a collectors item now ! haha
So first images I shot were with that camera. I shot photos of my family. The very first images I recall distinctly are from a family trip to Niagara falls. That was when I really fell in love with peering through the view finder and composing my world
TC: Can you describe your creative process of developing a fashion shoot?
TT: Wow, the creative process for a fashion shoot is really a book sized response, but let us break it down into point form
- contact from the client / magazine
- meeting or brief on the concept of the shoot
- location scouting if required
- model casting
- for me personally, prepping mentally and physical notes on thoughts and ideas about the shoot - starting points for shots, model direction
- shoot day - all shoots start with everyone warming up, especially the model. shoot the plan, but so many variables in a shoot that you can not plan for or at times predict, SO - take advantage of the positives, troubleshoot/problem solve the negs
- selection of the photos
- post work - varies from shoot to shoot, but basically cleaning up the images, any treatment you want to the digital files
TC: Who was the most inspiring person you’ve ever worked with?
TT: Most inspiring person - any model who has a great character and personality - along with work attitude , someone who is free and comfortable in front of the camera, takes direction well - gives me LOTS to shoot !
TC: You currently work between LA and Shanghi, what is the difference between the kinds of projects you get, creatively speaking?
TT: LA - basically, limited in the fashion scene or area - go to NYC - mostly about celebs, it is pretty much all about the stars. Probably most profitable to be paparazzi - everyone is shooting head shots - great weather, lots of amazing locations
Shanghai - much more fashion oriented, the NYC of China, perhaps Asia - lots of advertisement work and fashion mags, fashion catalogs. Down side is the budgets. I/4 NY prices in most cases.
TC: You describe yourself as a person with wanderlust…. do you have any other destinations on the horizon?
{ 8 comments }
The dark shot featuring the looming male model is great. Top interview, Jenine.
DCB.
so cool! great interview, I like
Wonderful interview.
i love the pink plastic flamingo picture!
yeah me too! i really like the ones of the men, i didn’t as him to send them to me, but i’m so glad he did anyway!
As a little sister, I can say the whole family is very proud of the wonderful career that Todd has created for himself. A lot of hard work and dedication has paid off to get Todd where he is today. Amazing Talet!!! Lots of Love and support from your family. Love Sherry-Anne
PS Thanks for teaching me about photography as we grew up, and Abigayle and Gabriel as well, we all love it!!
I’ve had the opportunity to work with Todd and he is without a doubt one of the coolest, nicest, down to earth guys i’ve ever met. He really understands models and people which makes it so fun to shoot with him…he has an incredible future ahead of him in whatever city that is lucky enough to host him!
Great shots, great friend & Good on ya!! … Wishing you all the best in the New Year & always!