We were lucky to catch up with Tyji Perkins recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Tyji thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

From a young age, I’ve always felt that I was meant to be an artist. When I was 8 years old, I had a friend who was a few years older than me that taught me how to draw. I was so fascinated by his skill level at the age of 10. He would draw realistic illustrations of his family and friends. he had so much joy for creating and bringing his imagination to life. When I learned how to draw, I too experience the same joy although I did not stick with it I did explore other mediums such as photography.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

It all began with an opportunity to study abroad with my college during the summer of 2017, a chance that led me to the city of Galway, Ireland, for a ten-day adventure. I remember it like it was yesterday. I was super excited about the trip so I went on eBay and purchased a Nikon D 3300 with a 50 mm f 1.8 lens, my first-ever camera purchase. I explored the streets of Galway. I documented the vibrant scenes around me – it was love at first click. When I got back home, I couldn’t part with the camera. Instead, I took photos of my neighborhood and uploaded them to my Instagram account. I wanted to improve with my newfound passion, so I watched YouTube tutorials of photographer Jessica Kobeissi. Fueling my enthusiasm, I began reaching out to local models on Instagram, initiating a journey that led me to my first collaboration with the talented Zaya. Our initial free photoshoot sparked a chain reaction, and soon found myself capturing the essence of diverse talents. Today, with pride and gratitude, I can declare myself a published photographer specializing in fashion, editorial, and event photography – a journey that began with a camera in hand and a sense of wonder in my heart.

Majority of my clients are fellow creatives seeking a platform to express themselves artistically or individuals eager to immortalize significant moments in their lives. Understanding the personal and emotional value attached to these occasions, I am dedicated to delivering high-quality images that encapsulate not only the visual aesthetics but also the genuine emotions of the moment. Through my work, I strive to foster a creative dialogue, ensuring that each image becomes a unique piece of visual storytelling. I am dedicated to more than just documentation; I aim to create timeless photographs that resonate with the essence of the events they capture, leaving a lasting impression for years to come.

My proudest achievement remains the very first image I captured. This seminal moment holds a special place in my heart, symbolizing the humble beginnings of my artistic journey. I’ve chosen to keep this image as my phone’s lock screen, a constant reminder of the passion and excitement that fueled my initial steps into photography. It serves as a source of inspiration, urging me to persist, evolve, and continue exploring the boundless possibilities within the realm of visual storytelling.

I take immense pride in every aspect of my craft – from the meticulous onboarding process to the final delivery of images. Each project is approached with a deep sense of commitment and dedication, ensuring a seamless and personalized onboarding experience for my clients. The pride I take extends to the heart of my creations – the images themselves. I strive to deliver not only visually stunning photographs but also pieces that encapsulate the essence and significance of the moments they capture. Ultimately, my work is a testament to a passion for excellence and an unwavering commitment to providing a memorable and exceptional client experience.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Dale Carnegie’s ‘How to Win Friends and Influence People’ didn’t just impact my business and entrepreneurial philosophy; it transformed my life. Growing up I wasn’t the most outgoing person and initiating conversations always felt like a challenge. Reading this book, however, was a game-changer. As I started implementing its principles in my life, I witnessed a gradual but profound shift. I evolved into a more outgoing individual, and engaging with people became not just easier but a genuinely enriching experience. This book became my compass, guiding me toward a more confident and personable version of myself. There are a few principles in this book that resonate with me the most. “Don’t criticize, condemn or complain” and “Talk in terms of the other person’s interest”. I like to imagine a photo shoot as a blooming garden. My role is to nurture seeds, not pull weeds. Models develop to their greatest potential under the soothing light of encouragement and mild guidance. I am aware that positive feedback makes people perform better than harsh criticism. As a result, the collaboration yields not only amazing photos but also a flourishing environment of respect and trust. The genuine allure of photography stems from its ability to capture not only images but also the human bond that grows between individuals. I go directly into the heart of my customers’ motivations, dreams, and stories they desire to convey. It’s similar to deciphering a code and revealing their unique perspective. Through active listening, I create personalized experiences. That’s how I create an unbreakable bond with my clients and turn them into collaborators in creating magic, in addition to delivering amazing photos.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

In my early days as a photographer, I wish I had known about presets. Editing photos for clients used to be a time-consuming process, taking weeks as I meticulously edited each image individually. At the time, I wasn’t aware of a more efficient approach. Looking back, I realize that using presets could have saved me a significant amount of time. Nowadays, I’ve integrated presets into my workflow, using them as a foundation for my edits. This not only streamlines the editing process but also ensures that my photos maintain a consistent look and feel, providing a cohesive and professional touch across my portfolio. The evolution from manual editing to leveraging presets has been a game-changer in enhancing both the efficiency and visual consistency of my work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thekidfromnorthphilly.mypixieset.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekidfromnorthphilly/

Image Credits
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