Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tyler Schmitt. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Tyler thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard.
I’ve been running my own photography business since 2000. (Got a photography degree and everything!). More than most photographers I do a ton of variety. From Commercial work, big weddings, advertising, celebrity, Formula 1, concerts, red carpets, fashion, runway, family portraits, food styling, newborns, professional sports, business headshots…
Even though i’ve been doing this full time for 24 years this variety keeps me fresh and creative. Impossible to get in a creative rut when you’re doing something different all the time.
AND i’ve got to meet so many awesome / interesting people along the way.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m a lucky guy, My wife (Olivia) and 3 kids all help out with the business. Olivia is the CFO and the kids have all spent a bunch of time on location helping out with shoots. (and they like seeing the famous people)
My dad was a photographer, always thought it looked fun so I got started by watching him. Haven’t stopped yet!
I’m most comfortable with making my subjects comfortable on set. Be it a 3 year old who doesn’t want to do family photos or an A list Celebrity I can make anyone feel good and get great results.
People often ask, “What is your favorite thing to photograph?” For me I love weddings. It takes all the photo disciplines (photojournalism, posing, dance floor, product, inspiring confidence) and compresses it into a tight timeline. Big pressure, big results expected (and i’ve done over 1,200 of them….)
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Covid was terrifying for my industry. For someone who makes their living being around people it was scary as hell. Once lockdown started I reached out to my corporate clients and figured our ways to set up some photoshoots. From driveway/front yard sessions in large master planned communities to showing employees the best practices working from home to teaching moms how to take better photos of their kids over zoom classes I worked hard and stayed busy.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Man, I’m all about making money for my family. No need to sugar coat it, I like my job and I’m damn good at it but I’m working for my kids.
Contact Info:
- Website: corporate.millphotostudio.com / millphotostudio.com
- Instagram: tyleratx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TylerAPSchmitt
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-schmitt-977492141/
- Twitter: @TheTylerSchmitt
Image Credits
all photos: Tyler Schmitt // The Mill Photography Studio