Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tyler Small. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Tyler, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I learned how to do what I do mostly by failing forward. Taking a photo and then looking back on it and seeing what I wanted to improve. I took photos at school, at family functions, and at home of myself or art projects. This was an area I definitely learned I learn best through repetition.

Focusing more on progression and not perfection could have sped up my learning process. Being afraid to get things wrong can be very limiting because sometimes the fear leads to not trying. I now believe the worst thing I can do is not try a new shot, angle, lighting approach out of fear it won’t come out to some high expectation that is inconsiderate of where I am currently.

I think the most essential skills in the learning process are problem solving, adaptability, and creativity. Using your creativity to bring to life creative solutions for obstacles that are bound to arise will allow you to grow through things and take the needed lessons throughout the process.

Tyler, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Yeah, my name is Tyler Small and I STL raised, my upbringing was unique I grew up mostly in Castle Point but spent a lot of time with my family in Kinloch. I really started to step into my creativity in high school which was my 2nd year of public school. Growing up I went to an all black private school that was right around the corner from me, somehow I was still late everyday.

In high school to stand out/fit in I would create photoshopped photos of myself and people would ask me do theirs too on Facebook, Eventually I started a clothing line called Dope Tails with my high school friend Domo where we made hoodies and shirts. There was no way we could afford to hire a photographer so I took the photos myself and over time I feel more in love with photography.

At this same time I started working as soon as I could as a waiter for a catering company and I think this is where my love for events developed. I worked mostly weddings and parties which were always so much fun.

From here I went on to take the photos for my high schools homecomings, field days, prom, and even our graduation. I was not hired but I took part in the events and always had my camera with me capturing moments that I’d share afterwards.

It felt so special to help others feel seen, something I wanted so much for myself now that I look back on it. Fast forward to now, my niche/strength is event photography. The problems I solve for my clients is capturing content with life and love that makes for great imagery for their marketing team and memories for the individuals involved.

What sets me apart is my drive to make sure there’s more than enough coverage of the event, my eye in the ways I capture community/connections, and of course my ability to provide great quality content with a quick turnaround.

What I’m most proud of are these projects I get to work on with community and so much purpose, in addition to that my consistency in this area is definitely something I’m grateful for.

One thing I want people to know is that I want you know is I love event photography because it’s not performed, it’s real moments with real people and I capture it in a way that make you feel real feelings.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I lesson I had to learn is no one cares what’s going on in your life as a creative, clients just want what they paid for. I had a client/fellow artist express this early in my journey and I took it to heart. When life would life on me, I would get scared to tell the client and overwhelmed with shame for not “pushing through”.

I did this for a long time until I realized that even if no one else cared, I would. Often times I’d fall into my lows where I would be depressed for weeks and fall short on many things. The whole time I’d beat myself up for it when I was already down.

Once I stopped beating myself up, I started asking myself what I needed during those times and helped myself where I could and asked for help where I fell short. This included asking for more time when needed or sub-contracting as needed among other things. Sometimes I just needed a therapy session to get all the things out my head so I could have room to think.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I just want others to feel seen and love what they see when they see themselves. Being apart of that is a special opportunity I don’t take lightly.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tylersmall.myportfolio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tylersmall314/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-small-050b39120/

Image Credits
All photos except one Tyler Small Group shot with me in it Justin Solomon