Bizarre, grotesque, obscene, erotic, fascinating, and beautiful; all words to describe Tyler Shields’ evocative photography and video portraits. The LA-based artist creates works of art inviting controversy and conversation, elbowing his way to the forefront of pop culture documentation. Shooting everything and everyone from Brittany Snow to inflamed Louis Vuitton handbags, Tyler’s avant-garde vision captivates his modern audience. The photographer kindly obliged to the following interview regarding his art, and his favorite swear word.
Tyler Shields:
Liv: You moved from Jacksonville, Florida to LA to pursue your media work. I can only imagine what a strange adventure that must have been. How did you adjust? Describe your experience…
Tyler: I had no money and I didn’t know anyone. The first three years I lived on couches. It was awesome.
Liv: What is your favorite part about LA?
Tyler: I love the city, I love the people, I love In n Out. LA is the only place where I can do what I do with the people I do it with. The city has become my home!
Liv: How did you gain exposure as a photographer with no professional experience?
Tyler: I just started shooting. I had no idea about exposure, nor did I care. I was just taking fun photos and a friend of mine was like, “You need a website,” so I got one. Myspace had just started at the time so I put a couple pictures up and it took off from there.
Liv: Without giving away your secrets, do you have any advice for photographers just starting out?
Tyler: I think some of the best advice I can give is find your own style and perfect it. Always enjoy it whether you have a little bit of money or a lot of money. If you want to be famous, pick another career!
Liv: What made you decide to switch from music videos to photography?
Tyler: At the time, I couldn’t get the look I wanted with music videos. I had a style in my head that I just could not explain so I started to create it. Music videos can be tough. Now I do them for fun, maybe once or twice a year with friends.
Liv: You were recently arrested with various actresses of The Vampire Diaries for inappropriately utilizing a public overpass in Georgia during a photo shoot. What other audacious things have you done for the sake of a photograph?
Tyler: I have done many crazy things. I do not use photoshop so whatever you see in the photos I have done!
Liv: Can you tell us your favorite shoot you have done thus far?
Tyler: Impossible, I love them all. I love the ones I haven’t even done yet.
Liv: Who are you just dying to work with?
Tyler: Everyone tells me that Brad Pitt would love me. I have yet to work with him, and it could be fun. Jack Nicholson would be fun as well.
Liv: What is your favorite swear word?
Tyler: Fuck.
Liv: Which five items would you be unable to live without?
Tyler: A camera, Al’s Steak Sauce, pink lemonade, and a computer…it only takes four, I guess…
*photos courtesy of tyler shields’ blog, which can be viewed by clicking *here*
Author: Liv
Comments
awesome pictures, amazing interview. good work!
I love his work! We should definitely work with him!
Yeah, he is a star, on Model Mayhem. A bit like being the biggest fish, in a bathtub, or winning bronze at the Special Olympics.
Yes I concur, he has the ability to focus, but innovative? Is copying the open bulb head of Steve Shaw mark you as great? Can yet another clone of Terry or American Apparel really be the goal or standard of greatness?
Terrible sad and daft if this is the standard these days.
what? tyler shields is a legitimate photographer..
who made you look at his work anyways?
i love it!
i think i commented this before, but i love it…esp the Britt snow pic
GENIUS! THIS MAN IS THE FUTURE!