Maybe you’ve heard of him or seen him before, maybe you haven’t. What is certain is that you’ve likely seen his work. Todd Anthony Tyler is one of today’s top fashion photographers, having shot a who’s who of top magazine covers and editorials. But he hasn’t simply relegated himself to life behind the lens. In fact, the entrepreneur and former model has his hands in many baskets from his popular role as panel judge and photographer on Asia’s Next Top Model (yes, the very same TV institution started by Tyra Banks), the television shows Fit For Fashion and The Apartment, co-partner of sportswear line Aumnie, his chic line TATbyTAT, and numerous other endeavors that keep him understandably busy.
But the frenetic pace of his work doesn’t diminish his shrewd eye for detail or quality. In fact if anything, it has sharpened his taste and his passionate drive to deliver the best in what he does. We recently had the opportunity to throw a few questions at Mr. Tyler.
Crave: How the heck did a Canadian kid end up on the other side of the world photographing some of the biggest brands and biggest names?
Todd Anthony Tyler: I originally became a photographer for two main reasons. One was that I wanted a career that was more than just putting in the time for financial gain. I wanted to do something that transcended that goal by having deep job satisfaction in what I created. My initial direction with my photography was to do reportage and documentary photography.
Photographed by Todd Anthony Tyler for Numero, August 2013.
Did you just jump in head first into this world of fashion and photography or were there already training wheels on when you started?
As you know, I modeled for 10 years before moving on to a career in fashion photography, which further lead to more detailed involvement in the industry through creative work, production, partnership in retail clothing businesses and, in the last few years, TV work. During my time as a model I primarily saw modelling as a means to an end, in respect that my model career enabled me to travel extensively.
How did you make this dramatic transition from in front of the camera to behind the camera and eventually to the board room?
It was really a business decision that had me come back into fashion and after my first fashion editorial shoot I was hooked to the creativity and to some degree the artistic outlet that fashion photography gave me. However, a successful photographer , in my opinion, also needs to be a successful business man. The second reason for originally becoming a photographer was that I wanted to run my own business – I have always possessed an entrepreneurial spirit. In running a successful fashion photography business additional opportunities came up in the field of fashion and entertainment that I immediately seized on.
You’ve got a new line of sportswear, you’re in front of the camera on Fit For Fashion, The Apartment and Asia’s Next Top Model, and you’re constantly thinking up new projects to undertake. You’re obviously a gambling man, but how much risk and how much reward is involved?
I think one of my life lessons for sure is not overthinking it. Even though I generally don’t make snap decisions, I usually take a beat before I make a choice, I have made progress and had success by being a calculated risk taker and not letting myself get bogged down in indecision which may let a great opportunity pass by while I am weighing the pros and cons. Along with taking calculated risks, I would say goes having a strong work ethic. You cannot run your own business without a daily, hourly almost to the minute commitment to it. If you don’t want to work hard and be consistent then you will need to take salaried job and hope you never get laid off.
What have been the game changers for you professionally?
A big one is making the physical move to where I believe I needed to be to make something happen – even if that meant leaving friends and loved ones behind. That may sound harsh but if I had settled a long time I would have not been able to push forward on the path that I am on today. Opportunity is not going to come and find you sitting on your couch at home. Often times with success comes making the hard decisions that move you out of your comfort zone and perhaps away from people that you care about. I have always challenged myself. I find if you become too comfortable and complacent, you lose the edge to compete and the will to drive yourself forward. The hustle is constant unless you have reached the point where you are now satisfied and able to live the life you want from the fruits of your labors.
