Behind the Scenes: Tyler Ramsey for TOMS Shoes
My metaphor for how I deal with fear is eyes closed, head down, and just charging into it. -Tyler Ramsey,Rogue Magazine
As I've shared many times before, it's very important for me to get to know the people I photograph before taking their portraits. It may not be very practical or the easiest route to go with arranging schedules with clients, but for me, it is ALWAYS worth it.
Last September, I was given the privilege to photograph artist Tyler Ramsey during his quick trip here in Manila. I watched all the videos I could of him online and read up on interviews he had given in the past. But I still was hoping to meet him at least once before our actual shoot, to see if the concept I had for him was really fitting with his personality.
My prayers were answered when my husband Franco and I were given the chance to spend the day with Tyler during a tour of Manila planned by TOMS Philippines.
The ever-energetic and passionate Tyler by the Pasig River
I felt a big surge of positive energy the moment we were introduced to Tyler. We were having lunch, and he was just so excited about everything....the food, being in Manila for the first time, planning his live art performance....everything :) I was amazed when I remembered that this man just stepped off a plane from another jam-packed stop in Korea that same morning. Wow, this guy hits the ground running.
The image I had in mind for Tyler was something dramatic and intense, maybe something even on the dark side. I was inspired by his story, and how he discovered he wanted to be a painter. I'm always amazed by people who are able to evolve from a challenging phase in their lives. It takes a certain kind of person to channel those emotions into something positive, and go further by getting involved in a cause much bigger than themselves.
The idea was to have Tyler sweating colored sweat, showing that whatever he puts on the canvas, really comes from within---filled with his energy, his emotion, and his intensity. I also wanted him surrounded by his Robots, tiny wooden pieces he painted and brought with him to Manila to auction for the Philippine Red Cross. I imagined Tyler in space, maybe an imaginary universe of neon colors, Robots and other creations.
My favorite part of any shoot is the challenge of creating the environment for the portrait. I love how my tiny team gets hands-on in making this vision come to reality, even just for a few hours.
Cherynn (TOMS Philippines) and I had to string each and every shoe and get them "floating" ready to exist in Tyler's creative Outer Space.
My ever-supportive hubby Franco got a good workout that day after hanging all the shoes. I just love working with him because he shares the same meticulous attention to details I have when styling a set. You're the best darling! :)
I really felt Tyler's honesty and openness on set, which made my job a lot easier. I love working with people who just commit and trust me. Because of this, we got our shot on the 6th frame of the entire shoot! From there, we had the liberty to play, dance, and experiment :)
Here is a brighter take on Tyler- the energetic, infectious performing artist side of him, generously giving so much of his contagious creativity. If the first portrait (top of page) captures Tyler at the moment of creative break through, this image (below) is what happens after.
Thank you so much to Tyler Ramsey, Amanda Gray, and the TOMS Philippines Family! It was a pleasure working with you all!
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