Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyler Polani.
Hi Tyler, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I first picked up a DSLR camera in 2012, I was a year out of high school, attending junior college simply because I was “supposed to”. Fortunately, I gained interest immediately, and within six months I was attending art school. I majored in Digital Filmmaking from Ex’pression College for Digital Arts in Emeryville, CA. Film, because it was the closest option involving photography in my area, and I’m glad that ended up happening because I got to hone in on the art of photography and implement the same tools for video projects.
My mind was a sponge: showing up early, leaving late, renting out as much gear as they would let me, and asking a million questions, even when my professors would get irritated. I’ll never forget my very first day, my professor looked at our group of six new faces while standing in his 3-piece suit and says, “You all have state-of-the-art tools at your fingertips, don’t let them collect dust. Give up your social life; you’ll only be here for three and a half years, your friends will still be around; if they’re not, they weren’t your friends anyway. If you take this seriously, you have the ability to become great.” It was at that moment my goal was to become great.
I got my first gigs shooting with underground artists in the Oakland and San Francisco area. Filming music videos, shows, and photoshoots, I was implementing all my learnings from school, immediately afterward in the field. I was constantly evolving and saying yes to everything photo & video related, which led to working with clothing brands, small businesses, and eventually corporate businesses. While all this is happening, I’m still photographing birthdays, families, weddings, events, and spontaneous adventures.
I quickly realized that I loved the editing process, which made going out and shooting, a breeze. The editing process is like piecing a puzzle together. When that final photo adjustment is made or the final draft of the video is complete, I receive a rewarding feeling.
Fast forward to today, I’m going on eight years as a media consultant for the local school district I grew up in, working with students, the mayor, and councilmembers. Graphic designing for a clothing brand called DIRTY DIP as well as my own designs. Traveled across the nation shooting over 50 masterclass online courses, and operating my own company creating high-value content for businesses and brands. Actively creating content for the Vice Mayor as he prepares for his run to be Mayor, and lifestyle content, as well as a documentary with Seahawks Superbowl Champion Robert J Turbin. Always staying busy!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not a smooth road, although, I don’t think any artist is supposed to have a smooth pathway. Living in the Bay Area, money always plays a part in the struggle. Especially after graduating college and no longer having access to $150,000 worth of camera equipment to enhance any project. Reality hit and forced me to continue grinding, saving money in order to purchase new gear of my own. Always remaining focused has kept me going down the right path; it may not be the quickest, but I’m evolving every day and making great connections during the process.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a photographer & create high-value content for businesses and brands, specializing in photo, video production, and graphics. I provide a month’s worth of content after one shoot, tailored to each business, formatted for every social site, allowing business owners to remain focused on work, while I take care of the media.
Although, word-of-mouth references, and a close network, often provide me with work outside of my personal business. Allowing me to continue growing as an artist.
Despite what I’m hired for, I genuinely enjoy and become known for abstract photography. I curated my own style by blending galaxy-related imagery over my own photography. Providing bold, euphoric, colorful creations.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Achieving goals are important, with my team and personal dedication, I know we have the ability to achieve all of them. I’m remaining patient, but eager, and excited for every chapter that lies ahead.
Also, I design my own clothes, simply because I’ve always loved the idea of wearing something exclusive, that no one else has, and after learning how to create graphics, that unlocked my ability to take what’s in my head, and make it a reality. It’s all fun, all feel good.
Contact Info:
- Website: LuphoricPictures.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/tylerpolani
- Facebook: facebook.com/LuphoricPictures
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/tylerpolani
- Youtube: youtube.com/@tylerpolani
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/luphoric-pictures-hayward
- Other: www.luphoric.store
Image Credits
Tyler Polani
